Elite Traveler Summer 2019

SUMMER 2019

Top 100 Restaurants

A GASTRONOMIC JOURNEY TO THE MOST INVENTIVE, EXCEPTIONAL AND DELECTABLE RESTAURANTS IN THE WORLD

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2019

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elite traveler SUMMER 2019 11

Welcome You’ve been voting in droves, and now the votes have been counted.We announce 2019’smouthwateringTop 100Restaurants with a brand-newnumber one! The rest of this issue is packed with food and wine: From delicious sake tasting onboard residential yacht TheWorld to VistaJet’s exclusive wine club and a guide to Napa Valley, we’ve covered some exceptional experiences on land, water and in the sky. Our style section takes us to the streets of Savile Row for impeccable tailoring for discerning gentlemen. As this is our men’s style issue, we offer pastel and classic suiting in our men’s fashion pages, and sartorial excellence set within London’s UnescoWorld Heritage Site, Maritime Greenwich. We sat down with the legendary chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, famed for reinventing French cuisine 30 years ago by pairing Asian flavors withWestern ingredients. We also dive into the world of whisky with Richard Paterson, who has spent the last half-century honing his trade, going against the grain (sorry) and trailblazing the idea of multi-cask matured and finished Single Malt whiskies. We also present our third annual Top Cars with some futuristic designs and incredible performance. With these bold looks and powerful engines, you’d never know that these brands are taking fuel and emission standards into the heart of everything they do. In the Explore section we are inspired by the approaching 2020 Summer Olympics, coming to Japan next year. We’ve rounded up the best suites in Tokyo from opulent penthouses overlooking the buzzing metropolis to chic ryokans that embody the minimalist style Japan is so revered for. We bring you an Olympic itinerary that combines customized tours of the hidden shrines, mystical gardens and ancient traditions of Japan with the excitement of watching the Games in style. The other destinations we transport you to in our Summer edition include the sandy shores of the British Virgin Islands, the ancient streets of Istanbul and the fresh air of Italy’s jewel, Lake Como. We take to the skies to round off the issue, flying among the bright pink wings of Tanzania’s flamingos. As always, if you want to comment on anything in this issue, drop us a line at editorial@elitetraveler.com

Robertas wears Brunello Cucinelli windowpane dress suit, $6,990, cashmere sweater, $1,225, Brunello Cucinelli in New York, +1 212 813 0900, brunellocucinelli.com; Dunhill dress shirt, $350, Dunhill in New York, +1 212 753 9292, dunhill.com; Bulgari Solotempo watch in bronze, $5,600, Bulgari in New York, +1 800 285 4274, bulgari.com

Kristen Shirley visits Stefano Ricci’s headquarters in Italy with creative director, Filippo Ricci

Kristen and Richard Paterson celebrate The Dalmore L’Anima Aged 49 Years at Sotheby’s

Samantha Coles travels toMonaco to see Hôtel

Behind the scenes at the Summer issue fashion shoot in Greenwich, London

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de Paris Monte-

Carlo’s recent renovation

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CONTENTS

El Celler de Can Roca’s oyster and distilled soil

Inspire: Top 100 Restaurants You, our loyal readers, have spoken, andwe present this year’s results of the top restaurants in theworld. Anew number one takes the crown across the pond inEurope, and other exciting developments in the list await Page 76

On the cover Robertas wears Dunhill suede jacket, $2,750, Dunhill in New York, +1 212 753 9292, dunhill.com; Fendi black short-sleeve shirt, $590 , red drawstring trousers, $690, fendi.com; Chopard LUC XPS 1860 Officer watch in 18K white gold, $30,300, Chopard in New York, +1 212 223 2304, chopard.com Fendi in New York, +1 212 897 2244,

elite traveler SUMMER 2019 14 Contents

Discover 25 Object of desire Lalique’s one-of-a-kind barrique celebrates Château Lafaurie- Peyraguey’s anniversary 26 Motoring A trio of customizable vehicles encourage you to design your own

Style

Influence 66 Jean-Georges Vongerichten We sit down with the chef credited with reinventing French cuisine 68 Richard Paterson ‘The nose’ unveils the rarest whisky The Dalmore has ever produced, while talking about his legacy 70 Steph Dutton One of Penfold’s esteemed winemakers dispels the myths surrounding re-corking 71 Stockton Rush The founder of OceanGate on the scientific goals of his journey to the RMS Titanic

29 Aviation The VistaJet Wine Program is the first-ever wine club in the sky 30 Design We raise a glass to an art installation of 200 hand-painted champagne bottles 31 Wine & spirits The Last Drop’s new intuitive pouring apparatus enhances your whisky experience

36 Men’s fashion Pastel hues and classic suiting see you through summer and beyond 38 Men’s watches We look at some of the mechanical innovations of calendar watches 41 Women’s fashion Boho prints and denim delights are elevated on the runways this season 44 Women’s watches Skeleton watches combine creative flair with complicated techniques 46 Jewelry Gems inspired by the ocean and dreamy floral blooms

