{ For the Love of Food and Wine } On Saturdays, We Brunch...But First, We Drink

photo courtesy: bonappetit.com | Mixologist: Damon Boelte

| Strawberry-Balsamic Smash |

Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, mash two 1/2" lime wedges, two 1/2" rounds of cucumber, 1 fresh hulled strawberry, 1 Tbsp. Simple Syrup (click for recipe), and 1/2 tsp. balsamic vinegar in a 16-oz. mixing glass or a cocktail shaker 4–5 times just to release juices and oils. Add 1/4 cup gin. Transfer to an Old Fashioned glass. Fill halfway with crushed ice, stir, then mound more crushed ice on top. Garnish with a cucumber round.

With our Mediterranean-like climate, we Angelenos have grown quite accustomed to a cross-seasonal lifestyle. With yesterday's earthquake but a mere afterthought, most of us are already mulling over where brunch will take place, while languidly rolling around in our sheets.

Today's early musings focus on concoctions which are sure to whet our palates, promise to open up our senses, and entice us to eat far more than we'd planned. (To Do List: Santa Monica Stairs, check.)

I'm crushing on these delightful libations, by way of Brooklyn's finest mixologist, Damon Boelte. The "Smashes" come in a myriad of colors and just as many flavor profiles. From the Strawberry-Balsamic Smash to the Bramble Smash, the Mezcal Smash to the Chartreuse Smash, these icy low-calorie beauties beg to be sipped poolside, rooftop or beachfront. So many choices...and with this inspired weather, why choose? Have you decided where you're headed this lovely morning, and more importantly...what are you drinking?

Photo courtesy: bonappetit.com | Kimberley Hasselbrink

The Muse, Damon Boelte:

Tune in to The Speakeasy podcast, every Wednesday at 4PM, where host Damon Boelte will discuss cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, tea, coffee and all things in the liquid universe, with guests ranging from bartenders and brewers, alchemists and ambassadors, roasters and regulars, and every expert and enthusiast in between. Learn from some of the world's leading experts in mixology, bar history, distillation and brewing about how we enjoy imbibing today.

Damon Boelte has consulted for many bars and restaurants in New York City and beyond, and is currently is the bar director for critically heralded Prime Meats restaurant in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. He has worked with many spirits and beverage companies such as Maker's Mark, Plymouth Gin, Tito's Vodka, Corzo Tequila, the American Gin Company, Highland Park and Stumptown Coffee. You can read about his cocktails and techniques in New York Magazine, The New York Times, Time Out, Imbibe Magazine, GQ, Edible Brooklyn & Manhattan, Saveur, Bon Appetit, La Cucina Italiana, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, Eater.com, Tastingtable.com & seriouseats.com.

{ Holding Court } King's Palace Perfumery

Just one whiff. And you're held captive. In a moment, a lingering aroma can trigger emotional memories - once buried deeply in one's psyche, now palpably dancing on the surface of the mind. A scent can be a portal to days long since passed, evoking memories from a childhood, a passionate embrace or an adventure to a faraway, distant land. This transformative power is what perfumer Dr. Marlen Elliot Harrison has harnessed in the spring 2014 debut of his fragrance line, King's Palace Perfumery. 

My first interaction with the "Fragrance Doctor" occurred years ago, after I became obsessed with researching the notes of my favorite colognes via Fragrantica.com. A previous contributor to the site (2010-2011), Harrison is also the creator and current editor of ThePerfumeCritic.com. 

Additionally, Harrison authored Basenotes.com's ADDICTED column (2005-2006) as well as contributing to many other blogs and publications, including The Washington Blade. Dr. Harrison's expertise in the perfume industry over the last two decades has earned him mentions in Forbes.com and NYTimes.com, as well as invitations to speak at Sniffapalooza and the American Society of Perfumers. 

New research shows that the human nose can detect more than 1 trillion scents. It's safe to assume that Dr. M.E. Harrison, a former university professor and journalist, drew from trillions and trillions of scents accumulated during his extensive travels in order to develop this internationally-inspired fragrance line. 

When the beautiful King's Palace press kit showed up on our doorstep, we could hardly wait to unearth the treasures. As you could imagine, every detail was perfect. From the damask-stamped stationary to the 1 ml ribbon-wrapped vials of Chang Samkhan and Din ka Raja, two of the perfumery's current offerings. A magnet card showcased the perfumery's logo and contact details, and immediately found a home on our magnetized desktop. 

King's Palace's "multicultural provenance" is indicative in the carefully crafted product names, which have drawn inspiration from various languages and cultures. Raw ingredients have been sourced internationally from countries including Czech Republic, Italy, China, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria, France, India and  Malaysia. 

One is instantly transported by the depth of each fragrance, each intricate layer taking the mind on journeys through history's most decadent palaces and courts. Chang Samkhan was our favorite gifted sample - an Oriental floral harmoniously blending citrus notes of Lemon and Neroli with rich notes of Golden Sandalwood and Green Musk. 

Of the additional fragrance offerings, we look forward to experiencing Copal Carlota - a Spicy Oriental blend of Copal, Black Pepper and Patchouli, coupled with various musks and woods. 

Perhaps one of the best takeaways from this magical new collection is its philanthropic core. Dr. Harrison's mission in creating this brand was to "reduce the amount of harm to the planet and support its inhabitants through charitable works." Remaining true to his mission, Harrison will donate 10% of all sales to over a dozen organizations including UNICEF, UNESCO, TheHungerProject.com and the Ocean Foundation.

