Iconic Concierge Winter 2022/23

WINTER 2022/23
COMPLIMENTARY
ICONIC
THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR THE AFFLUENT GENTLEMAN
THE BITCOIN ATM
CASH TO
CRYPTO
VANNI SARTINI
COACHING
THE ‘CAPS
BUENOS AIRES & MENDOZA
ARGENTINA
CHARGED!
NEW ELECTRIC VEHICLES
EXPLAINED
FEDERAL
LUXURY
SALES TAX
WILD BLUE
RESTAURANT
WHISTLER
FRED MANNIX JR. - CANADA’S KING OF POLO

3

stefanoricci.com
Mantova, Celebrating the Great Beauty of Italy
VANCOUVER 1139 West Georgia Street ∙ T. +1 (604) 559 7800

publisher’s
LETTER
so here we are. 2023!
it went by fast. yes, we said the same last year, and the year before -
but still, 2022 has gone by very quickly. while i’m writing these lines,
we are almost halfway through january and we can only guess what
this year will bring. we managed to fill the past 12 months with a lot
of fun activities and events, and also continued our travel adventures,
which finally brought us to argentina.
a trip that had been planned for a long time, we were excited to
experience both the cosmopolitan capital city of buenos aires and
mendoza, the country’s famous wine-growing region.
it was an amazing trip, and if we would have stayed a bit longer,
we would have joined the world’s biggest party of 2022 after
argentina’s world cup victory.
now, let’s look ahead to the 2026 world cup of which vancouver
is an official host city. the sport is gaining in popularity,
and so we thought it is about time to introduce vanni sartini,
the head coach of our very own vancouver whitecaps fc. there will be
16 home matches this coming season, so mark your calendars.
olaf robrecht
publisher
olaf@iconic-concierge.com
vancouver has long been a place of culinary mastery and innovation,
and now the prestigious michelin guide officially launched in the city.
congratulations to our 8 michelin-starred restaurants, the
special awards recipients, 12 bib gourmands and 40 ‘recommended’
restaurants joining the inaugural michelin guide vancouver.
i hope you enjoy this issue, showcasing everything we crave and enjoy,
mixed with some great interviews and other feature articles.
follow us
on instagram
Congratulations!
There was a lot to celebrate, and it all happened in ... Argentina!
First, a big congratulations to our Luxury Events editor, who tied
the knot in Buenos Aires. All the best, Craig and Nadia!
Next was our Automotive Editor, who had to blow out quite a
few candles during our trip to Argentina.
The big birthday bash actually moved from Buenos Aires to Mendoza
the very next day, and the champagne and wine was flowing. Finally, there
was the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In late 2021 we went to Doha for the unveiling
of the HUBLOT countdown clock, and just a year later and after we
visited Argentina for the feature article in this edition, they won the World
Cup for the first time in 36 years. Congratulations!
6 ICONIC CONCIERGE

The world’s most powerful, luxury SUV.
THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL LUXURY SUV
Fastest. Most powerful. Best handling. Three accolades the DBX707 was born to claim. Not
by blindly chasing benchmarks, but each one achieved as part of our legendary pursuit of
performance. As British Columbia’s only certified Aston Martin dealership, we offer unmatched
client experiences and a variety of manufacturer approved services. Our Brand Ambassadors
look forward to showcasing our prestige collection of vehicles and guiding you according to
your unique needs.
Aston Martin Vancouver
1770 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6J 3G7
www.astonmartinvancouver.ca | 604-734-2905

ICONIC CONCIERGE vol. 26 [2023]
www.iconic-concierge.com
On the Cover:
Fred Mannix Jr.
PUBLISHER:
OLAF ROBRECHT
olaf@iconic-concierge.com
AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR:
FASHION EDITOR:
LIFESTYLE EDITOR:
HEALTH & FITNESS EDITOR:
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
ROBBIE DICKSON
JASON SARAI
NATALIE LANGSTON
DR. OLIVER FINLAY
DR. OLIVER FINLAY,
JULIE-ANNA VOGEL,
JIM GORDON
PHOTOGRAPHY:
KEVIN UY, LAURA HARVEY
COPY EDITOR:
DESIGN/ LAYOUT:
ADVERTISING SALES:
BILL ROBERTS
YADA-YADA MEDIA
please contact
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Although all reasonable attempts are made to ensure accuracy, the publishers
do not assume any liability for errors or omissions anywhere in the publication
or on the website. Iconic Concierge reserves the rights to ads produced for
advertisers.
8 ICONIC CONCIERGE

dreamTEAM
ROBBIE DICKSON
chief gear head
Born in England, Robbie is a selfstyled
entrepreneur with a passion
for exotic cars, boats and watches.
He owned pretty much every car
you can imagine although he still
calls a Lotus Elise he once owned
his favourite. Tracked extensively,
Robbie claims it was “the most
affordable fun you can have with
your clothes on ...”
JASON SARAI
bespoke stylist & fashion editor
When Jason found the world of
bespoke suiting and styling, he
had little choice but to turn it from
a passion project into his life’s
work with Style by Sarai. He has
gone from being fashion advisor
for family and friends, to the trusted
bespoke stylist for professionals
and grooms-to-be, by enhancing
their confidence and helping them
become their own style icon.
OAKLEY CHAN
sourcing specialist
A true entrepreneur since a young
age, Oakley is the president of the
OCHK Group of Companies, with
offices in Richmond and Hong Kong.
He has a penchant for identifying the
needs of businesses and individuals
and providing innovative solutions that
challenge the norm. He is at the forefront
of new developments, products,
and technologies and does not shy
away from putting ideas into reality.
CRAIG STOWE
luxury events
OLAF ROBRECHT
publisher
An entrepreneur who is always on the lookout for new projects he
is passionate about, Olaf has run several businesses since he came
to Canada 20 years ago. These days you will find lifestyle and car
magazines as well as a design & marketing company connected to
his name, although he might be better known for his little collection
of spirited automobiles.
Craig is recognized as Vancouver’s
#1 creator and producer luxury
events bringing together affluent
buyers and sellers of luxury brands
in an engaging business social
setting. He is the Founder and
President of Luxury Alliance Group,
Luxury & Supercar Weekend,
Hublot Diamond Rally, PorscheRally,
TennisLoveChampagne and Global
Spirits Festival.
10 ICONIC CONCIERGE

