Hdliving Fall 2009 Small

HDLiving FA L L 2 0 0 9 , v o l u m e 3 , i s s u e 3

high-definition LIFESTYLE and electronics www.myhtsa.com

www.myhtsa.com

Affordable World Class Home Theaters FA L L 2 0 0 9 , v o l u m e 3 , i s s u e 3

+

Vegan Restaurants | Whistler Resort | Video Projectors | Football Seating

HDL0909_Cover 8

9/4/09 3:42:39 PM

YOU COULD WIN A TRIP TO THE WORLD SERIES®

ONE OF 10 PLAYERS CHOICE™ ENTERTAINMENT PACKAGES

ONE OF 39 AQUOS® LCD TVs

ONE OF 500 MLB.COM SHOP® GIFT CERTIFICATES

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE FORTY-EIGHT (48) CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES AND D.C. WHO ARE OF THE LEGAL AGE OF THE MAJORITY IN THE STATE IN WHICH THEY RESIDE AT TIME OF ENTRY. VOID IN AK, HI AND WHERE PROHIBITED. Promotion begins on 7/10/09 and ends on 9/28/09. Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received and the time in which they are received. For complete Official Rules and further details, including how to enter and full prize descriptions visit www.SharpMLB.com. Sponsor: Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, New Jersey 07495. Sharp and AQUOS are registered trademarks of Sharp Corporation. Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. Visit MLB.com.® ©MLBPA 2009. Official Licensee – Major League Baseball Players Association. MLB.com® Shop Gift Certificates are subject to certain terms and conditions – see www.mlb.com/giftcerts for details. Screen image simulated. ©2009 Sharp Electronics Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

HDL0909_Cover_Ads.indd 2

9/4/09 12:05:26 PM

Enter for your chance to win at

SharpMLB.com

HDL0909_Cover_Ads.indd 3

9/4/09 12:05:31 PM

CONNECTIONS high-definition LIFESTYLE and electronics

FALL 2009, Volume 3, Issue 3

Publisher Richard glikes Editor in Chief HOWARD WHITMAN [email protected] Editorial Offices 1500 Spring Garden Street,12th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19130

Big Projections What makes you happy? Is it spending time with your family, traveling to interesting new places, eating a sumptuous meal, shopping with friend … how about watching a classic movie, or a sporting event of your favorite team? HD Living magazine is about all of these. Home Theater Specialists of America produces this magazine to shine a light on the things we love and like. We surround great TV and audio experiences with the pleasures in life. This month, we are featuring home theater projectors. And yes, big is better and size does matter. I’m referring to screen size, of course. Home theater projectors have come a long way. Remember the hazy, somewhat fuzzy ones you would see in restaurants? We’ve built a business around these crystal-clear projectors. Bright, dynamic images in high definition leave one lost in the moment. The impact of watching a touchdown on a 100inch screen is exhilarating. A 100-inch screen has nine times the image size as a 42-inch flat panel! So, dive in. Enjoy the articles on cognac, Whistler, vegan dining and more, and if you are thinking about a better audio or video experience, look up your nearest expert at www.htsa.com.

CREATIVE Art Director TIM DUPNAK Graphic Designer FRANK MOORE Pre-press Specialist PATRICK FARRELL Project Manager JANE CHERO Administration (215) 238-5431 • [email protected]

CIRCULATION For subscription inquiries and changes please call 1-800-818-8174 or e-mail [email protected]

HOME THEATER SPECIALISTS  OF AMERICA Executive Director Richard Glikes (610) 363-9055 • FAX (610) 363-9065 [email protected] 501 East Uwchalan Avenue Chester Springs, PA 19425

Published by The Consumer Technology Publishing Group Best, Richard Glikes Executive Director Home Theater Specialists of America [email protected] www.myhtsa.com

Group President/Publishing Director eric schwartz (215) 238-5420 • FAX (215) 238-5457 [email protected]

Publisher of Custom Retailer, Dealerscope, Picture Business and E-Gear magazines. Custom Publisher of the 2009 International CES Show Directory, Guide and Pre Show Planner

4

HD HDLL

HDL0909_Features 4

9/4/09 8:55:17 AM

The difference between a good house and a great house—is HiFi House. As one of the nation’s foremost audio visual electronics and installation experts, HiFi House has the experience, value and expertise to ensure your customized home theater is equipped and installed to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a flatpanel HDTV in your family room or a complete custom home theater, nobody knows home entertainment equipment and installation better than HiFi House. Call HiFi House today to schedule a free in-home consultation.

Broomall: 1001 Sussex Blvd. Broomall, PA 19008 (610) 544-4420

HDL0909_HiFi_House_V031 5

Wilmington: 1 block south of Charcoal Pit 2304 Concord Pike Wilmington, DE 19803 (302) 655-4780

Jenkintown: 509 Old York Road Jenkintown, PA 19046 (215) 885-5300

toll free 800.990.hifi www.hifihouse.com

9/1/09 10:30:09 AM

contents

FALL 2009 issue, Volume 3, Issue 3

26 20

44

features

10

16

Four handy life-tools you can

They have the vision and the

The True Home Theater Experience

download today.

experience to bring your home

Today’s front projection systems

to life. Your community custom

keep getting better, more user-

In the market for a handbag?

12

electronics dealer will exceed

friendly, and easier to afford.

Experts say keep an eye on

The Automated Estate

your home automation installa-

A local custom electronics dealer

tion or upgrade.

The Most Useful iPhone Apps

Your Local Custom Solution

your expectations and your wildest dreams with their plans for

features the latest home automaand convenience throughout the property.

30 The facts and history behind

20

36

Your Life, Your Look

fashion—but follow your best

Cognac

profiles an impressive home that tion, distributing entertainment

26

the exquisite aged Brandy from France.

shopping instincts.

44

Whistler’s Wonderland B r i t i s h C o l u m b i a ’s F a i r m o n t Chateau Whistler offers guests

Haute Vegan

a dazzling, delightful mixture of

Veggie-fueled, frequently un-

outdoor adventure and cozy win-

cooked Vegan dining is becom-

tertime luxury.

ing the rage among foodies and celebs.

6

HDL

HDL0909_Features 6

9/8/09 11:34:57 AM

Simply the World’s Finest Loudspeaker.

Exclusively at HiFi House. Some say that when you’re considering speakers you have to choose beauty or accuracy, but you can’t have both. Now, with loudspeakers from Wilson Audio, you don’t have to choose. Wilson Audio speakers are known for their unyielding dynamics, unparalleled craftsmanship and unbelieveably realistic sound quality—audio so real, you’ll think it’s live. Now Wilson Audio speaker are available to you...but only at HiFi House. Stop by any HiFi House location today and experience what musicians, recording professionals and music lovers everywhere consider the finest loudspeakers in the world. Wilmington: 2304 Concord Pike Wilmington, DE 19803 (302) 655-4780

Jenkintown: 509 Old York Road Jenkintown, PA 19046 (215) 885-5300

www.hifihousegroup.com

HDL0909_HiFi_House_V031 7

Broomall: 1001 Sussex Blvd. Broomall, PA 19008 (610) 544-4420

toll free 800.990.hifi

9/1/09 10:30:13 AM

CONTENTS

54

7

64

58

52

more. Today’s new-age “vites” may

58

boost your brainpower, extend your

Looking to improve your football

life and even help you shed some

seating for this upcoming sea-

74

Head for the Hills

ends about the beautiful jewelry

pounds.

son? Two top names in home

An experienced hiker suggests

known as jade.

theater furniture offer some sug-

10 spots you may want to visit

gestions.

for a power walk—whatever your

Vital Vitamins Vitamins aren’t just for the kids any-

The Best Seat in the House

80

The Stone of Fidelity Origins, history, facts and leg-

level of hiking experience hap-

64

Let the Good Meals Roll!

pert testimony from a Big Easy

82

local.

Little-known but fascinating

Join us for a “restaurant crawl” through some of New Orleans’ top dining spots—including ex-

COVER PHOTO by Vasco Celio Courtesy of CEDIA member Global Technologies and Control Solutions

pens to be.

The Invisible Accessory history and facts on the most elusive—but potentially potent— of personal products: perfume.

8

HDL

It’s time to make your g rand entrance.

BUILDING LONG STANDING RELATIONSHIPS

“America’s Best Custom Builder” NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOMEBUILDERS

EXPERIENCE THE FINEST IN MAIN LINE LIVING, IN ONE OF OUR COMMUNITIES OR ON YOUR HOMESITE

Athertyn

Fenimore

Haverford From $635,000

Gladwyne From $2.3 million

55+ Lifestyle Condominiums

Custom Homes

Winfield

Boxwood

Devon From $2.7 million

Radnor From $2.5 million

Custom Homes

Custom Homes

Contact Jean Bell • 610-647-3700 www.pohligbuilders.com

HDL0909_HiFi_House_V031 9

9/1/09 10:30:16 AM

The Most Useful iPhone Apps Download these handy life-tools (many are still absolutely FREE) and you’ll have THE most functional iPhone on the market, no matter the generation.

With over 65,000 iPhone applications in 20 different categories to choose from, how are you ever supposed to wade through the riffraff apps to find the few that really enhance your lifestyle? You can always check the “Top 25” on iTunes, but we’re prioritizing utility over popularity on this enjoyably pragmatic best-of list:

Pandora Internet Radio (Free, Pandora) Perhaps the best app of all time, and still astonishingly free. You type in the name of an artist, song or album that you love, and Pandora will set up a live stream of related music. Disagree with a choice? Hit the “thumbs down” button and skip to the next “radio station” tune (keep in mind you only get six skips an hour).

iHandyCarpenter ($1.99, iHandyCarpenter) Leave the unwieldy bubble level and blumb bobs in the tool box, boys. This app uses the iPhone’s built-in accelerometer to determine when something is vertically or horizontally true. You’ll have to calibrate your phone first to make this work, but once you do, it’s incredibly useful for tasks like hanging picture frames or even deck construction. Virtual tape measuring and caliber measurements available too.

Local Picks by TripAdvisor

Mixologist - 7900 Drink & Cocktail Recipes

10 HDL

($.99, Digital Outcrop) Forget the precise ingredients and measurements for a Gimlet or Sex on the Beach? It’s all here, along with nearly 8,000 other cocktail recipes. Drink categories include martinis, shooters, jello shots, punches, hot drinks—even non-alcoholic choices for the Shirley Temple set.

(Free, TripAdvisor LLC) A lot of apps will toss out a list of restaurant suggestions, but the culinary winners on the Local Pics app were judged by real people who tried the food themselves. This app draws from over a million and a half reviews to offer you the best choices in both small and large cities around the globe.

>> by AUDREY GRAY

IPHONEAPPS

S:7”

THE ONLY LED TV WITH PICTURE SO REAL IT EARNED THX CERTIFICATION. The technology of LG LED TVs that delivers deeper blacks, richer colors, and vivid clarity now comes with something better: THX certification. So whether it’s an aweinspiring scene or the striking detail of an even more striking animal, LG’s LED TVs display it with stunning picture quality.

So, is it a TV? Or something better? LGusa.com

LED TV with

©2009 LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc., Englewood Cliffs, NJ. All rights reserved. “LG Life’s Good” is a registered trademark of LG Corp. Screen Image Simulated.

HDL0909_Features.indd 11

9/4/09 2:03:02 PM

CUSTOMINSTALL

>> by HOWARD WHITMAN

Picking Up the Pieces HiFi House turned an unfinished project into a world-class home theater. For some people, it’s in their nature to leave half-done projects incomplete. Perhaps they scrap what’s been done and start all over again, or just ditch the whole thing. Picking up the pieces and finishing the original project can be a major challenge for some, but fortunately for one family, HiFi House of Broomall, Pa., has never met a challenge it couldn’t face. In this case, a prospective client came to HiFi House with a unique proposition—the chance to bring one of its own incomplete jobs to fruition. “He was buying a new home that the previous owner never had a chance to move into,” explains HiFi House A/V System Designer Harry Blanchard. “He originally wanted equipment that would finish off the whole-house music system that we started for the previous owner, and he wanted to finish off the basement theater using some of his existing equipment along with a projector and screen purchase.”

12

HiFi House offered recommendations to make the finished product even better than first imagined. “I introduced him to Kaleidescape, Stewart curved constant height/variable width screen and the motorized anamorphic lens for the theater room,” Blanchard recalls. “He instantly fell in love—hard. We even expanded the Kaleidescape into three other areas of the home: playroom, family room and master bedroom.” Beyond powering the system with cutting-edge technology, the client also had two prerequisites, according to Blanchard: “Make it clean and simple to use.” This created additional challenges. “Because the house was wired for another client,” Blanchard says, “we had to move and add some additional wiring to the finished home. We made sure that the cabinet that housed most of the equipment blended into the house but still was very functional.”

>>

HDL

HDL0909_HiFi_House_V031 12

9/1/09 10:30:31 AM

“ WHEN IT CAME TO

HOME ELECTRONICS FOR

HOUSE, MY I CHOSE THE

HOMETOWN

TEAM.”

HiFi House knocked it out of the park. They made it so easy. We just told them what we wanted and they handled everything from concept to completion. The attention to detail was amazing. They treated my house like it was their house. Even after it was all done, the service was incredible. No wonder these guys are Best of Philly.

Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies Second Baseman

Broomall: 1001 Sussex Blvd. Broomall, PA 19008 (610) 544-4420

Jenkintown: 509 Old York Road Jenkintown, PA 19046 (215) 885-5300

www.hifihouse.com

HDL0909_HiFi_House_V031 13

Wilmington: 1 block south of Charcoal Pit 2304 Concord Pike Wilmington, DE 19803 (302) 655-4780 toll free 800.990.hifi

9/1/09 10:30:35 AM

As the project got underway, the HiFi House team went to great lengths to ensure that this system would be everything the client wanted—and more. “At every TV location we had a HD cable box and a K-player,” Blanchard says. “I remotely located them and included RF remote into the design. If I couldn’t make it blend in using in-wall/ceiling speakers and flagstone planter speakers, for example, I hid it away out of sight in mechanical spaces and closets. The Acoustic Innovation theater chairs we installed in the theater room fit their ‘restoration hardware’ style perfectly.” So the family would always have access to its favorite movies, HiFi House loaded about 400 of them into the Kaleidescape system. “They can now watch any of their movies

in bed, in the family room, in the lower level play room, and/ or the home theater with a push of a button. This made the system as important to the kids as it did to the parents,” Blanchard says. After about a month’s work, the system was finally ready to use, to the client’s delight. “Seeing it in a showroom is one thing,” Blanchard says, “but being able to simply pick up the remote in his home and work the system with very little instruction won him for life. He, like others, questioned the cost of control until he saw it in action. The Mrs. really liked the lighting control we added in the master bedroom and theater room. They also get a kick out of the amount and quality of sound we can get out of a planter speaker on the terrace.” HDL

14 HDL

HDL0909_HiFi_House_V031 14

9/1/09 10:31:08 AM

HDL0909_HiFi_House_V031 15

9/1/09 10:35:09 AM

DEALERPROFILE

>> by Kirsten Nelson

Finding Your Way Home HiFi House helps its clients navigate an enjoyable journey with technology.

In these days of GPS navigation systems and online map tools, it seems impossible to get lost. But occasionally, it happens. A wrong turn or a missed exit can leave you stranded, hoping in vain to find a gas station with an actual attendant working the late shift. As those minutes and miles crawl by, all you want to see is a human face to help you find your way. The fact is, even with an increasing amount of technology that surrounds us every day, it’s still great to speak to a person who can answer questions and help you find what you’re looking for, especially when you’re shopping for electronics. Somehow, it’s those newfangled gadgets that require human intervention in their deciphering.

16

That level of personalized service is what HiFi House provides its customers in its two Pennsylvania locations in Broomall and Jenkintown and at its branch in Wilmington, Del. “When you call a HiFi House location, a person answers the telephone,” notes Jon Robbins, chief operating officer of HiFi House. “We know how frustrating it is when you get caught in a voicemail black hole. We believe that the human element is very important to what we do.” Robbins, whose father founded HiFi House on these same principles in 1955, adds that customers who visit HiFi House stores or call on the telephone will see the same people and hear the same voices year after year. Among the company’s 75 employees, “Our average sales associate has been working here for about 15 years,” Robbins says. “That’s a huge

>>

HDL

HDL0909_HiFi_House_V031 16

9/1/09 10:31:26 AM

YOU

SEE IT RISING ABOVE RITTENHOUSE SQUARE. NOW SEE WHY IT RISES ABOVE ALL OTHER LUXURY CONDOMINIUMS.

There’s only one opportunity to live in a new condominium on Rittenhouse Square. 10 Rittenhouse Square has been designed by world-renowned architect Robert A. M. Stern to combine the best of the new with Philadelphia’s traditional architecture. Amenities and service are unsurpassed: beautiful indoor pool, fitness center, residentonly valet parking garage, 24-hour doorman, room service, concierge, town car service and exclusive garden terrace. Plus a 10-year tax abatement. From $1.3 million.

Move in Fall 2009 215.825.7710 • 10Rittenhouse.com

HDL0909_HiFi_House_V031 17

9/1/09 10:31:28 AM

n Contact: Elite Home Technologies, A HiFi House Company 1001 Sussex Blvd.; Broomall, PA 19015; Phone: 610.544.4671; www.hifihousegroup.com

advantage to our customers. They come into one of our locations, and they’re dealing with people who have been in this industry for a long time. They’re in this as a career. This isn’t just a stopping point for them.” With that level of dedication comes the continuing education that HiFi House personnel take very seriously. “Our people continue to learn about technology and products on an ongoing basis, so we give the consumer the best advice possible,” Robbins emphasizes. To that respect, HiFi House offers some of the best guidance available with the added personal touch of an in-home consultation. One of the first steps to nearly every sale is a site visit, where HiFi House experts make recommendations on what technologies are best suited not only to the home itself, but more importantly, to meet the needs of their clients’ lifestyles. “Every house is different,” Robbins says. “It’s not like car stereo, where a Lexus is a Lexus. It’s very important that we

do site surveys so we can create an expectation that can be fulfilled, and when our installers get there they know exactly what work needs to be done.” Before, during and after the sales and installation process at HiFi House, customers are always in touch with people. Just so clients can rest easy at any hour, at any point along their journey, that they have the ability to reach their dedicated associate by mobile phone, home phone or e-mail. “There’s a bond that connects our people to our clients,” Robbins says. “The whole relationship is a process. Because we’re not in it for one sale; we’re in it for creating a relationship with our customers.” As time goes by, and clients’ needs change, HiFi House will continue to be there to answer the call. “What we’re about is creating fun,” Robbins enthuses. “There’s way too much stress in this life. But we’re there to provide pleasure and entertainment, and the only way to really do that right is to have the human connection.” HDL

18 HDL

HDL0909_HiFi_House_V031 18

9/1/09 10:31:34 AM

Lutron

®

| whole-home light control from your iPhone

TM

Conveniently control the lights and shades throughout your home. With a HomeWorks® whole-home light control system you can orchestrate the daylight and electric light in your home to match your activities, set a relaxing mood, enhance your lifestyle, and save energy. HomeWorks can now be controlled from your Apple® iPhoneTM or iPod® Touch via a Wi-Fi connection. Contact your local provider for set up and integration with your HomeWorks system. For more information, or to find a list of HomeWorks providers near you, contact: 1.877.2.LUTRON www.lutron.com/homeworks

©2009 Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.

HDL0909_Features.indd 19

Apple and iPod are registered trademarks and iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc.

9/4/09 11:37:46 AM

VEGANcooking

>> by Audrey Gray

Haute Vegan

What began as a health and diet trend is emerging as the latest in luxury dining choices among celebrities and gastrophiles alike.

J

ust like the menu items at most fine-dining establishments, the names of entrées at New York’s Pure Food and Wine read rather like a stanza of poetry. There’s the “Caper Lemon Roasted Chanterelle Mushroom with Provencal Summer Truffle” or the “Tokyo Turnip Carpaccio” accompanied by an “English pea cream dressing.” With the prices of such refined offerings as swell as the language, it’s no wonder New York’s elite-though-incognito troupe of food critics will drop by the sublime Gramercy Park restaurant from time to time to sample the goods. Pure Food and Wine has twice been listed among the esteemed ranks of New York Magazine’s Top 100 Restaurants. Not bad for a place where the chefs insist that nothing is ever cooked. Welcome to the surprising world of vegan (pronounced VEE-gun) haute cuisine, a tiny but ever-so-steadily emerging subset of premier American dining destinations. At the posh Millennium on Geary Street in San Francisco or the tony Candle 79 on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, risk-taking restauranteurs are pouring funding into much more than a token “vegetarian dish” on their carefullycrafted menus. Instead, they are betting the house—and differentiating

20

themselves in a highly competitive marketplace—on bills of fare which are not only meat-free but animal product-free as well. That means no milk, eggs, butter, cream or even honey. At Pure Food and Wine, the requirements are even more stringent. As purveyors of what’s known as a “raw” or “live food” diet, the chefs there assemble their impressive dishes without heating ingredients to more than 115 degrees fahrenheit, a practice that is said to aid in digestion by preserving a food’s natural enzymes. But what about preserving the real reason why most people go out to eat in the first place—namely, pure and unadulterated pleasure? Vegan proprietors like Bart Potenza, co-founder of Candle 79 and author of “The Candle Cafe Cookbook: More than 150 Enlightened Recipes from New York’s Renowned Vegan Restaurant,” say their chefs are masters of both savory and sweet treats, and they have plenty of patrons as witnesses. “Last Valentine’s night here, we had 220 reservations and a hundred more on a wait list,” said Potenza, lounging in a cozy corner of of Candle 79’s upper level, a seat frequented regularly by Sir Paul McCartney. “Only 20 percent of our customers are actual vegetarians, but people come back.”

Candle 79’s delectable Stuffed Manicotti is made with sautéed mushrooms, tofu-basil cheese, seitan ragout, toasted cashew parmesan cheese, roasted tomato sauce and pine nut pesto.

>>

HDL

HDL0909_Features.indd 20

9/3/09 1:52:45 PM

AMPLIFY YOUR LIVING SPACE WITH THE VIVIDLY BEAUTIFUL AND ELEGANT LOOK OF INTELLIGENT COLOR-CHANGING LED ILLUMINATION.

Renaissance Lighting™ is the only company to offer a complete line of architectural-grade, solid-state LED, color-changing recessed downlights. Each fixture can be wirelessly controlled using intuitive proprietary software and simple control systems to create customized color-changing lighting effects for any living area.

elegant. efficient. eco-logical. www.renaissancelighting.com

HDL0909_Features.indd 21

9/3/09 1:52:57 PM

Based in New York’s Upper East Side, Candle 79 has attracted celebrities such as Sir Paul McCartney and Woody Harrelson.

Candle 79 provides the luxurious setting characteristic of any upscale metropolitan restaurant.

Potenza opened Candle 79 in 2003, to the delight of leafy celebrities like Woody Harrelson (Pontnza calls him the “poster boy” of veganism), Tilda Swinton, Owen Wilson and Alicia Silverstone, a food and animal-rights activist who is coming out with a vegan lifestyle book called “The Kind Diet” in the fall of 2009. Though it hasn’t always been easy to find top-shelf chefs who are willing to work without crème fraîche, not to mention fine meat, seafood and poultry, Potenza is proud of Candle 79’s staying power in a city where less-than-desireable restaurants are shuttered faster than glass houses in hurricane season. “We try to emphasize ‘organic’ over ‘vegan,’ and talk about the beautiful ingredients that we collect from our relationships with a network of organic farmers,” said Potenza. “And our Angel has a wonderful imagination.” Candle 79’s “angel” is Angel Ramos, an

22

unassuming but highly creative chef with a shy smile. Raised partly in Mexico and partly in New York, Ramos spends mornings browsing local green markets to gather wide array of farm-fresh and unique vegetables like the sweet and peppery watermelon radish. He spends evenings transforming such green shoots and root vegetables into South American-inspired fare like zuchinni enchiladas with chipotle tomato sauce, spinach, guacamole, pumpkin seeds and cucumber-tomato salsa, or herb-crusted tofu with truffled soft polenta and an oven-roasted tomato pesto. “We work with very rich veggie stocks, cashew cream, coconut milk and meaty mushrooms,” said Ramos. “But even the simplest vegetables sauteed with fresh garlic, herbs and white wine can be really, really nice.” Though not all vegan restaurants dabble in foods that double as meat substitutes, preferring to celebrate the flavors of vegetables and whole grains alone, Ramos and Potenza

>>

HDL

HDL0909_Features.indd 22

9/3/09 1:53:17 PM

NOW SHOW I N G

EARTH-F R IENDLY LEATHERS

Starring Salamander’s signature styles, featuring the highest quality construction that delivers enduring value and a memorable performance of ultimate comfort. Now in Green. As seen in HTSA’s first “Guiltless Green Home Theater” Introducing Earth-friendly leathers which are tanned using a new environmentally responsible process that eliminates the use of bad actors like toxic chemicals.

See the many Salamander Seating options along with our entertainment cabinets and mounts and Design Your Own at SalamanderSeating.com or call 888-892-9919.

ENTERTAINMENT FURNITURE SHAPED BY YOUR NEEDS

HDL0909_Features.indd 23

9/3/09 1:53:28 PM

The Chocolate Mousse Tower is one of Candle 79’s popular, decadent (but healthy) desserts.

Chef Angel Ramos runs Candle 79’s imaginative kitchen.

fully embrace what they call the “Holy Trinity” of vegan cuisine: seitan (an elastic gluten product sometimes called “wheat meat”), tempeh (soybeans in a cake form) and tofu (known popularly as bean curd, but actually curds of coagulated soy milk). “Tempeh has a little bit of its own flavor, but seitan and tofu don’t taste like anything, so it’s up to my sauces,” said Ramos, an inventor who seems up for the challenge, creating popular entrés like “Caribbean Jerk Grilled Seitan in brown ale black bean sauce” accompanied by “plantains, mango-papaya salsa, and jalapeño-cilantro coulis.” Desserts get a lot of attention in Ramos’ kitchen as well, though he’s inclined to round out his patrons’ healthy dining experience with exotic sweet alternatives like orangecashew cream, almond shortbread, and plenty of ginger-spicy chocolate.

“I love it when people grab me after their meals, just to say thank you,” said Ramos. In an age of vegan manifestos like the best-selling “Skinny Bitch” series as well as testimonials from willowly vegan Hollywood starlets, more Americans than ever seem open to the idea of at least tasting the options at restaurants like Candle 79 and Millennium, where chef Eric Tucker serves smoked tofu with kaffir lime and a Thai basil coconut curry. According to the Vegetarian Resource Group 2009 survey, there are currently approximately 6–8 million Americans who never eat meat, poultry or seafood, and 30 percent of those vegetarians identify themselves as vegan. It’s certainly still an unconventional choice, but unconventional is often the key ingredient in creating fine dining experiences with perennially fresh appeal. HDL

24 HDL

HDL0909_Features.indd 24

9/3/09 1:53:43 PM

AV I O N S E R I E S I I 8 9 2 9

HIDDEN WHEELS

CONCEALED SPEAKER COMPARTMENT

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS

Every single detail has been beautifully engineered to blow you away. And that’s not just talk. With sleek design and thoughtful engineering like IR remote-friendly doors, hidden wheels, European hardware and flow-through ventilation, BDI home theater furniture is designed to amaze. Visit bdiusa.com to locate a dealer near you, and prepare to be floored.

www.bdiusa.com

HDL0909_Features.indd 25

HIGH PERFORMANCE FURNITURE

9/3/09 1:53:46 PM

VIDEOPROJECTORS

>> by MAUREEN JENSON

The Home Theater Experience Front Projection Systems keep getting better, easier to use and more affordable.

