With the popularity of haute cuisine at home rising steadily, kitchen warriors can now reproduce the delicious gourmet meals from notable chefs like Thomas Keller, Grant Achatz and Ferran Adrià. Tools that were previously unavailable to those without professional kitchens are now chock-a-block on websites and in home goods stores, and enable even the most reluctant chef to attempt to garner dinner-party praise, if not a Michelin star.

The perennial critics’ and diners’ favorite, Thomas Keller, has released a string of cookbooks for the adventurous home chef. Known for his gastronomic achievements in his French Laundry and Per Se restaurants, Keller’s most recent tome addresses the hottest kitchen trend since molecular gastronomy: sous vide. Under Pressure, Keller’s ode to slow and low consistent temperature cooking, emerges just as the first non-commercial sous vide machines have come on the market.

The Sous Vide Supreme

Recommended for cuisine as diverse as bison to the pantry staple carrots, Keller’s recipes take advantage of the new devices like the Sous Vide Supreme to produce restaurant-quality dishes at home.

The Sous Vide Supreme is available at Sur La Table, Cryovac vacuum bags at www.cryovac.com or Ziploc Sous Vide Vacuum Sealer kits at your local grocer.

Grant Achatz, the molecular mad scientist and cancer survivor behind Chicago restaurant Alinea’s continued success, released the Alinea Cookbook, much to the delight of every food lover obsessed with guar gum. Known for his inventive uses of non-traditional chemicals, Achatz’s book lets home chefs tackle some of his most beloved dishes, like foie gras with cinnamon and apple candy, and his treatment of turbot.

While undertaking one of Keller-trained Achatz’ signature 24 course menus might be a tad daunting for the average person, several websites now offer the special extracts and powders that make his concoctions so incredibly memorable. L’Epicerie, an online catalog devoted to professional grade and rare spices, extracts and foodstuffs, has all of the ingredients necessary to faithfully execute even the most exotic of dishes.

Ferran Adrià's Chocolate Coral

The chef credited with the popularization of molecular gastronomy and some of the most coveted reservations in the world, Ferran Adrià, published a behind the scenes look at his world-renowned eatery El Bulli. A Day at El Bulli chronicles a full work day at the restaurant, along with recipes that comprise a full Adrià menu for the home chef.  A crucial tool in the recreation of the chef’s creations is the iSi Gourmet Whip; Adrià is well known for the inventive uses of foam, called espumas, in both sweet and savory dishes.

For the home chef, these recipe collections offer food experiences beyond the walls of restaurants and bring new appreciation not only for the dishes themselves, but the also the chefs that conceive and construct them. With a healthy dose of adventurous spirit and armed with these tools, any foodie can achieve a James Beard-worthy dinner table.

Looking to make your house more eco-friendly? These green products can help you reduce your energy consumption, support recycling initiatives and reduce the stress on natural resources.

The Wall-Mounted IllumiCharger

The IllumiCharger, a current semi-finalist for the 2010 Greener Gadgets Design Competition, will revolutionize how you view the clutter of gadget chargers. A wall-mounted panel recycles the light energy already produced in your home by fluorescent, halogen and incandescent lighting and uses it to charge any USB device, like your cell phones, MP3 players and digital cameras.  The company has addressed a common complaint about the charging time for solar power and turned it into a strength of the IllumiCharger.  Continuous light energy allows the device to charge at the speed of any conventional outlet with 100% grid-free electricity.

Fisher&Paykel has been long considered a revolutionary home appliance company,  and their Cool Drawer refrigerator is no exception.  The world’s first multi-temperature fridge drawer, it is also committed to efficient energy use through intelligent design and installation.  The variable temperature drawer allows food products, freezer items and wine to be stored at the optimal temperatures without any energy waste. The Australian company’s ergonomic design and seamless cabinet integration means this energy-saver compliments any kitchen design and layout.

ECOverings, founded in 1998, sources innovative natural stone and mosaics, along with creating the beautiful yet functional Bio Glass.  The 100% recycled, 100% recyclable slabs are made from ordinary glass bottles and available in six gorgeous shades.  Their uses are varied, from residential counter tops and sinks to commercial building exteriors and wall partitions. ECOverings also manufactures Bio Aluminum, produced from reclaimed aircraft parts.  In addition to Bio Glass and Bio Aluminum, the company also offers stones, tilings and other eco-friendly materials.