48 Destination style We check out the home of smart tailoring: Savile Row in London 49 The voyager Kanazawa, Japan holds a special place in chef Eric Ripert’s heart 50 Craftsmanship Behind the scenes at the Saint-Louis crystal workshop, in operation since 1586 52 Accessories We perfectly pair men’s accessories with our

automobile 28 Yachts

The evolution of Wally and the yachts that have set the standard for the industry

favorite spirits 56 Fashion Historic Greenwich,

London, plays host to our annual men’s style issue’s fashion shoot

26 Each Mil-Spec Hummer H1 began as a 1995-2001 Hummer H1 before being stripped down to the frame and meticulously customized

elite traveler SUMMER 2019 16 Contents Explore 114 Top suites: Tokyo Japan’s bustling capital is home to some exceptional suites 124 Destination guides Inspire 76 Top 100 restaurants The gastronomic destinations you and your peers are loving this year 98 Top cars

elitetraveler.com

Relax in the verdant landscapes of Napa Valley, USA and Lake Como, Italy or seek culture in Istanbul, Turkey 134 New hotels A Himalayan adventure at Six Senses Bhutan, and the unveiling of the grande dame, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo 136 The hot list A Swiss wine festival that only happens once every 20 years and Apollo 11’s 50th Anniversary 140 Elite luxury homes Notable properties in the French Alps, Italy’s Tuscan hills, Los Angeles and New York City 144 Flight of fancy A serene lunch among a flock of flamingos

The latest and greatest vehicles that define the leading automobile brands in the world

The legend of Lister lives on Heritage car brand Lister has been brought back from the brink with a new investment. We head to its English facility to talk to the owner about protecting the brand’s legacy and the new LFT-666, a car bringing Lister firmly into the 21st century.

76 Central’s Desert Plants dishes

PininfarinaBattistaRevealed The Italian brand unveiled the fastest road-legal Italian car in the world, the

all-electric Pininfarina Battista. A giant leap in electric-motor technology, the zero-emissions Battista produces the equivalent 1,900 hp, accelerates from0 to 62mph in under two seconds and will travel 280miles on a single charge. Golf at Terre Blanche The award-winning Terre Blanche resort, situated in the heart of France’s Côte d’Azur, now offers a host of curated golf programs headed by professional golfer Vincent Jouhaud. Attendees will have access to state-of-the-art technology and biomechanical analysis with the help of the coveted Biomecaswing Performance Center.

136 The 1955 poster for the Fête des Vignerons

Photo César del Rio

Contributors elite traveler SUMMER 2019 18

Barossa Valley, Australia STEPH DUTTON Penfolds senior red winemaker Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Steph began her love affair with wine while she was working in some of the city’s top restaurants. As senior red winemaker, she oversees the production of some of Penfolds finest bottles and, in this issue, she talks about how to re-cork your precious vintages. This year, her travels will bring her to Seattle and Portland, Oregon. p70

Kanazawa, Japan ERIC RIPERT Chef & co-owner, Le Bernardin

Eric’s job as chef of New York City’s three-Michelin-starred Le Bernardin takes him around the world in search of gastronomic inspiration. While he loves Kanazawa, Japan for its deeply rooted traditions, his favorite destination is the Cayman Islands. He visits annually for the Cayman Cookout, to see his restaurant, Blue, and enjoy the white-sand beaches. p49

Everett, Washington STOCKTON RUSH Founder & CEO, OceanGate, Inc

It comes as no surprise that Stockton, co-founder and CEO of OceanGate (a venture that helps fund manned ocean dives in the name of research) is an adventure traveler himself. He loves to explore new places, and he particularly enjoys British Columbia’s Desolation Sound to fish and collect oysters; watch whales, dolphins and seals; and explore the uncharted wilderness. p71

Alness, Scotland RICHARD PATERSON Master distiller, The Dalmore Richard is one of the most revered figures in the Scotch whisky industry— after all, he’s nicknamed 'the nose' for his keen ability to nose whisky. The native Scot and third- generation whisky blender leads tastings and hosts events throughout the world, but in his free time you can find him in Italy enjoying food, wine and history. p68

Words Emma Reynolds. Photos Rebecca Davidson

A NEW PLACE OF DREAMS AND NEW SENSATIONS

The beautiful swimming pool with its elegant pavilions nestling beneath palms and olive trees is situated in the most sensuous and life affirming of settings. Close by, shaded by the pergolas is «Le Jardin» restaurant, offering a tempting and innovative menu throughout the day. This idyllic traditional Moroccan garden setting encapsulates the true spirit of the Royal Mansour, Marrakech.