NATALIE LANGSTON
lifestyle editor
Natalie is an accomplished Canadian
TV Host and Lifestyle Expert for Global
BC, Breakfast Television + JRfm. Fitness
& Health Reporter for BC Living.
Freelance journalist and Emcee with a
passion for all things Fitness, Fashion
and Fun. Volunteer and Spokesperson
for Dress for Success Vancouver,
member of Ladies Who Lunch Global
Network for female entrepreneurs and
Style Ambassador for the Canadian
Arts and Fashion Awards.
GEZ MCALPINE
imbibing authority
Prior to working with some of
the most highly regarded luxury
spirits in the world, Gez operated
some of the world’s best drinking
establishments from Melbourne to
Los Angeles & Vancouver. He is
a WSET level 3, Gold Certified
BNIC Cognac educator, Multiple
time global cocktail competition
finalist, and most importantly truly
passionate about spreading the
word of premium spirits.
AMIR MIRI
luxury real estate specialist
Proudly serving Vancouver’s luxury housing
market, Amir is known as an expert
negotiator with a firm commitment to
customer service. His global connections
with high-net-worth and ultra high-networth
individuals and families give him
an edge and set him apart in the highend
real estate market. Amir has been
in the Top 1% of Realtor’s in Greater
Vancouver since 2020 and #1 Realtor at
Royal Pacific Realty Corp. since 2020.
JASON BOUDREAU CFP, CLU
wealth advisor
As the founder of VELA Wealth,
Jason is fuelled by watching clients
fulfill their vision of life success for
their family, community and legacy.
Focusing on inter-generational
wealth transfer, life insurance,
legacy and estate planning, he
advises successful entrepreneurial
families on how to make meaningful
choices at the intersection of their
life and their wealth.
KEITH TRUSLER
dean of fine foods & spirits
Co-founder of Modern Whisky, a
curator of rare Single Malts and luxury
tasting experiences. Keith was a Brand
Ambassador for numerous Luxury
Brands. A veteran of the restaurant
industry in Vancouver, he has extensive
experience as a bartender, mixologist
and chef. As a connoisseur of spirits
and wine, he tirelessly pursues the
finest dining and imbibing experiences
the city has to offer.
JULIE-ANNA VOGEL
travel consultant
Always on the road, Julie inspires
others to explore on and off the
beaten path. Having traveled to
more than 100 countries, she
shares her experiences on
www.julieabroad.com and uses
her skills as a travel advisor to help
create dream getaways. Follow her
in uncovering the ‘must-dos’ of the
world’s coolest cities in her column
“A Gentleman Abroad”.
DR. OLIVER FINLAY
sport, health & fitness
Having traveled the globe, working
with pro teams & athletes in sports
environments as diverse as F1, EPL
soccer, NHL & ATP tennis, to attain
peak performance, Oliver arrived in
Vancouver for his PhD, exploring how
the World’s best sports teams manage
change initiatives. Passionate about human
performance & sport’s impact on
community, he highlights the industry’s
latest & greatest developments.
JIM GORDON
LEETA LIEPINS
city experts
They are the Hosts & Producers of
the weekly, national TV show, “Our
City Tonight”, which can been seen
Sundays at 10:30pm on CHEK TV.
Each week they showcase Vancouver’s
entertainment, nightlife, music,
fashion, business, automotive, food
& wine. You can also see past
episodes on the “Our City Tonight”
YouTube channel.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
11

CONTENTS /
winter 2022/23 /
COLUMNS
6
Publisher’s Letter
16
The Specter Journal
You Want This!
18
The Manly Man
Gerard Butler
58
About Time
New Timepieces
64
Style your Way to Success
Tailored for the Modern Man
68
In-Style!
New Fragrances
100
The Gentleman Abroad
Charleston, SC (USA)
102
What Women Want
Forget Chocolate and Roses!
106
Arts & Music
Vancouver’s Iconic Art Scene
110
Our City Tonight!
And into the New Year
DESTINATIONS
32
Buenos Aires
Exploring the ‘Paris of the South’
38
Mendoza
A Visit to Argentina’s Wine Country
100
Charleston, SC (USA)
The Gentleman Abroad
FEATURES
28
Digging Deep!
The Federal Luxury Sales Tax
32
Buenos Aires
Exploring the ‘Paris of the South’
38
Mendoza
A Visit to Argentina’s Wine Country
42
Bodega Zuccardi Valle de Uco
‘The Best Vineyard in the World’
44
Alpasión
Own a Piece of Heaven on Earth
46
Catena Zapata
Transforming Argentina’s Wine Industry since 1902
54
The Rise of the Cobra
Atowak Watches
76
Cash to Crypto
How a BC Company changed the Game
88
Flying High!
Aviation News
90
Boating
New Yachts
94
Wild Blue
A Whistler Restaurant & Bar
96
Don’t Tell!
Buenos Aires’ Speakeasies
104
Valentine’s Day
A Gift Guide
AUTOMOTIVE
14
Revving High
The De Tomaso P900
22
Reincarnation of a Legend
BMW 3.0 CSL
25
The Lightest Supercar in the World
Donkervoort F22
26
Inspired by the 1960s
Mostro Barchetta Zagato
81
Charged!
What’s New in the Electric World?
EVENTS
24
Vancouver Asian Film Festival
30
A Wedding Extravaganza
78
2022 Golden Owl Awards
94
Chinese Master Chefs
PERSONALITIES
18
Gerard Butler
70
Som Seif
72
Vanni Sartini
COVER
50
Fred Mannix Jr.
At the Top of the Game
12 ICONIC CONCIERGE

