Eau De Beaute

Are the agonizingly grey January skies and offensively cold temperatures leaving your skin looking dull?  With plenty of skiing days left in Kitzbuhel and the French Open just around the corner there's no excuse to not make every effort to keep up your radiant completion.

The heroics of Caudalie's "Eau De Beaute" deliver in spades and will ensure you arrive on the continent looking luminous and resplendent.  "Inspired by the elixer of youth used by Queen Isabelle of Hungary, this skincare smooths features, tightens pores and provides an instant burst of radiance to the complexion."

Don't be surprised if your normally discreet fellow Business Class travelers ask for a spritz. Essential oils of rosemary, orange blossom and rose extracts and myrrh give it an alluring and enchanting aroma.

www.caudalie-usa.com

Big Game Hunter

In the urban jungle we so often find ourselves in, "Big Game Hunter" can take on a variety of meanings.  Good thing Beretta, a dynasty for over four centuries founded in 1526 when "Mastro Bartolomeo Beretta of Gardone received 296 ducats as payment for 185 arquebus barrels sold to the Arsenal of Venice" is still thriving; able to provide all the gear you'll need to outfit your "hunting" lifestyle.

The website could do a better job of providing more cyber-browsing options and keeping inventory lists up to date but you surely won't be disappointed by visiting any myriad of locations across the country.  Pick up a pair of their totally authentic and incredibly flattering jodhpurs before you head to the country this weekend. Sure they are worthy enough for any serious "Upland Sportsman" activity but they will also look great with your Frey Paige Cuff boots!

www.berettausa.com

718 Madison Ave.

New York, New York 10065

212.319.3235

Celebrate!

http://americanhistory.si.edu

A Question...

In what one place can you see the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the national anthem, Dorothy's Ruby Red Slippers from "The Wizard of Oz", Lincoln's iconic top hap he wore the night he was shot at Ford's Theatre, the actual kitchen, including the cabinets, appliances, cookbooks and kitchen table of Julia Child from her Cambridge, MA home, AND Kermit the Frog?

They can all be found under one roof - Washington, D.C's Museum of American History.

Washington is Red, White and Blue HOT right now and thanks to the considerable generosity of The Smithsonian Institute exploring so much of America's history is FREE! 

You know they say Washington is the new New York so we say go, explore and celebrate the immeasurable delight found in our nation's capitol, Washington, D.C.

For the searching, inquisitive and curious soul this is America's version of Shangri-la.

Moliere

The allegory of virtue and vice is not a tale I spend too much time reading. 

French playwright and actor, Moliere said it best, "I prefer a pleasant vice to an annoying virtue."

www.salondelamotte.com

Get the '96 and dress up a casual brunch with friends!

Salute!

Francoise Hardy

Saturday, January 17th is Francoise Hardy's birthday.  We thought we'd celebrate a few days early so you have time to download some of this renowned French singer, actress and astrologer's ballads in time for the birthday celebration.

Start with "Le temps de l'amour" move on to "Jardinier benevole" and go from there.  Mademoiselle Hardy is available in iTunes so you have no excuse. 

Life is better with French pop!  

www.francoise-hardy.com

One of the World's Great Lunch Destinations

Oh and just one thing more about Zermatt. What an extraordinary experience to zip around the Matterhorn and into Italy!  Head directly to Cervinia, one of the World's Greatest Lunch Destinations!

Book ahead for a most memorable Italian lunch at Chalet Etoile.  All you'll need is a great bottle of Italian white and order the "fish soup".  The otherworldly view will satiate the rest of your appetite!

Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva

After a week of shussing on piste you'll certainly be looking for the ideal spot to renew before catching your flight out of Geneva.

The Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues is a landmark on Lake Geneva and couldn't be in a better location. A lovely walk across the Port du Mont Blanc and over Lake Geneva puts you square in the center of achingly, impossibly charming old town Geneva.  Before you head anywhere however be sure to stop into the enchanting and elegant library off the lobby for complementary nibbles and a glass of perhaps Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rose.

Le Bar des Bergues is the ideal haunt for a night cap.  The only regret you'll have upon departure is wondering why you didn't plan to stay on this bit of cloud nine longer.

Chez Vrony

Chez Vrony

www.chezvrony.ch

Located in the Sunnegga Paradise ski area this intimate treasure is so special you simply must schedule an entire afternoon to endulge in the elegantly appointed alpine chic of it all.  Nestled at 1900m in a real life Hansel & Gretel-like village the generous deck provides tables for larger groups, intimate corners to tuck in with a perfectly chilled bottle of Sancerre to discuss the days turns or opt for the opulent teak lounge chairs with picture postcard views of the Matterhorn.

The darling and authentic chalet also hosts a peerless and superb "winter in the Alps"dinner experience that only Zermatt can truly deliver in spades.

Go. Enjoy Chez Vrony. You'll never be the same.

Lunch on Piste

Skiing stateside is all about getting up early, grabbing some oatmeal and getting out on the freshest snow you can find. Skiing "on the Continent" is all about finding the sublime spot for a delicious lunch on piste.  

Zermatt offers some of the world's most charming, delightful and desirable on piste dining.  Have your hotel concierge make reservations before you tear off for the day.  Some of our favorites...

Fluhalp: 

www.fluhalp-zermatt.ch/

Situated on the Rothorn Peak off the Fluhalp run at 2,620 m over sea level on a sunny day nothing beats the stunning terrace views of the Matterhorn. On colder days the cozy interior is storybook perfection.  Order any of their delightful Italian reds and toast to your enchanting surroundings.

 

Othmar's Hutte:

Stop at Othmar's on your way down Rothorn for a pre Apres Ski cocktail.  It's the last restaurant before town.  In 1962 Othmar and Betty Kronig had this hut transported up from Zermatt.  Since then it has been a great place to stop off for a drink on the "home run".  Order the "Fish Water" schnapps, with hints of apple it's a delightful surprise!

Zum See:

www.zumsee.ch/

You won't believe your eyes when you come accross this converted barn off Blatten Run with a sunny terrace (about 120 seats) surrounded by typical chalets built over 350 years ago.  With delectable local cheeses, dishes making the most of the valley produce, meats and rosti and sweets are also not to be missed.  You're also close to town at Zum See so feel free to explore the depth of their wine list and make your wobbly way back down.

Gut Essend!  

Gehen Wir Zu Zermatt!

It's January 5th, 2009! 

That means it's dreadfully difficult to focus on affairs at the office where there's so much "on piste" planning to be done. Ski season is officially upon us.  This week let's focus on suave, sophisticated Zermatt. 

Retaining the atmosphere of a charmingly traditional Alpine Village  it's one of the few places you can have a  scrumptious breakfast on piste in Italy and be back in Switzerland for  yet another fondue dinner that evening.

As soon as the world's most efficient Swiss Railway drops you in town head to the Hotel Alex straightaway for a "Wolkommen!" cocktail. 

www.hotelalexzermatt.com

"Paris has its Buddha Bar, Madrid its Joy Estava, Ibiza its Cafe del Mar, and now Zermatt, the top of the Alps has the 'Alex Lounge Bar'. This exclusive lounge and bar with its many intimate corners and fireplaces is an alpine world of art and precious designer fabrics.  The "Scottish Corner" with a wide selection of whiskies, a wine bar with world renowned top wines, and cocktails. A magical Alex ambiance where mountain spirits whisper through the old larch beams..."

Jubelt Skiiers!