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THE PRIVATE JET LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE elite traveler A COMPANY

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EDITORIAL Luxury Editorial Director Kristen Shirley Managing Editor Samantha Coles Contributing Timepiece Editor Roberta Naas Assistant Luxury Editor Emma Reynolds Chief Sub-Editor Patti Stallard Group Art Director Henrik Williams Designers David Cooper, Sandra Boucher

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DISCOVER

VistaJet Wine Program To create the first-ever exclusive wine club in the sky, VistaJet combined the expertise of wine producers, such asMarchesi Antinori and Artemis Domaines, with that of anOxfordUniversity professor Page 29

Page 25 Object of desire Lalique marks the 400th anniversary of its Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey in style. Page 26 Motoring A trio of customizable vehicles from industry heavyweights McLaren, Audi and Hummer to make your own. Page 30 Design These restaurants don’t just serve exceptional food, they’re also brimming with fine-art displays. Page 31 Wine & spirits The Last Drop’s new apparatus puts on a personal show every time you pour a dram of whisky.

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DISCOVER

elite traveler SUMMER 2019 25

by Samantha Coles Object of desire

In France’s Bordeaux wine region, Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey has stood among 990 acres of vineyards since 1618 where it produces the esteemed Premier Grand Cru Classé. The Château was acquired by another French icon, famed glass designer Lalique, and opened as a charming hotel last year. Naturally, the interiors are all Lalique and pay homage to the surrounding vineyards. To mark the Château’s 400th anniversary, Lalique created a one-of-a-kind barrique: The piece is fashioned from crystal, making it the world’s first and only completely translucent barrel. It was two years in the making and features an engraved motif, Femme et Raisins (Woman and Grapes), which was originally created by founder René Lalique in 1928 for the woodwork on board the Côte d’Azur Pullman Express. The etching uses the cire perdue process in which a duplicate metal sculpture is cast from an original — an ancient technique that dates back to 3,500 B.C. It can hold up to 255 liters (that’s 300 bottles) and is filled with Château Lafaurie-Premier Grand Cru Classé 2013, the first vintage that Lalique president and CEO Silvio Denz oversaw. The barrique was created especially for the Château’s milestone anniversary, but you can commission your own vineyard-inspired crystalware — Lalique has created bespoke objects and furnishings for royal palaces and yachts in the past, including a $1m crystal staircase. Contact Pat Rowan, boutique director, customerservice@lalique.com, +1 212 355 6550, lalique.com Lalique barrique

DISCOVER

by Alexandra Cheney Motoring

(CUSTOM)ER SERVICE Bespoke options are en vogue. Veritable personalization, however, requires a depth of detail still untapped by many manufacturers. From work to play, this trio of customizable vehicles encourages drivers to choose their own adventures

Road runner: McLaren Speedtail

in the original Blade Runner . Inside the Hyper-GT, a trio of high-resolution digital screens display everything from navigation to infotainment, while the engine start button and power-operated door controls (since it’s rather tricky to close a door when you’re sitting in the middle of the car) are housed in the headliner. The roof is electrochromic glass, instantly dimmable, thus rendering sun visors irrelevant. Speedtail is long, measuring 16.9 ft — an inch longer than a Cadillac Escalade. From nose to tail, McLaren’s largest concern is the uninterrupted flow of air, which is why the body of Speedtail can flex. Christened ‘active ailerons,’ portions of the tail can bend, reducing drag and aiding downforce at higher (read: faster) speeds. Coined ‘titanium deposition carbon fiber,’ the body of the car features bespoke carbon fiber created out of 1,000 strands versus the normal 3,000. The result is smaller squares as well as the ability to customize, should the owner choose to weave precious metals like gold or silver into the quilted pattern. McLaren will produce only 106 editions of Speedtail, all of which have been pre-sold. Deliveries begin in 2020. From $2.27m, cars.mclaren.com

Words like sleek, stunning and extraordinary come easily to the lips of those viewing Speedtail, McLaren’s low-drag, 1,035-horsepower, gas-electric hybrid powertrain Ultimate Series vehicle. Its list of lengthy superlatives include: first-ever Hyper-GT and most aerodynamically efficient, perfectly symmetrical and fastest-accelerating McLaren. A proclamation: The Speedtail is a testament to the current and future technological accomplishments at McLaren. Speedtail clocks zero to 186 mph in 12.8 seconds (3.7 seconds faster than the P1). Its delta seating configuration means the driver is front and center — literally —with a passenger behind each shoulder. Some suggest the interior triangular layout is an homage to the aforementioned P1, while others believe it’s the only way to achieve a terminal velocity of 250 mph. Either way, the shape of Speedtail when viewed aerially is that of a teardrop, “the most efficient shape found in nature,” according to Ian Howshall, McLaren’s Ultimate and Super Series Product Manager. A production car, Speedtail’s design aesthetic parks somewhere between the Jetsons’ semicircular Space Car and the vehicles buzzing around vertical Los Angeles

