3stir *

scene : Natalie Brown 6live : My Son is a Dog 10

style : Style v. Fashion 16get out : 5 Nights in Kauai 18

feast : Haute Cuisine in Unexpected Places 23fashion : Recycle, Reuse, Repurpose 26

get out : Jazz Destinations 32events : Stuff we’re going to do in March 36

scene : Danielle Hodson 37accessories : Haterblockers 38

stir party pages : What’s Love Got to Do With It? 40last scene : John Eades 42

[ingredients]

18

10

26

Publisher/DesignerMark Pointer

Editor in ChiefNatasha Chilingerian

Director of Sales & MarketingVeronica Staub

InternsBrandon Carnes, Anna Smith

Contributing WritersKatie Mcelveen, DanEverett, Sarah Novak

Contributing PhotographersScott Bilby, Ash Little

4stir Magazine is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without the publisher's written permission. ©2009 All Rights Reserved

5stir *

Mulholland™ hides are hand selected from the world’s �nest tanneries. Like a �ngerprint, each one is individual. Re�ned enough to suggest impeccable taste and elegance, yet rugged enough to withstand the punishment of travel and the demands of everyday use.

Available exclusively at

ENDURANCE BLACK/STOUT

6Photography by Scott Bilby

[scene]

Dreampunk.

Anyone that encounters Natalie Brown, director ofColumbia’s Alternacirque and Delerium TribalBellydance, can attest to the fact that she is driven tocreate.

Whether she is designing costumes, choreographing,bellydancing, swing dancing, or extolling the virtues ofexotic teas, Ms. Brown is on a mission to enrich andproliferate the arts and wants to take entire communitieswith her.

Her present undertaking, ‘Alternacirque’, is about toenter its second full season, and is preparing its ‘steam-punk’ themed show for its Art Bar debut, March 27th.This show is a departure for Alternacirque, abandoningtheir trademark joi-de-vivre for “a tale of a mad scientistwith an army of Frankensteins in the guise of life-sizeddancing dolls…Victorian London in an alternate uni-verse.’

Natalie has been at this sort of rambunctious ambitionsince arriving in Columbia and while many have begungrand plans at exalting Columbia to the internationalstage Natalie and her familiars take tremendous effortsto sustain and realize it. Some of the best acts on theEast Coast can attest after being floored at the supportDelirium received following January’s Art Bar show.

After fleeing Hurricane Katrina, Natalie seems to haveclung to art for sustenance. In rapid succession, Nataliearrived in SC, began teaching, and founded a perform-ance troupe in 6 mere months.

That sense of passionate urgency is what she strives toinspire in others, using performance to encourage acommunity based experience, one that entertains and

utilizes untapped artistic resources craving expression.

Natalie Brown

Presentedby

May8-10WestEndDowntown

Greenville, SC

3DAYSOF VISUAL,

PERFORMING AND

CULINARY ARTS.

WWW.ARTISPHERE.US

IlluminatedPassage Lynn Greer2008ArtisphereCommemorativePoster

8 stir*

9stir *

1520 main st suite 1e

tel 803 988 1065 COLUMBIA

ArT of EYEwEAr

10

11stir *

Since 12:30am, I’ve been in a bad way, intestinally speaking.Every hour or so, I have been visiting the master bathroom.Finally, it’s 6:30am Monday morning, my 16 month old son

Finn is crying and my wife is in the shower preparing for work. Ienter his room and find he has recently spread yesterday’s dinnerall over his crib. I dedicate all my will power toward not adding tothe mess, breathing the room’s aroma as little as possible whilechanging him. Within the hour, his “ayi” (nanny, or, Sweet Angel ofBenevolent Mercy on this particular day) arrives on schedule. I callin sick, then go back to sleep as Xin Mei and my wife finish clean-ing up Finn and his crib.

By late morning, I decide it is time to stop up my plumbing.Rifling through our medicine cabinet, I discover that we have onlyone Immodium remaining. I take it and go back to bed. Soon after,I realize that I need to venture out for more drugs. I call my friend,who is out in downtown Shanghai entertaining visitors fromWisconsin, and ask her if I can borrow her electric scooter. Sheobliges, and I am thankful that I do not have to pedal my bike or siton its little seat today. Heading to the local pharmacy, I think “thiswill be simple, I have my old Immodium box with me to show thePharmacist, and of course I don’t need a prescription here in China.Easy-peasy.” Arriving there and pulling out my handy-dandy

Immodium label, I say in Mandarin: “I want some more of these.”She gives me an extensively wordy reply, and points to a large shelffull of medicines dealing with digestion. My errand fails, as I am illit-erate here. I could attempt to try and talk my way out of this jam,perhaps crafting an impromptu description of the symptomsImmodium is designed to relieve? To the Pharmacist, my chinesewould sound something like this (translated to English): “My poopgo out very fast and not good. I am sick. I want my poop stop. Ilike my poop to make for it slower.” I opt to avoid the snickering ofother customers, and I call my bilingual secretary. It turns out thatthe pharmacy does not have what I’m after, and she suggests I justcome in to work and get some from the Elementary School Nurse’sstash.

Next I venture to the market for some Gatorade, because when‘my poop go out very fast and not good,’ this prevents dehydration.I pile a dozen bottles of the elixir into my shopping cart, and headover to checkout. Giggles and comments from the checkout girl toher colleague…something about how foreigners are always buyingthis stuff because they are always getting sick. I decide not torespond, and I leave.