96
CONTENTS
38
22
58
64
92
ICONIC CONCIERGE
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14
ICONIC CONCIERGE

900KG + 900BHP 6.2L V12 + 12,300RPM = MILLIONAIRE MADNESS FOR THE TRACK
REVVING HIGH
Joining the now sprawling list of track-only hypercars is the new De Tomaso P900.
Over 4 years have passed since the revival of the notable De Tomaso hallmark by the
same team that brought us the Apollo IE hypercar. Now a luxury hypercar manufacturer
based at the Nürburgring in Germany, the company has since become known for its elegant
styling and analogue focus, starting with the P72. The newest addition to the lineup,
an ultra-high performance track-focused hypercar, is paying tribute to Alejandro De
Tomaso’s love and passion for motor racing. Its name - the P900.
The P900 features the same elegant, swooping curves that can be found on the P72,
albeit with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency and performance. Equipped with an all-new
naturally aspirated bespoke V12 engine, developed with engineering partner Capricorn,
this new project aims to spotlight synthetic fuel technology and “provides the ultimate
driving experience for discerning collectors.” Capricorn was a partner with Porsche on the
Le Mans-winning 919 LMP1 car, so the stakes are high.
De Tomaso even plans a Competizione racing series where owners can join a scheduled
race calendar each year, suited towards gentleman drivers looking to get their racing fix.
Only 18 cars will be produced, and at US$3 million, it will cost more than double the US$1.35 million asking price for the P72.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
15

CARL FRIEDRIK LEATHER BAGS
FERRARI V12 ENGINE TABLE
Engine block tables are a great addition to any diehard automotive
enthusiast’s office or living room. It is a functional piece
of art, made from a breathtaking piece of engineering.
Launched in 2012, the
London-based brand
embraces sustainable
materials, rejects
seasonal collections,
provides supply-chain
transparency and gives
a 100-day trial programme
and a lifetime
guarantee.
Palissy 25-hour bag,
C$854. Bowen allleather
backpack,
C$792. Available in
several colours.
www.carlfriedrik.com
You can create your own, or buy
one from companies such as
www.supercarstore.co.uk, starting
at around $2,500. The pictured
table with a Ferrari V12 engine,
however, will need some
serious investment. It was recently
offered at an RM Sotheby’s auction
with an estimated price of
US$30,000 to US$60,000.
It sold for US$246,000.
FORCE DYNAMICS 401CR
It’s a motion simulator that
tilts and rotates to simulate
the experience of being in
a car, plane, or pretty much
any other vehicle. It can be
configured as a driving simulator
or racing simulator,
a flight simulator, or
customized to match
your requirements
and comes ready-torun,
with monitors, a
900-watt surround
sound system,
and a force
feedback wheel.
US$100,000+
www.force-dynamics.com
TIFFANY RACE CAR CLOCK
Inspired by race cars from the
1950s, each clock is crafted in
aluminum with Tiffany Blue automotive
paint. On the car’s left
side, a brushed stainless steel
aperture displays the hours and
minutes. A helmet-shaped dome
of glass over the driver’s seat
showcases the escapement and balance wheel. The time is
set by rotating the three-spoke steering wheel counterclockwise
and the movement is wound by pulling the car back on a flat
surface. C$54,000. Diamond Editon C$272,000.
www.tiffany.ca
16 ICONIC CONCIERGE

ARC VECTOR
Back from the dead, or maybe better ‘resurrected’
comes to mind when discussing
the stunning Vector hyperbike.
After the British company ran into funding
trouble and went bankrupt, its founder
and lead designer managed to buy the
company back from administration and
is now delivering the first bikes.
The fully electric motorcycle accelerates
from 0-100km/h in 3.2 seconds, has a
top speed of 200km/h and a range of
436km.
GBP90,000 (appr. US$108,000).
www.arcvehicle.com
FRANCK MULLER JEWELLERY
Iconic numbers and a charismatic shape make
Franck Muller watches instantly recognizable,
and now the famous independent watchmaker
has started a new endeavour, a High Jewellery
collection “dedicated to distinguished and ambitious
women.”
Combining gold with diamonds and enamel, it
features a wide range of exceptional bracelets,
necklaces, pendants, rings and earrings, which
perfectly complement the different timepiece collections,
for feminine and glamorous compositions.
Separating the watch and jewellery collections,
the brand has created a brand new dedicated
website.
www.franckmullerjewellery.com
BERTONE GB110
Promoted as “the world’s first hypercar that will be able to use fuel made out of plastic waste”, the GB110 is not only commemorating
the famous Italian coachbuilder’s 110th anniversary, it is also the first project from the marque’s new owners Mauro and Jean-Franck
Ricci. Limited to just 33 units, the company says the combustion engine develops 1,085hp (1,100PS) and 811lb-ft (1,100Nm) and the
car will do the 0-100km/h sprint in 2.79 seconds and hit 300km/h from rest in 14 seconds. The top speed is capped at 380km/h.
As for the ‘fuel’, Bertone has partnered with Select Fuel, a company
that has reportedly patented a technology capable
of converting polycarbonate materials into renewable
fuel. Price: tba. www.bertone.it
ICONIC CONCIERGE
17