elite traveler SUMMER 2019 27

Steamroller: Mil-Spec H1

Cross 30 inches of water or ascend a 60-degree slope, but make it luxurious. That’s the objective of Mil-Spec Automotive, the brainchild of CEO AdamMitchell, president Chris Van Scyoc and CIO Ian Broekman, three midwestern men capable of restoring a quarter-million- dollar, military-grade Humvee, but each of whom fail to meet the age required to hire a rental car. Each Mil-Spec Hummer H1 began as a 1995-2001 Hummer H1. As each enters the Wichita, Kansas factory, it’s stripped down to the frame, sandblasted and powder coated. The body is stiffened via 10-gauge aluminum, while the engine is replaced with a 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8. The fine-toothed combing includes upgraded insulation, cooling systems and suspension. Encouraged, if not exacting, client customization then begins. From exterior running boards or a hood scoop to interior bucket seats, perfectly circular panels with a font, spacing and short hands inspired by wristwatches and marine-grade hand-stitched leather, consider Mil-Spec’s offerings indulgent with a side of apocalyptic preparation. The Motor City-based company built five individually numbered production trucks and is currently working on another four for 2019. ‘Detail-oriented’ falls inadequately short in describing the passion and precision this trio of men exude. It’s worth noting, though, that a military-specification vehicle, even with Nappa leather and a Bluetooth-enabled sound system, remains a rough-riding workhorse. It’s not exactly a pragmatic daily driver, and gas mileage is negligible and the exhaust rumble clearly remains a passenger. From $225,000, milspecauto.com

First Drive: Audi A8 The browns, greens and blacks of the layered hills and coast-hugging roads of Big Sur brilliantly offset the deep blues and bright whites of the vast Pacific Ocean and its crashing waves. It’s a familiar scene to those acquainted with California’s Central Coast, as much a state of mind as a locale. Enter the A8, Audi’s flagship

stereotype. The air-quality package offers a duo of air ionizers that fill the interior with negatively charged molecules along with a Grasse, France-produced pair of scents (sea breeze and mountain air), while the rear-seat comfort package introduces 16 spherical air chambers, as well as seven different programs (with three intensity levels) that target muscles from your toes to your scalp. It’s a massage that’s almost as tailored as your bespoke suit. In the driver’s seat, Audi implemented 41 different driver assistance systems available to six different users, providing a total of 400 different functions. Allow me to translate: The touchscreens recognize your handwriting, the car’s artificial intelligence will learn your cuisine preferences, and the downloadable app can give you walking directions from any location to the place you parked your A8. From $83,800, audiusa.com

sedan, which matches both the cadence and philosophy of the region. Among the redwoods and S-curves of the Pacific Coast Highway, the turbocharged, 335-horsepower, quattro all-wheel drive V6 glides smoothly along. It isn’t here to be flashy or fast, but there certainly is — and should be — “a sense of ceremony when you get in,” says Anthony Foulk, one of Audi’s senior project managers. While the base model is absolutely satisfactory, the lengthy list of options creates a customization experience so specific that the A8 manages to escape the stodgy sedan

DISCOVER

elite traveler SUMMER 2019 28

by Thea Halstead Yachts

BRAND SPOTLIGHT/// WALLY

Following Ferretti Group’s investment into yacht designer and builder Wally earlier this year, we look at three yachts that have made this brand such an innovative and dynamic force in the superyacht world wally.com

WALLYACE These days you’d be hard-pressed to find a yacht without a beach club that enables you to easily access the water. However, this wasn’t always the case, and Wally is one of the companies responsible for the development of the trend. Wally’s founder, Luca Bassani, devised this ‘terrace-on-the- sea’ concept with his 1998 sailing yacht, Tiketitan , and applied it to Wally yachts, both motor and sailing, from that point onwards. 118 WALLYPOWER Boasting a head-turning angular glass superstructure, the 118 Wallypower Galeocerdo is a fine example of Wally’s preference in using glass extensively in the superstructure of its yachts. She looks like a bullet, or a stealth bomber, and her sage exterior takes on the colors of her surroundings. Galeocerdo is one of the fastest yachts in the world; she was wind tunnel tested by Ferrari and can reach When introduced in 2001, Wallytenders broke the mold for yacht tenders on the water. Day boats were suddenly funky, aspirational yachts. The new 48 Wallytender continues in this vein with a striking profile, composite construction and a zippy top speed of 38 knots. One of the more recent models to come out of the shipyard, the 48’s large interior volume has enough room for a proper cabin, shower room and galley so it can easily be taken out for longer voyages. speeds of 65 knots. 48 WALLYTENDER

The wine vault on board The World has over 1,100 labels to choose from

Food and wine around The World Following her dry dock period earlier this year, The World , the largest privately owned residential yacht in (you guessed it) the world, is back on the water and heading on a culinary-focused itinerary. Throughout 2019 she will play host to a series of food and wine extravaganzas, as expert chefs and sommeliers from all corners of the globe are flown in to create extraordinary experiences for those on board. Guest chefs coming on board this year include Soenil Bahadoer during the yacht’s voyage from Cagliari to Barcelona and Jonas Andre Nåvik during The World ’s time in Japan. As owner and head chef of Michelin- starred Fagn in Norway, Nåvik combines Scandinavian cooking with his own more global style. For oenophiles, Tsushima Kitahara, a 13th-generation sake producer from the Shichiken Brewery, Hokuto City, will also come on board when the yacht is in Japan in October. Kitahara will host a series of sake tastings and talk guests through the intricacies of sake production and the history of the revered rice wine. Even if you don’t catch one of these culinary itineraries, The World is no stranger to fine dining and even finer wine. As winner of The World of Fine Wine ’s World’s Best Wine Lists awards for best wine list on board a ship for the last four years, she has long been recognized for the quality and excellence of her wine. Under the watchful eye of beverage manager Marinela Ivanova, The World has 1,100 labels on board, all hand-picked from 19 countries and housed in the extensive wine cellar that holds more than 16,000 bottles. Cheers! aboardtheworld.com