On my way back to our apartment, I pass by the local repairshop. This guy fixes anything with two wheels. My friend’s electric

Written by Dan Everett

12 stir*

scooter has a broken hand brake, and I decide to stop and takecare of it for them. I point and ask if he can fix it. His approximateresponse: “Would you prefer that I replace both brake handles sothat they match, or shall I simply replace the one?” I answer: “Wantone of.” He giggles and repeats my answer. I console myself,thinking that at least I’m getting a few things done on my sick day.Five minutes and the equivalent of three American dollars later, Ihead back home with both brakes intact.

So that was my day today. I forgot to mention my secretary’scomment as she handed me the drugs: “You look too skinny, gohome and rest.” It’s very common here to comment directly aboutyour friends’ appearance. “You are much fatter since the last timeI saw you” would not be considered rude. I have grown to appre-ciate this cultural idiosyncrasy, at least you know where you stand.There’s a certain intimacy with this approach. However, all thatcloseness can be annoying, particularly with strangers about town.We didn’t know the extent of it, until our son Finn was born.Whenever we had to take him out on the town, people would flockto us to see the baby. We would answer all the universal new babyquestions: “How old? Boy or girl? Do you have other kids?” Then,the commentary would begin: “He was born in the Year of theDog.* Your son is a Dog. He has very huge eyes. They are veryblue.” After hearing us speak Mandarin, the free advice wouldcommence: “He doesn’t have enough layers on. He’s too cold. Youshouldn’t be taking him out of the house before he’s 3 months old.He’s too small to be outside. Keep his hat on. Put a blanket onhim.” Picture being swarmed suddenly, by a troop of stereotypicalmother-in-laws giving you tips about child-rearing and reaching into touch your baby. For the swarmed, this flurry of advice in closequarters can cause responses ranging from slight discomfort, tomanic shouting and clawing-for-escape type behaviors.

I can recall my wife and I experimenting with our responses tothis free advice, while traveling in Lijiang. We were eating at a

restaurant whose tables spilled out ontothe pedestrian street. Soon after weorder, a local woman plops down at thenext table out on the street. She pullsher chair to within inches of Laura andFinn, then she and her 8 month oldbaby sit and stare at us. Big smile fromthis mother as she stared. We sensedshe had no intention of ordering, call itintuition, and that she was there to havea baby chat with us. Here’s the Englishversion:

And so it goes. Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve grown toappreciate it.

Now, Finn’s becoming a toddler, and I find myself thinking abouthow exactly growing up in Shanghai will affect him. A man namedDavid Pollack wrote a book called Third Culture Kids, describing thepros & cons of raising a family away from your home country.**We’re hopeful that Finn will pick up a lot of the “pros.”

For example, we hope that he will continue being very adaptable,and open to new situations. The most salient example of how dif-ferent Finn’s life is here in China, would be his language develop-ment. My son has had Mandarin lessons since he was 2 monthsold…full immersion for 40 hours per week. Now, I’m kidding about“lessons.” His nanny comes over to take care of him while we are

at work. She is a retired teacher, and we are her 8th expat family.

Laura: Hi.

Woman: Hi. How old is he?

Laura: 4 months

Woman: He is too cold. (feeling Finn’s clothing, checking for the

number of layers) He’s not wearing enough clothing. He’s too

young to be out of the house.

Laura: No, he’s OK. He’s fine.

Woman: He is too cold. He doesn’t have enough clothes on.

Laura: I know that he is OK. He is warm. It’s fine.

Woman: He should have more clothes. He’s too cold.

(repeat above exchange a few times)

Dan to Laura: Tell her that her baby is too hot.

Laura: Your baby is too hot.

Dan: (over L’s shoulder) Yeah, your baby is too hot!

Laura: Your baby has too many clothes on. He’s too hot.

Woman: (smiling, laughing, incredulous)

Laura & Dan: (laughing and gaining steam) Yeah, too many

clothes! Your baby’s too hot! Ha! Maybe 4 shirts is too many!

Woman: (still laughing) Tells passersby about the conversation, a

small group forms to watch.

Woman: (to the small crowd, smiling) Look! Our babies are

friends.

Crowd Members: Your baby is too cold. Not enough clothing.

13stir *

She interacts with him all day inMandarin, and sings him traditionalChinese children’s songs. It may takehim a bit longer, but you can actuallysee him becoming bilingual. It’s incred-ible. Sometimes my wife and I switch toMandarin when we’re desperate to getour point across to him. There aretimes I wish he was a bit older, so thathe could act as our translator. Like thattime in the pharmacy.

What else will he take with him fromthis country besides the language? Willhe start telling his cousins they look fat-ter when he sees them in the summers?We’ll see, I guess, we’ll see. For now,I’m very proud of everything he hasalready accomplished. He is compre-hending in two languages, and produc-ing bits of both. Just the other day hesaid “apple.”

Not bad for a dog. Not bad at all.

* One of the Chinese Zodiac Signs: Dog = Honest and faithful to loved ones. Tendency to worry and find fault.** Third Culture Kids, by David Pollack & Ruth Van Eken. “Third” refers to not being strictly a product of their passport country, or their coun-try of residence. The term, Global Nomad, is gaining more popularity in the current literature.

14 stir*

Rosso T r a t t o r i a I t a l i a

Trenholm Plazain Forest Acres.