THE
MANLY
MAN
“
The thing about courage is
it’s something that we have
to learn and relearn our
whole lives. It’s not just in
you, it’s in every choice we
make every day.”
gerard
BUTLER
| ACTOR | PRODUCER |
18 ICONIC CONCIERGE

Gerard Butler arrives for the
“Geostorm” World Premiere on
October 16, 2017 in Hollywood,
CA.
photo: © DFree
ICONIC CONCIERGE
19

GERARD JAMES BUTLER was born
on November 13, 1969, in Paisley,
Renfrewshire, Scotland, to Margaret
and Edward Butler. His family is of Irish
origin and moved to Montreal, Quebec
when he was six months old. When
his parents’ marriage broke down, his
mother left Canada and returned to
Scotland with Gerard, where she would
raise him, his older brother and his
sister in his hometown of Paisley.
Butler did not see his father again
until he was 16 but became close after.
When Gerard was 22, his father got
diagnosed with cancer and when he
passed away just a few years later,
the actor is quoted to have said that
he “had gone from a 16-year-old who
couldn’t wait to grasp life to a 22-yearold
who didn’t care if he died in his
sleep.”
Butler went on to study law at
Glasgow University, and became
president of the school’s law society,
mainly because of his personality and
social skills. He took a year off to live
in California, working in different jobs
and describing himself as “a bit out of
control”, before returning to Scotland
to finish his final year at law school.
He took a position as a trainee lawyer
at an Edinburgh law firm but would
miss work frequently due to staying out
late. Butler got fired and at age 25, he
moved to London to “become famous.”
Working as a waiter, telemarketer
and even a toy demonstrator, his first
step into an acting career was a role in
a stage production of Coriolanus.
At age 27, it was Butler’s first
professional acting job and would be
followed by the part of Renton in a
theatre adaptation of Trainspotting at
photo: © DFree
the Edinburgh Festival.
Gerard Butler’s film debut started
in 1997 in Mrs Brown but he received
honours for something very different:
While at location in Scotland, he
saw a young boy in a river in some
trouble, jumped in and saved him from
drowning. He received a Certificate of
Bravery from the Royal Humane Society.
His film career continued with
small roles, including the James Bond
movie, Tomorrow Never Dies (1997),
and Russell Mulcahy’s Tale of the
Mummy (1998). The new millennium
then brought the breakthrough roles
with Attila the Hun in the American
TV miniseries, Attila (2001) and after
seeing a clip of his portrayal of “Attila”,
producers decided to cast him as
Dracula in Dracula 2000 (2000). Both
roles put Butler on the map and gave
him a first and growing fan base.
Reign of Fire (2002) and Lara Croft
Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003),
alongside Angelina Jolie, followed by
the portrayal of Andre Marek in the bigscreen
adaptation of Michael Crichton’s
novel, Timeline (2003), which gave him
the next attention.
The year after, in 2004, Gerard
Butler was surprised when director
Joel Schumacher thought of him as the
title character in the movie adaption
of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical,
Phantom of the Opera. Butler had no
musical experience other than singing
in a rock band while he was studying
but immediately began taking singing
lessons with a coach. The movie received
mixed reviews but brought Gerard
Butler much international attention and
a nomination for a Satellite Award for
Best Actor.
Other projects followed,
including Dear Frankie (2005),
The Game of Their Lives (2005)
and Beowulf & Grendel (2005).
In 2006, Butler starred in the
lead role of what is often described
as his true breakthrough film, 300
(2006). Butler trained every day
for four months in the most intense
workout regimen of his life, giving
him an incredible physique prior to
the film’s shooting. The same year,
he added Shattered (2007), costarring
Pierce Brosnan and Maria
Bello, and the romantic comedy
P.S. I Love You (2007), with
Academy Award-winner Hilary
Swank, to his portfolio. Other
noteworthy productions included
“I love to spend
a lot of time on
my own. I can
seriously go into
my own head and
often love to let
myself travel where
I don’t know
where I’m going.”
Nim’s Island and RocknRolla, both in
2008, as well as 2009’s Gamer, The
Ugly Truth, and Law Abiding Citizen,
which he also co-produced.
A household name in Hollywood
by now, Gerard Butler appeared on
many “world’s hottest men” lists but
concentrated on his movie career and
added several well-received films in
the coming years, including the actioncomedy
The Bounty Hunter (2010) with
Jennifer Aniston, Playing for Keeps
(2011), Chasing Mavericks (2012) and
Olympus Has Fallen (2013). He lend his
voice for a second time to the animated
film How to Train Your Dragon
(The Hidden World) and starred in
the sequel to Olympus Has Fallen,
London Has Fallen (opposite Morgan
Freeman), both in 2017. He reprised
the role of United States Secret Service
agent Mike Banning a third time in
the Has Fallen film series in 2019 with
Angel Has Fallen, before the pandemic
only saw one film getting released in
each 2020 (Greenland) and 2021
(Copshop). Last Seen Alive, which he
also produced, was Butler’s only movie
in 2022 and streamed on Netflix. It was
received rather poorly. In 2023, Butler
will be seen in the action-thriller Plane,
the sports comedy-drama film All-Star
Weekend, directed by Jamie Foxx, and
Kandahar.
In Private Life
Concerned that he had become too
reliant on prescribed pain medication
after a surfing accident, Gerard Butler
completed a course of treatment for
substance abuse of painkillers at a
rehabilitation facility in 2012 and no
longer drinks alcohol.
Since late 2011, he has divided his
time between Los Angeles and Glasgow.
As of this writing, Butler seems to be in
a relationship with his longtime off-andon
girlfriend, Morgan Brown.
20 ICONIC CONCIERGE