And while King's Palace Perfumery has certainly stimulated our sensory curiosity, GypsetMuse is more intrinsically pleased to know that while we "Smell Good,"  we can also "Do Good."

{ Muse Mondays } Kilee Hughes

In our second installment of Muse Mondays, we're super excited to highlight Kilee Hughes, a fashion PR powerhouse with over a decade of experience in brand development and strategic communications. As PR Director of Net-A-Porter, the world's most coveted virtual fashion destination, it doesn't come as a surprise that we're head-over-heels in love with Hughes' Instagram account. She's got an eye for all things art, fashion and interiors - and her personal style mantra is unmistakable - Luxury, Sophistication and Elegance.

Porter Magazine, the retailer's glossy counterpart, created for today's refined connoisseur

Before landing at Net-A-Porter, Hughes' career spanned the globe, notably designing PR campaigns for luxury eyewear retailer, Luxottica Group in Australasia, and stateside, for Nike and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Her international travels are endless and enjoyed with dear friends - being a Gypset Muse definitely suits her. Muse-worthy in every way, Hughes inspires us to keep evolving, remain focused and stay humble throughout the journey. There's definitely something special about Ms. Hughes...

Ciao,

xx
The Gypset Muse

{ Style Muse } Diane Von Furstenberg: Journey of a Dress

A true icon, fashion designer and Council of Fashion Designers' (CFDA) president, Diane von Furstenberg has remained "on trend" for the last four decades. Her equally-iconic wrap dress has been hailed as the fashion staple most desired in any woman's wardrobe, universally flattering all body types. Her prints and silhouettes appeal to the modern bohemian, as well as the conservative lady who lunches. Women of all ages can wear DVF with pride and sophistication...she quite literally designs for EVERY woman.

In a recent special CNN profile, fellow Muse Michaela Angela Davis brilliantly captures the essence and the power behind the dress with "such a democratic design." In a breathtaking moment, Davis impeccably describes the gypset spirit of the DVF wrap and how it seamlessly empowered women everywhere making "global moves." Beautifully written, Michaela.

Angelenos can currently visit the Journey of a Dress exhibition, on display at the Wilshire May Company Building until April 1st. The exhibit, featuring both vintage and modern designs of the legendary dress, commemorates its 40th anniversary.

Stay tuned for photo coverage of this week's visit!

Ciao,
xx
The Gypset Muse

{ Travel Muse } Havana in un Dia

The best adventures come unexpectedly. This particular TravelMuse moment was just that sort of adventure...

Following Playa del Carmen's hospitality-insider BPM Festival, my soul sister, Ayana, and I whisked away for a 36-hour cultural excursion to Havana.

During our short stay, Norman, a former Soviet-Cuban translator turned tour guide, took us on a 3-hour drive spanning the cobblestone streets of Havana's historic center to the inner bowels of its Chinatown (and his friend's kitchen, where we covertly purchased several beautifully-wrapped boxes of Montecristos) and finally to the top of the Malecon, where our vintage taxi finally gave up the ghost, leaving us stranded for another hour.

To our delight, blushing vendors came in droves, and after some time, we left with bags of carved wooden 1950s Fords, Buicks and Pontiacs, painted clay magnets of Cuban ladies adorned in headdress, and handmade beaded jewelry. Needless to say, the trinkets were a mere bonus. Leaning against the ancient walls of Morro Castle, watching the sun fade into waters that carried so many to US shores, I relished in the fact that I was sharing these moments with such beautiful strangers.

Later that evening, musical daydreams manifested into realities. Lovers of world music and longtime fans of the Buena Vista Social Club, it seemed we were destined to find that the group would be performing at a popular restaurant in Old Havana for our final night.

The restaurant, Cafe Taberna, was jammed packed when we arrived, but as luck would have it, we were swiftly led to a corner table at the front of the cafe, seated alongside the band. Best seats in the house.

The experience was beyond magical. The place was buzzing, and I felt like I was floating as I salsa-danced through the aisles, led by the band's dancers. So many times I had listened to Ibrahim Ferrer singing these very songs - the sounds of my favorite Cuban band echoing in my ears that night would remain a musing moment I'd not soon forget.


Ciao,
xx
The Gypset Muse

Images shot by | Anastasia Clemons and Ayana Fraser |

{ Muse Mondays } Terri Hines

When visualizing our signature series, Muse Mondays, notable subjects that sprang to mind hailed from a diverse grouping of savvy professionals, thought influencers and innovative communicators.

Our introductory Muse is a dynamic public relations maven who has made impressive strides over the last 20 years in brand marketing and global communications. In a recent profile, Terri Hines, VP of Global PR and Communications at Converse, captured my attention with an inspirational story of her mentor-driven success. As any good muse would, Hines charged burgeoning communications professionals to study their craft, remain digitally relevant and stay informed on a local and global scale. A lifelong student, Hines also stated the best part of her job has been learning the cultural nuances of Converse's international team and its global consumer. Ms. Hines is one Gypset Muse we'll definitely be keeping our eye on!

Ciao,
xx
The Gypset Muse

Happy International Women's Day

In celebration of international women of all ages, this post is dedicated to the beauty and the spirit of the stronger sex. Featured alongside of some amazing editorial prints (and even an image shot by yours truly) are a few of my favorite portraits photographed by Christopher Herwig. These images are a joyous reminder of the diversity of women, their roles and their achievements, in whichever corner of the globe they may reside in.

Locations shot by Herwig include Peru, Liberia, Mali, Bangladesh, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turmenistan, and Tajikistan.

Have you figured out which image captured my musing moment?

Ciao,
xx
The Gypset Muse