Photos Guy Gurney, Anthony Holder

DISCOVER

elite traveler SUMMER 2019 29

Aviation WINE AT 45,000 FT by Emma Reynolds Like many great ideas, VistaJet CEO Thomas Flohr’s VistaJet Wine Programwas conjured up over a glass of, well, wine. “I am a wine lover and a fair amount of my friends, who are clients, are wine lovers. When we traveled together, we discovered that the taste differs in the sky [and] on the ground,” Flohr tells Elite Traveler in an exclusive interview. “We talked to some very experienced people in the wine world, and we finally concluded that we should explore this matter further.” Flohr invited top wine producers, including Marchesi Antinori, Château Lafite Rothschild, Ca’ Del Bosco and Artemis Domaines, to complete several tastings in the air and on the ground to determine which wines taste best when soaring 45,000 ft above the earth. Flohr also enlisted Oxford University professor Charles Spence to back up these findings scientifically: Spence noted that cabin pressure, altitude, air quality and noise level affect our smell and taste the most, causing some wines to taste differently when flying. The VistaJet Wine Program is the first-ever exclusive wine club in the sky where members can book bespoke tours to private vineyards in Napa Valley, Italy and France, plus meet with esteemed winemakers that few people have access to. As part of the program, members will receive 12 carefully selected bottles each year and receive tastings while traveling anywhere in the world with aWine and Spirit Education Trust Level 2-trained cabin host. An avid wine enthusiast and collector himself (his private collection exceeds 3,000 bottles), Flohr hopes to bring something different to VistaJet members who have access to nearly everything. “We’re dealing with some of the smartest, wealthiest and most influential people in the world. They’re pretty opinionated, and they know what they want,” he says. TheWine Programwill keep members busy exploring for years to come because Flohr designed it specifically for the serious wine lover. “You open their eyes to something they haven’t experienced before.” vistajet.com/wine

The Signature Wine List includes Ruinart champagnes, Château Pape Clément, Pessac Léognan and the Gaja, Rossj Bass Chardonnay

ANTINORI È APERTO

The Barricaia at Antinori nel Chianti Classico

grounds of nearby Cantina Antinori in Chianti Classico— a modern winery (rebuilt in 2012 but dating back to 1385) whose brilliant architectural design is almost as jaw-dropping as the views over its verdant vineyards. Afterwards, a helicopter will take you to one, or both, Antinori estates for tastings: Castello Della Sala near Orvieto or Tenuta Guado Al Tasso in Bolgheri, before spending your last night at a residence on the Tenuta Gauda Al Tasso estate. Elite Traveler readers who book the Antinori experience will have the opportunity to acquire one case of the exclusive Guado Al Tasso 2010 vintage, usually reserved for Antinori’s top customers. chairmans.office@vistajet.com

Antinori has producedwines in Italy for more than 630 years (you may know its world-class Super Tuscan, Tignanello), yet it only opened its doors to the public in 2013. Now, it offers exclusive behind-the-scenes access to VistaJet’s wine club members, who can spend a weekend touring the historic estate and have dinner with Antinori’s 26th-generation vintners as part of this once-in-a-lifetime itinerary. Aweekend of Tuscan wine awaits: Enjoy an evening at the 500-year-old Palazzo Antinori, the family’s private residence, sampling vintages from their personal collection before spending the night in Florence. The next day, tour the

Photos George Baxter, Ivan Rossi Fotografo

elite traveler SUMMER 2019 30

Art by Samantha Coles

CHAMPAGNE SUPERNOVA

To commemorate InterContinental Hotel’s 200th opening (you might have spotted the Shanghai Wonderland in an earlier issue of Elite Traveler ), an installation by mixed-media artist Alexander Hall (also known as Haut de Gamme) has been displayed in select hotels throughout the world. The installation is comprised of 200 hand-painted champagne bottles — fitting for the momentous celebration. Every hanging bottle is unique and inspired by one of the 200 hotels; each one captures the character, history and individuality of its location. The InterContinental New York Barclay bottle depicts a bird cage, as it was the first hotel to have one in its lobby. It was filled with canaries and other song birds, and guests could house their own birds in the 14-ft cage. While the whimsical, fun installation was commissioned exclusively for InterContinental, you can still bring a little champagne-inspired art into your home. Haut de Gamme’s vibrant, punky prints are daring and chic — his signature style is Pop Art-esque bright colors, dripping paint and gold leaf. A limited edition series features a number of original prints with Dom Pérignon-style bottles reimagined in Technicolor glory. As Hall explains: “My inspiration for this painting stems from experiences with people, which made me want to create something that made others feel positive. From the response of my other works, I wanted to create this piece with softer pastel colors to reflect my emotions of excitement building up. It’s one of my favorite pieces because I remember holding myself back from overworking it (which is very easy to do!). I had fun doing it, and I think it shows.” From $11,015, hautdegamme.com