HUBLOT TORONTO BOUTIQUE
Yorkdale Shopping Center
Tel. +1 416-781-8582
HUBLOT VANCOUVER BOUTIQUE
1080 Alberni Street • Tel. 604 559 8883
BIG BANG UNICO
18K King Gold and ceramic case.
In-house UNICO chronograph movement.

22 ICONIC CONCIERGE

REINCARNATION OF A LEGEND
CSL - “Coupé Sport Lightweight”. Three iconic letters. The BMW 3.0 CSL is one
of the most legendary vehicles in BMW’s history. In 1972, Bob Lutz, a passionate
motorsport enthusiast, took over sales at BMW and pushed ahead with the
return of BMW works teams to touring car sport. The birth of BMW M.
The intention of uniting all of BMW’s motorsport engagements under one
roof ultimately led to the founding of BMW Motorsport GmbH in the same year.
Just one year later, the final version of the 3.0 CSL appeared. It should become
a legend, winning six European championships, setting a sensational lap record
on the Nürburgring and starting the BMW Art Car series. Back then, the BMW
3.0 CSL was the most powerful street version of the series and wherever it
turned up, it stood out from the crowd. In 2022, BMW M’s anniversary year,
the ‘Batmobile’ has been reborn. The new BMW 3.0 CSL is a reincarnation of a
legendary sports car both for the racetrack and the road.
Developed with the intention of combining the best of five decades of racing expertise from BMW M GmbH, the BMW 3.0 CSL is produced in a
strictly limited edition of only 50 consecutively numbered units. It features the most powerful straight six-cylinder engine ever used in a road-legal
BMW M automobile, mobilising a maximum output of 412 kW/560 hp and 406lb-ft of torque. To transfer the drive power to the road via the rear
wheels, the developers of the BMW 3.0 CSL coupled the engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox whose spread and transmission ratios are ideally
matched to the performance characteristics. Obviously, there is a lot more, including an active M differential, a traction control with ten stages of
intervention, massive M carbon ceramic brakes hiding under 20in/21in alloys and carbon fibre reinforced plastic for “virtually all bodywork sections”.
Each Car will take 30 specially trained M technicians three months to finish, passing through eight assembly and production cycles, making the
BMW 3.0 CSL the most exclusive automobile BMW M has ever produced. The legend lives on...
www.bmw-m.com
ICONIC CONCIERGE
23

THE BEST EVENTS
OUT &
ABOUT
VAFF 2022 OPENING NIGHT GALA
D/6 LOUNGE | PARQ VANCOUVER
VAFF (Vancouver Asian Film Festival) is the longest-running Asian film
festival in Canada. It was founded in 1995 and debuted in September
1997. Since then, tens of thousands of film lovers have experienced
a diverse selection of North American, Asian and international films.
Dedicated to promoting and celebrating the diversity and depth of
Asian culture and identity in film and media, the 2022 festival finally
hosted live events again after a 2-year hiatus.
The Opening Night on November 3 started with a screening of ‘Stay
the Night’ by Toronto director Renuka Jeyapalan before guests headed
to the Opening Night Gala at Parq Vancouver’s D/6 Lounge. Here,
complimentary hors-d’oeuvres, special cocktails, a photo booth and
entertainment were waiting. The organizers also introduced their special
guest for the event, Netflix’s Bling Empire Kevin Kreider.
One of the stars of the reality TV hit show, Kevin, who was born in South
Korea, was accompanied by his girlfriend Devon and promoted SANS, a
non-alcoholic beverage he created.
The four-day festival, which is entirely organized and produced by a
group of dedicated volunteers with support from corporate sponsors,
public funders and private donors, saw packed theatres, 14 screened
programs and heard inspiring words from filmmakers, special guests and
audience members alike.
24 ICONIC CONCIERGE

DONKERVOORT F22
THE LIGHTEST SUPERCAR IN THE WORLD
It all started in 1978 when the small Dutch automaker
Donkervoort modified one of Colin Chapman’s iconic
Lotus Seven sports cars. Over the years, each
successive model became more powerful, with chassis
mods to match. Now, for 2023, the company unveils
their very first car entirely designed in-house - the F22.
Weighing just 750 kilos, the successor to the D8 - a car the
company built for more than a decade - has a power-to-weight
ratio of more than 600hp per tonne, which is better than the
original Bugatti Veyron. It comes from an Audi-sourced 2.5-litre
turbocharged five-cylinder, tuned to almost 500 horsepower
and connected to a five-speed gearbox sending power to the
rear wheels through a Torsen limited-slip differential and a
switchable Bosch rev-matching system.
This, combined with an advanced active suspension system,
results in a car that can pull 2.15 lateral G’s through corners.
The little road missile catapults from zero to 100km/h in just
2.5 seconds, the 200km/h mark is reached in 7.5 seconds,
and the top speed is a touch more than 290km/h. An AP
Racing brake system with four-piston callipers bolted over
steel discs makes sure you get safely back to zero.
By the way: the initial planned run of 50 cars sold out
immediately, and all the Donkervoort clients were shown was
just a sketch! Since then, production has been upped to 75
units, so if you want one, you better act fast:
+31 (0) 320 267 050 | www.donkervoort.com
ICONIC CONCIERGE
25

