Tag Archives: Luxury

Ode to the Most Decadent Martini in Brooklyn

I do not remember the first time I ordered a martini or what possessed me to do so. I grew up in a suburban town in Georgia. I didn’t have my first drink until I was a freshman in college, and then it was vodka mixed with an alarming amount of cranberry juice. On my first date with the man who would become my husband, I ordered a “jack and ginger.” I have yet to live that order down.

It took nearly four years for me to realize that I didn’t like sweet drinks, eliminating most cocktails from any kind of regular rotation. By age 27, whiskey (or dark liquor of any kind for that matter) was no longer my friend. The point to vodka seemed to be that it was tasteless, which wasn’t appealing. I vaguely remember someone explaining that a martini should always be made with gin. Without gin, it was not a martini. Then a friend of mine ordered a martini, not dirty, up, with olives. I said, “two of those.” The rest is history.

A few weeks ago at Maison Premiere, a New Orleans-styled bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, I noticed a new martini on the menu: “The Old King Cole Martini, $20, Old Raj, Dolin Dry, Orange Bitters, Castelvetrano Olives, Mixed Table-Side, 2-drink limit per order.” I was curious.

The genesis of the martini cocktail is murky; the mixologist at Maison Premiere went with the story that the martini was created by a bartender in 1911 at the Old King Cole bar in the St. Regis Hotel in Manhattan. Others claim the name comes from the “Martini & Rossi” vermouth brand. Another theory comes from the gold-rush town of Martinez. When a miner struck gold, he asked the bartender to make him a celebratory drink. The bartender threw together what he had on hand: gin and vermouth.

 

Maison Premiere
Image Courtesy of Maison Premiere

The history of the martini is not so important—what is important is ordering it correctly. If you’d like to experience a martini the right way, follow these simple steps:

  1. Gin is the spirit. If you don’t like gin, the martini is not for you.
  2. Dry English gin is the best option.
  3. “Dirty” martinis are not an option. Order with olive, or with a twist.
  4. Under no circumstances consume more than two martinis in one evening. As Dorothy Parker said, “I like to have a martini, two at the most. Three I’m under the table, four I’m under my host.”

At Maison Premiere, the table-side service was the reason for the high price-tag. The indulgent experience (listening to the bartender explain the drink as he stirred—notice, never shaken) embodies the appeal of the martini: it is meant for those who like a real drink, with no bells and whistles. It is meant to be enjoyed slowly. It pairs well with oysters and steak. It pairs well with New York City. For me, it embodies my maturation into adulthood—ordering a martini means knowing exactly what you want, and not being afraid to say so.

5 Ways to Upgrade Your Flight Experience

There once was a time when flying was a glamorous affair. Carriers like Pan Am and Trans World Airlines flew passengers in the most modern of jet aircraft, with wide seats and spacious leg room. Once airborne, travelers would be treated to only the finest delicacies and choice beverages from around the world.

Today, it is hard to imagine that time was only 50 years ago. With aircraft getting bigger, seat space getting smaller, and the divide widening between the front and back of the aircraft (exemplified by the Etihad Residence), making flying a glamorous experience is a difficult proposition.

This doesn’t mean that flying cannot still be a fun, relaxing, and glamourous venture. Even in our modern era of airlines dropping luxuries to squeeze every dollar out of travelers, making cross-country flight an enjoyable experience can be achieved with a little know-how and proper planning.

Although the struggle exists, we want to help you upgrade your next flight. Here are five ways you can make your next flight much more enjoyable.

Lounge Access

Believe it or not, you may already have access to an airport lounge just by holding the right credit card. Many airline credit cards come with a limited number of one day lounge passes, which can be redeemed while flying on that airline. In addition, the Platinum Card from American Express comes with access to three lounges: the Delta SkyClub when flying on a Delta Air Lines flight, The American Express Centurion Lounge both arriving and departing, and many other lounges through their partnership with Priority Pass.

Even if you don’t have complimentary lounge access but still want a quiet place to get away and free Wi-Fi, there are options available. At select airports, The Club Airport Lounges and Airspace offer travelers all the peace and quiet of lounge life without a high access price.

Empty Water Bottle

Although the flight attendants may try to hide it with a smile, they don’t always look forward to coming to your aid when the call button is rung – especially if you’re asking for an extra beverage. However, past the security checkpoint, travelers’ options are limited to either buying an exorbitantly-priced water bottle, or hoping the flight attendant will take pity on your plea.

brita water bottleSmart and savvy flyers don’t hit the call button at all and bypass the overpriced water by packing the must-have item of 2016: a personal water bottle. My personal favorite is the Brita filtered large water bottle, allowing me to have clean, great-tasting water on every flight. I bring mine through the security checkpoint empty and fill it in the airport lounge or at a water fountain to stay hydrated on every flight. Plus, hydration is a great way to beat jetlag!