Rossocolumbia.comRosso Trattoria Italia

Trenholm Plaza(Located in the back corner of Trenholm Plaza,

between the Post Office and Folline Vision Center)4840 Forest Drive

Columbia, SC 29206Phone: 803.787.3949

Monday - Saturday5:00pm - 11:00pm

15stir *

[style]

16

Matching madris suit, tie, and shirt. Skin tight suitswith short coats and pants. The fashion industrywould lead you to believe that the only way to be

“in” with fashion is to wear extreme outfits that would createharassment for someone when they walked down thestreet. On the opposite extreme, fashion is not walkingaround in the same thing that was cool twenty years agoand calling it “vintage.” Think Sean Connery, Cary Grant,Fred Astaire and John F. Kennedy. They didn’t care aboutbeing the latest in fashion; they cared about creating theirown style that mirrored what was going on in fashion.

Style as defined by Webster dictionary is a “distinctive man-ner of expression.” Each one of us has a very unique per-sonality. With that being true, then why do we choose towalk around (in many cases) looking like the person besideus? Gray suit, white shirt, red striped tie-this is a uniform formany businessmen. Instead, why can’t they wear a moremodern style blue suit (perhaps a two button peak lapel coatwith a flat front pant), with a textured white shirt, and a dif-ferent tie that can bring the look together? Or maybe whena guy goes out on the town or to dinner why not wear asport coat? I realize that we do not always want to getdressed up, but what about a cool pair of blue jeans with at-shirt and a cool herringbone coat?

Please don’t misunderstand me; I am not saying to do awaywith the classics. They are named that for a reason, but itdoesn’t mean it has to be that way 24/7. Try getting out ofthe box a little. There will be some things that won’t work atall. Some things will be okay, but then there are some thingsthat you will do that will be grand slams. Keep the ones thatare great, remember the ones that work, and forget aboutthe ones that didn’t. Clothes were meant to be a reflectionof your personality. We are not all runway models, but all ofus have a style we can develop that we will grow to be com-fortable with just like our personalities. If you don’t likesomething about it-change!

Written by Vaughn Granger Photography by Scott Bilby

style v. fashion

18

[get out]

Written and photographed by Katie Mckelveen

19stir *

It was a crazy idea. Fly 17 hours from Columbia to Kauai,Hawaii. Five nights later, do it all again, in reverse. But as crazyas it seemed, I listened to the voice in my head saying, “Why

not? It’ll be an adventure.” I was more on target than I’d thought. Though fairly small in

size, thanks to an odd geographic twist of fate, Kauai emergedfrom the sea 5 million years ago crammed with so much geograph-ic diversity that just about every outdoor adventure imaginable canbe experienced within its bounds. Along the legendary Na Palicoast, trails wind atop 3,000-foot-tall cliffs that drop majesticallyinto the azure sea below, offering hikers views of a lifetime. Verdantgreen valleys, many of which are strung with zip lines, spread formiles. To the west, the striated walls of the Waimea Canyon reflectsunset shades of rose and gold as they plummet more than 3,300feet into the earth. Radiating from Mt. Wai’ale’ale, an extinct vol-cano and the wettest place on earth, Hawaii’s five navigable riversrush toward the sea carrying canoes, kayaks and mountain tubersalong for the ride. At the beach, water that ranges from bathtubcalm to positively surly attracts splashers, swimmers, snorkelersand some of the best surfers in the world. Even better, after spend-ing the morning in a state of adrenaline-fueled bliss, you can be onthe beach by lunchtime, toes digging into the sand, pina colada inhand.

With just five days to explore this paradise, I planned to take inas much adventure as I could.Kauai is five hours behind Columbia, so 6:30 am came awfully fast,but if I wanted to beat the crowds that often clog the famous

Kalalau Trail, which runs for 11 miles along the Na Pali coast andoffers the only land access to rugged cliffs that line this side of theisland, I needed to arrive early.

Since there are few directional or street signs on Kauai, findingyour way around can be challenging at best. Fortunately, theviews—of mountains dipping into ancient taro fields, of startlinglyblue water glowing against bleached white sand and of gracefulwaterfalls—can make you forgive the lack of signage. Verbal direc-tions are equally unspecific. To find the trailhead, I was told to sim-ply follow “the road” out of Hanalei town until it ended. 45 minutes later—there were a few beaches and overlooks alongthe way that I just couldn’t resist checking out—I pulled into a near-ly empty parking area and headed into the forest. Once the carpetof pine needles to give way to red clay that was rutted and slick, thehike became an exhilarating ramble over roots and rocks, each stepan adventure in itself.

Nothing makes a great view more worthwhile than working forit, and as I climbed, each glimpse of the Pacific rolling into the mistycoastline was so breathtaking that I couldn’t wait to reach the nextplateau. Finally, the trail began to wind its way back down towardHanakapi’a Beach, which was supposedly gorgeous, but notori-ously dangerous.

I heard them before I saw them, two men, one large, one small,staggering up the trail in ripped t-shirts and bare feet. One had abloody gash on his head. “Are you ok?” I asked as they drew clos-er. “Listen to the signs, man, listen to the signs,” they mumbled,referring to trail markers strung along the pathway that warned of

dangerous waves, currents and undertows at Hanakapi’a. “Wewent in the water. It slammed us against the rocks. We lost ourshoes and our board and almost died. Don’t go in the water, Man.”Then they were gone. Talk about an authentic travel experience. Crossing a small river to reach the beach, I was amazed that thetwo men had tried to swim: one after the other, ten-foot-wave afterten-foot-wave hurled itself into the sand with force that createdhuge pools of roiling foam. Wanting to cool my feet, I waded intoone.

Big mistake. Though I only went up to my ankles, a rogue wave had me

backpedaling toward shore just seconds after I’d felt the first touchof the warm water.