EcoSmart Zeta Fireplace

Perhaps the most stunning way to green your home is with the EcoSmart Zeta fireplace, a contemporary masterpiece.  Designed by John Dimopoulos, the sinuous sculpture is made with timber, leather and stainless steel and offers a beautiful reinterpretation of a fire place.  Fueled by denatured ethanol, a renewable biofuel, the Zeta is a stylish nod to eco-consciousness.  Currently, the purchase of a Zeta qualifies you for tax credits, which can return a percentage of the purchase price.

The 75th Anniversary Whitney Biennial will debut February 25th in New York City, featuring its annual survey in contemporary American Art. Featuring 55 artists, curator Gary Carion-Murayari noted that this is the first Biennial to showcase more female artists.

Pae White's large-scale mobiles

One artist featured,  Pae White, creates large scale mobiles and paintings with inspiration drawn from historical references and pop culture.  Her pieces aim to demonstrate 3-D fluidity in static space.  She was also shown at the 2009 Venice Biennale, as well as the Guggenheim and Tate museums.

The Biennial will run until May 30th at the Whitney, 945 Madison Ave at 75th St, New York City.

Halcyon Gallery’s Bob Dylan on Canvas debuts February 13th in Mayfair.  The paintings are culled from drawings and sketches made by Dylan while on the road between 1989 and 1992, and are considered to be the final chapter in his Drawn Blank Series.

Bob Dylan's Sunday Afternoon

Dylan says of his artwork, “I just draw what’s interesting to me, and then I paint it. Rows of houses, orchard acres, lines of tree trunks, could be anything. I can take a bowl of fruit and turn it into a life and death drama. Women are power figures, so I depict them that way.  I can find people to paint in mobile home communities. I could paint bourgeois people too.

I’m not trying to make social comment or fulfil somebody’s vision and I can find subject matter anywhere. I guess in some way that comes out of the folk world that I came up in.”

Dylan’s works can be viewed at Halcyon Gallery, 24 Bruton St, Mayfair.

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has commissioned works featuring the city’s urban landscape from British artist Ewan Gibbs, to be displayed until June 27th. The urban portraitist has been called the “city Chuck Close”, known for his graphite drawings of London, Paris, New York as well as interiors and renditions of famous photographs. Gibbs published Facades in 2002 and False Starts in 2009, both dedicated to his sketches. The artist’s work will also be on display at the Richard Gray Gallery in Chicago beginning in May.

Gibbs’ exhibit is at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 151 Third St, San Francisco.

By Kelle Profita

Need to shake up your winter blues with some getaways? Try these once-in-a-lifetime adventures to cure you of your cabin fever.

The undisputed king of summer Sundays, polo reigns supreme in the Caribbean winter as well.  Polo dates back to 1884 on the island of Barbados, and was recently the site of a charity polo match featuring Prince Harry and his Sentebale team. The Barbados Polo Club in St. James offers beginner’s polo instruction with Vice-Captain Jeff Evelyn, starting from the basics of horsemanship leading up to a four-on-four match at the practice fields. If you feel like you’ve conquered the sport of kings, you’ll be just in time for the Barbados Polo Open in March.

Dive The Great Wall

The majestic walk along China’s Great Wall is a lifelong goal for many travelers: how about going a step further and diving the Great Wall? Urbane Nomads, a luxury travel company dedicated to the extreme, unbelievable and unique travel, offers a diving excursion to the submerged portions of the relic. Explore the Ming-era tunnels set beneath a lake, tour the Forbidden City with a specialized conservationist, and stay in style in Beijing.

If you think Lost sounds like a great vacation premise, don’t miss a cruise on the Aranui III, one of the last passenger freighter vessels in the world.  The only ship that journeys to the Marquesas island chain in French Polynesia, it is the last remaining link to the outside world for the islanders. Although it is a working freighter, the Aranui III offers all the comforts of a luxury cruise ship; outdoor swimming pool, gym, library and an on-board lecturer on Marquesan history and archeology. During your island hopping, you can watch pearl farmers harvest rare black pearls from giant oysters, visit Paul Gauguin’s grave site and see some of his final works, and retrace author Herman Melville’s 1842 escape from his whaling ship, chronicled in his work Tybee.  While at sea, feel the freedom of the open water, literally: the Aranui III is the only ship to sail between Tahiti and the islands.  Departures for the 14 day cruise are scheduled once a month, leaving from Papeete.

