QUINTESSENTIALLY | Insider | 2009 December

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Archive for December, 2009

Mightier Than The Sword…

Friday, December 18th, 2009

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Mont Blanc is renowned for creating the finest pens in the world, and over the years the bespoke manufacturer has ensured it remains the very best in the world of stationery. A number of high profile celebrities have been honoured with specially created fountain pens which together form the ‘Diva’ collection, with stars including Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo and, most recently, Ingrid Bergman. This Christmas, however, Mont Blanc seems set to go one better and has announced details of its latest exciting release- the most valuable fountain pen in the world.

The Emerald Fountain Pen is a one of a kind creation which is sure to become a coveted- if unattainable- item for Mont Blanc connoisseurs the world over. Decorated with emeralds, diamonds and other precious stones, the pen also has an 18 carat gold nib and of course the distinguished Mont Blanc diamond on the lid. It has taken master craftsmen over 18 months to complete and, with so much work invested into one product, you can be sure every detail has been painstakingly checked.

Whilst the pen is considered by many to be priceless it is available to purchase for USD 1.5 million. Let’s hope whoever buys it has something worth writing.

www.montblanc.com

Lay All Your Love On Me

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

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If you’re looking at London’s weird and wonderful smorgasbord of restaurants, a notable evolution that’s taken place in the last few years is the growth of excellent Lebanese eateries. Perhaps this has something to do with the way in which Beirut is now regarded as one of the world’s hottest destinations, or the way in which Chateau Musar, perhaps the country’s most famous wine, is regarded by wine buffs as equal to many a fine European vintage. Or alternatively perhaps it’s because, at the highest level, the experience is a high-class one.

One of the latest examples of high-end Lebanese restaurants is the excellent Laya’Lina, situated in the heart of Knightsbridge in Beauchamp Place. You know that you’re in good hands when you sample some of the excellent wines – naturally Chateau Musar is on offer, but there are some equally interesting varieties as well, including the much-renowned Chateau Kefraya, a bold and rich wine that is practically a meal in itself. The hot and cold mezzes are a superb compliment – a particular highlight is the kibbeh, cracked wheat shells filled with seasoned lamb and pine nuts – but make sure that you leave some room for main courses that include lamb shank and some fantastic variations on traditional Lebanese kebabs, including the chicken taouk, which comes served with exotic spices and sauces that make it a true connoisseur’s option.

Already a haunt of the Knightsbridge set, this excellent destination restaurant promises to be one of the big hits of 2010.

2-3 Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge SW3. www.layalina.co.uk.

Room To Read, Style To Spare

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

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‘Tis the season to be grateful, and we at Quintessentially were very thankful that we were able to take part in such a worthy cause: the Financial Times’ annual seasonal giving campaign. In a vote by 1,600 FT employees worldwide, Room to Read was chosen to be the Financial Times’ charity partner for 2009-2010.

To celebrate the launch of the campaign in New York, Quintessentially joined forces with Room to Read and the Financial Times to put together a cocktail party in the Villard Mansion of the Palace Hotel. The stately and opulent Library Room was a perfect setting to pay tribute to an organization committed to providing 150,000 children world-wide with much-needed books, libraries and other educational resources.

Guests enjoyed champagne and canapés while listening to speeches by John Wood, founder and executive chairman of Room to Read and John Ridding, CEO of the Financial Times. Mr. Wood’s speech was impassioned, sincere, and infectious. I truly hope our efforts are able to help Room to Read and the FT reach their campaign goal this year.

From a charity event uptown, we shift gears to a brand new Chelsea hotspot. Our second annual Aspen Night’s event (co-sponsored by Aspen Snowmass) was a great way to celebrate the holiday season with members and friends. The evening’s festivities took place at Todd English’s new supperclub, Juliet, with great nibbles of lamb and cheeses being passed around while everyone sipped on cocktails from a full reserve bar courtesy of our friends at Ketel One (Tavalon Tea also provided an amazing “White Tea” martini!)

LCS provided the music for the event which had everyone moving throughout the night. As the evening continued, Matthew Williamson had a wonderful presentation of the upcoming season’s key looks, one of which was a gown Matthew designed exclusively for Quintessentially – one of only 10 dresses in the world. As the party wrapped up, guests went home with goodie bags full La Cherche Midi candles, Vis – a – Vis cosmetics, Townhouse spa gift certificates, Aspen Apparel and a ski movie along with Snow and Quintessentially magazines.

We’re dreaming of a bright Christmas

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

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Walking down a crowded high street looking for that perfect dress has never been easy. This season’s obsession with all manner of embellishment- be it studs, sequins or shoulder pads- has made it all the more difficult to decide what to wear for that all important Christmas party.

Roland Mouret- a favourite designer of Victoria Beckham- who previously sent shock waves through fashion circles everywhere with his iconic ‘Galaxy’ dress may just have created this season’s ultimate party number.

