Friday Fun: Hummus & The Santa Barbara International Film Festival!

The City of Santa Barbara is known as the American Riviera ®.  Given that the Cannes Film Festival takes place on the French Riviera, it is fitting to have a festival here.  The Festival began on January 30th and ends on February 9th, 2014.

With the close proximity to Los Angeles, it is an ideal venue for the 29th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, began yesterday evening  with an opening party and the World premiere screening of Mission Blue, a feature documentary.  This film highlights the work of Sylvia Earle an oceanographer, who has spent more than 6,000 hours underwater.

                  

Preparations for the opening party, yesterday afternoon, at the El Paseo Shopping Center

Among the celebrities expected to appear are those that the SBFilm Festival is honoring, such as Bruce Dern, Oprah Winfrey, Cate Blanchett, Martin Scorcese and Leonardo di Caprio, Robert Redford and David O, Russell.   In addition, seven actors will received the Virtuoso Award the year's standout performances.

The screen cuisine category is interesting to read: Make Hummus Not War, a humorous documentary filmed in the hummus bars and kitchens of Beirut, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and New York, exploring the possibility that perhaps we can have peace in the Middle East via hummus eating.  Hummus is thought to be one of the oldest preparation of garbanzo beans 

and several countries claim as being the original source.  

Another  is the follow up to A Year in Burgundy, called A Year in Champagne.  This film chronicles four seasons of making champagne.  It portrays winemakers and their families revealing what is behind the scenes in producing the celebratory bubbly.

When you are tired of seeing films and want to explore some of the off the beaten path restaurants who focus on locavore produce and artisans. You can eat at the Lark, or for lighter fare check out Les Marchands, a wine bar with tasty treats to accompany your wine tasting.

Enjoy our town, Cheers Ron & Alexandra

Written by Ron & Alexandra Seigel-

ABOUT:  Napa Consultants, International is the leader in brand strategy for the luxury real estate industry.  They work exclusively with professionals who are passionate about gaining or sustaining market leadership. With an expertise in personal branding, company branding, luxury real estate website design and social media marketing they help their clients become the breakaway brand in their marketplace. 

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The Luxury of Freedom: New Rage or Outrage?

We had been noticing this “ecoATM” machine at the Thousand Oaks Mall for many months. We still had an old phone from the days of yore (prior to the arrival of the smartphones) and liked the idea of recycling it.  So, yesterday, we made a point of taking the phone with us in order to recycle it, using this self-service kiosk.

The business model of the “ecoATM” is to give you cash for recycling phones and simultaneously to contribute a part of their proceeds to charitable foundations such as Make-A-Wish-Foundation.  This all resonated with our point of view as we very much support efforts to create a greener America and this particular charity. 

One customer review said, “Broken iPhone laying around? You have to check out these machines.  Got back $100 for a cracked iPhone 4!”  We thought, “why not pay for lunch by recycling our old phone?”

Here is WHY NOT:

When we discovered that the machine asks to scan your personal photo ID, take a photo of you in front of the kiosk (to compare using facial recognition software, no doubt) and requires a thumbprint on top of all that, our jaws dropped!  Certainly there is justification for this, i.e., to make sure they are not collecting a stolen phone.  But, this really got our blood boiling with outrage. Never have we seen a red flag waved in our face so blatantly for the potential of identity theft or a breach of privacy.

We asked the Mall security guard, his thoughts on this.  He said “they are a reputable company”. And, we know this to be true.   However, just a couple of days before, Apple’s app developer site was hacked.  They were able to quickly contain the damage.  But, what level of assurances can this vending machine company make that this will not happen, here?

The question of privacy on the Internet, on social media and Internet connected devices must be examined by each of us.  There are some that say, “Privacy is for old people”.  Perhaps, these people also believe that the luxury of personal freedom is just an old fashioned notion, too.   Or, have they not yet connected the two concepts?

When personal freedom gets severely eroded will the pendulum swing?  Will personal freedom then become the new rage?  New rage or outrage, the choice is yours?

What do you think?

P.S.  We took our old phone into the Apple store located a few doors down from the kiosk and they gladly recycled it for free.  The YOUNG Apple staffers also were outraged when we told our story. They had no idea what that machine did.  And, we happily paid for our lunch, which was a drop in the ocean compared to the price of our personal freedom.

Written by Ron & Alexandra Seigel-

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The Luxury of White Peach Champagne, Venice, Love and a Great Gift

Yesterday, we were in Beverly Hills bright and early for business meetings.  The conversation turned to champagne as a gift, and we remembered one of our favorite aperitif (cocktail) champagnes-peach champagne.  Inspired by the famed Italian version (the Bellini, which is now the official cocktail of the International Bartenders Association), the French have bottled this wonderful elixir.