By Kelle Profita

Starting with construction-paper cards and candy hearts, Valentine’s Day has made romantics out of all of us.  This year, why not celebrate with some special gifts that last a little longer than a Godiva truffle?

Judith Leiber's Heart N' Soul

Judith Leiber bags are not only a staple for red carpet celebrities, but also well loved for the sense of whimsy they bring the owner.  From disco balls to Buddhas, pandas to Pekingese, Leiber’s evening bags always carry a sparkly sense of humor infused with style. The Heart N’ Soul Minaudiere is perfect present for a woman who enjoys the cheekier side of love.

Available at Saks, Neiman Marcus and online at www.judithleiber.com

Valentine’s Day presents for men often seem trickier than sending flowers and chocolate; not to worry, Steiner Memorabilia has the ultimate gift for for a sports-mad Cupid. The Steiner Memorabilia Yankee Stadium Seats represent a bygone era in baseball’s history, when they occupied part of the Bronx stadium that has seen baseball’s greats. Since the move to the new stadium, fans eager to keep a part of baseball’s cathedral alive can snatch up a pair of seats from Steiner, along with a signed Yankees collectible and a certificate of authenticity.

Steiner Memorabilia Yankee Stadium Seats

To set the mood for a romantic dinner in, try a delicious Vie Luxe candle. Founded by socialite Marjorie Gubelmann in 2004, the luxury home fragrance brand bases its scents on her travel experiences. Ranging from the beachy citrus of Capri to the lush richness of Istanbul, Vie Luxe’s products are developed with the world’s top fragrance houses to ensure their superior quality.  The sophisticated brushed-nickel glass holder and gorgeous packaging makes a Vie Luxe product a statement gift-even if you give one only to yourself.

Available at Bergdorf Goodman and www.vieluxenyc.com

For the ultimate in romance, Trump International Hotels and Tower Chicago features the Once in a Lifetime proposal package to help make the holiday unforgettable.  Whisked away by limousine to the 89th floor of the Trump Tower Chicago, you can get down on one knee surrounded by candles, flowers, music and the breathtaking view of the city.  Pop the question with a 1.26ct diamond from the Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry Collection, and celebrate with an in-room four-course dinner à deux prepared by Sixteen’s Executive Chef Frank Brunnacci. Toast to your love with Dom Perignon and Vosges Exotic Truffles surrounded by dozens of roses.  Continue your celebration the next morning with an American breakfast for two and a morning of couples treatments at the Spa at Trump.  This offer guarantees not only wonderful memories but a perfect way to set the tone of the future to come.

By Eric Benderoff

Even though Nokia foresaw a huge market for GPS services on mobile phones when it bought Chicago digital mapmaker Navteq in late 2007 for $8.1 billion, I’m pretty confident it didn’t plan on offering free turn-by-turn driving directions on Nokia phones. At least not so soon.

Nokia offers free turn-by-turn directions on its smartphones

But that’s exactly what Nokia announced Thursday, saying 10 of its smartphones can now operate a GPS-based mapping service at no charge. Predictably, the stock prices for Garmin and TomTom — the top makers of stand-alone, dashboard-mounted GPS units — fell sharply.Those stock prices dropped hard in Oct. 2009 as well, when Google grievously wounded the stand-alone GPS market with the launch of the Motorola Droid, which runs on Google’s Android software platform and is sold by Verizon Wireless. The service is called Google Maps Navigation, and the Droid was the first phone to offer its free turn-by-turn driving directions. By the end of 2010, I would guess at least 20 mobile phones and perhaps 50 or more, will offer such a service — for free.

Whether or not Nokia’s move to offer free mapping on its smartphones — the product is called Ovi Maps — will help Nokia stop its share slide (can you say iPhone?) remains to be seen. But it’s undeniable that this trend will continue, and reach more and more smartphones.