26 HDL

t wasn’t too long ago that a front projection home theater system meant installing hundreds of pounds of a CRT projector, and spending hours (days?) tweaking it to look good. Thanks to the rapid development of DLP (and LCD and LCOS), projectors now look great, and are cheaper, easier to maintain, and easier to install. However there is still a resistance among some consumers to having a front projection system installed in their home. The benefits—and the home theater experience—of today’s front projection systems are truly numerous and knowing them can help alleviate any fears, so that Mr. and Mrs. Homeowner can truly get “On With The Show”!

I

How They Work Today’s projection systems come in a couple of flavors. Most high-end projectors are based on Texas Instruments’ DLP, or Digital Light Processing. At its core is the DMD, or Digital Micromirror Device. Almost all home projectors now are 1080p, and, as such, the DMD has 2,073,600 tiny mirrors, each mirror representing one pixel on screen (1,920 by 1,080). A single-chip DLP (as in one DMD) uses a color wheel. This is just how it sounds. It’s a small wheel with color filter segments. In three-chip DLP projectors, the light from the lamp is split by a prism and sent to—you guessed it—three DMDs, one for each color. Three-chip DLP systems are often considerably brighter than their single-chip brothers. Johnny

Fare, a buyer for Wilshire Audio and Video in Thousand Oaks, Calif., says, “People are really looking now for high performance at a lower cost, and that is one of the things that Epson, for example, does very well. The beauty of the projector world that we live in today is that every person, no matter what their budget, can enjoy the really large screen home theater experience that a projection system can provide.” Other Ways to Go Other main projection technologies that homeowners are considering are LCOS (SXRD and HD-ILA). The other main technology in the high-end front projection world right now is LCOS, or Liquid Crystal on Silicon. One of the most popular flavors is Sony’s SXRD (Silicon X-tal Reflective Display). Light from a lamp is polarized (like good sunglasses) and focused on an LCOS chip. All LCOS projectors are three-chip designs, which create color much in the same way as a three-chip DLP. Installation-wise, LCOS projectors are most often found competing in price and light output with single-chip DLP projectors. LCD Liquid Crystal Display projectors are one of the most common types of projectors, but they are predominantly on the low end of the price spectrum. While they have come a long way, they generally still don’t have the contrast ratio or black level of DLP and LCOS projectors. The better LCD-based projectors, though, are often very quiet, which is a feature that shouldn’t be

>>

27 HDL

underestimated. LCDs (both projectors and flat panels) are a transmissive technology—that is to say, the light shines through the device, and out to the screen. Getting Better All the Time Bob Dodge and Rob Seaman of Talk of the Town in Allendale, N.J., comment that, “For our customers, price doesn’t seem to be so much of the issue now—it’s space. Back in the days when CRT was the norm, it was a lengthy process to install, with way more maintenance for the consumer; with today’s technologies, all of that inconvenience has been eliminated.” Bob Dodge added, “Technology has come so far, one of our most popular brands is Sim2. Dollar for dollar, Sim2 is putting out an amazing picture.” The projector itself isn’t the only aspect of your home theater that you need to think about. It’s also important to consider the screen as a partner of the projector, not as just an addition. Matching a projector with the right screen is key. Too large of a screen and the image is dim, too small, and it’s not engaging; those parts are obvious. Wide screens are becom-

ing extremely popular. Many new projectors have the ability to be mated with an anamorphic lens. In this type of setup, the projector removes the black bars from a 2.35:1 movie, and stretches the image vertically to fill its 1.78:1 chip. The lens stretches this out to fill the wider screen. The lens is motorized, as is the screen’s masking, so that you can continue to watch HDTV programming (or 1.85:1 movies) at the correct aspect ratio. No Need to Fear In today’s world, you have plenty of options and many homeowners have probably never considered a projector, not because they don’t want one, but because they don’t even know they exist (or consider them too complex). These people really need to see a projection system in operation, and then learn that it isn’t any more difficult to use than a regular TV. There are so many options and price ranges for projectors that there is no reason far more people shouldn’t have projectors in their home, and enjoy the truly superior entertainment experience that accompanies a really big screen. HDL

28 HDL

HDL0909_Features.indd 28

9/3/09 1:54:13 PM

10 Topics and Questions to Think About When Considering a Front Projection System 1) How big do you want to go? Think bigger. 2) How about a TV the size of your wall? 3) Check out demonstrations that show how projectors and screens can actually be hidden in the room environment. 4) Hold a Crestron or similar control system—you won’t want to put it down. 5) Ask about perforated/weave screens that speakers can “hide behind” and still sound great. 6) A “wow” solution is an LCD/plasma for the day, dropdown screen and projector at night. 7) You’ll want a 2.35:1 screen/anamorphic lens system. Either you’ll hate black bars or your neighbor already has a big 1.78:1 screen. 8) It’s all about light output at the higher end. You do get what you pay for. 9) Check out the ambient light situation in your space. Too many windows? Invest in a great lighting control system with automatic shades. 10) H  ave a demonstration with movies, but also with games, concerts, sporting events, for yourself and your kids or grandkids, a projection system is multi-purpose, fun for the entire family, and pays for itself in saved ticket expenses ... and you’ll have the best seat in the house!

29 HDL

HDL0909_Features.indd 29

9/3/09 1:54:24 PM

FINECOGNAC

>> by SHEILA LONG O’MARA

C

ognac. The rich, tasty amber liquid that perfectly warms up a chilly evening finds its roots dating back to the 16th Century when Dutch settlers landed in the French region by the same name to buy salt, wood and wine. The journey home, however, proved difficult in that wine preservation left much to be desired, and the Dutch discovered that double distillation not only kept the wine intact, but also made for a finer, more elegant and tastier drink. Brandy— which comes from the Dutch word brandewijn and means burnt wine—was born. Brandy is made all over the world, but only brandy made in the Cognac region of France and under strict guidelines can be called Cognac. The Cognac region stretches over two regions in western France, Charente-Maritime—bordering the Atlantic Ocean—and Charente—a little further inland. There are six growth areas designated for producing Cognac. Listed in descending order of ageing potential and quality, they are: Grand Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois and Bois Ordinaires. The criteria for producing Cognac is strict. Regulations require that Cognac be aged for at least 30 months in French oak that comes primarily from central France’s Limousin and Tronçais forests.

>>

A Drink for the Ages

As Cognac ages in the barrels, the flavors and aromas change. Apricot, pear and plum flavors become candied and nutty.

Cognac: The Truth About the Exquisitely Aged Brandy from France

30 HDL

HDL0909_Features.indd 30

9/3/09 1:54:27 PM

Project3

8/11/08

12:31 PM

Page 1

The Glamour of Technology.

“SIM2 has a rich history of providing high-performance, beautifully styled home theater solutions,” says SIM2 Multimedia President Maurizio Cini. “The Grand Cinema™ C3X 1080 represents the pinnacle of performance and design—we call it the ‘Glamour of Technology.’ The C3X 1080 is an innovative, brilliantly-crafted centerpiece that delivers a breathtaking cinematic experience in the home.” This next-generation home theater projector is totally unique to SIM2—no other manufacturer has the ability to produce a high performance 3-chip projector with such compact dimensions, which is why SIM2 has taken out five separate patents for this product alone. The Grand Cinema™ C3X 1080 is without doubt a true thoroughbred, offering unprecedented picture quality for the discerning home theater customer. And the picture it delivers is simply outstanding with an almost three-dimensional feel. It’s the smallest and best-performing Full HD 3-chip projector on the market, and was one of the first to use Texas Instruments DLP® Products’ latest DarkChip4™ chip for superior contrast and benchmark-quality 1080p video. DarkChip4™, coupled with SIM2’s ALPHAPATH™ light engine, provides a combination of contrast, color, brightness and resolution that repositions the digital imaging benchmark for a compact highperformance projector. In the best SIM2 tradition, the 17-inch-square, 22-pound C3X 1080 is housed in a dazzling, high-gloss sculpted cabinet designed by Giorgio Revoldini with the company’s trademark flowing lines. The Grand Cinema™ C3X 1080’s new all-glass optics and SIM2’s proprietary ALPHAPATH™ light engine create a system that delivers fullHD, 1920x1080 progressive video. The combination’s superb contrast (>10,000:1, typically) matches its impressive color depth and remarkable brightness capability, for a net result of breathtaking, almost three-dimensional picture performance from high-quality source material. And SIM2’s newly-developed advanced color-management software is available to permit installers and calibrators to precisely match each projector to its home theater environment and preference. For ease of installation, three lens options are available. The Grand Cinema™ C3X 1080 embodies performance and elegance—a true Italian masterpiece. Available in high-gloss Gun Metal cabinet finish, additional colors available upon request.

For more information contact: www.sim2usa.com CEDIA BOOTH #330

HDL0909_Features 31

9/3/09 4:51:18 PM

The road from unremarkable wine to amazing spirit begins every winter when master distillers usher the year’s newly fermented wine through copper stills, where it bubbles, steams and condenses following a process unchanged since the 17th century. The resulting harsh, colorless liquid then heads into oak casks, where it ages at least two-and-a-half years—though

Tasting Tips Cognac aficionados tend to believe in promoting proper tasting and etiquette. While similar, testing techniques for Cognac differ from those used in tasting wines or other spirits. The generally accepted method of proper Cognac tasting follows: • It is necessary to have a proper tasting glass. Most tasters use tulipshaped glasses of medium size.

sometimes for decades. The spirit absorbs color, flavors and aromas from the oak and finally becomes Cognac. Before it reaches the bottle, the cellarmaster often blends Cognacs of different ages and regions to achieve a signature style. The four largest producers of Cognac are Courvoisier, Hennessy, Martell, and Remy-Martin. In addition to rarer Co-

>>

• Pour a small amount of Cognac into the glass. Hold the glass with your hand cupping the bottom of the glass’ bowl to warm the Cognac using the heat from your hand. Five to seven minutes should be enough for a Cognac poured from room temperature. Warming is often overlooked in Cognac tasting. • Hold the Cognac to light to see any sediment or cloudiness in the liquid. A good Cognac should have good clarity and no sediment. Slosh the Cognac gently against the sides of the

glass, notice any legs or tears that run down the glass. This is a sign of good age. • Smell the Cognac. This is primarily a matter of personal preference, but here are a few guidelines to keep in mind. If you stick your nose too far into the glass, you’ll have a good chance of ruining your nose due to high alcohol presence, especially on the younger Cognacs. Likewise, if you’re too far from the glass, you’ll have a hard time picking out lesser defined, soft scent notes. Try a few distances until you strike the balance of good, well-rounded scent. Some of the most common notes are vanilla, nuts, flowers and caramel. Slosh gently and repeat. • Taste the Cognac. Take small sips and let the Cognac coat your mouth and tongue. Take note of how the Cognac feels to the mouth, is it warm or does it outright burn your mouth? Contemplate the balance between this, bitterness and acidity. Does the Cognac feel rounded and astringent? Is it soft and oily? Warm and leathery with a strong floral aftertaste? This is best discussed with friends and can sometimes benefit from being paired with a cigar, some coffee or fine chocolate. Don’t be surprised if it takes quite a few tastings before you can start to tell the difference between brands or grades of Cognac. Keep in mind that Cognac has a high alcohol content and know your limits.

32 HDL

HDL0909_Features.indd 32

9/3/09 1:55:00 PM

MILLE NUITS CHANDELIER

NEW YORK

•

ALA MOANA

•

AT L A N T I C C I T Y

SAN FRANCISCO

HDL0909_Features.indd 33

•

CHICAGO

•

DALLAS

•

SOUTH COAST PLAZA

•

TROY

800.777.0100

•

•

GREENWICH

• •

HOUSTON

•

LAS VEGAS

•

PA L M D E S E R T

W W W. B A C C A R AT. C O M

9/3/09 1:55:03 PM

Cognac cellar

gnacs such as $1,000-per-bottle Richard Hennessy, each produces the three basic grades of Cognac—VS, VSOP, and XO. VS stands for Very Special, and is used to describe a spirit whose youngest blended spirit has been aged for a minimum of two and a half years in oak barrels. VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale)-grade spirits have been aged for a minimum of four years. Finally, XO means the spirit has been stored in oak casks aging for at least six years. As Cognac ages in the barrels, the flavors and aromas change. Apricot, pear

and plum flavors become candied and nutty; vanilla tones shift to chocolate, tobacco and hints of cedar. With Cognac, all the aging takes place in the barrel, not in the bottle. Once you buy a Cognac, it’s ready to enjoy with no need to age in a cellar. Typically, the older the Cognac, the more expensive. However, it does not mean it is the best. As with wine, tasting Cognac is a subjective experience and someone can easily prefer a VSOP to an XO depending on their personal palate. HDL

34 HDL

ON6497 HDL0909_Features.indd 34

9/3/09 1:55:07 PM

Ten Years of Innovation Ten Years of Reliability Ten Years of Simple Setup and Operation Ten Years of Devotion to Offering the Best Ten years ago...... Integra was launched because the best then, just wasn’t good enough. Integra elected to focus a wide assortment of home theater electronics primarily on something other manufacturers had let fall by the wayside, quality. Not only sound quality, but video quality, build quality and ergonomic quality. While others are satisfied to provide bombastic effects for movies, Integra is designed to provide top quality audio for music reproduction as well, to be the ultimate amalgam of performance, integration capabilities, and ease of use. The Integra brand has grown from its idealistic beginnings to the top choice amongst America’s elite audio video specialists and custom home installation firms for these very reasons. Experience Integra. Experience the results of a ten year quest to simply be the best. www.integrahometheater.com

FINEHANDBAGS

>> by STEPHANIE M. ADAMOW

Your Life, Your Look When shopping for a handbag this season, consult the runway, but buy for your lifestyle.