MOSTRO BARCHETTA ZAGATO
Seven years ago, at the 2015 Villa d’Este Concours
d’Elegance, Italian coachbuilding company, Zagato
introduced the automotive world to their Zagato
Maserati Mostro Coupé. A limited edition car inspired
by the race cars of the 1950s, it was created to
celebrate the 100th anniversary of Maserati. Five
cars were produced. Recently, Zagato unveiled the
Mostro Barchetta, a beautiful roadster version of the
aforementioned coupé.
The Mostro takes its name from the 1957 Maserati 450S
Coupe Zagato, a car Sir Stirling Moss called a “beautiful
monster” when he first saw it.
There are many nods to vintage racing design throughout
the car, from the long-hood-short-deck proportions, and
the sloping wraparound windshield to the lack of electronic
traction control and a frontal block-mounted gearbox.
The buyer can choose from either a 414bhp 4.2-litre
naturally aspirated
Maserati
V8, or the 3.0-litre
621bhp Maserati
V6 that is found in
the current Maserati
flagship, the
MC20. It is mated
to a six-speed sequential gearbox, double-wishbone front and
rear suspensions, adjustable shock absorbers and a combined
weight of just 1,200kg thanks to a carbon fiber chassis
with a steel rear subframe. Needless to say, the Mostro Barchetta
has a perfectly balanced 50-50 weight distribution.
As with the coupé, only five cars are being built, and nearly
all of them have already been assigned to Zagato’s collector
clients list. So better hurry or you will have to wait for another
seven years for the next body style.
26 ICONIC CONCIERGE

DIGGING DEEP
How the
Federal Luxury Sales Tax
Applies to You
Interview: O. Robrecht
J. Schaab (left) with
Olaf Robrecht
On June 23, 2022, the federal
government approved legislation
on a tax on the sale of luxury
vehicles, aircraft, and boats. On
September 1, 2022, Canada’s
new Select Luxury Items Tax Act
came into effect.
But what exactly falls under the
new Luxury Sales Tax (LST)? Is
it based on the selling price or a
manufacturer’s suggested retail
price, and are there exemptions?
And what about demos? We have
talked to Jeremy Schaab, Regional
General Manager for Dilawri
Group’s Ultra Luxury Portfolio of
Vehicles who will walk you through
the biggest misconceptions that
are out there, answering some of
the questions we hear the most...
But before we let Jeremy dive
into how the LST may affect the
purchase of your next car, here’s
some more general information:
The luxury tax will apply to new
cars and aircraft with a retail sales
price of over $100,000 and to
vessels over $250,000. It will be
calculated at the lesser of 20%
of the value above a set threshold
($100,000 for cars and personal
aircraft, and $250,000 for vessels)
and 10% of the full value of the item
subjected to tax.
For example...
You are going to buy a new car
for $120,000. The luxury tax can
now be either $12,000 (10% of
the retail price) or $4,000 (20%
of the $20,000 spread over the
threshold). As the lesser of these
two calculations applies, $4,000 is
the taxation amount to be paid.
Now over to you, Jeremy, let’s talk
vehicles. Which cars are affected
by the new Luxury Sales Tax?
The new tax applies to what
is defined as a “subject item”,
exceeding a retail sale of $100,000,
before GST/HST. It is calculated on
the total price for the sale of the
vehicle, including improvements or
additions (such as a vehicle wrap
or remote starter), levies, duties,
charges, fees and amounts in
respect of delivery or importation.
A subject item (or vehicle),
according to the Select Luxury Items
Tax Act, has a date of manufacture
after 2018, has four or more
wheels in contact with the ground,
and carries individuals on streets
and highways. The seating capacity
is 10 or less and the GVWR (gross
vehicle weight rating) is 3,856kg or
less. This includes coupes, sedans,
station wagons, sports cars,
passenger vans, minivans, SUVs,
and passenger pick-up trucks.
Are there vehicles exempt from
the tax?
Recreation vehicles that meet
certain established criteria are
exempt, as well as vehicles clearly
marked for policing and military
activities, ambulances, hearses and
fire trucks. Used vehicles that have
been previously registered with
the Government of Canada or a
province and vehicles with a GVWR
greater than 3,856 kilograms are
also exempt.
How is the LST applied?
Let me give you two examples, one
for a car that is sold for less than
the $125,000 taxable value, and
one for a car that exceeds the
$125,000 taxable value:
28 ICONIC CONCIERGE

Less than $125,000 (before GST/ HST)
Vehicle Price: $110,000 (A)
BC PST (10%) = $110,000 x 10% = $11,000 (B)
LST, lesser of:
a) 10% of $110,000 = $11,000, or
b) 20% of $10,000 (110,000-100,000) = $2,000
In this example, the LST is $2,000 (C) and the total price to pay from the
customer calculates (A + C) x (1 + 5%) + B = $128,600
More than $125,000 ( before GST / HST)
Vehicle Price: $180,000 (A)
BC PST (10%) = $180,000 x 20% = $36,000 (B)
LST, lesser of:
a) 10% of $180,000 = $18,000, or
b) 20% of $(180,000 – 100,000) = $16,000
In this example, the LST is $16,000 (C) and the total price to pay from the
customer calculates (A + C) x (1 + 5%) + B = $243,600
What about used cars?
Good news! If you are buying a pre-owned car over $100,000, the LST doesn’t
apply.
What about demo models?
This depends if the Demo (over the $100,000 threshold) is plated or not.
The luxury tax applies to vehicles that have previously not been registered.
What about a trade-in?
There is no reduction for a trade-in. The luxury tax is calculated on the gross
selling price of the vehicle. The trade-in will reduce the GST / HST calculation,
though.
Does the luxury tax apply to a lease?
For leases, the LST is applied on full capitalized cost, not lease payment. If we use
the above example ($180,000 vehicle price) as the lease deal (with no trade-in or
deposit), it calculates as follows:
Vehicle Price: $180,000 (A)
GST Luxury Tax, lesser of:
a) 10% of 180,000 = $18,000, or
b) 20% of $(180,000 – 100,000) = $16,000
GST Luxury Tax is $16,000 (C)
Capitalized Cost: A + C = $196,000
Thank you, Jeremy!
For more information, please visit any of the Dilawri BC stores.
Don’t make her wait
This article should be seen as broad guidance only.
xcitemecanada.com
xcitecanada.ca