After watching huge swells tumble into the beach for awhile, Ihiked to the top of a small rise. Turning to look at the water, I wascaptivated by a solitary swimmer who seemed to know this patchof ocean so well that at times he would hang suspended at thecrest of a ten-foot wave, his body outlined in the clear water, beforeturning to catch another one. I wondered where he had comefrom, who he was, and how he’d get out alive.

I got my answer the next day. Strolling along a grassy ridge aftera day of kayaking through the rainforest and zip lining over a jung-ly canyon, I told the guide who was leading our expedition aboutthe experience. “He’s a crazy fireman,” he said, laughing. “He’sbeen doing it forever. He grew up here and he’s nuts.”

Thankfully, not every adventure on Kauai necessitates a work-out. One day, aboard a catamaran, we sailed to the Na Pali coast.From this perspective, the pleated cliffs, shadowy and huge,seemed to stretch forever into the clouds of sea spray. Along theshoreline, sun lovers on kayaks had pulled up onto the tiny wispsof beach that had been carved into the craggy rock and were rest-ing on the warm sand. Curious turtles swam toward us when wesnorkeled and, on the way back to the harbor, a pod of spinner dol-phins rode our wake, jumping diving joyfully as we cut through thewater. Later in the week, aboard a helicopter, we swooped overlush valleys so dense that they can only be reached by air, hoveredwithin an ancient volcano and cruised into a misty rainbows paint-ed by a waterfall as it tumbled hundreds of feet into a calm pool ofinky water.

Lodging options abound on Kauai. Many people choose to stayin one of the resorts that line the island’s sun-splashed southern oreastern shores, where the water is calm and the sun shines glori-ously from dawn until dusk. At the Grand Hyatt, which resemblesa Polynesian fantasy, lagoons are hemmed by gardens scentedwith ylang ylang and dappled with brightly colored birds of para-dise. Rooms have private balconies that overlook a particularlylovely stretch of beach.

A bit rainier and more remote, Kauai’s north shore offers a dif-ferent experience. Life here centers around Hanalei, a laid-backbeach town that, it’s said, is the mythical home of “Puff the MagicDragon.” Downtown, galleries and surf shops line the narrowstreets and coffee houses like Java Kai take the place of Starbucks.Around the corner, locals and visitors flock to Hanalei Gourmet forguava daiquiris and grilled ahi tuna served in an old school houseor to BarAcuda, a tapas and wine bar owned by former SanFrancisco chef Jim Moffett who came to Kauai in 2003 with his

family for a surfing vacation and never left. On the shores of Hanalei Bay, which is just a few blocks off the

main street, first-time surfers are pushed to the beach by gentlewaves. If you’re lucky, you might spot Bette Midler or PierceBrosnan strolling along the strand, since both own beachfronthomes on the bay. In typical Kauai fashion, everyone knows wherethe celebrities live, but no one really seems to care.

Since the Westin Princeville resort sits on a bluff overlooking the

20 stir*

beach, not only are the views of the scalloped coastline amazing, but the trail to the beach,which leads through a marine forest populated with towering pines and groves of philoden-dron with leaves the size of dinner plates, will make you feel a little bit like Indiana Jones.The dreamy beach—a serene stretch of powdery sand dotted with bending palms andlapped by sapphire-blue water—is worth the walk.

I spent my last evening on Kauai sipping a Longboard Ale and munching on fish tacosat Monico’s Taqueria, a bustling dive near the airport. Over the past five days I’d hiked tothe top of a mountain and back again, kayaked over a waterfall, snorkeled with sea turtles,taken a helicopter ride, driven through a canyon and mucked through a muddy field. I wasa little sore, but my adventure, actually, all my adventures, had been well worth the day anda half in the air. Perhaps next time I’d stay a week.

21stir *

TOUR 8 FABULOUS

RENOVATED KITCHENS

APRIL 2-4, 2009

POTTERY SHOW & SALE

An artistic feast for the senses in historic Camden, SC

Presented by

The Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County

“EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK”

ART EXHIBIT

“BACCHUS NIGHT & EPICUREAN DELIGHTS” WINE & FOOD TASTING

Details and tickets: (803) 425-7676

www.fineartscenter.org

P l u s . . .

[accessories]

56

– noun

Pronunciation: Hat"er 'bläk-&r

shades, particularly when you wear them in the

club or at night, because no matter where you

go theres always gonna be haters. Block them

out with some Hater Blockers cus no one wants

to see a slob ass hater.

“With my hater blockers on, them crab ass

haters can see me but i can't see them.”

1. Miumiu - Mary

2. Blinde - Joy Rides, Frame of Mind

3. IC Berlin - Audrey, Frame of Mind

4. Blinde - Come Clean, Frame of Mind

5. Miumiu - Mary

6. Blinde - Apparently Arrogant, Frame of Mind

1 2

3

4

Written by Kristy Ray Quattronne Photography by Melinda Register

24 stir*

25stir *Cuisine

HauteHauteCuisine inUnexpected PlacesIthought that I was destined to be late for my interview with cel-

ebrated Chef Charles Zeran. After a short tour aroundOrangeburg and a couple of missed turns, I finally approached

the strip mall that matched my Google map directions. But I wasn’ttruly at ease until I saw the modestly whimsical sign for Four Moonshidden between an unassuming gourmet shop and a large dis-count chain.

Upon entering the intricately adorned foodie establishment, theentire evening began to turn around. The Phases Moon Bar, inwhich I spoke withChef Zeran, remindedme of those high-endNew York loungeswhere one skulksaround celebrity stalk-ing on a weekend get-away. And who canresist cocktail nameslike the Shooting Star,Harvest Moon, andRaspberry Hibiscus?After perusing littlebites like the King’sHawaiian BreadSliders with crab cake,fennel slaw, and pas-sion fruit tartar sauce, I was getting interested to see what theevening would bring.