“By adding cameras at no extra cost to our phones, we quickly became the biggest camera maker in the world,” Anssi Vanjoki, a Nokia executive, told the New York Times. “The aim of the new new Ovi Maps is to enable us to do the same for navigation.”

You can download paid apps for your iPhone, too, but that will probably migrate to free eventually. TomTom even sells an iPhone app for $79 (it launched 3 months ago for $99).

There is a key problem with using a phone-based GPS system in your car: it will suck the battery dry within 3 hours. Therefore, you will likely need accessories to keep the phone charged will you drive. But that costs $20, not the $200 it typically costs for a stand-alone GPS unit.

Finally, it didn’t take a genius to see this coming, even before Nokia bought Navteq. Yet despite the advances in mobile software Google displayed in October and Nokia now offers, there’s another critical reason mapping is moving rapidly to the phone: government regulations.

Here’s an excerpt from a Chicago Tribune Tech Buzz column I wrote in Feb. 2007:

Last week, as I read about a parade of mobile phone-based navigation debuts at a European trade show, that thought turned into pessimism for Garmin, TomTom, Chicago’s Cobra Electronics and other makers of stand-alone global positioning systems.

In the short term, you will see healthy market gains, such as Garmin’s fourth-quarter performance, released last week, showing earnings more than doubled. Sales of stand-alone units from all makers are expected to double this year.

But long term, the momentum will swing to the mobile phone-makers, thanks, in part, to an unlikely marketing partner: the federal government.

Due to the recently enacted e-911 rules that say mobile-phone users must be able to be located by police or fire departments in case of an emergency, there are millions of phones in the United States that contain GPS chips.

Even though few of those phones take advantage of their devices’ GPS DNA so far, that’s rapidly changing.

As people shop for new phones when service contracts expire, they will see phones with bigger and brighter screens, ideal for GPS.

As we near Feb. 2010, that momentum has arrived.

Affluence.org, a private social network for the wealthy, and The Society of Leisure Enthusiasts, a luxury vacation home and villa rental listing service, have teamed up to offer luxury rental villa listings to Affluence.org’s members.

Downers Grove, Il., January 12, 2010 – Affluence.org has partnered with The Society of Leisure Enthusiasts to offer luxury home and villa rentals worldwide to members of Affluence.org’s exclusive social network site.

Listings will be part of Affluence.org’s new travel channel, which will also include content from other screened partners in complementary areas such as hotels, restaurants and vacation opportunities.

“This partnership is perfect for us, said Doug Stukel, CEO of Affluence, “part of our mission statement is to provide added value for our members and the outstanding portfolio of luxury villa listings offered by The Society allows us to provide our membership with the finest in luxury travel opportunities. This type of strategic alliance is what differentiates Affluence from other social networks that just facilitate member discussions.  Travel is one of the topics of greatest interest among our membership, so providing strong content and services in this area is one of our highest priorities.”

Since membership in Affluence.org requires a verifiable net worth of $2 million or a household income of $200,000, members have the means to afford the luxury villas the Society specializes in. The diversity of international listings will provide a wide range of options for Affluence.org’s global member base.

The travel channel is one of several key moves Affluence.org will be making to strengthen its offerings for members. Other key areas of development will include investments, money management, fine arts and personal technology.

“The Society looks forward to working with Affluence.org,” says Michael McFadden, The Society’s Co-Founder adding. “During the past three years we have set out to procure and market the finest luxury villa and vacation rental opportunities throughout the world. The members of Affluence.org are perfectly matched to our target demographics and we expect that this partnership will generate both new listings opportunities for vacation homeowners and new vacation rental villa clients all whom expect and deserve the pinnacle of service.”

Affluence.org, which is under new management as of last year, has been in the process of re-launching the site, adding new features and unique content aligned with the needs of its ultra-wealthy membership. Strategic partnerships have been a large part of this re-launch effort.