I

f you’re looking for the season’s “it” bag, keep looking because you won’t find it here. While each season releases fresh or revived couture, livened or dampened with various trends and fashion statements, the biggest trendsetter of all is you. With the entrance of tight budgets comes the exit of the “me too” era. Now fashion icons are not mandating, but suggesting—hoping you’ll take some of the runway influence and make it your own, blending it with your lifestyle, manipulating ready-to-wear into outfits and accessories that last and simply make sense. This may not always be inexpensive, but it’s smart nonetheless. Economic Repercussions on Fashion The fashion industry’s plight is not much different than many others impacted by the stressed economy. The headlines speak for themselves: Saks lays off almost 10 percent of its workforce; Macy’s to shut down 11 stores, etc. Even Louis Vuitton, one of the most revered names in luxury goods, canceled plans to build a flagship store in Tokyo, a U.S. News and World Report article confirmed at the end of last year. And in yet another blow to the servants of the elite, New York’s Fashion Week, held in September and February, saw several designers either scaling down their shows/parties or pulling out all together. One of the former was Carmen Marc Valvo, sportswear and eveningwear designer who’s had stints with Nina Ricci and Christian Dior, who had this to say in an article on fashion-stylist.net: “If I had shown in the tents,

36

it would have been ‘over the top, no worries, life is wonderful, isn’t this great?’ and we all know it’s not. … Retailers are going to be hit so hard this Christmas season, to flaunt the excessive expense of a show at a time when everybody is suffering, and it’s terrible with all the layoffs. I didn’t feel it is the right message.” Valco, whose couture has been worn by Vanessa Williams, Kim Catrall and Oprah Winfrey, was certainly not alone. Designers like Alexander Wang, Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs canceled their parties all together. But all is not as dire as it seems. According to Diane von Furstenberg, president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and mother of the wrap dress that rocked the world in the 1970s, this industry needed a “laxative”—a

Something hot from Bottega Veneta’s fall line.

>>

HDL

HDL0909_Features 36

9/3/09 3:50:36 PM

Rote

Details. For nearly five decades, Rotel’s design team has agonized over the details. It is a fundamental part of our Balanced Design Philosopy, whereby component parts are rigorously selected, signal paths refined, and tactile elements like the feel of a button press, or the turn of a volume control are carefully considered.

“The RSX-1560 is a fine tuned product that maintains the manufacturer’s effortlessly musical personality while projecting it onto a new amplifier topology. If I agonized over this receiver, I can only imagine how many sleepless nights Rotel’s designers spent trying to make it sound as good as its shiny front panel looks.” Mark Fleischman, Home Theater Magazine

Our meticulous attention to what truly matters has won us critical acclaim and the support of countless Rotel fans around the globe. Whether your clients’ passion is music, film, or both, Rotel will bring them closer to the original event. We believe our new 15 Series is simply the best choice in high performance electronics.

W W W. R O T E L . C O M

HDL0909_Features.indd 37 Rotel-15Series-HDLivingTradeAd.indd 1

9/3/09 1:55:39 PM AM 9/2/09 9:19:37

MakeRo

cleansing from the many years of binging on the seemingly endless cycle of supply and demand. And now change has arrived. Von Furstenberg not only has the clout of her presidency but also the experience of forming, losing and recreating her company and brand. She was the subject of a recent article in the business section of the New York Times as an example of the consequences of over-eager production and lack of business oversight. As a result, von Furstenberg was forced to license away her name. With the lesson still fresh in her mind, she rebuilt her company 10 years ago, now with a modest inventory, even though the company is expected to profit from the $200 million in sales that is projected for this year. Von Furstenberg said in the Times article that now, more than ever, designers will need to be creative because the industry thrives on producing materials that the public does not necessarily need, a sentiment echoed by Candy Pratts Price, executive fashion director of Vogue magazine’s online home, Style. com, in a conversation with HD Living. “We are dealing with what’s new and how to get people to shop,” Price says. “We are in the business of getting people to make the decision between yours and mine, how to embellish, how to add, refresh. All of these things are not new; they are just repositioned with a new sound.” And although Price’s goals as the online voice of Vogue have not changed—to provide sound reports of the shows and designer parties its viewers crave—their tune is obviously changing because of the economic downturn. While the site features bags like the Givenchy fishnet chain mini clutch and Burberry croco-

Fashions For Less • Dede-recycled leather; under $220 • MZ Wallace-www.mzwallace.com; under $200 • Lauren Mirkin-www.laurenmirkin.com; under $200 • Leann Barnes–reversoble clutch; $275 Bags in the $400-$600 range: • Botkier-rocker chic with fringe; www.botkier.com • Carlos Falchi-slouchy hobo found at Saks.com • Susan Farber-fringe styles; www.susanfarbercollections.com • Kooba (www.kooba.com; $500-$750) • Rebecca Minkoff (www.rebeccaminkoff.com; $500-$750‑check out the classic “Morning After” bag for a timeless look) • C C Skye-hobo styles and more (celebrity fave); www.ccskye.com

dile tote, you won’t find Price wholeheartedly advocating them as must-haves for the season. “We aren’t telling people you need to have that,” she says. “Women have to go to work, have to get the kids to school and will need a container. The concept of five alligator bags in all different colors is gone. Is there a luxury customer? Yes. But the perception has changed. What we’ve learned is, do you need luxury toys or do you need an investment?” For Price, designers like Italian luxury leather goods manufacturer Bottega Veneta are always smart buys because their bags

>>

Studs and grommets are all the rage this fall, as seen in this clutch and small bag from Bottega Veneta.

38

Nancy Gonzalez is a favorite for exotic skins and eye-popping color.

HDL

HDL0909_Features 38

9/3/09 3:50:56 PM

8/27/09

11:18 AM

Page 1

D

M

OU

NT S

MakeRoom_School

OR

IZ

E

TS

M OT

N

TA N

DS

U MO LL A TV W

KE

S

R

Make room for life

HDL0909_Features.indd 39

O

©2009 Milestone AV Technologies. All Rights Reserved. Sanus Systems is a division of Milestone. Sanus Systems is a registered trademark, and the Sanus logo is a trademark of Milestone.

UN

TS

SP EA

M

LL

U

RE

A TV W

U AV F

RN

IT

With Sanus Systems, you’ll always get smart design, high quality and patented technology. Our new, innovative products are easy to install and easy to use, giving you more time to enjoy cherished moments with friends and family. Learn more at www.SANUS.com.

9/3/09 1:55:48 PM

The Madison from Kooba; $595

The Rikki from Kooba; $595

A look inside and outside Leehe Fai’s boutique in Philadelphia.

are “quiet”—no labels, no initials—just fine, quality leather. “It’s an investment that can be reworked,” says Price, accentuating the recurring trend of this fashion season—timelessness. Fun With Fall Handbags “We’ve all done those stories before,” says Neiman Marcus’s fashion director, Ken Downing. “… Shopping in her own closet. You ask yourself, ‘What have we sold her in the past? If I was in her closet, what would I be looking at?’ … But when the product has a newness, a specialness, she is in the store shopping.” So what’s so special for fall? Don’t look now, but 80s fashions are showing up everywhere, from ready-to-wear to bags and shoes. “There’s been a real nod to the 80s on the runways,” says Downing, who’s been seen locking arms with Donna Karen (DKNY), Stella McCartney (Chloe) and Zac Posen. “Women can look forward to a larger bag in the fall … a hobo style with chain detail handles, perforation, with grommets, studs and sometimes with spikes for a little of the MTV influence.” It’s the “urban, downtown chic” that’s got Downing so excited about this 80s flashback. Even if you’re not into clothing with these types of details, wearing a bag with some metal detailing will really bring out the spirit of the season, he says. Leehe Fai, owner of a clothing and accessories boutique of the same name in downtown Philadelphia, is witnessing this fad unravel, saying “I’m actually seeing more of the slouchy hobo with cool fabrics, like those I remember from the 80s. [Those fashions started] to come back last year and this year, the 80s are back, like Pat Benetar in all her glory … hot pink, off the shoulder, shiny!” Color is definitely something to eye for the fall, especially red in all of its shades from bright to deep wine.

“We saw red in ready-to-wear, but the other trend is leopard—it’s a perennial,” notes Downing. “The fashion set love it, and women of style always respond to leopard. … There are lots of reasons to spice up your wardrobe.” Spicing up your wardrobe is easy to do with fashions from Nancy Gonzalez, whose bags Downing calls “modern classics,” with their exotic skins and eye-popping colors. But when all else fails, from day to day, Downing is a huge proponent of the large tote encasing a clutch. It’s the “chic way” to go about your everyday life inside the large tote, with the convenient clutch available for withdrawing when it’s time to run errands or attend events. “A lot of women live out of their bags, and this is a nice way to have everything in its place,” comments Downing.

>>

40 HDL

MDEA-HD HDL0909_Features 40

9/8/09 11:01:56 AM

Mitsubishi Unisen™ is the first premium flat panel TV with a 16-speaker Dolby ® Digital 5.1 channel surround sound system designed right into the television – uniting superior picture with superior sound. Enjoy concert sound quality without the need for separate components. Mitsubishi Unisen TVs feature 16 intelligent speakers that direct perfectly balanced audio waves beside and behind you to create an unprecedented depth of sound experience. Each Unisen TV features UltraThin Frame™ design, Advanced 120Hz Processing and Enhanced Color. Mitsubishi Unisen TV. Please visit Mitsubishi -TV.com/Unisen Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories. © 2009 Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc.

MDEA-HDL_Unisen Ad_Oct09.indd 1 HDL0909_Features 41

8/26/09 4:14:01 PM 9/8/09 11:02:06 AM

Catering to a Niche For less expensive alternatives, Leehe Fai, whose shoppers range from the savvy tween to the upscale octogenarian, carries designers like Rebecaa Minkoff, Kooba, MZ Wallace and Lauren Mirkin. She even carries lines she refers to as “recession designers,” which cater to the likely match: “recession shoppers.” This class of individuals does not look to buy the least expensive bag, but rather focuses more on the use she will get out it and how many different ways it can be worn. In this case, price is less of a factor. Fai’s “recession designers” include craftsman like Dede, which produces bags from recycled leather. “These are beautiful bags under $200,” reveals Fai. They come in various sizes and styles, including solids, patterns and patchwork. In the same vein, designer Leann Barnes will soon be seen in ViVi G Shoes, an accessories boutique in Media, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia. Owner Sherri Guggenheim is taking a gamble on this new designer, as she has on many others in her short time in business—just one year. These bags are reversible, so you essentially get two for one, she says—a small clutch for $275, with “fabulous” hardware: “They’re grown-up toys for women.” Guggenheim’s success with ViVi G Shoes is defying the odds in this recession. In fact, she soon will open a second location. With pride and possibly a bit of shock, Guggenheim admits she wouldn’t know what to do in a “booming economy.” With only a passion for shoes and handbags on her résumé (and a shopaholic confession), she credits the store’s success to a change in shopping tendencies, noting that her “welleducated” clientele leans more toward the boutique-style shop

as opposed to the mall. Like Leehe Fai, ViVi G’s carries less-expensive designers like Minkoff and Kooba as well as Botkier, Carlos Falchi, Susan Farber and C C Skye. The price tags on her bags range from $475 to $600, but Guggenheim is a stickler for quality. “I like a good value for good quality,” she says. “In a price point that is too low, the stuff falls apart.” Guggenheim has even created her own line of bags manufactured in Italy, ranging in price from $275 to $295. Be Your Own Trendsetter Be it red, studded, metallic, leather, exotic-skinned or tote, clutch or hobo, it seems the biggest trend of all is self-recognition of personal lifestyle. Women are looking for the bag for all seasons, one that is made of quality material, has that pizzazz and, most of all, will last. When it comes down to it: “Look at the choices and pick one that suits your lifestyle,” says Style.com’s Price. “Know what you need and what works in your life. How do you live, entertain?” Fai agrees, saying “Don’t fall into trends. Classic never loses its appeal.” At Neiman Marcus’s Downing always keeps this sentiment close at heart, citing the Chanel 2.55 as one of the few adornments that is coveted by grandmothers and granddaughters alike. But, keeping tune with his customers, his hunt for “what’s new and special” is never-ending. “The customer responds to newness,” he insists. “When it is super special, she does not hesitate.” HDL

42 HDL

14913_C HDL0909_Features.indd 42

9/3/09 1:56:34 PM

14913_CA_hd_living_nov_01.indd 1 HDL0909_Features.indd 43

9/11/07 10:44:07 AM 9/3/09 1:56:43 PM

CALL FOR YOUR NEAREST AUTHORIZED RETAILER 1-877-947-7844 WWW.CHADALLISON.COM

ut of all the fairytales, she knew no story could

WHISTLERRESORT

>> by Maggi Samuelson

Nestled in British Columbia’s breathtaking Blackcomb Mountain, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler combines thrilling winter sports with luxurious accommodations.