Creativity and imagination are the overarching themes of both thebar and restaurant menus. Chef Zeran made the move here for thatreason. He and his wife, Colleen, who is also the pastry chef, havefull creative control. And that’s evident. The menu, which is sepa-rated into traditional and imagination, is truly Zeran.

“It’s serious food that we don’t take too seriously,” Zeran says.“We’re not trying to get pigeon-holed into a certain genre of food .. . we like the idea of experimenting with senses, textures, and tem-peratures.”

The divorce lawyer turned chef has already made quite a gastro-nomical impact across the country. He most recently held the reinsat The Lodge at Glendorn, a AAA Four Diamond Relais & Chateauxproperty in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Together, this husband and wifeduo have literally followed fine food for the past eight years.Working first at Stone Manor just outside of Washington, D.C., andthen Star Waterfront Café in Ocean Isle, North Carolina, they havewon countless awards along the way.

Zeran’s fascination with the senses seems to extend into theatmosphere of the dining room itself. Glass sculptures and lightingfixtures reminiscent of the Bellagio in Las Vegas, royal velvet chairs,and a dutiful wait staff anticipate your arrival.

We started off with white truffle oil fries, a macaroni and cheesemartini, raw scallops, and some crocodile wings. The crispy fries

tasted so rich that they could have been fried in duck fat. The mac-aroni and cheese (our first play on words) was an elegant blend ofcreamy orzo, perfectly cooked chunks of lobster and sweet butterymascarpone topped with a generous dollop of caviar. But the scal-lops were my favorite. So exceptionally fresh—the seafood is usu-ally on the table within 18 hours of being caught—one can actual-ly taste the unmatched quality. The crocodile wings, well, taste likechicken, but tasty chicken.

Ahh the entrees. Anthony Bourdain refers to it as food porn. I hadbeen fantasizing aboutthis larger than lifeentrée since my firstglimpse at the menu.The biscuits and gravy(another amusing playon words) are a shoutout to a food that wesoutherners cannot dowithout. Except these“biscuits” are madewith the likes of butterpoached lobster, panseared sea scallops,and sweet corn atop acoconut lime biscuit,all served in a lobster

custard “gravy.” The shellfish were cooked to perfection. The scal-lops quickly seared to keep intact the innate flavor and the lobsterpoached, amazingly, as it should be and not into that sad rubberyshame that so often seems to be the case.

Working hard to save room for dessert—filling up my reserveslike a foodie chipmunk—I knew it would be memorable. We split theFour Phases of Chocolate and the Key Lime Pie Our Way.

My pet peeve is over thought desserts with zero substance. If I’mgoing to feel guilty for a sense of overindulgence, I better haveoverindulged. Our selections were artistic—chocolate ganache withsalted caramel filling, frozen Gianduja chocolate mousse on choco-late meringue, chocolate banana foam on chocolate praline crunch,and chocolate strawberry hot chocolate—but they were alsohearty.

The Key Lime Pie Our Way evoked memories of simpler times,in a childhood of ice box style pies. The meringue was cleverlystashed in the corner of the plate. A deconstructed delight.

A good meal is as much an experience as it is fine cuisine. FourMoons delivers. And it is priced reasonably enough that you canvisit for more than just holidays—especially the extensive and well-organized wine list. Give it a try. In fact go twice, so you can taketurns being the DD—mastering the wine list will be no easy feat. Orjust start at the Phases Moon Bar, which features a steep discountduring happy hour, and see where the evening takes you.

Written by Sara Novak

26

[fashion]

Worn-out hearing about the state of the economy? Yeah we are too, but let’s face it, people simply arenot spending the way they used to. Fashion has taken note, and has made a decisoin to “re-use andre-wear” the oldie but goodies everyone has in their closets.

You can’t beat the classic summer short, the shirt-dress, or simple tailored skirt for women. Men can’tdeny the simple elegance of a classic sport coat layered over a crisp dress shirt. We can all uniformlyembrace the khaki trench, all of which will always remain staples in the fashionista’s and gentlemen’swardrobe. Still, no one can resist a good splurge within each season, and this season that splurge isshoes! Fabulous spring shoes are here and the wonderful designers available here in town have truly“stepped” up to the plate, and we salute them. So here is what we consider to be the best, and thebrightest spring has to offer, ENJOY!

Styling by: Veronica Staub Makeup by: Kelly Niklason for Carmen! Carmen Photography by Scott Bilby

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White military style button down cotton shirt by Paul Smith, available at Bohemian.Philip Stein ostrich band watch, available at Sandler's Fine Jewelry.

On Melissa:Red shirt dress by Theory, available at Coplon's. Around herwaist, yellow linen tie, polo by Ralph Lauren, Grainger Owings.Yellow T- strap sandals by LAMB, available at Kick's.

On Caitlen:Red platform sandals by Marni available at Coplon's.

On Vanessa(standing):yellow piqué shorts, see by Chloe. Khakitrench, Valentino red label. Red silk flutter sleeve blouse,Loeffler Randal. Nude patent leather slingback wedge ChristianLoubitin. All available at Coplons

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What makes a city a great destination for jazz fans? Howabout a club scene that supports both established andup-and-coming artists; a variety of venues; and a

sophisticated audience that appreciates a range of styles and per-formers? These ten destinations offer all that, plus countlessoptions for museum hopping, outdoor pursuits and culinary explo-ration.