The Bellini was invented in Venice by Giuseppe Cipriani  at his restaurant called, Harry’s Bar in Venice, in 1934.  Legend has it that Signor Cipriani made the first Prosseco (Italian sparkling wine) and white peach puree cocktail for his beautiful girlfriend, and named it “Bellini” because it reminded him of a painting by the 15^th century Venetian artist, Giovanni Bellini..  This was the seasonal specialty at this quintessential Venetian restaurant that was frequented by Ernest Hemmingway, Sinclair Lewis and Orson Welles. 

We were first introduced to this delight at a fresh fish restaurant in Paris.  We ordered the sea food platter with oysters, clams, langoustine, and pink shrimp.  Our waiter suggested peach champagne.  Both my mother and Ron laughed at me when I ordered it.  The moment it arrived and I tasted it, I was in love.  When Ron and Mom tasted it, I had to pry out of their hands…they also ordered it.

When we returned to Los Angeles, I promptly called every wine store to find this champagne.  I located it at DuVin in West Hollywood across from the Pacific Design Center.  It is a wonderful wine store specializing in European wines tucked behind a garden.  The owners are a delight and introduced us to many delicious French and Italian wines.  When we lived in Napa, I had them deliver a case to our home for holiday gifts several times.  In a wine savvy community, everyone was absolutely delighted and could not thank us enough for this amazing champagne treat. 

Wishing you all a great weekend, Cheers Ron & Alexandra

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Luxury Real Estate Marketing: America’s Luxury-The New Entrepreneurial Spirit

It is a luxury to live in America. In the spirit of celebrating America’s birthday, we are sharing with you some quintessential American places (and fabulous people we have met there) during our recent travels to work with some East Coast clients. The definition for quintessential: is representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class. Quintessential is an essential word to know in the Language of Luxury.

We discovered The Inn at Tabbs Creek on the Internet. Every online comment about the place was positive. After a 3-hour drive in traffic from Reagan National on a hot Virginia day, we turned into to an expansive tree- lined driveway and this magnificent view of the Inn appeared (see photo). We were warmly greeted and shown to our room via the flower gardens lovingly tended by owner Lori Dusenberry. Our room had a view of an inlet of the Chesapeake Bay. (see photo below)

Since it was dinnertime, our greeter, Lori’s brother, gave us suggestions and directions to restaurants in nearby Mathews, a quaint little town. As we drove out, we noticed a large plot of land with a myriad of vegetables, the domain of owner, Greg Dusenberry, Lori’s husband. These wonderful organic vegetables would be part of our breakfast for the two mornings we were there. Lori and Greg exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovative thinking of an American family owned business. We think this excerpt from their website expresses their ingenuity and their intentions perfectly.

“The main Inn is an 1880's newly renovated farmhouse with a separate cottage housing the luxury suites just across the garden and pool. An eco-friendly and certified Virginia Green lodging establishment, The Inn at Tabbs Creek is just the place if you appreciate the natural splendor of the outdoors yet want the luxury and comfort of a casual B&B. We have also partnered with Carbonfund.org to pay for our carbon offsets, so that you may stay "Guilt Free"! (or at least, Carbon Neutral).”

Our breakfasts at the Inn were the culinary highlights of our trip. We had crabmeat omelets with their fresh crabs harvested that morning, and fresh steamed asparagus. The previous morning we enjoyed a sausage quiche with heirloom tomatoes from Greg’s organic garden. The muffins, filled with fresh local berries, came right out of their oven, piping hot, to our table.

Our hosts graciously invited our clients to join us for our breakfast feasts on both days of our stay. We felt pampered, loved and definitely spoiled.

The Inn at Tabs Creek is a quintessential American place, with its picturesque setting, its superb cuisine and especially the generosity of spirit that was extended to us. It definitely rivals any of the French or Italian countryside inns that we have experienced.

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Luxury Real Estate Marketing: America’s Luxury: Warm, Welcoming People

It is a luxury to live in America, and in the spirit of celebrating America’s birthday, we are sharing with you some of the most quintessential places and people we have experienced in our recent travels to our clients marketplaces. The definition for quintessential: is representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class. This is also in our opinion one of the facets which defines luxury.