TAKE THREE/// THE ART OF DINING

KRONENHALLE, ZÜRICH A former beer hall might not be the first place you’d think of having an extensive fine art collection, but that’s just what Kronenhalle in Zürich has. Hanging on the restaurant’s dark mahogany walls, you’ll find an eclectic collection fromMatisse, Picasso, Braque, Rodin, Kandinsky, Bonnard, Chagall and Miró, and the lamps are by Giacometti. Picasso and Giacometti were frequent visitors, as were Coco Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent. Gustav Zumsteg, son of the restaurant’s founder Hulda Zumsteg, amassed the collection with his mother over many years. Don’t leave without trying the famous chocolate mousse, served with a generous helping of double cream. kronenhalle.ch

LA COLOMBE D’OR, FRANCE With a story as fascinating as the pieces displayed on its walls, Colombe d’Or opened in 1920 in the quaint village of Saint Paul de Vence as a restaurant and hotel. It was a hideaway for creatives during World War Two and Picasso, Braque, Léger and Matisse were all regulars. They settled their respective bills with original artworks instead of cash, and these pieces fill the rustic restaurant and hotel today. Despite the unbelievable art on display (be sure to visit the courtyard to see a Fernand Léger mosaic, framed by foliage), the cuisine is not fine dining; instead, it is hearty, traditional French fare such as steak with gratin dauphinois and Burgundy snails. la-colombe-dor.com

CASA LEVER, NEWYORK Casa Lever is housed within the landmark Lever House on Park Avenue, and is a power lunch favorite for New York’s movers and shakers. The modern art lining the walls is from the Lever House Art Collection, founded in 2003 by real estate tycoon Aby Rosen. The displays often rotate (the Collection is committed to showcasing new and exciting contemporary art) but you can expect to dine with around 23 of Andy Warhol’s famous silk screens watching over you. The pieces depict many famous faces, including Aretha Franklin, Judy Garland and Dennis Hopper. The cuisine is exquisite Milanese: Try the ricci di mare (sea urchin linguine). casalever.com

Photos www.hautdegamme.com/@hautdegamme, Nico Schinco

DISCOVER

elite traveler SUMMER 2019 31

Engineered by Harvey & John in collaboration with The Last Drop, Phoebe is an elegant decanter with a difference

Playful pourer Wine & Spirits by Emma Reynolds

The first decanter and automatic pourer of its kind, The Last Drop Distillers’ new intuitive apparatus, Phoebe, puts on a magical mini-show every time you crave a dram of whisky. The London-based distillery is known for sourcing some of the most sought-after and rarest spirits in the world, and has now introduced its first accessory. The unique decanting and pouring concept, Phoebe, was born as a collaboration between the distillers and innovative design company Harvey & John. Phoebe is first and foremost a decanter in which you can put your most special The Last Drop bottle (may we suggest the recently released 1925 Hors d’Âge Grande Champagne Cognac). When you put your glass on the sleek wooden platform, it detects the glass with a motion sensor and bows to pour exactly 50ml for you to enjoy. It works by pulling the spirit from the decanter and through the stem. The liquid then pools in a striking piece of glass at the end of that stem before being poured into your glass. Once it has poured your drink, Phoebe returns to an upright position, patiently waiting for the next glass to be placed.

Harvey & John’s team of British engineers handcrafted every inch of the beautiful object — each aspect of Phoebe was carefully thought out, from its modern design to its graceful display. The piece, while practical for serving (and ensuring your guests don’t overpour your rarest spirits), stuns as a centerpiece or integral part of a home bar display.

Only 20 pieces will be released. $7,500, lastdropdistillers.com

TAKE THREE/// REMARKABLE WHISKIES

Gordon &MacPhail 1948 fromGlen Grant Distillery Gordon & MacPhail curates rare single malt whiskies from more than 100 distilleries around the globe. This 70-year-old single malt, filled on June 11, 1948 and stored at Scotland’s Glen Grant Distillery, was the perfect addition to its new ‘Private Collection,’ which has bottles from now-closed distilleries. The amber-hued elixir is history in the making, boasting smooth and sweet aromas of vanilla fudge, strawberry and candied orange peel, finished with notes of charred oak and citrus. $22,500, gordonandmacphail.com

The Glenlivet 35 Year Old

Bowmore 1965 52 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch It’s a common opinion among whisky enthusiasts that bottles born in the 1960s are some of the best — and now the rarest — in the market, boasting the perfect balance of smoke and fruit. From a time dubbed the “golden era of distillation” comes Bowmore 1965, a single malt Scotch whisky that was primed for aging and carefully watched over by master distillers. Indulge in its savory-sweet beeswax and fragrant fruit notes with a finish of burnt heather and spring flowers. $30,000, bowmore.com