Whistler’sWonderland I The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Launches Alpine Adventures n the 1944 movie “To Have and Have Not”, the sultry Lauren Bacall taught Humphrey Bogart how to whistle: “You just put your lips together ... and blow.” Sixty-five years later, many of us still struggle to purse our lips and make a sound. Canadians have a theory that whistling is a natural talent, and their evidence stems from an extraordinary claim: They found a mountain that can whistle—the aptly named Whistler, B.C. In fact, locals named this mountain Whistler based on the whistling sound often heard by skiers on the

44

slopes. You can test this legend by journeying to this region for a skiing adventure at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler will help you celebrate your passion for mountain vistas while upholding your standards of luxury resort hospitality. The Chateau, situated at the base of the Blackcomb Mountain, is a towering 550-room luxury resort that combines traditional Canadian chateaux architecture and modern design, and is set against the backdrop of mountain slopes.

>>

HDL

HDL0909_Features.indd 44

9/3/09 2:07:41 PM

Thou shall not covet thy neighbor’s McIntosh. Exclusive offer to Robb Report readers: Call 201.762.6416 or visit www.mcintoshlabs.com/RobbReport to request a FREE in-home or in-store consultation

HDL0909_Features 45

www.mcintoshlabs.com

9/3/09 5:23:19 PM

The resort, which celebrates its 20th birthday this year, endeavors to add luxury to the traditional Whistler community. “Anyone looking for a true, authentic Whistler experience will get it at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler,” says Lynn Gervais, the resort’s director of public relations. Fuzzy Origins While you’d think Whistler Mountain got its name for the whistling sound skiers believe they hear there, the name actually came from a unique small animal. During the 1860s, British explorers discovered the area and named the mountain “London Mountain.” Years later, London Mountain was plagued by native hoary marmots, who made their presence known by emitting a shrill whistle. This earned the mountain a local nickname, Whistler, which stuck, and London Mountain officially became Whistler Mountain. Getting Around Your initial impression of Whistler can be enhanced with unique transportation options suggested by

the resort. Take a 35-minute float-plane ride from Vancouver Harbor to Whistler’s Green Lake during the summer, or enjoy a three-hour luxury train ride through the mountainside on the Whistler Mountaineer. Whistler is a true pedestrian town, so leave your vehicles behind and explore on foot. From the first moment you enter the Chateau, the lobby’s soaring peaked roof and cozy double-sided stone fireplace welcome you out of the cold while you gaze out of massive windows at the alpine landscape. The Fairmont offers a golden opportunity for its special guests—the Fairmont Gold Guest service. As a Fairmont Gold guest, you are given exclusive services for your personal use. You are escorted to a private 8th floor lounge for check-in. This private lounge offers complimentary coffee, tea, bar items and cocktail canapés during the day, and a private continental breakfast every morning. The Victorianesque lounge is truly a home away from home with a series of board games, movies, and Internet connectivity at your disposal. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s accommoda-

>>

46 HDL

HDL0909_Features.indd 46

9/3/09 2:08:55 PM

JBLH1792.syn.hd.live.ad.v1.ai

10/9/08

11:00:28 AM

Home ...by day

© 2008 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. JBL and JBL Synthesis are trademarks of Harman International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the United States and/or other countries.

Theater

HDL0909_Features.indd 47

...by night

A JBL Synthesis® home theater system is an everyday ticket to the true excitement of home cinema, from the company that has always been synonymous with movie sound. Offer your customers the very best residential systems from the industry’s leading manufacturer of professional theater components. Now, the hottest movie theater seats in town are in that place your customers call home.

Call 516.594.0300 or visit www.jblsynthesis.com.

9/3/09 2:08:58 PM

tions are appointed with elegant alpine-inspired interior design while providing spectacular views of the mountainside or village. The ultimate crown jewels of the resort are the luxury accommodations for Fairmont Gold guests. Fairmont Gold rooms range from a 365-square-foot standard room to the two-story, 1,130-square-foot penthouse suite. The rooms offer marble washrooms, jetted tubs, gas fireplaces and many other options. The two spectacular penthouse suites include additional features such as 25-foot floor-to-ceiling windows that offer amazing views of the mountain, a balcony overlooking the slopes, a six-person dining table and private elevator service. During peak season, nightly rates for the Fairmont’s standard rooms start from $149 CAD ($127 USD), while the penthouse suites will run you around $3,000 CAD ($2,572 USD) a night. Luxury Skiing The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a haven for ski enthusiasts. The Whistler/Blackcomb mountains have been heralded as being among the best skiing spots in North America. The mountains offer you more than 8,100 acres to ski. The vertical rise of 5,200 ft on the dual mountains has earned Whistler’s notoriety in the skiing world and the longest run on either mountain is seven miles (11km). The Chateau provides special-

ity services for skiers, and the hotel even provides a separate recreation conciérge to answer all of your ski-related questions. “The resort also has a ski valet service, so when you arrive, you never have to handle your own skis,” Gervais says. “We take your equipment and store it in the largest ski-in/ski-out facility in North America. You can walk downstairs to the ski valet, put on your boots, and walk right outside to the lift.” The recent completion of the $52 million Peak to Peak Gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, an 11-minute crossing, makes the resort’s proximity to the lift entrance a special treat, so, according to Gervais, “guests can now access all the terrain from our backyard, without ever stepping into a vehicle.” Therapy—With or Without Beer There are plenty of activities for you to do when you’re off the slopes. You may want to take a moment to relax at the spa. The Vida Wellness Spa—notably one of the best spas in the area—creates personal treatments for each hotel guest, by taking a unique holistic approach to the spa experience. Several of Vida’s treatments are based on a 5,000-year-old Indian medicine system called Ayurveda. According to the Ayurveda (translation from Sanskrit: the science of life) philosophy, every person has three doshas

>>

48 HDL

hd_liv HDL0909_Features.indd 48

9/3/09 2:09:22 PM

Tantra Cinema Monitors Music and Emotion become Inspiration. The magical moments that join performer and listener only happen when nothing comes between them. Tantra, pure consciousness through pure audio.

www.tantraspeakers.com hd_living_tantra_new_final.indd 1 HDL0909_Features.indd 49

10/16/08 2:34:52 PM 9/3/09 2:09:33 PM

Chateau Whistler Golf Club course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., or take lessons at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy. Lynn Gervais encourages you to try “one of the most popular activities in any season, the ZipTrek Ecotour, a zip-line experience linking the valley between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.” You can also trek up a mountain with a certified tour guide, go kayaking or boating, four-wheel in a Hummer, or take a horseback ride.

(Vata, Pitta or Kapha), or “life humors”, and one of the three is usually dominant within you. The Vida Wellness Spa interprets the balance of your three doshas and recommends specific treatments to bring your body into harmony. The spa provides several other speciality treatments, including a combination yoga/massage treatment, and a “Beer Therapy” package geared toward men. You can also enjoy a fully equipped Health Club with a fitness center, hot tubs, Eucalyptus steam rooms, and a heated lap pool that plays underwater music. For Those About to Shop Shopping is conveniently located on the concourse level of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Several speciality boutiques and art galleries including the Gallery at the Chateau Whistler, Luminaura Whistler, Mountain Adventure Centre and Piccadilly Place, populate the hotel’s shopping concourse and serve to celebrate the local Canadian artist, outfit your gear for outdoor activities, or find the perfect gift for someone back home. Another shopping hub, Whistler Village, is located only minutes from the lobby, and features an even wider range of shopping, restaurants, speciality stores and nightclubs. No Summertime Blues In the off-peak season, the Chateau has many opportunities for summer adventure-seekers. You can play a game of golf on the par 72, 18-hole premier Fairmont

Dine and Wine English novelist Virgina Woolf once said, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” The Fairmont Chateau Whistler staff agrees wholeheartedly. Executive Chef Vincent Stufano, a student of the culinary arts at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, takes special pride in his Pacific Northwest inspired cuisine. “Chef (Stufano) focuses on local products, he knows the names of the farm owners and takes his his staff on field trips to understand the process of how their ingredients are grown. ... He really has a grass-roots way of knowing your food inside and out” says Gervais. The Fairmont’s commitment

>>

Canadians have a theory that whistling is a natural talent and their evidence stems from an extraordinary claim: They found a mountain that can whistle in the aptly named Whistler, B.C.

50 HDL

Ashmea HDL0909_Features.indd 50

9/3/09 2:09:47 PM

Ashmead_HD Living ad_8.5x10.875_1 1 HDL0909_Features.indd 51

8/23/07 2:42:41 PM 9/3/09 2:09:51 PM

to environmental stewardship can be seen in all the major restaurants on the property, and Chef Stufano has paired up with Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program to provide ocean-friendly seafood for its guests. The Wine Room is the Fairmont’s culinary gem, a fine dining experience merging extraordinary taste with expert wine pairings. Try the locally inspired Halibut with gingerscented fumé paired with Pentâge Semaillon by the resident sommelier, Jay Whiteley. Planning a special occasion? Ask Whiteley to open your champagne bottle with flair by using a long sabre, ski, snowboard, boomerang or any other flatedged challenge. For a more casual affair, the Wildflower prepares locally inspired and classic creations; you can also dine on the patio during summer months. The Mallard Lounge provides an afternoon tea service, and the Portobello Market creates fresh baked goods for guests. The Chalet is an exclusive winter treat; trek over to the Whistler Golf Clubhouse for an evening of three-course fondue and sleigh rides across the course. Or you can choose In-Room Dining, which delivers gourmet sandwiches at any time of night. Package Deals The Fairmont Chateau is expecting a large crowd around February 2010, as several events of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held on Whistler Mountain. The Chateau’s accommodations during the Olympics

are fixed five- or seven-night packages; published rates start at $1,449 CAD ($1,242 USD) a night. Historically, Whistler has tried to win the bid for the Winter Olympics since 1962, when the Garibaldi Olympic Development Association (GODA) was assembled to challenge for the bid. After winning in 1976, but bowing out because of Montreal’s conflicting 1976 summer Olympics bid win, Whistler won the Winter Olympics bid again in 2003 for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The Fairmont provides an exciting opportunity for Olympic fans. “You can ski the Olympic Park trails before the action starts or participate in your own Olympicstyle biathlon—a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting—at the same spot where future Olympians will compete” says Gervais. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler provides a high-end experience, but even this hotel has package deals for the savvy traveler, making even this luxury resort a realistic vacation opportunity. One example is the resort’s “Everyone’s An Original” summer package, which offers rates starting from $199 CAD( $169 USD) per night, and you get the third night for free. The “Mountain Adventure” package includes complimentary breakfast and a $100 credit for activities of your choosing. You can look for more great deals on the resort’s Web site www.fairmont.com/whistler, where you can also book reservations online. Fly, drive, steam, ski, trek, or walk your way to Whistler— and plan an mountain adventure that will last a lifetime. HDL

52 HDL

HDL0909_Features.indd 52

9/3/09 2:10:03 PM

It’s good to save energy. Especially your own. Conserving energy has never been easier. With Control4, you can consolidate the many different systems in your home into one, and automate them to be more energy efficient. Control4 gives you control of your lighting, temperature, security, multi-room music and home theater, all from a single, easy-to-use remote. No more getting up to reset the thermostat or to see if you left the garage light on. Control4 makes it happen automatically—without wasting any energy on your part. Visit www.control4.com to learn more.

HDL0909_Features.indd 53

9/3/09 2:10:06 PM

VITALVITAMINS

>> by Howard Whitman

Vital Vitamins

Nextgen ‘vites’ could enhance your mind, improve your health and reduce your waistline. Vi t a m i n s h a v e c o m e a l o n g w a y since those Flintstones chewables you took as a kid. The new breed of “vites” entering the market these days could offer far greater benefits than just being all-around “good for you.” Some could help you address specific health challenges. Others may help you in your quest to lose weight. Some may even improve your brain! While you may take a single daily multi-vitamin and leave it at that, there’s a whole new world out there waiting for you in terms of vitamin offerings. Read on for some info on today’s hot new vitamins and their possible benefits. Fix Your Brain Ever have trouble finding your car keys or remote control? Consider trying Phosphatidylserine, also known as PS or PtdSer, is a vitamin based around a nutrient that’s found in fish, leafy vegetables, rice and soy. It aids the function of neuronal cell membranes by triggering a protein called kinase C, which is believed to help your memory and thinking abilities by helping your enjoy this benefit, you may want to check this daily supplement out. It may sound like something you spread on toast, but Royal Jelly is a dietary supplement that’s said to help improve your concentration and cognitive skills. It contains B-complex vitamins

54

like B5 and B6, but Royal Jelly’s made up of 67 percent water, 12.5 percent crude protein (including a small quantity of amino acids) and 11 percent simple sugars, as well as 5 percent fatty acids. W ith that recipe, it may not replace Smucker’s on your grocery’s shelves, but it’s believed to aid the growth of the brain’s neural stem cells and glial cells, which, it’s claimed, improve cognition and could be used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Co-Enzyme Q10 has been used to enhance heart health, but it’s also reportedly beneficial to the mind by upping its mitochondrial concentration and neuro-

protective properties. It also is believed to increase antioxidants when taken in combination with vitamin E. Co-Enzyme Q10 is currently available as an over-thecounter vitamin supplement. Lose, Don’t Gain We’ve all seen the TV commercials hawking the latest “dietary supplement” or “appetite suppressant” products that are supposed to help you take off the pounds. While it’s no secret that the true keys to losing weight are diet and exercise, there are some vitamins that are believed to help you move that belt in a couple of notches or take that dress size down.