Captain Stannard House

Country Inn in Westbrook, Connecticut

This is where we learned from Jim and Mary Brewster (the owners of this wonderful bed and breakfast), this sentence, “We cannot wait to spoil you”. And they were true to their words. If you read our blog, you probably saw the picture of the tasty brownies treats on the dresser. Breakfasts were delicious, and the common areas comfortable and inviting. The House has been lovingly restored, and the work was done by an architect who specializes in restoring and building homes that are a 100 years old.

After dinner, we spent the evenings in the living room on comfortable leather couches catching up with our correspondence. We felt completely at home. The Stannard Inn is located one block from the beach, where the Atlantic meets the river. We came in strangers and we left as friends, and that is one of America’s luxury traits—warm and welcoming people. We are looking forward to our next visit.

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Marketing Luxury Real Estate: Tour and Brew to Impress

When you are marketing luxury real estate, here is a fun way to impress your clients while driving them from property to property. Why not offer them an espresso?

Handpresso, a French company is the creator of an outdoor version of an espresso machine powered by a hand pump which is available in the US via importika.com, $199.95. This model comes with 4 cups, a serving flask, and two small napkins in an elegant black carrying case, As you are touring the gardens of a home you are showing, you can relax with your clients as you discuss the property and serve them a freshly brewed espresso. We would suggest packing a tin of biscotti and some chocolate to sweeten the deal making process. The coffee pods are also available in decaf.

The other gadget is a personal one. Since 2008, European drivers have had the advantage of being able to brew a creamy cup of espresso in their car. This is very handy when you are rushing out of the door and have no time to stop at your favorite coffee place. The new gadget, HandpressoAuto, made by French company Handpresso is due to arrive in the US later this year (Christmas present?) plugs directly into the cigarette lighter of your auto. It takes two minutes for the portable machine (size of an average thermos) to deliver a cup of espresso. All you have to do is pour water into the thermos, place a coffee pod, hit the “on” button, and enjoy the hit of caffeine. The personal one presently retails for 150 euros.

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Luxetera: That Which is Rare and Beautiful is a Luxury

Every so often, in the course of writing the Language of Luxury Blog, we pause to reflect on the meaning of the word luxury. One definition of luxury can be summed up in the word, “rare”. When something is rare and beautiful it is uncommon, unusual, exceptional, atypical, extraordinary or singular.

That which is rare tends to appreciate in value. In our new age of iPads, what is to become of rare books? When was the last time you received a handwritten note on fine stationery instead of an email? Do you think that fountain pens will ever come back in style? As our smartphone morph into mobile “wallets” what will become of rare coins?

Seahorses are on the verge of becoming an endangered species, making them rare. Some Asian cultures use them for medicinal purposes which puts pressure on the seahorse population. Some aquarium hobbyists collect seahorses as pets. Now, there are companies that breed seahorse in captivity. With about 50 species of wild sea-horses that have exquisite shapes and color combinations wild ones are considered more valuable because they are rare.

Rare is a very important concept to grasp when it comes to understanding the mindset of high net worth individuals who seek rare and unique experiences that the masses cannot readily attain. Once something becomes a symbol of wealth and the emulators of wealth popularize it, it no longer is rare.

For example, in the 1980s Montblanc pens suddenly because a status symbol of the “yuppies”. As they became ubiquitous in the circles of those aspiring to attain wealth, the true achievers of wealth became less interested in this brand as a rare item.

To attract and better serve high net worth individuals you must speak their language. You must speak the language of luxury. To succeed as a luxury real estate marketing professional it would be a good idea to have a depth of understanding of the meaning of rare.

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Luxetera, etc: The Joy of a Wonderful Cookbook

Last week, our dear friend, Stan Penner, gifted us with the long- awaited cookbook, Completely Delicious that he just wrote and published. This magnificent book and its outstanding recipes reflect Stan’s authenticity as a person, and as a chef who has a passion for entertaining, especially by creating intimate dinner parties for friends. If you enjoy the art of giving dinner parties or simply want to try some easy to follow sumptuous recipes, this book is for you.

An example of a recipe that you can make just for yourself is his energy shake which can be found in the drink section called “Raw Green Dinner Blast!” According to Stan, “we gave this drink to our housekeeper, and she worked nonstop the whole day. ‘I did not even eat lunch because it gave me so much energy,’ she said glowing.”

One of our favorites is shrimp curry pizza, which Stan had made for us in his pizza oven that is located at center stage in his dining room. When Ron tasted Stan’s delectable lime cheesecake, (which doesn’t take all day to make), he said “This texture is as smooth as skiing on fresh powdered snow.”

We highly recommend Completely Delicious to anyone who wants a one of a kind cookbook, and it a great gift for that special client or friend. Happy Munching.