THE BEST EVENTS
OUT &
ABOUT
J&L | A WEDDING EXTRAVAGANZA
FAIRMONT PACIFIC RIM HOTEL
On October 15, 2022, parking for private jets at Vancouver International Airport
got a bit tight. Guests from across Canada, the US and even Europe had arrived to
be part of what was already nicknamed the ‘wedding of the decade’. Brian Jessel
Managing Partner and CEO Jim Murray and Linda Mah were about to exchange
vows at a private wedding ceremony at the Pacific Rim Hotel, followed by a cocktail
reception and a lavish gala dinner and party.
An event meticulously planned for months by Abdel Karim Awwad, it was actually a
weeklong celebration that also included a traditional Chinese reception but culminated
in the nuptials on October 15th.
After the ceremony, guests walked through a candle-lit tunnel made of roses and
crystals to a cocktail and champagne reception with piano music, which would later be
joined by the newlyweds.
Soon after, the almost 400 guests filled the ballroom which had been transformed into
a glamorous and bespoke dining venue, including a dancefloor (with the initials of the
married couple) which would soon see them for their first dance.
Other highlights of the evening included a live orchestra (joined by Jim Murray at the
drums), and several performances by Vancouver’s GOH Ballet Academy.
30 ICONIC CONCIERGE

BRIAN JESSEL BMW CONGRATULATES MANAGING PARTNER AND CEO JIM MURRAY,
AND HIS PARTNER LINDA MAH, ON THEIR NUPTIALS THE PAST 15TH OF OCTOBER
The timeless, lavish wedding featured an extravagant orchestra, VIP
guests, elegant dinner, and the unmistakable Brian Jessel BMW luxury
vehicles. The stunning bride and groom had a weeklong celebration, with
highlights from their Traditional Chinese Reception which honored the
bride’s family and heritage, to the glamorous ceremony held at
Vancouver’s Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel.
We wish the newlyweds all the love and happiness their
future will surely bring. Cheers!

presented by
Good to know...
Combining some eclectic neoclassical architecture, European charm and South American flair,
a rich cultural life, fantastic dining choices and a thriving and thrilling nightlife, the ‘Paris of South
America’ is a wonderful city to explore. Which is exactly what we wanted to do for quite some time,
and so we finally embarked on a journey to the birthplace of tango, on a mission to find the mustsee
places, the best restaurants and bars, shopping experiences and places to stay.
BUENOS AIRES
EXPLORING THE “PARIS OF SOUTH AMERICA”
ICONIC CONCIERGE
33

THE ‘BARRIOS’!
A city of more than 15 million people
in its metropolitan area and more than
3 million in its urban core, Buenos
Aires is Argentina’s big, cosmopolitan
capital city. Consisting of 48 barrios
(neighbourhoods), one can group the
city into four major zones:
Centro
The actual city centre with most of the
major tourist attractions, such as Casa
Rosada and Teatro Colón.
Palermo & Recoleta
A hip residential neighbourhood packed
with restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
La Boca & Barracas
A very colourful neighbourhood with a
rich history, many art galleries and shops.
The Outskirts
Mostly residential but with some historic
architecture.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT!
We picked the middle of November for
the trip, as this is the transition from
spring to summer and hands down, the
best month to visit Buenos Aires. The
temperature of the late-spring air will be
in the mid-20s and reach the 30s by the
end of the month, and then there is the
blossom of the jacaranda trees:
Reaching 12-15 meters in height,
Buenos Aires boasts about 15,000
blooming trees scattered all around the
city. Every November, the beautiful trees
paint the streets in a spectacular and
striking lavender blue.
WHERE TO STAY!
The Argentine capital pretty much offers
any accommodation you are looking for,
from the cool Philippe Starck-designed
hotel in Puerto Madero, speakeasy-style
boutique hotels in Palermo, all the way
to some grand Belle Epoque palaces in
posh Recoleta.
After some research, we opted for the
5-star Palacio Duhau (Park Hyatt Buenos
Aires), completed in 1934 and modeled
after the Chateau du Marais near Paris.
Situated right on prestigious Avenida
Alvear in Recoleta, we loved the more
private and personal approach with no
tourists posing for selfies in the lobby,
the beautiful tiered gardens on the
terrace and the rooms, ranging from
spacious and functional to sumptuous
and palatial with butler service and
private terraces.
HOW TO GET AROUND!
The best (and sometimes the fastest) way
to explore the city’s neighbourhoods is
- on foot. And to connect to adjacent
Congreso Nacional
areas, we would opt for an Uber or the
local taxis. Rates are generally low, and
if a cab is available, the word ‘libre’ will
show in red on the windshield. A rental
car? You don’t need it, and you don’t
want it.
SNACKS & MATE!
Argentina is all about the empanada.
The ‘stuffed bread’ is a coveted handheld
pocket of love and can be a quick snack
or lunch, an entrée at any restaurant or
a complete meal. There are countless
types, some baked, some deep-fried, but
mostly filled with cheese, onions, beef
and sometimes braised ossobuco.
Mate is the national beverage of
Argentina, served in a strangely shaped
container (the ‘gourd’) with a straw (the
‘bombilla’) that people are holding,
sipping out of and even sharing it. It is
a caffeine-rich infused drink, made from
dried leaves (called yerba mate) mixed
with hot water.
DINING – STEAKS & MORE!
You definitely have to try a true
Argentinian steak, there’s just something
about the tenderness and the taste.
There are countless steakhouses in
the city, from the very touristy ones to
those secret places, the real original
‘parrilla’ of Argentina. There, you can
even try organs such as kidneys, and
intestines, or select your piece of
meat separately on the menu card.
Some of our favourite steakhouses
in the city are Fogón Asado, where
you can see the chef at work, Don
Julio, which received first place in the
list of “The World’s 50 Best” as the
best restaurant in Latin America, and
a locals’ favourite, Solomía Parrilla.
But then again, Buenos Aires offers
some excellent fine-dining options.
34 ICONIC CONCIERGE