About Affluence.org

Affluence.org, owned by Affluence Corp., is the leading social network for high net worth individuals. Its world-wide membership base consists of high net worth individuals and influential people including millionaires, billionaires, entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes and other people of wealth. Affluence.org, based in Downers Grove, Ill., enables its membership base to interact with people of similar socioeconomic backgrounds and interests in a private network where they can share experiences, gain insights and communicate. To learn more visit http://www.affluence.org

About The Society

The Society.com connects luxury seeking travelers to qualified luxury vacation rental managers, home owners, and travel agents. Every property listed on TheSociety.com is reviewed and screened giving inquiring travelers only the best vacation rentals and travel experiences in the world. The Global Bundle, the premier offering of TheSociety.com, provides affiliates the most complete online marketing solution targeting the affluent demographic distributing property advertisements and messaging to RobbReportCollection.com, LuxuryRealEstate.com, duPontRegistry.com, HomeAway.com, Wall Street Journal Vacation Rental Section and other premier exclusive web sites. To learn more visit http://thesociety.com/
Contacts

For Affluence.org

Jason Abbate

jason@affluencecorp.org

312-263-2240

For The Society

Joseph Sobin

joseph@thesociety.com

866.789-8222

Michael McFadden

mike@thesociety.com

866.789-8222

By Eric Benderoff

I’m as interested as anyone in seeing the tablet-type product Apple is expected to introduce on Jan. 27. But there is one thing I am especially curious to find out: Will people feel they really need an Apple tablet?

Apple will not be the first computer maker to introduce a tablet. Indeed, the iPod was not the first digital music player and the iPhone was not the first smartphone. Yet both products were game changers, and that is the issue I keep thinking about in regards to an Apple tablet: Will it change an industry?

I’m dubious, but I reserve the right to enthusiastically lust after one — whatever it may look like.

Artist's Rendering of Apple's New Tablet

An Apple Tablet, as reported by news outlets ranging from the Wall Street Journal to the Apple Insider, is expected to be a multimedia powerhouse that plays TV shows and movies; functions as an e-reader for magazines, books and newspapers; and will operate via touch in a manner familiar to iPhone owners (although there’s buzz a learning curve may be needed, unusual for Apple).

Also, it is expected to capture content in new ways, such as offer videos with author commentaries to accompany an e-book purchase. A virtual keyboard will be built-in — perhaps with a technology that will make the keys feel raised — and the screen will be 10 or 11 inches, measured diagonally. Like the iPhone and iPod touch, it is expected to be an app powerhouse, making it a bigger and bolder platform for a trend that is changing how people design and use software.

The price? Estimates range from $700 to $1,000.

All of that is pretty interesting but will we really need an Apple Tablet? Sure, lust will be a huge factor as it often is with Apple products and the iHype for a Tablet has been breathtaking. That obviously speaks to the brilliance of Steve Jobs as a pitchman and Apple’s reputation as a maker of desirable gadgets.

But really, will Apple’s Tablet compel you to watch TV on a screen the same size as your laptop’s and not that 42-inch high-def beauty hanging from your living room wall? Perhaps if you’re a road warrior but will you want to schlep it in your briefcase along with a laptop?

Will it be better for reading e-books — and as easy to buy content — than the very fine Kindle? And if the Tablet is an app machine like the iPhone and iPod touch, will Apple allow book-reading apps to play? The Kindle iPhone app is an excellent companion to the Kindle and it would certainly be optimized to take advantage of the Tablet’s new capabilities. If Apple is positioning the Tablet as an alternative to the Kindle (plus Barnes & Noble’s new Nook, Sony’s Reader line-up and a bunch of others), how will it treat the competing book-reading apps it already allows for the iPhone?

Amazon isn’t waiting to find out, as the Kindle has been opened to third-party developers.

Again, I’m quite excited to see this new Apple product. But based on what we know right now — or at least what we think we know — I don’t see it as a game changer. I think it will be ultimately viewed as laptop alternative Mac fans will adore.

On the other hand, an Apple Tablet may become the sexy status symbol its heritage suggests, proving that whether we need one or not, we all will want one.

By Kelle Profita

Superbowl 44 in Miami

With the championship games set, fans from all four teams are nervously waiting for the the outcomes that determine who will face off in Superbowl XLIV. As the NFL.com Countdown Clock ticks down towards February 7th, you may think that you’ve run out of time to get your tickets for the epic showdown. However, several travel companies have put together luxury packages that guarantee not only a great game experience, but some fun off the field as well.