>>

HDL

psx2_a HDL0909_Features.indd 54

9/3/09 2:10:17 PM

psx2_ad.indd 1 HDL0909_Features 55

8/27/2009 4:00:35 PM 9/4/09 8:40:37 AM

RCOR 7

Chromium has received a lot of attention in recent years from researches who speculate it may help increase your metabolism. By taking Chromium supplements, you may improve the way your metabolism burns off food, preventing it from turning into body fat. It’s also believed to help control the levels of fat and cholesterol in your blood. It’s reported that in studies, people taking Chromium over a ten-week period lost 4.2 of fat pounds on average, while study subjects taking a placebo lost an average of 0.4 pounds. To Your Health Of course, the main reason people take vitamins is to maintain or improve their overall physical health. New vitamin offerings that show promising signs of enhancing body upkeep include: • Red Yeast Rice, which is purported to lower the body’s production of cholesterol by cutting the key enzyme in the liver that manufactures cholesterol. WARNING: Red Yeast Rice is not to be taken if you are pregnant or of childbearing age. It contains a chemical known to cause birth defects. Consult with your doctor first. • Psyllium Husks Powder, a powder form of the husk of the psyllium seed that is believed to help regularity and colon health. The power can be taken daily by mixing it with juice, water, a soy or rice drink, or milk. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a doctor before using this product. • Acai Natural Juice Blend, derived from Acai berry, which is native to the rainforests of the Brazilian Amazon. It’s reported to boost your energy, stamina and vitality. The Acai juice blend also mixes in blueberry, raspberry and pomegranate juices, providing zesty juice flavor along with perking you up. • Speaking of pomegranate, juice from this fruit is getting a lot of buzz lately as a potentially healthy addition to your diet. Pomegranate is a good source of potassium, which could help regulate

Pomegranate is a good source of potassium

blood pressure, and of antioxidant carotenoids, which help fight disease. Since the pomegranate fruit is difficult to eat (containing complex seeds, juice sacs and layering), its juice is catching on as a quick, easy, delicious source of healthy nutrition. Along those lines, there are a variety of commercially available soft drinks on the market these days that purport to provide nutrition along with refreshment, such as Vitamin Water, Sobe Lifewater and Life Vitamin Soft Drink. While they do provide a nutritive boost, they also contain sugar and in some cases, caffeine, diminishing their health benefits. They’re like a beverage equivalent of the gummi vitamins for adults now on the market—a sweet treat, but the benefits are questionable. (CocaCola’s recent vitamin-enhanced cola

product has been taken off the shelves due to claims of misleading advertising.) Whatever vitamin source you choose to try, be sure to enter into it carefully, reading all directions and warnings, and talking to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. HDL The vitamin products in this article can be found at online retailers including the following: www.thevitaminshoppe.com www.gnc.com Note: The recommendations cited in this article are based on research. The author and publisher make no claims as to the effectiveness or risks associated with the vitamins documented in this article. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information on vitamin use.

56 HDL

HDL0909_Features.indd 56

9/3/09 2:10:35 PM

RCOR 7371 HD Living

11/16/07

6:15 PM

Page 1

ASPEN HIGHLANDS

BACHELOR GULCH

JUPITER

KAPALUA BAY 1

LAKE TAHOE 1 Why your most important investment SAN FRANCISCO

may be that of your time. To become a Member of The Ritz-Carlton Club

SOUTH BEACH 1

is to reaffirm the value of time, spend it freely and have more of it. More time to connect.

S T. THOMAS

More time to wind down. More time to cherish the people and places that intrigue you.

As a Member you own a Deeded Fractional Interest in a Second Home for 21-35 days a year depending on the interest purchased and location. Fully furnished. Concierge-serviced. Effortless. Elegant. Yours to enjoy; ours to care for in your absence. Telephone 877.204.1118 or visit www.ritzcarltonclubs.com.

YOUR SECOND HOME IN THE RITZ-CARLTON ® TRADITION

THIS ADVERTISING MATERIAL IS BEING USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF SOLICITING THE SALE OF FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP INTERESTS. This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy to residents in jurisdictions in which registration requirements have not been fulfilled, and your eligibility and the resorts available for purchase will depend upon the state of residency of the purchaser. Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of the property. Future planned location. RG-07-096 1

HDL0909_Features.indd 57

9/3/09 2:10:41 PM

SPORTSTHEATER

>> by STEPHEN SILVER

The Best Seat in the House

Great ideas for finding the perfect spot—and comfort—at game time.

Football is getting ready to kick off the 2009 season in early September, and home theater businesses are dealing with the usual influx of customers wanting the optimal viewing experience for college Saturdays and NFL Sundays this fall. How can you get the best seat in the house for football this year? Two of the top names in home theater furniture have some ideas. Jump Into the JumpSeat Salamander Designs is a home entertainment

and furniture manufacturer based in Bloomfield, Conn. Its founder, Salvatore Carrabba, told HD Living that he’s used to customers wanting to build home theaters that are ideal for long afternoons of watching football in the fall and winter. The company makes all types of home theater furniture, from TV mounts to wall mounts to cabinets, but when it comes to football, above all Carrabba recommends the company’s JumpSeat Ottoman. Introduced in 2007, the JumpSeat is a stan-

>>

58 HDL

dard leather ottoman that unfolds into an actual home theater seat, which includes a padded seat and backrest. It even features two things every channel-surfing NFL fan needs for a long Sunday on the couch: a spot for their remote control, and a cupholder. “[During] the football season, people have friends over when it’s game time,” Carrabba said. The JumpSeat, he said, “can be a foot rest or coffee table when your friends aren’t there. It’s great for families who have kids, or for company coming over.” Customers have even been known to buy three or four of them, he added. For those wanting to find just how the JumpSeat Ottoman and other Salamander products can fit into their home theater, the company has a Custom Configurator available on its Web site, www.salamanderdesigns.com. “It’s all about accessorizing, making it personal,” Carrabba said, adding that the

60

company’s products have only a three-day lead time. All of Salamander’s products are made in Hartford, Conn. The JumpSeat retails for $999. Enhancing the ‘Man Cave’ Another big name in home theater seating for football is Acoustic Innovations of Boca Raton, Fla. Founded in the early 1990s by Jay Miller, the company has fully embraced the “Man Cave” phenomenon in designing a home theater experience for customers this time of year. “It’s a natural thing to enhance your man cave for football season,” Miller told HD Living. “It goes back to the ‘50s, when men were relegated to the basement,” Miller said of the “Man Cave” idea. “Entertainment spaces are getting more popular in homes, and the theater is something wrapped in as part of that. It’s a nice venue for enjoying one’s passion.”

>>

HDL

HDL_ HDL0909_Features.indd 60

9/3/09 2:11:39 PM

HDL_Epson_Ad.indd 1 HDL0909_Features.indd 61

10/22/08 4:29:44 PM 9/3/09 2:11:44 PM

Acoustic Innovations understands that football is a big part of every man cave, and Miller noted that he typically notices a spike in business prior to football season. And the company has gotten very creative with some of its designs. Miller turned one customer’s tiny onecar garage into a virtual shrine to University of Florida football, including the Gators’ orange-and-blue color scheme and a locker room-like design featuring the jerseys of several favorite players. Acoustic Innovations has also granted customer requests for team names embroidered into the seats, and even actual stadium chairs, although Miller noted that much more comfortable seating is available these days than the metal seats typically found at actual games. Miller said he not only has designed home theater products for football fans, but even for several professional athletes themselves. He told the story of designing a home theater for then-Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper that was decorated with the Vikings’ purple motif—only to radically redecorate the theater after Culpepper was traded to the Miami Dolphins. (Culpepper has since played for two other teams, although its

unknown if he’s changed his home theater each time.) Miller has been manufacturing theater chairs since 1995, and the company features ten different varieties of seats. Acoustic Innovations, like Salamander, also includes cupholders as a standard feature. “We manufacture our own chairs in our factory in High Point, N.C.,” Miller said, noting that the company uses only American labor and American-made materials. “The chairs are designed for prolonged movie watching and sports watching. They cradle your body and give you a tremendous amount of comfort.” Miller said that he puts an average of 7.6 chairs in each theater (counting love seats as two), while the most he has ever placed in one is 28. Kick Back and Enjoy W ith long lines, cold weather, stadium traffic, and need to dodge snowballs, who even needs to go to the game anymore? Products from Salamander, Acoustic Innovations and others make it easier to enjoy a true game experience from the comfort of your own home—with your feet up and a beer in your cupholder. HDL

62 HDL

HDL0909_Features.indd 62

9/3/09 2:11:58 PM

IN THE W ORLD ʼ S FINE S T H O M E CIN E MA S ,

IM AGE IS EVERY THING .

Home Cinema featuring a Digital Projection TITAN Reference 1080p projector Designer and Photo Credit: First Impressions Theme Theatres

For twelve years, Digital Projection International has delivered the most powerful line of DLP® displays available. In 1998, DPI earned two Emmy® Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering Development. We remain the first and only projector manufacturer to win the coveted award. Through engineering innovations such as our ColorMax™ technology, Digital Projection creates the captivating imagery demanded in the most elite home cinemas. Naturally, customers with such high expectations also benefit from DP’s exceptional customer service, including 24-7 technical support, an extensive customer service team and dedicated applications engineers. From exclusive film festivals and Hollywood studios to regal home theaters, Digital Projection is trusted across the world in every environment imaginable. Our history speaks for itself. Our products, legendary. You deserve the best.

Find the perfect projector at www.digitalprojection.com/hc

Atlanta, GA USA • Manchester, UK • Beijing, China • Singapore 770.420.1365 • www.digitalprojection.com

HDL0909_Features.indd 63

9/3/09 2:12:02 PM

THE BIGEASY

>> by Howard Whitman

Let the Good Meals Roll!

It’s not hard to find great cuisine in ‘The Big Easy.’ Here are some you may want to try.

N

ew Orleans is known for many foods: jambalya, Po’ Boys, gumbo, and many more native delicacies. But the Big Easy has far more within its shores to tempt your tastebuds than just down-home cookin’—enjoyable though that may be! It’s also a city offering many fine, upscale restaurants manned by world-class chefs who conjure up cuisine combining the city’s Cajun flair with a great dining experience. Now, you can learn a lot about a place through research from tourbooks, magazines, newspapers and, or course, the Internet. But there’s nothing like first-person testimony from someone who knows the area. We were lucky enough to hear from someone who also happens to work within the home theater installation industry—Rick Komendera, president of AC audio/video power products manufacturer Richard Gray’s Power Company, which is based in New Orleans. Rick told us about his favorite haunts in the city—many of which fall under the “casual but great” category. You may not get the best table settings, primo wine list or elegant décor of pricier establishments, but that may not matter so much when the food is so superb. So here (with help with from our tour guide Rick) are some haunts you may want to look up the next time you’re down in “N’awlins.”

64

>>

HDL

HDL0909_Features.indd 64

9/3/09 2:12:38 PM

WE DON’T SET STANDARDS, WE OBLITERATE THEM. AV888

Ultra High Resolution AV Pre-amp Processor • Wolfson 8741 DACs for superior sound quality • Fully Balanced XLR Outputs • HDMI 1.3a dual output video switching • Video trans-coding & scaling to 1080p • High precision decoding for HD audio formats • Dolby Volume gain processing • 3 zone outputs • Ethernet/USB audio playback/Internet radio • IR and full duplex RS232 control

P777

Seven Channel Ultra High Resolution Power Amplifier • 7x 150w per channel (8ohms) • 7x 230w per channel (4ohms) • Fully Balanced XLR inputs • Unbalanced RCA inputs with “loop though” • 12v trigger input for standby control • Ultra stable thermal management • Two massive toroid transformers • Audiophile sonic performance for movies and music

AV888/P777 So superior are they to current multi-channel amps and AV processors that the competition can’t even be viewed as rivals, the new P777 and AV888 form a dynamic duo that will redefine how audio video components are appraised. The P777 and AV888 are part of Arcam’s award winning, audiophile FMJ series which has gained critical acclaim for their ability to reproduce an utterly convincing three-dimensional sound stage and effortlessly draw you into the heart of the drama. All Arcam FMJ products are available in either silver or black finish to seamlessly blend with any style of décor. Audition the world’s best pre-amp/power amp combination today!

Bringing music and movies to life

Available in Silver or Black Finish

Arcam is distributed exclusively in the United States by

4325 Executive Drive, Suite 200, Southaven, Mississippi, 38672 • Tel.: 1 (866) 916-4667 • Fax: 1 (877) 457-2588

VISIT US AT: www.americanaudiovideo.com • www.arcam.co.uk

HDL0909_Features 65

9/3/09 3:52:25 PM

Craving some oyster action? Rick feels the Acme Oyster House in the French Quarter is “touristy,” but he still heartily recommends it, saluting its “consistently fresh oysters.” The Acme House’s hand-shucked Louisiana oysters are served ice cold on the half shell, chargrilled and sizzling in garlic butter, or fried to golden perfection. Established in 1910, the historic “House” is also known for serving local classics including red beans and rice, seafood gumbo, jambalaya and more, all seasoned to zesty perfection. Entrées typically run under $25. Acme Oyster House www.acmeoyster.com 724 Iberville St. New Orleans, LA 70130-2324 (504) 522-5973 Rick calls Andrea’s “a good Italian place tucked out in a corner of Metairie. Off the beaten path, but good food.”