Why jazz lovers flock here: The Big Apple’s nearly unlimited array ofvenues—think downtown joints tucked into obscure alleys, localhangouts, glamorous clubs that play host to legendary talent andeverything in between—will satisfy any musical craving. Two clubs to try: The BBlluuee NNoottee is one of the most well-known clubsin the city, and it draws top talent like Herbie Hancock, Earl Klughand Cassandra Wilson to its stage. Take in a late-night perform-ance for a first glimpse at emerging artists in r&b, funk and soul inaddition to jazz.

The legendary triangle-shaped room at VViillllaaggee VVaanngguuaarrdd hasseen artists such as John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins and DexterGordon in its more than seventy year existence; today, WyntonMarsalis, Brad Mehldau, Roy Hargrove, Cedar Walton and theAdam Rogers Quintet are some of the artists that play the small,murky but acoustically dazzling space.Eat here: Tucked underneath the Brooklyn Bridge within a walledgarden, the RRiivveerr CCaafféé offers stunning views of the Manhattan sky-

line along with creative American cuisine. Stay: Towering above Central Park, JJuummeeiirraahh EEsssseexx HHoouussee has oneof the best locations in the city; a $90 million renovation in 2007added a modern edge to the art deco landmark. In SoHo, chic 6600TThhoommppssoonn pampers guests with Fresh amenities, Sferra linens andaccess to Above 60, the hotel’s ultra-exclusive rooftop lounge.

Why jazz lovers flock here: Thanks to several active jazz organiza-tions, a slew of jazz festivals featuring stars like David Sanborn,James Ingram and Tower of Power, oodles of opportunities foryoung artists to jam (sometimes with the big names) and a spate ofclub openings, LA’s jazz scene is livelier than ever. Two clubs to try: Dark wood and stylish lighting give CCaattaalliinnaa BBaarr &&GGrriillll an upscale vibe that makes a perfect backdrop for the star-studded list of musicians that appear on the red-walled stage.Although the new location is a good bit larger than the old one, (itnow seats about 250) this Sunset Boulevard mainstay manages toretain the intimacy that made its original location so popular. With no drink minimum, Culver City’s non-profit, volunteer-run JJaazzzzBBaakkeerryy is one of the best bargains in jazz. Although the experienceis decidedly no-frills, it’s worth it: some of the jazz world’s most tal-ented performers regularly take the stage.Culture Hit: Once a stop for the Red Line trolley, BBeerrggaammoott SSttaattiioonnin Santa Monica is now home to dozens of working artists’ galleriesas well as the Santa Monica Museum of Art.

Written by Katie Mckelveen

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Stay: Located on chic Rodeo Drive, the BBeevveerrllyy WWiillsshhiirree delivers oldworld elegance and serene accommodations. In Brentwod, roomsat the mod HHootteell AAnnggeelleennoo have jaw-dropping views of LA from theirprivate balconies.

Why jazz lovers flock here: The high-spirited,improvisational “Chicago Sound” was born here at the

beginning of the 20th century and today, the legacy of artists such asEddie Condon and King Oliver lives on.Two clubs to try: Known for jam sessions that rock long into the nightand oversized black and white photos of local jazz legends that linethe walls, the VVeellvveett LLoouunnggee is a Windy City classic, even in its new-ish location.Shuttered for more than a year, the renowned JJaazzzz SShhoowwccaassee hasreopened in a brand-new, more convivial space that owner WayneSegal hopes will encourage visitors and musicians to linger and seewhat develops. Chances are, they’ll be glad they did.Culture Hit: The world’s first modern skyscrapers were raised here;today, Chicago’s skyline is a showcase of striking architecture. Toboost your building savvy, book one of the architecture tours run bythe CChhiiccaaggoo AArrcchhiitteeccttuurree FFoouunnddaattiioonn.Stay: Quiet and cultivated, but with a modern edge, the PPaarrkk HHyyaattttis a stylish choice in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. Shag carpet-ing and touches of red leather and chrome give the JJaammeess HHootteell atrendy vibe. Why jazz lovers flock here: The twin cities are emerging as one of themidwest’s hippest destinations; for jazz lovers, that translates intoeclectic offerings both at clubs and, during the summer, at concerts

and festivals that spring up in the urban parks that fill the city.Two clubs to try: DDaakkoottaa JJaazzzz CClluubb && RReessttaauurraanntt delivers on twocounts: the music, often adventurous, is always top-notch while thecreative, impeccably prepared American offerings at the adjoiningrestaurant are worthy of a trip themselves. It doesn’t take reservations, but night after night, the musician-runAArrttiissttss’’ QQuuaarrtteerr in St. Paul delivers passionate performances in itsslightly scuffed but ultracool subterranean space.Outdoor adventure: 50 miles of pedestrian and bike paths along theGGrraanndd RRoouunnddss SScceenniicc BByywwaayy loop through neighborhoods, crossover rivers and show runners and cyclists some of the region’s pret-

tiest scenery. Stay: Utterly sleek but filled with artful touches like etched-glassheadboards on the beds and oversized bars of Hermes soap,GGrraavveess 660011 is the city’s trendiest hotel. Tucked into a corner in thetheater district, the David Rockwell-designed CChhaammbbeerrss HHootteell is alsohome to an art gallery.

