Musings
"Musts" in Yountville
A capture from one of my favorite stops in wine country - in Yountville, more precisely. Ma(i)sonry is an art, design and wine gallery that satisfies an array of curiosities in a historic setting. The chic garden landscape plays host to a variety of sculptures begging for your lustful attention, while Ma(i)sonry's wine list includes beautiful offerings from several local vintner partners. Below is a sketch of my perfect day in Yountville:
1). Enjoy a few flights at Ma(i)sonry amidst their lush garden. This is a setting you want to soak up for as long as you can. (Ask for Mikael upon arrival).
2). Stroll down the street to meander through Thomas Keller's infamous French Laundry Gardens.
3). Assume your position at the bar of Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bistro for iced coffee and dessert. (The lemon tart is a must).
4.) If the line is not too, too long, gather a box of goodies at pistachio-painted building that is Bouchon Bakery to share with your friends.
5). Fasting will likely be a necessity following the gluttony that occurs. xx
'Skinny, Slow and Obstreperous'
One of the first case studies I read for business school was on the strategic repositioning of Ducati, the Italian maker of high-end sport motorcycles. Surprisingly, I found the industry, culture and company's growth strategy, fascinating. As such, it seems I've developed a radar for motorbikes and scooters. Growing up, my Father had a few Yamaha Chappy scooters from the 80s, clad in a vintage hue of canary yellow. I used to ride them around our back yard between the blueberry bushes, waiting for the day I could have my own. Sadly, my Father sold them and I have not let him forget this unfortunate reality.
The WSJ recently published an article titled "The Vintage-Moped Resurgence" that highlights the recent allure around the "skinny, slow and obstreperous" machines. Despite their less than favorable environmental impact, they seem to be in vogue, once again. Read on, here.
In Bed With Patti Hansen
The incessant rain in San Francisco has forced me to slow down and revisit books I've neglected over the years in the comfort of my own bed. I am always struck by this image of Patti Hansen "looking like a young Brigitte Bardot" captured by Michael Reinhardt in 1979. The image lives in VOGUE's The Editor's Eye, published in 2012.