 

Tablet Computer

Watching a program on the overhead monitors is tedious, at best. Not only is it impossible to get into the out-of-date program, but the strain on your neck is not pleasant. Today, it’s easy to make your own in-flight entertainment with a tablet computer.

amazon fire tabletEven the frugally-priced Amazon Fire Tablet allows travelers to catch up on their reading list, watch television shows and movies, and even finish that difficult level of Angry Birds. Plus, air carriers like Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines now offer premium in-flight entertainment direct to your tablet.

 

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

In my travels, I’ve found the other half of in-flight entertainment comes through immersion. When a row-mate tries to talk about his latest trip to Poughkeepsie, it can become difficult to enjoy the peace and quiet of your flight.

bose noise cancelling headphonesWearing a set of noise-cancelling headphones, like the QuietComfort® 25s from Bose, can be a polite and direct way of informing your fellow travelers that you are less interested in talking and more interested in getting to your next destination. Furthermore, the right set of headphones can not only block out the world around you easily and discretely, but also make a fashion statement at the same time.

 

Eye Mask

Perhaps the most difficult thing to do is catch some rest on a flight, especially when transitioning between time zones. Add in travelers using knee-defenders among other common distractions, and resting on a flight can be a challenge.

midnight magic sleep eye maskWhen it’s time to catch some shuteye, a fashionable eye-mask, like the Midnight Magic Sleep Eye Mask from Cabeau, can not only make a bold personality statement, but also help you punch your one-way ticket to dreamland. I usually pair my eye mask with some relaxing music (thanks to the noise-cancelling headphones) to sleep away my next flight.

 

Even though you may not be traveling in the front of the cabin, you can make your next flying experience feel luxurious with these five simple items. With a little planning around these five tips, your next trip can be a smooth and serene experience.

Best Modern Watches for Women Under $400

Become a little less dependent on your phone while upping your accessory game with a minimalist and modern timepiece. Gone are the days of gaudy, blingy watches that scream status. With big faces and minimal features, our new favorite watches are both chic and relatively affordable. Tell more stylish time with these five understated beauties, prioritizing Scandinavian-inspired simplicity over flash.

Larsson and Jennings

Emerging watch designer, Larsson and Jennings, blends famous Swedish minimalist design with British elegance. Their unisex watches are the definition of “clean lines.” Handmade leather straps and Swiss movements mean your new watch is built to last for a very long time. If you live in New York, visit their concept store in Nolita to customize your very own. The Läder, one of their most popular models, retails for $360.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/_MPMlci9Pb/

 

Daniel Wellington

With 1.7 million followers on Instagram, Daniel Wellington is one of the most popular up-and-coming accessories brands today. Their timeless timepieces are thoroughly preppy, but definitely unpretentious and range in price from $149 to $229. The company was named after a British gentleman who seemed at home regardless of the situation, and their watches follow suit. Replaceable straps and quality components mean you’ll have your DW watch for years and years. Tag your photo with #dwpickoftheday and you could be featured on their account, becoming just as insta-famous they are.

 

 

The Horse

Founded by Australian husband and wife team, Scott and Amy Hawkes, The Horse launched their first line of watches in 2012. Today, four unique styles share the brand’s typical understated approach to accessorizing. This classic and versatile aesthetic is appropriate whether you’re wearing jeans or an evening gown. You can claim one from The Original line for $139. The couple says they believe in ‘buying once and buying well.” We do, too.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/-_QM4Iq3nA/

 

Skagen

“Simple design for a better life” is the motto of Skagen, a Danish design company now owned by Fossil. This ethos is carried out in the more than 100 watch models they produce, most of them retailing for less than $200. The company’s commitment to ethical manufacturing practices that benefit both humans and the environment make these watches even more attractive.

https://www.instagram.com/p/-z2HY9JbWA/?taken-by=nicole.toland

 

Instrmnt

Get hands on with an Instrmnt watch. Each one comes disassembled in a kit along with the tools to put it together. The Glasgow-based design collective makes six different models, each with a simple approach reminiscent of industrial design of the mid-20th century. The $280 price tag seems like a bargain considering the quality of the materials. The multi-disciplinary company also produces bikes, a collaboration with master bike builder, Freddie Grubb. We’re hoping Instrmnt’s next project brings their soon-to-be-iconic watches into full-size wall clocks.

 

Cluse

Based in Amsterdam, CLUSE prioritizes simplicity and sophistication over bells and whistles in their stunning collection of watches. Favored by professional and amateur stylists alike, CLUSE watches exude understated confidence. None costs more than €99.95, either. We would love to visit their atelier on the Amsterdammer canals. Someday…