Fine Things has a range of Superbowl experiences, ranging from the $15,000 Ultimate to the more affordable $4,350 Classic package. The $6,995 VIP Package includes roundtrip airfare, a five-day/four-night stay at the Four Seasons Miami, a Corporate Lower Level ticket, official NFL hospitality, luxury transportation and personal concierge.  Custom ticket upgrades are also available for all Superbowl packages.

Ritz Carlton Miami

The Big Game Rooms has a Ritz Carlton Miami experience for $4,999 featuring a four night stay, game ticket, luxury transportation, Superbowl souvenirs and a ticket holder with lanyard. The Ritz Carlton is located in Miami’s Art Deco district, a beautifully restored Morris Lapidus-designed building.  The Ritz also features its signature spa and restaurant, with all the amenities to make your pre-game stay a relaxing one.

Finally, The Advantaged Yacht Charters offers the Superbowl Champions package, which includes a Miami mansion and luxury yacht at your disposal, four game tickets and luxury transportation.  The Advantaged can also arrange excursions like helicopter tours, sunset dinners on the Florida Keys or any watersports in the days before or after the game.

No matter what colors you wear or your team loyalty, any of these packages will guarantee a great vacation in the Miami sunshine, good seats on game day and plenty of activities to either help you celebrate a victory or sooth the pain of defeat.

By Kelle Profita

While the economy has not been kind to any couture, the more established design houses have fared better than the Vogue darlings with only a few seasons under their belt.  However, these three immensely talented artists have persevered and come into the bright national spotlight for their creativity and passion, infusing the fashion world with their vivaciousness on a daily basis.

Thanks in part to Sex and the City, high end shoe brands like Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo are now de rigeur footwear for the fashionably conscious. Alexandre Birman, flying under the radar of major red carpets, has a well edited collection and an eye for design that should quickly propel his name up there with Monsieur Blahnik.

Signature Skin and Style

The Brazilian designer only recently debuted in the American markets for Spring 2008, but was quickly recognized as one to watch. Honored last year with the Vivian Infantino Emerging Talent Award, Mr. Birman’s work has quickly found a loyal celebrity following and a slice of the shoe department at Bergdorf Goodman.

Birman is known for his use of textiles and exotic skins in cohesive designs that transition from day to evening well. His first collection infused South American flare into classic shapes and caused a rush of editorials and photo shoots to feature the shoes. Plans for 2010 include a flagship store in Rio de Janeiro, as well as international expansion.  Currently, his collections are available at Bergdorf Goodman, Printemps in Paris and Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong.

The well-traveled and truly international Prabal Gurung brings his far-flung experiences into a sleek Spring 2010 collection designed with the modern woman in mind. Born in Singapore, raised in Kathmandu, schooled in New Delhi and New York, Gurung most recently was the design director at Bill Blass.   He launched his eponymous collection at New York Fashion Week Spring 2009,  and was instantly applauded for his attention to tailoring and timeless design. His outfits have graced everyone from Demi Moore and Drew Barrymore to Oprah Winfrey, and his latest collection only serves to reinforce the hype surrounding him.

Style and Substance with Prabal Gurung

Gurung’s ready-to-wear is available at Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and select boutiques, including Michelle Obama’s favorite, Ikram in Chicago.  You can also find his clothing on www.shopbop.com.

Albertus Swanepoel, the South African born milliner, had already found success in his native country, winning the Coty Award for top designer under his Quartus Manna label.  Moving to New York City in 1989, his critical acclaim did not follow him to his newly-adopted city, and his label floundered. Swanepoel designed headwear for Broadway shows such as Kiss Me Kate and Mamma Mia, and in 2000, briefly acted as Style Editor for Martha Stewart Weddings.

In 2004, Swanepoel became the milliner to seek out for the fashion world, working with diverse designers like Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg and Carolina Herrera. Honored in 2008 as the runner up for the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund award and in 2009 for the Swarovski CFDA Accessory Award, Swanepoel’s hats sell exclusively to Barney’s nationwide.

Swanepoel in his workshop

Featured in Vogue as well as a lengthy New York Times article, Swanepoel has found a second act in fashion a decade after his first triumphs.  His whimsical website showcases his sense of humor and creativity in a field mostly associated with trucker hats and knit caps.  Swanepoel has taken his unique experience as a clothier and refined his perspective to translate into fashion that perches jauntily atop the head.