Modelled by supermodel Heidi Klum at the launch party earlier this month, the Rainbow Project looks set to be a massive hit. More risqué than his usual collections, these thigh-skimming, brightly coloured numbers are certainly a departure from Mouret’s typically demure designs and are sure to make an impact as well as appealing to a younger audience. Of his new pieces, which come in colours such as hot pink, turquoise and mango, the designer himself has stated that ‘this collection is for young girls. The colours are really fresh, it’s a fresh attitude’.

Whilst the new dresses don’t come cheap- they are priced from £850- on the plus side you won’t even have to battle with the Christmas crowds to secure one of these coveted items- the range is available exclusively online at www.netaporter.com.

Fin de siecle

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

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It occurred to me the other morning that not only are we heading to the end of another year but also the end of the decade. The “noughties” for me seem to have passed pretty damn quickly and it seems to me rather like the next decade is going to go just as quick. The end of this decade also signifies a 10 year milestone of my work on the restaurant scene, including nearly eight years at Quintessentially.

Looking back over the decade, the restaurant scene has evolved in a fascinating way. When I started, Jamie Oliver was a little known trainee, and Gordon Ramsay, the ex-head chef of Aubergine, was just beginning to make waves on the restaurant scene. Fast forward ten years and Jamie Oliver has become a huge success and gathered a reputation as a crusader for food education. His series Jamie’s School Dinners caught the attention of the Government and creating a huge amount of publicity at the time.

And Gordon Ramsay is, well, Gordon Ramsay. Although his star has slightly faded in the past year, there’s no doubt that he remains a highly astute businessman, a genuinely iconic public figure and a hugely talented chef. Expect 2010 to see a resurgence. We should also expect to see his one-time protege Marcus Wareing, another incredibly able chef, become as much of a household name as his mentor; his restaurant at The Berkeley is often described as the best in London, most notably by Harden’s Guide.

We’ve also seen Marco Pierre White reduce his empire quite drastically, along with John Burton Race. Pierre Koffman also retired, taking La Tante Claire along with his delicious signature dish of pig’s trotters and morel mushrooms with him, although he has returned briefly for his hugely successful pop up at Selfridges. Reassuringly, the current rumours are that that he will return to the scene very soon.

We’ve seen the rise of the Asian food scene with Alan Yau’s huge successes with Hakkasan and Yauatcha, Zuma and Nobu have rocked the scene for fine Japanese cuisine and A-list hang outs, and more recently the huge success of Nobu Berkeley, a mere 500 yards from its older sister, has proved that a winning idea can be replicated without over-saturation. With the arrival next year of Heston Blumenthal at the Mandarin Oriental alongside Daniel Boulud, the London restaurant scene looks only to be getting even better – so all I can say is “roll on 2010!”

Getting Away For The Holidays?

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

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Looking for a last minute Christmas or New Year’s escape? It’s still not too late to book a holiday and ensure that this festive period is completely stress free. The following ideas will enable you to enjoy your festive break to the full and enjoy the wide range of specially planned activities without having to worry even for a second about whether the turkey will defrost in time to feed your fighting family.

THE GLENEAGLES HOTEL

This Christmas, The Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire will be hosting a three day all inclusive package where the finest Scottish cuisine will be served throughout. You can be sure that all family disputes will be completely avoided with a range of activities laid on to keep everyone too busy to fight. For the children there are ice skating lessons with former Olympic coaches on a specially built rink, cooking classes and of course trips to see the elves and Father Christmas. Adults can enjoy the charity casino, gourmet tastings of whisky, wine and cheese. There will also be Ceilidh dancing on boxing day- a Scottish tradition no festive stay would be complete without. And if you can’t make it up at Christmas, there’s a fantastic Winter Warmer special at £199 a night offered until March. See www.gleneagles.com for more details.

BARCELONA

Barcelona is becoming regarded as one of Europe’s hottest destinations at any time of the year – yes, even in the depths of winter – and it’s not hard to see why, with its great nightlife, fantastic Gaudi architecture and ever-present vibe. This New Year’s Eve promises to be a spectacular night of revelry and merry-making. Our top tip is the new W Barcelona, part of the globally renowned W Hotels Chain, which will be holding a suitably decadent evening’s entertainment at the Eclipse Bar for all true connoisseurs of the ultimate stylish evening. Find out more at www.starwoodhotels.com.

CASTELLO DEL NERO, TUSCANY, ITALY
Castello del Nero Hotel and Spa is a member of the Small Leading Hotels of the World, and offers the highest standards of luxury in historic surroundings. The cities of Florence and Siena are both nearby and are spectacular places to visit during the winter, when they are less crowded but as beautiful as ever.  The grandeur of the building is enhanced by the frescoes and crests which decorate the rooms. Each of the rooms overlooks vineyards and olive groves which abound with local wildlife such as pheasants, deer and wild boars. Christmas spent here will be a great opportunity to relax; if you feel you need some extra relaxation then visit the spa, which is designed by global spa specialists ESPA and offers the latest holistic treatments which use nourishing marine treatments, hot stone therapies and pure essential oils. See www.castello-del-nero.com for more details.

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