For Dubai Duty Free’s 35th anniversary late last year, The Glenlivet introduced its 35 Year Old Dubai Duty Free Exclusive Edition, available exclusively at Dubai International Airport. As its name suggests, the single malt Scotch whisky was aged for 35 years in an oak hogshead cask, giving it an aroma of pear and strawberry jam and tasting notes of cinnamon and ginger biscuits. Fittingly, only 35 bottles have been produced, and each comes with a signed letter from master distiller Alan Winchester. $10,000, theglenlivet.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION TURKISH AIRLINES: FLYING THE FLAG FOR LUXURY AVIATION

Founded with a fleet of five aircraft in 1933, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines flies to more countries and international destinations than any other airline in the world. Flying to 259 international and 49 domestic destinations, totaling 308 destinations in 124 countries on five continents, Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 335 passenger and cargo aircraft. Having a centrally located hub between the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa, Istanbul provides excellent connectivity. As a result, Turkish Airlines is able to consistently increase passenger numbers. The airline has extensive coverage in these regions, serving 113 destinations in Europe, 56 in Africa and 73 in Asia, including the Middle East and the Far East. In North America, Turkish Airlines currently has 11 gateway cities: Atlanta, Washington, DC, New York, Chicago, Houston, Miami, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Toronto and Montreal. Turkish Airlines opened its first office in North America in New York City when it began operating its first route from Istanbul to New York City via Brussels in 1988. A nonstop flight to New York City was launched shortly after in July 1994. The New York corporate office is located in the iconic Empire State Building, and New York’s JFK airport remains a strong hub for Turkish Airlines’ daily nonstop flights via Istanbul. One of the most significant milestones in Turkish global civil aviation history is the launch of the new Istanbul Airport, which officially opened on April 6 this year and is scheduled to be the largest international hub by passenger capacity upon completion. The flag-carrier airline is starting a new era at its new home, which will be the new center of the global aviation sector. On the occasion of its 25th anniversary milestone, Elite Traveler speaks with Cenk Ocal, general manager of Turkish Airlines in New York, to learn more about the company’s incredible growth.

How important is business class to the aviation industry? At Turkish Airlines, we place a premium on the value of our leisure, business and corporate travelers. Many of the hallmarks of Turkish Airlines’ award-winning services are developed with a long-term vision of creating a seamless door-to-door experience for our passengers. Investing in premium features for our business-class experience, such as high-end lounges, stopover services, and quality in-flight catering has ultimately elevated the overall product for every passenger of Turkish Airlines.

Turkish Airlines Domestic Lounge is accessible through a special entrance gate located outside the terminal so you can complete check-in procedures and transfer directly to your aircraft on buses. Guests can rest on comfortable couches and enjoy delectable treats fromTurkey. The lounge provides a large children’s play area, media wall and prayer room. What is the next generation of consumer asking for? We are continually improving and innovating by investing heavily in research and development through both in-house proprietary data analysis and partnerships with independent research providers. We constantly and carefully review the results to determine aviation trends and consumer demands, with outcomes often finding their way into our products and services. In a recent Nielsen survey commissioned by Turkish Airlines on US consumer aviation trends, 40 percent of passengers rank connectivity as the thirdmost important driver of airline choice, behind only price and schedule. American travelers are also interested in keeping air travel one of the last spaces to stay disconnected from cell phone coverage to keep the in-flight experience free of potential nuisance and disturbance. As technology has improved to allow charging andmore online connectivity, that opposition to cell coverage has continued to grow. The report also found that among US travelers, the most important in-flight factor is cleanliness (96 percent). Other highly important factors for passengers include: friendly, attentive and accessible staff (94 percent); wider seat spacing in all classes (93 percent); quality food and beverage options (92 percent); and console screen on the back of the seat for entertainment and information (90 percent). Internet connectivity (77 percent) is the most expected feature. How is Turkish Airlinesmeeting its passengers’ needs? As a result of this US consumer aviation trends survey, Turkish Airlines is on a mission to make the flight experience with digital connectivity as robust as its flight network connectivity. We have been investing heavily in our travel experience to enhance comfort and offer high-end in-flight services, including the best internet connectivity over the Atlantic and the US. As we expand our fleet, we choose new-generation, environmentally friendly aircraft fully equipped with the technology to meet the evolving needs of a modern traveler. Research has also shown our passengers care deeply about sleep comfort, so we are developing new sleeping sets for our business-class full-flat cabins. Most recently, the global airline paired up withMilan-based haute couturier Ettore Bilotta to create a dynamic new uniform design heralding a new era and brand identity for the national flag carrier. Inspired by many classic elements of Turkish design and culture, the new uniforms incorporate traditional patterns found in artisanal glassware, ceramics and calligraphy with contemporary textures and details. The collection combines shapes and colors found in Istanbul’s Bosphorus with a new ‘flow detail,’ created to symbolize the effortless and dynamic energy flowing through Turkey’s most dynamic city as an intersection between East andWest. We are very excited about the new Istanbul Airport that will allow Turkish Airlines to introduce even more new products and services, offering a seamless door-to-door experience that connects 17 cities in the Americas to more than 40 countries located less than three hours from Istanbul.