66

Chef Andrea Apuzzo started in the kitchen at age 7 in his native Capri, and since setting up in New Orleans, his restaurant has won La Life Magazine’s #1 Reader’s Choice for Best Italian Food for three years in a row. Tuxedoed waiters facilitate the dining experience, as Chef Andrea makes the rounds of the dining room welcoming guests in any of the six languages he speaks. Entrées typically run under $40. Andrea’s www.andreasrestaurant.com 3100 19th St. at Ridgelake Metairie, LA 70002 (504) 834-8583 Bayona is “Susan Spicer’s signature restaurant,” Rick tells us, adding a tip: “Get whatever duck she’s serving.” This recommended speciality comes in a variety of dishes, including duck with puff pastry, grilled duck breast with pepper jelly, and the famed cashew-peanut but-

ter and pepper jelly sandwich featuring smoked duck. On Saturdays, Bayona offers a $25 light lunch for which you can select three small plates of a variety of dishes including smoked salmon beignets, sautéed snapper and smoked beef brisket. Entrées typically run in the $30–$40 range. Bayona www.bayona.com 430 Dauphine St. New Orleans, LA 70112-3406 (504) 525-4455 Brennan’s is “a classic for weekend brunch,” Rick says, recommending that you “Bring your wallet. I would skip other meals there.” Scrumptious brunch offerings include Eggs Sardou (poached eggs with Hollandaise sauce), Oysters Benedict (fried oysters with Canadian bacon), Shrimp Sardou (spicy fried eggs atop artichoke bottoms with Hollandaise), and a Brennan’s original, Eggs Hussarde (poached eggs atop Holland

>>

HDL

HDL0909_Features 66

9/3/09 3:52:42 PM

Like all Marantz components, there’s more to the UD9004 universal disc player than meets the eye…

Flexibility to bring your favorite sources to life. Quality to satisfy your passion for the best. Simplicity for intuitive operation. That’s what the UD9004 delivers. Pick a disc. Any disc. From your oldest CD to your newest Blu-ray. The UD9004 seamlessly reproduces them with absolute clarity and in stunning high definition. From orchestral masterpieces to the latest Hollywood blockbuster, the UD9004 masters them all. And the front-panel SD card reader lets you enjoy digital photos and portable music playlists as well. Audio reproduction directly traceable to our vaunted Reference Series components. Video presentation of both standard and high-definition sources that rivals film’s transparency. The UD9004 is a no-holds-barred assault on conventional design. The super-rigid copper-plated chassis eliminates unwanted vibration and external interference. The exclusive disc mechanism extracts every bit of information while proprietary circuitry preserves and enhances every nuance of sound and picture. This is home entertainment as only Marantz can deliver — more than 55 years of transforming ordinary products into extraordinary, award-winning solutions. The UD9004 universal disc player. For the past. The present. And the future.

life Amplified w w w. u s . m a r a n t z . c o m 201.762.6500

HDL0909_Features.indd 67

9/3/09 2:13:05 PM

rusks, Canadian bacon and Marchand de Vin sauce). Dinner specialties include Redfish with Lump Crabmeat Jaime (in a mushroom and red wine sauce), Buster Crabs Béarnaise, and Shrimp Samantha with Andouille (spicy Cajun sausage). A French Quarter mainstay since 1946, Brennan’s, in addition to winning many culinary awards, has received the Wine Spectator Award in recognition of its 35,000-bottle wine cellar. Entrées typically run under $40. Brennan’s Restaurant www.brennansneworleans.com 417 Royal St. New Orleans, L.A. 70130 (504) 525-9711 Rick commends the uptown establishment Casamento’s as a “true oyster house, all tiled,” but notes “It’s only open during oyster season. ... And it’s a small place, so get there early.” Casamento’s was established in 1919

68

by Italian immigrant Joe Casamento, who chose the tiled surfaces because they were easy to keep clean. In addition to the oysters, Casamento’s is famous for its pan bread, which it serves instead of the traditional French bread, as well as for its soft shell crabs, fried shrimp, trout and pasta dinners. Pricing is reasonable: A large oyster dinner costs $13.50, while a seafood platter with oysters, shrimp, crab claws and trout or catfish is $20. Casamento’s Restaurant www.casamentosrestaurant.com 4330 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA 70115-2764 (504) 895-9761 “The Commander’s Palace is gold standard of NOLA restaurants,” according to Rick, “and the starting point of many NOLA chefs including Paul Prudhomme and Emeril. Everything’s good, but make sure to order the bread pudding when you sit down—it takes 30

minutes to prepare!” Dinner offerings of note include Commander’s Crab Cakes (made of Louisiana Blue crabmeat with tri-color peppers, smoked tomato mayo and shaved green onions) and Lyonnaise Crused Striped Bass, which is potato-crusted and is served over baby arugula, roasted artichokes, local tomatoes, oyster mushrooms and Caipirinha vinaigrette. One dinner worth trying is the $39 Chef Tory McPhail’s Creole Favorite, which starts with Turtle Soup Au Sherry, followed by Griddle Seared Gulf Fish with crab-boiled vegetables, and is topped off by Rick’s favorite, the legendary Bread Pudding Soufflé. Entrées at Commander’s Palace run in the $37–$40 range. Commander’s Palace www.commanderspalace.com 1403 Washington Ave. New Orleans, LA 70130-5798 (504) 899-8221

>>

HDL

HDL0909_Features 68

9/3/09 3:51:57 PM

©2009 Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. PIONEER, the PIONEER logo and the ELITE logo are registered trademarks of Pioneer Corporation.

Be transformed. By soundscapes so powerful they don’t just happen around you, they happen inside you. By an entertainment center so intelligent, so robust, it doesn’t just produce pure, pristine sound, it shatters your expectations, and changes everything forever. T h e

n e x t

g e n e r at i o n

E l i t e

®

A V

R e c e i v e r.

pioneerelectronics.com

HDL0909_Features.indd 69

9/3/09 2:14:29 PM

 eanie’s Seafood Restaurant – D Bucktown www.deanies.com 1713 Lake Ave. Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 831-4141

The Giant Seafood Platter ($48.95) is Rick’s order of choice at Bucktown favorite, Deanie’s. “One (platter) will feed six hungry people easy,” he exclaims, listing its dishes: “Shrimp, crawfish, catfish and soft-shell crab.” (For smaller or less-hungry parties, a Half Seafood Platter is available for $24.95). According to the restaurant’s Web site, Deanie’s was the first seafood market to open in the fishing village of Bucktown over 40 years ago. It certainly has built and maintained a reputation for world-class seafood at reasonable prices since that time. Besides the platters, other favorites include the Crab Quartet (crabmeat au gratin, stuffed crab, fried soft-shell crab and fried crab claws), Crawfish Quartet (crawfish etouffee, crawfish au gratin, fried crawfish tails and crawfish dressing claws), and Stuffed Crab and Stuffed Shrimp dishes. Entrées are typically in the $13–$20 range.

70

Rick’s advice on Drago’s, which has locations uptown and in the French Quarter: “Get the charbroiled oysters. No need to ask for a menu. Just get the oysters.” If you’re not, however, in the mood for oysters, and do feel inclined to ask for a menu, you’ll find tempting specialties such as BBQ Drumfish (drumfish filet seasoned with herbs, butter and garlic, grilled over an open flame); Cajun Surf and Turf (USDA Prime filet blackened with shrimp and oysters, topped with a Cajun cream sauce); Herradura Shrimp (sautéed with sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts and onions, deglazed with tequila) and a variety of seafood pasta dishes. Of course, you’ll probably want to try the oysters first. Entrées typically run under $25. Drago’s Seafood Restaurant www.dragosrestaurant.com 2 Poydras St. New Orleans, LA 70130-1656 (504) 584-3911 3 232 N Arnoult Rd, Metairie, LA 70002 Phone: (504) 888-9254 Looking for a classic, traditional oldline New Orleans dining experience? “For a true old-line restaurant,” Rick says, “Galatoire’s on Bourbon Street, is your best bet. Lunch on Fridays or Sunday brunch are (its) most popular (mealtimes), and for good reason.” With over 100 years of history, having opened in 1905, Galatoire’s offers the old-school charm you’d expect to see in old movies set in NOLA. Jackets

>>

HDL

HDL0909_Features 70

9/3/09 3:53:06 PM

HDL0909_Features.indd 71

9/3/09 2:16:31 PM

are required for men during dinners and all day on Sunday. Reservations are accepted for the second floor dining room, but not for the first floor, which is first-come, first-served and is famous for creating long, snaking lines down Bourbon Street. Speciality dishes include Stuffed Eggplant ($22), Poisson Meunière Amandine ($24.50), Sautéed Poisson with Crabmeat Yvonne ($32.50) and Crabmeat Sardou ($26). Entrées typically range in price from $18 to $45, with most seafood dishes hovering in the mid-$20s. Galatoire’s Restaurant www.galatoires.com 209 Bourbon St. New Orleans, LA 70130 (330) 437-4922 “Some people say K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen is too touristy,” Rick says, “but it (has) the best blackened redfish there is. And (it) should be—(Famed Chef Paul Prudhomme) originated it.” Celebrating its 30th anniversary, has certainly become a popular New Orleans attraction for out-of-towners—but with good reason in addition to its famous chef: the food! In addition to the famed blackened redfish, house specialties include Bronzed Swordfish with Hot Fanny Sauce (swordfish fillet seasoned, bronzed and served with a sauce of roasted pecans, jalapenos, browned garlic butter, veal glaze and lemon juice); and Blackened Stuffed Pork Chop Marchand de Vin (stuffed with ricotta, asiago, mozzarella and caciocavello cheeses and basil, seasoned and blackened, served with a sauce of Prosciutto ham, red wine and mushrooms).

Main courses start at $26.95 and typically run under $40. K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen www.kpauls.com/site319.php 4 16 Chartres St. (in between Conti and St. Louis Sts.) New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 596-2530 Based in the warehouse district, Rick says Restaurant August is “(Chef) John Besh’s signature restaurant. It’s high-end Creole fusion. The menu changes daily.” He especially recommends August for business diners, saying “bring your expense account.” Restaurant August is located in an historic, four-story French-Creole building dating back to the 1800s. The interior is noted for its hardwood floors, interior columns, mahogany paneling and antique mirrors. Outstanding entrées include breaded speckled trout with jumbo lump crab, white shrimp and almonds; crispy seared sablefish with truffled potato, fine herbs and winter vegetables; pan roast tournedos of beef saffron risotto; and whole roast cochon de lait with Anson Mills grits, cipollini and blackberry mustard. Entrées typically run in the $30–$40 range. Restaurant August www.restaurantaugust.com 301 Tchoupitoulas St. New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 299-9777 We at HD Living hope that if you do get to New Orleans, you enjoy your culinary adventures there at these and the region’s many other fine restaurants—and see fit to pass on your reviews! Bon appetit! HDL

72 HDL

HDL0909_Features 72

9/3/09 3:53:24 PM

OUTDOORADVENTURE

>> by POWELL SLAUGHTER

Head for the Hills Here are 10 areas that hikers spanning a range of abilities can enjoy. veryone knows it’s healthy to walk. It’s simple, cheap and it works. Some people might need a little more inspiration to get off the couch, and hiking—the basis of practically any outdoor recreational activity that goes on anywhere off the pavement—can give your walks some purpose. Following are some locations around the country that are great hiking spots. Some are city parks, some are wilderness, but all give the hiker a chance to make it as hard or easy as he or she wants. I’ve tried them all, and I’d gladly spend many days at any destination on this list.

E

1|

Hanging Rock State Park Danbury, N.C. snipurl.com/hangingrock

They call this the “Mountains Away from the Mountains”—Hanging Rock is located in the Sauratown Mountains, a separate range from the nearby Blue Ridge. Located an hour from Greensboro, N.C., and less than that from Winston-Salem, it provides 12 trails totaling 18 miles ranging from easy to strenuous. Camping is available for a full weekend’s exploration of waterfalls, quartzite crags, and swimming or canoing in a lovely lake outfitted with a sand beach and bottom. The views of the Blue Ridge and surrounding country from Hanging Rock, Moore’s Knob and Cook’s Wall are spectacular. The more adventurous can explore side trails, where they might catch a glimpse of rock climbers testing themselves on the area’s vertical to overhanging cliffs.

While some hikers might be tempted, don’t try this without proper equipment and training.

2|

South Mountain Park and Preserve Phoenix, Ariz. snipurl.com/smtnpark At almost 17,000 acres, South Mountain is the largest municipal park in the world and easily accessible. More than 10 trails total 51 miles, and range in length from one to 14 miles. The easiest, Javelina Canyon Trail, begins at Beverly Canyon parking lot at 46th Street, south of Baseline Road. Keep in mind that all trails are rocky, with steep sections, and this is a desert environment, so take plenty of water and wear a hat. Watch out for the desert

>>

74 HDL

Power. Detail. Emotion.

SELF INDULGE Looks alone make the Palladium™ P-39F irresistible. The speaker’s boat-tail silhouette and exotic zebra-grain veneer elegantly resembles a piece of fine furniture. But just wait until you listen. The P-39F represents the latest in horn technology and the purest application of those design priciples yet. So sit back, close your eyes and experience a world-class symphony or legendary rock concert right in your living room.

“Every once in a very great while a company does something new so well that it shocks you–the Palladium speakers are that product.” – Ron Lennox

©2009 Klipsch Group, Inc.

Audio Advisors

klipsch.com/palladium

fauna—including rattlesnakes! Give them room, leave them alone and you should be fine. Dobbins Lookout, at 2,330 feet, is the highest point in the park accessible by trail. Keeo in mind that summer temperatures here regularly rise past 100 degrees F. No camping.

3|

Grayson Highlands State Park Mouth of Wilson, Va. snipurl.com/graysonpark This fine state park, two-and-a-half hours from Roanoke, offers easy access to

Be aware of weather conditions—I’ve seen a snowstorm up there in early October, and one November encountered gale force winds and subzero temperatures during a night out on the ridge.

Mountain Parks boast 144 miles of hiking trails with views of and meandering among the city’s signature Flatirons, a series of crazily tilted sandstone slabs and peaks fronting Dinosaur Mountain. Check the Web site for trail details, which range from strolls with Flatiron views to adventures with a bit more excitement, including a “scramble” to Mallory Cave, or a venture to the top of Dinosaur Mountain. No camping is allowed, but the trailheads are minutes away from lodging and amenities. You might get a glimpse of rock climbers, and while some of the slabs offer a fairly amenable angle, this is another place you don’t want to get in over your head. Also, the Rockies are well known for the regularity of afternoon thunderstorms in summer, so take that into account as well.