Why jazz lovers flock here: Grunge may have put Seattle on the musicmap, but the city’s decades-old jazz scene continues to flourish, nur-turing talented local artists and attracting A-list performers.Two clubs to try: Even with a state-of-the-art sound system, oversizedstage and generous seating capacity, JJaazzzz AAlllleeyy maintains an inti-mate, clubby atmosphere. National acts like Eartha Kitt perform reg-ularly, as do an array of international artists from France, Africa andEngland.TTiinnyy TTuullaa’’ss may have just 96 or so seats, but that coziness, alongwith great acoustics, make each note feel like an embrace. Evenbetter, top artists in town for other gigs often slip in for impromptujam sessions.Eat here: Savor beautifully prepared, innovative takes on approach-able favorites like Alaskan halibut and grilled sea scallops at thecasual but sophisticated RReessttaauurraanntt ZZooee.Stay: Floor to ceiling windows make the most of the Puget Soundviews at the artsy-luxe GGrraanndd HHyyaatttt, where rooms come with super-soft beds and oversized marble baths. At the teched-out HHootteell 11000000, guests can choose the virtual artworkto be displayed during their stay and the gigantic bathtubs fill fromthe ceiling. Virtual golf is a creative diversion.

Why jazz lovers flock here: Jazz was born in New Orleans, and theclubs in Louis Armstrong’s hometown jam all night long. Surprisedrop-in guest appearances from visiting musicians looking to try outnew arrangements on sophisticated ears add to the allure.Two clubs to try: Members of New Orleans two First Families of Jazz,the Marsalises and the Nevilles, are regulars at the aptly-named SSnnuuggHHaarrbboorr jazz club, a slip of a venue that is home one of the city’s mostrespected jazz stages.It’s been a private home, a tavern, an inn, a photography studio anda gallery, but in 1961, PPrreesseerrvvaattiioonn HHaallll became a place where NewOrleans jazz could be enjoyed in its purest form. Today, tickets arejust $10 and although no food or alcohol are served, the hall ispacked every night.Eat here: Lunch at GGaallllaattooiirree’’ss is a New Orleans tradition; nab a tableand watch the parade of regulars while indulging in shrimpremoulade, crab Sardou and other Creole specialties.Stay: Each of the eighteen floors at the historic RReennaaiissssaannccee PPeerreeMMaarrqquueettttee hotel is dedicated to a different jazz legend. Plush, oversized rooms decorated in soothing golds and greenswrap guests in luxury at the WWiinnddssoorr CCoouurrtt HHootteell; an $8 million artcollection includes original works by Gainsborough, Reynolds, VanDyck, Huysman and de Largilliere.

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Why jazz lovers flock here: Considered the jumping off point beforeartists hit the big time in New York, Bay Area clubs offer better thanaverage odds of an “I saw them before they hit it big” experience. Two clubs to try: YYoosshhii’’ss got its start as a no-frills sushi bar in Berkeleyin 1973; today, the club, which moved to Oakland in 1977 when itadded live music to the menu, still serves sushi, but the space, withits sleek curves, voluptuous banquettes and high-caliber performers,is anything but utilitarian.Crystal chandeliers, dramatic red lighting and just 25 tables giveNorth Beach landmark JJaazzzz aatt PPeeaarrll’’ss a 1920’s speakeasy vibe; ahuge variety of jazz—Latin, cabaret, Afro-Cuban as well as more tra-ditional performances—keeps things fresh.Eat here: A stunning view of the bay from its perch atop Nob Hill isjust one reason to visit VVeennttiicceelllloo;; another is anything roasted in thewood-burning oven at this neighborhood Italian.Stay: HHootteell ddeess AArrttss takes its name seriously: nearly forty rooms atthis centrally-located property were painted by local artists. Wirelessinternet and breakfast are complimentary.An oasis of plush calmness along bustling Market Street, the FFoouurrSSeeaassoonnss has a surprising asset: you can walk for blocks withoutencountering one of San Francisco’s urban Matterhorns.

Why jazz lovers flock here: Duke Ellington was born in DC and put thecity on the map as a jazz destination in the 1920’s and 30’s. Seventyyears later, fueled by 2005’s inaugural Duke Ellington Jazz Festival,the city has undergone a jazz renaissance.

Two clubs to try: Located in an 18th century carriage house,Georgetown’s BBlluueess AAlllleeyy is a local landmark that has hosted someof the world’s most renowned performers in its more than 40-yearhistory. The 60-foot-tall windows along the 630-foot-long GrandFoyer within the KKeennnneeddyy CCeenntteerr ffoorr tthhee PPeerrffoorrmmiinngg AArrttss create anawe-inspiring entry; near perfect acoustics in the Concert Hall alloweach instrument to be heard with exceptional clarity.Culture Hit: Stroll in and out of the 19 museums in and around the mallthat comprise the SSmmiitthhssoonniiaann IInnssttiittuuttiioonn at your leisure. Each one—including the National Galleries of Art, the National Zoo and the Airand Space Museum—is free.Stay: Ensconced within a nondescript building in Washington’s busi-ness district, the RRiittzz CCaarrllttoonn is a refined surprise; the adjoiningSports Club/LA is one of the best facilities in town. Being carved from an old Holiday Inn hasn’t hurt DDoonnoovvaann HHoouussee’’sship factor: round showers are located mid-room, the rooftop pool ishangout-worthy and the staff is overwhelmingly friendly.