How is Turkish Airlines providing the ultimate Business-class experience? In addition to having one of the most robust flight networks, Turkish Airlines offers an award-winning business-class service. Business- class passengers can enjoy modern full-flat seats with a first-rate entertainment system; free Wi-Fi service on all wide-body fleet; active noise-canceling headphones; special amenity kit; welcome drink and dedicated bar; turn-down service and sleeping kit (on flights eight hours or longer); snack bar; Turkish coffee and Turkish delight service; special menu with gourmet meals served by Flying Chefs (on flights eight hours or longer); hot towel service; dedicated lavatory and more. We also offer unique programs for business-class fliers such as: Flying Chefs, a rare in-flight chef service where passengers can enjoy gourmet dishes by candlelight, offering passengers the luxury and feel of dining at a restaurant high above the clouds; Exclusive Drive, where business-class passengers are picked up to and from the airport (within 35 miles) by a private, chauffeured limo; Istanbul Stopover Service, offering passengers who choose to extend their layover with more than 20 hours of connection time to explore the city of Istanbul (those traveling business class receive two complimentary nights at a five-star hotel in Taksim); and the Istanbul Bosphorus Experience, allowing those who have a stopover time of seven hours or more in Istanbul to be accompanied by a guide and tour the beauty of the Bosphorus on a private cruise. Turkish Airlines also offers one of the world’s most extensive corporate frequent-flyer programs, Turkish Airlines Corporate Club, with benefits such as exclusive annual discounts, extra baggage, flexibility, free tickets, upgrades and access to passenger lounges. At the new Istanbul Airport, Turkish Airlines offers Business Class, Miles & Smiles, Elite Plus, Elite, Gold Star and Corporate Club passengers access to arrival and departure lounges: Turkish Airlines Business Lounge has an area of 60,278 sq ft and seats 765 guests. Turkish Airlines has partnered with Istanbul Modern to incorporate a 1,400-sq-ft museum. The lounge includes 13 private suites with showers. Guests can rest on comfortable couches, savor delicious, exclusive treats from Turkey and international cuisine or enjoy mobile masseur services. A console gaming experience, golf simulators, technology center with 3D glasses and virtual reality, and large children’s play area provide entertainment. The lounge also provides meeting rooms, a library and prayer room. Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles Lounge has an area of 60,278 sq ft and seats 765 guests. The lounge includes 11 suites with showers. A cinema, console gaming experience, golf simulators, technology center with 3D glasses and virtual reality and a large children’s play area provide entertainment. The couches are perfect for relaxing and enjoying Turkish and international cuisine. The lounge also provides meeting rooms, a library and prayer room.

Clockwise: The new Istanbul airport; Cenk Ocal; flying high wtih Turkish Airlines; the cabin crew’s chic new uniform

turkishairlines.com

Photos Chad Slattery, Miles Aldridge

The musical theme of The Godfather is etched in our collective cultural consciousness, and now the new Jacob & Co. Opera Godfather masterpiece integrates this iconic music, the logo of the film and even a miniature Godfather figure, into a timepiece. This combination of high watchmaking (gravitational triple axis tourbillon, 658 movement components) with a traditional Swiss music box (two cylinders turn against two combs, playing the 120 notes of The Godfather theme) is a world first in Swiss watchmaking.

NEW Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues Geneva 33, Quai des Bergues, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland +41 22 316 00 96 New York 48 East 57 Street, New York, NY 10022, USA +1.212.719.5887

OPERA BY JACOB & CO. - THE GODFATHER WATCH PRODUCED UNDER LICENSE FROM PARAMOUNT LICENSING. TM & © 2019 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

j a c o b a n d c o . c o m

STYLE

Left to right Santoni briefcase, $1,850, Santoni in New York, +1 646 762 3554, santonishoes.com Crockett & Jones Fairford oxford shoes, $880, Crockett & Jones in New York, +1 212 582 3800, crockettandjones.com The Macallan 1978 Fine & Rare Vintage single malt whisky, $11,700, inquiries.us@themacallan.com, themacallan.com Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition whiskey, $1,500, woodfordreserve.com Photographer Nicholas Duers Stylist Kristen Shirley

Perfectly polished Set the sartorial standard with timeless wardrobe staples and whisky expressions that only get better with age. It doesn’t get more classic than The Macallan 1978 Page 52

Page 41 Women’s fashion Head-to-toe denim and chic bohemian wear are on the style menu this season. Page 48 Destination style We take you behind the scenes of the menswear capital of the world: Savile Row in London. Page 49 The voyager Chef Eric Ripert of three-Michelin-starred Le Bernardin reveals his travel must-haves for Kanazawa, Japan. Page 52 Men’s accessories We present the very best in spirits and accessories.