5|

the Appalachian Trail and Mount Rogers, Virginia’s highest point at 5,729 feet. Grayson Highlands itself contains nine hiking trails that average around a mile in length to leading to panoramic vistas, waterfalls and a 200-year-old cabin. Camping’s available as well. With simple access to the AT and higher country, Grayson Highlands is a great place to step up your hiking a notch. Rhododendron Gap trail, a steep but short walk from the Massie Gap parking lot will give you the lay of the land for much of the “Crest Zone.” This open area with airy pinnacles is more reminiscent of hiking out West. You’ll

76 HDL

even see wild ponies. My favorite time and place is Wilburn Ridge in the fall. It’s all uphill, but the setting’s fantastic. Be aware of weather conditions—I’ve seen a snowstorm up there in early October, and one November encountered gale force winds and subzero temperatures during a night out on the ridge. The Crest Zone’s no place to be, as well, when thunderstorms threaten.

4|

Boulder Mountain Parks Boulder, Colo. snipurl.com/bouldermtn The City of Boulder’s Open Space and

Garden of the Gods Colorado Springs, Colo. gardenofgods.com This Colorado Springs city park is renowned for the red sandstone sculpted into otherworldly shapes through the action of wind and water over the ages. It’s also a low-commitment introduction to hiking, with easy, often paved paths meandering among the rocks, and little or no elevation gain. Trails ranging from easy to moderate make touring the park easy. The range from one-half to three miles. A hat and extra water are advised, especially in summer. The Perkins Central Garden Trail is good for beginners, taking a mile-and-ahalf round trip on a paved foot path with less than 30 feet in elevation change. It also takes the walker through the heart of the park at the base of the highest rock formations. No camping. You’re likely to see climbers on the rocks, but again, leave that alone if you don’t have the training and equipment.

>>

looking for true black?

or black that’s true?

Other plasmas crush the dark details trying to achieve a blacker black.

The Premiere Plasma reveals details with a superior gradation to black.

Leave no detail overshadowed. For plasmas, the focus has been the level of black performance.

Each Premiere Plasma has customizable functions – including

The Panasonic 65" Premiere Plasma takes it a step further:

six gamma curve options and white balance settings – to modify

the level of black detail. Because it’s not just about absolute

the image to your specifications.

black – it’s about the detail visible in the darkest shades – and no plasma reveals dark details better than the Premiere Plasma. That’s because this 1080p plasma monitor features an expanded color range that covers 120% of the HDTV color standard. And, with an industry-leading 7,160 steps of gradation and 18-bit processing, you’ll see why the Premiere Plasma details are unmatched.

© 2009 Panasonic of North America

And, with Panasonic’s plug-in architecture for expanded functionality, it’s no wonder a leading expert called it “the new king of flat panels.” The 65" Premiere Plasma is more than another “HDTV plasma display.” It brings studio-level monitor performance home. For more details, visit panasonic.com/premieread.

6|

Sandia Crest Albuquerque, N.M. sandiapeak.com Want to see what thin air’s like? It ain’t Everest, but try taking the tramway from the Rio Grande Valley in Albuquerque to Sandia Crest, which looms over the city at 10,738 feet in the Cibola National Forest. At the top you’ll find a restaurant and ski area, as well as trails along the ridge that open upon an 11,000-square-mile view.

7|

Yosemite Valley Yosemite National Park, Calif. nps.gov/yose/ You owe this one to yourself. You’ve seen the pictures already, but as my climbing partner told me as we drove around a bend for our first view of Yosemite Valley, “Prepare to be amazed.” While its proliferation of campsites, stores, concessions, roads—even the luxury Ahwahnee Hotel—hardly qualifies as wilderness anymore, “The Valley” offers even the most timid of hikers a huge range of trails for taking in the park’s magnificent granite architecture. A stroll along the Merced River, a walk to the base of Vernal Falls plunging from the valley’s rim and more are literally “a walk in the park.” Up the ante a bit with a hike up to Nevada Falls from Curry Village. Perhaps the ultimate weekender’s hike is the 16-mile round trip to the top of Half Dome via the so-called Cables Route. If you dare this one, take plenty of water, a stout pair of gloves for climbing the cables, a hat, rain gear and an eye out for thunderstorms. Oh—don’t feed the bears. Campsites abound, but check on a reservation in the summer season.

8|

While you can confine yourself to strolls with little elevation change, keep in mind that you’re a couple of miles above sea level. Drink extra water even if you’re not thirsty, because the higher the elevation, the faster you dehydrate. And while there’s plenty of human activity along the crest, remember that changes in weather occur, and that some of the trails might lead you to very exposed areas. All in all, though, a pretty safe way to get a taste of the “air up there.” Heck, you can even drive up if the tramway gives you the willies. No camping.

78 HDL

Jockey’s Ridge State Park Nag’s Head, N.C. jockeysridgestatepark.com The tallest natural sand dune on the United States’ East Coast is the backdrop for a unique hiking experience on North Carolina’s Outer Banks barrier islands Self-guided hiking trails include “Tracks in the Sand,” a 1.5-mile trail from the parking area to the Albermarle Sound and back. The “Soundside Nature Trail” is a one-mile loop of estuary and scrub thickets. Hikers also can trek to the top of the ridge. You’ll be on sand but it’s no barefoot “day at the beach”—sandals are encouraged, as the surface can get extremely hot. Summer thunderstorms are a regular occurrence, so check the forecast.

No camping is allowed, and take extra care with this fragile barrier island environment.

9|

Moss Rocks Preserve Hoover, Ala. snipurl.com/mossrock Located just South of Birmingham, Moss Rocks is a 250-acre nature preserve abounding in trees plants, unique rock outcrops, streams, waterfalls, wildlife and other things you wouldn’t expect in a tract surrounded by a metropolitan area of nearly a million people. Wander among huge boulders, which make up one of 35 Little River Canyon Sandstone Glades known in the world. The preserve features 10 miles of trails incorporating old roads, utility rights-ofway and newer paths built by volunteers. All trails interconnect to form loops that are enjoyable for hikers of all levels. Some trails take the hiker atop rock faces, so show extra care there. On a cool day, you’ll probably encounter “rock gymnasts” testing their skills. No camping.

10|

City of San Francisco onlyinsanfrancisco.com Don’t laugh. Anyone who lives in this town and relies on getting around by foot probably doesn’t have much of a gut. Work used to take me to San Francisco twice a year—I considered it a perk—and I spent much of my free time exploring Nob Hill, Russian Hill and Pacific Heights from a base near Union Square. You’ll find restaurants and coffee shops off the beaten track where you can rest your tired dogs, and enjoy views of the Bay Area and the Golden Gate, often rendered atmospheric to the max by fog rolling in among the landmarks. My personal favorite spot is a tiny park (unnamed on Google Maps) near Hyde and Lombard streets overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. HDL

  




  

        

             

 

!             !

""#$$ %&'(&)*+ &! , '-)(* )..  /"""0 , #"1! $2$!0"#3




  

FASCINATINGJEWELS

The Stone of Fidelity The truth about jade: how it started, where it comes from and what it means. >> by CAROL CAMPBELL

T

he history of jade is as long as the Chinese civilization. Jade (Yu in Chinese pinyin) was defined as beautiful stones by Xu Zhen (about 58-147) in Shuo Wen Jie Zi, the first Chinese dictionary. Archaeologists have found jade objects from the early Neolithic period (about 5000 BC), represented by the Hemudu culture in Zhejian Province, and from the middle and late Neolithic period, represented by the Hongshan culture along the Lao River, the Longshan culture along the Yellow River, and the Liangzhu culture in the Tai Lake region. Jade was made into sacrificial vessels, tools, ornaments, utensils and many other items. There were ancient musical instruments made out of jade, such as jade flute, yuxiao (a vertical jade flute) and jade chime. Jade has been popular up to and including today. Jade is the term applied to forms of jadeite and nephrite. These minerals are similar in appearance and a distinction between the two often was not made. But, because of its more intense color and translucency, jadeite now brings higher prices and is thought to be the true jade.

80 HDL

The most valuable form of jade is known as imperial jade and comes from Myanmar; it has an emerald green color. Jades also appear in mottled green and white, and the rarer colors of yellow, pink, purple and black. The range of greens is light to dark, creamy, grayish, and also white. A leek green variety called “Russian Jade” is found near Lake Baikal in Russia. Jade is also found in Mexico, and Central and South America. Because of its smooth, even texture, jade has long been a preferred material for carving and is usually cut into cabochons for jewelry. Jade is listed as the Mystical birthstone for the month of March and the birthstone for the Sun Sign Virgo. Jade may be given as a gem on the 12th, 30th and 35th wedding anniversaries. This gem stone is the ultimate symbol of calm and serenity. It helps bring serenity to the mind by releasing negative thoughts. A stone of balance and healing, it alleviates anxiety and fear based emotions. Jade vibrates in harmony with the Heart Chakra unlike any other stone, and opens up the heart Chakra to love energy. HDL

FASCINATINGPERFUME

The Invisible Accessory A look at the history and facts of perfume. >> by JANE CHERO weet-smelling perfume trails take us far back in history. According to the Bible, the Three Wise Men who visited the Baby Jesus brought gifts of myrrh and frankincense. Ancient Egyptians burned incense called kyphi made of henna, myrrh, cinnamon and juniper and used it as a religious offering. They also soaked aromatic wood and resins in oil and water, and used the liquid as a fragrant body lotion. Truth is, people have been lavishing themselves in perfumes and oils for centuries. Egyptian perfumery spread to Europe when 13th century Crusaders brought back samples from Palestine to England, France and Italy. But perfume came into widespread use during the reign of France’s King Louis XIV. He used it so much that he was called the “Perfume King”. A floral pavilion filled his palace court, and dried flowers were placed in bowls throughout the palace to add fragrance to the air. It was during this time that Grasse, a region in Southern France where many flowering plant varieties grow, became a leading perfume producer. The art of perfumery progressed through the centuries, and toward the end of the 19th century, the emerging middle class brought about a more refined taste in fragrance. Perfumery was viewed as an art and was turning into a luxury product with prestigious names and beautiful bottles.

S

The First Great Perfumer The French have a long tradition in the art of making perfumes. Francois Coty is often referred to as the first great perfumer, not only because his scents inspired others, but also for his marketing ability. Coty set up his first business in the Rue de la Boetie in Paris. A small “accident” (stroke of luck!) won him fame when one of his French crystal bottles fell and

82 HDL

broke. Five-hundred bottles sold practically overnight due to the intoxicating, lifelike smell of the rose perfume. Coty’s philosophy was simple: “Give a woman the best product you can compound. Present it in a container of simple but impeccable taste, charge a reasonable price for it, and a great business will arise such as the world has never seen.” Making Perfume Perfume’s often compared to music, with three different notes all combining to create harmony: notes of the head (top notes), heart (middle notes), and depth (base notes). Each note creates its own scent, yet blends with the others to create an olfactory experience. Topnote oils are the lightest and most stimulating. Strong middle-note oils usually form the bulk of fragrance blends, and base-note oils are rich and linger. Perfume oils are usually organized into four groups, and contain ingredients that are arranged for the specific role they’ll play. Primary scents can consist of main ingredients for a certain concept such as “rose”. Modifiers are used to alter the primary scent to give the perfume a desired character, such as fruit esters to create a fruity floral sent. Blenders smooth out the transition between different bases. Fixatives such as wood scents and amber bases are used to bolster the primary scent. To capture the fragrance of a flower without killing it, a kind of “smell camera” is used that detects and absorbs the particles that surround a plant to record its scent. The information’s translated into a formula, which scientists use to recreate the smell. Today, perfumers are going all out with limited edition, exclusive “vintage” perfumes, specifying the year of creation (like fine wines), and even custom-made, signature scents. HDL

See the light in a whole new way.

TrueImage Control

™

with GestureTouch Technology ™

The New Face of Control For Savant, the concept of user-friendly whole-house control has been a passionate pursuit from day one. Savant’s TrueImage technology gives you fingertip control of lighting, motorized shades, even A/V and other home systems, all via a simple tap on a wide angle image of each room in your home. Instead of interacting with confusing icons, TrueImage allows you to simply touch the actual light or other device, instantly turning it on or off, up or down, dim or bright. And each command is confirmed right on the screen. How effortlessly elegant! Savant’s TrueImage also lets you control other rooms in your home quickly and easily by gracefully “swiping” through room images using Savant’s GestureTouch technology. TrueImage Control technology is available on Savant’s line of In-Wall and Tabletop Touch Panels.

www.savantav.com

HDL0909_Cover_Ads.indd 5 Sav-SwipeFullPage-HDLiving2009.indd 1

9/4/09 12:08:01 PM 8/27/09 10:46:18 AM

Now HD entertainment throughout your home is within reach. r
4IBSF
)%
NPWJFT
BOE
NVTJD
UISPVHIPVU
ZPVS
IPNF r
"DDFTT
ZPVS
J1PE
NVTJD
QMBZFS
JO
BOZ
SPPN r
$PNNVOJDBUF
SPPN
UP
SPPN
XJUI
JOUFSDPN
BOE
WJEFP
NPOJUPSJOH
r
&YQFSJFODF
BGGPSEBCMF
NVMUJSPPN
JOTUBMMBUJPO -FBSO
NPSF
PS
MPDBUF
B
EFBMFS
BU XXXTPOZDPNIEMJWJOH

¥

4POZ
&MFDUSPOJDT
*OD
4POZ
BOE
UIF
4POZ
BOE
)%/"
MPHPT
BSF
USBEFNBSLT
PG
4POZ
J1PE
JT
B
USBEFNBSL
PG
"QQMF
*OD