Why jazz lovers flock here: During Jazz Week, a spring ritual in Boston,jazz emanates from not just from clubs and lounges, but churches,schools, museums and community centers throughout the city.Two clubs to try: If history is any indication, SSccuulllleerrss JJaazzzz CClluubb inBoston is the place to go if you want to see The Next Big Thing.Diana Krall, Norah Jones and Michael Bublé all got their start on theclub’s stage. By maintaining a forum where students from nearby

Berklee College of Music, BostonConservatory and New England Conservatory of Music canperform on stage with seasoned professionals, WWaallllyy’’ss is the placeto go for innovative, fusion-driven jams.Eat here: If the true test of a chef is how well he or she can roast achicken, Gordon Hammersley, who opened his namesake bistro,HHaammmmeerrsslleeyy’’ss,, more than twenty years ago, wins the prize. Butdon’t discount the cassoulet or other comfort offerings.Stay: Period antiques, gilded ceilings and rich fabrics are hallmarksof the stately FFaaiirrmmoonntt CCoopplleeyy PPllaazzaa, which stands on the original siteof Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts in the historic Back Bay neighbor-hood.

Originally constructed as a private home in the 19th century, theCChhaarrlleessmmaarrkk is filled with modern, upscale touches like custom-made furniture and bathroom vanities, Italian tiles in the bathroomsand lofty beds.

Why jazz lovers flock here: The chance to walk the streets where JohnColtrane changed the face of jazz.Two clubs to try: At OOrrttlliieebb’’ss JJaazzzzhhaauuss, audiences watch performerson a stage that hovers just inches from their tables, creating almosta sense of partnership between musician and listener.Small, dark and blessed with unbelievable acoustics, CChhrriiss’’ss JJaazzzzCClluubb showcases serious local talent in its corner (there’s no stage).The club is so small and casual that fans and musicians often lingerto talk about music long after the last set has been finished and theinstruments packed up for the night.Culture Hit: Original manuscripts by James Joyce, Charles Dickensand Maurice Sendak sit alongside Thomas Jefferson’s handwrittenlist of his slaves, the Bay Psalm Book, (the first book printed in theU.S.) and a lock of Dickens’ hair at the RRoosseennbbaacchh MMuusseeuumm aannddLLiibbrraarryy, which was once the home of Abraham and PhilipRosenbach, brothers, collectors and rare book dealers.Stay: Philadelphia’s landmark RRiitttteennhhoouussee HHootteell impresses withoversized rooms, car service to in-town destinations, overnight shoeshine service and free use of the business center to check youremail. It’s even pet-friendly.Art deco with a contemporary punch—think curvy chairs set overgeometrically-patterned inlaid marble floors—give the SSooffiitteell a retro,artsy vibe.

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WWhheenn aanndd hhooww ddiidd yyoouu ssttaarrtt rriiddiinngg,, wwhhaatt iinntteerr--eesstteedd yyoouu iinn tthhee ssppoorrtt??I grew up riding, got my first pony on my 4thbirthday (and immediately cried because Ithought the big red bow sticking into his saddlewas stuck into his side!) I did three-day eventingas a child and teenager. I grew up in NH andthere is no steeplechasing there, I didn't evenknow it existed! the only racing I ever saw wasthe Kentucky derby! When I went to college inVA (near Middleburg) I sold my event horse andheard about a trainer in Millwood looking for arider. It was the first time I had been paid to rideinstead of paying my horses way- so I thought Ihad hit the jackpot! Only $7 a head those days...I never actually considered racing- it just sort ofhappened. I began with a few point to point flatraces and progressed from there. I just sort offell into it.

BBiigg wwiinnss//aaccccoommpplliisshhmmeennttss??Back to back wins in the Royal Chase for theSport of Kings Grade 1 at Keeneland racetrack.2007 aboard Mixed Up and 2008 aboardSovereign Duty. 2006 NY Turfwriters Grade 1 atSaratoga aboard Mixed Up. Only second girl tobe the National Steeplechase AssociationChampion Jockey in 2006.

AAddvviiccee oorr wwoorrddss ooff wwiissddoomm ttoo aassppiirriinngg yyoouunnggjjoocckkeeyyss??Find your place. Find a trainer that you trust andrespect and work as hard as you possibly can.The biggest part of succeeding in this sport, aswith most, is dedication and hard work.

DanielleHodson

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[scene]

38 stir*

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Pro golfer

42

Throughout his childhood John tried his hand at themore typical team sports, basketball and football.Although to this day he claims football as his favorite,

physical stature was a challenge he could not overcome. Inhigh school John turned his attention to Golf, which earnedhim a scholarship to The University of Maryland in 2002.Golf is a gentlemen’s game, which plays well to hisstrength’s, as he boasts a swing and swagger of sophisti-cation and power. He is eloquent and charming, althoughunassuming and frank. I have known John my entire life,and none of his success thus far surprises me, and I amcertain that success will continue to follow him.

WWhhaatt aarree yyoouu ggrreeaatteesstt aacchhiieevveemmeennttss?? “I have won two mini tournaments, each one earning mebetween 10-12k. Although they are smaller not-so-glam-orous tournaments, it’s working your way up the ladder.Much like AAA baseball.”

WWhhaatt ppllaannss ddoo yyoouu hhaavvee ffoorr tthhee sspprriinngg//ssuummmmeerr ooff 22000099?? “I will be staying in the US this year. I am participating in theTar Heel tour, which is based out of Charlotte, NC. I will bein Charleston the first week in March.”

WWhhaatt aarree 33 ttiippss yyoouu wwoouulldd ggiivvee ttoo aann aammaatteeuurr ggoollffeerr??“First of all, spend plenty of time practicing. There shouldn’tbe any rush to the course. That is what the putting greenand the range are designed for. Second, don’t force thegame upon yourself, at the heart of golf it is still an athleticmovement and forcing it will only set you back. Lastly, andmost important is to enjoy your surroundings, you are out-side in a great setting, keep that in mind, especially if youloose.”

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