Teatro Colón
Take for example Aramburu Relais &
Châteaux. We enjoyed a 19 (!) course
menu, an amazing experience from
beginning to end that would receive
Michelin stars if located in a Michelinrated
country. Or Chila, a fantastic
restaurant in a former grain warehouse
in the Puerto Madero neighbourhood.
The seven-course tasting menu comes
highly recommended!
And if you are looking for something
truly special, try Bagatelle, a French
Mediterranean restaurant at the
Hipódromo, where the lights dim at
11pm, the music turns up and people
dance next to and even on their tables.
TANGO THE NIGHT AWAY!
Too touristy? C’mon, Argentina is the
birthplace of the tango, so it kinda is a
must-do when you visit Buenos Aires.
Most tango shows start at around 10pm,
and your hotel concierge will have some
great recommendations. Easy to reach
and close to the famous Obelisco and
Teatro Colon, Tango Porteño is one of
the most famous tango shows in Buenos
Aires and even offers a 3-course dinner.
A NIGHT ON THE TOWN!
San Telmo, Buenos Aires’ oldest
neighbourhood, has some fantastic bars
such as Napoles Bar with its unique
storage-like decor, or Doppelganger.
However, the undisputed nightlife
epicentre of the city is Palermo! Start
joining locals for a beer at Plaza Serrano
with its big Palermo sign, and then
indulge in a night of incredible cocktails
and some great atmosphere.
Let’s not forget the Speakeasies. Just
head over to our article on page 96.
SOME CULTURE!
You are in the right city! Let’s start with
Teatro Colón. Until the building of the
Sydney Opera house in the late 1970s,
the Teatro Colón was the largest and
most impressive opera house and
theatre in the Southern Hemisphere.
Casa Rosada, the pink home of the
president in sitting and Plaza de Mayo
- probably the most important political
and historical spot in Argentina.
Walk down Avenue de Mayo, and
you will get to Congreso de la Nación
Argentina, the Congress of the Argentine
Nation.
And don’t forget the must-see-tobelieve
Recoletta cemetery. An eerily
beautiful place on 5.5 hectares, it is
the final resting place of Eva ‘Evita’
Peron and holds the remains of many
of Argentina’s most famous and most
powerful people.
Finally – did you know that Buenos
Aires has more bookstores per person
than any other city in the world? Make
sure to visit the stunning El Ateneo
Grand Splendid bookstore which
opened as a theatre in 1919. It boasts
beautiful ceiling frescoes painted by an
Italian artist a century ago, and more
than 120,000 books on 22,000 sq. ft.
an impressive structure with a muralcovered
dome ceiling (and most likely
the only Buenos Aires shopping mall
worth visiting), Buenos Aires does not
disappoint!
THE TOP INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES
Well, it is a thing. So here we go...
The murals in Palermo, including
the 30 feet tall ‘Frida Kahlo’ painting.
Casa Rosada, one of the most iconic
buildings in Buenos Aires. Floralis
Genérica, an imposing 20 meters high
flower sculpture. The Obelisco and the
large plant-covered BA sign, one of the
most recognisable landmarks in the city.
Teatro Colón, both as a backdrop and
inside. The painted houses and sidewalk
cafes in Caminito Boca. Café Tortoni.
Established in 1858, it is the oldest café
is Buenos Aires.
And so many more ...
THE ARGENTINE OPEN!
There is another good reason to visit
the city in November - the month-long
Argentine Polo Open, held every year at
Campo Argentino de Polo in Palermo. It
is the most important polo tournament
in the world and usually
starts in early November
with its thrilling final to
be played about a month
later. Tickets are available
at the stadium’s box
office, or online.
Recoletta cemetery
SHOPPING!
Travel light, Argentina’s capital is a
fashionable city (it is called the Paris of
South America for a reason). From highquality
leather goods, antique treasures
and some funky designer pieces found
in Palermo’s boutiques and outdoor
markets, to the posh luxury brands
in Recoleta and at Galerías Pacífico,
We ran into some fellow Vancouverites ...

38 ICONIC CONCIERGE

A VISIT TO ARGENTINA’S WINE COUNTRY
presented by

Close to the Chilean border and east of Mount Aconcagua,
the highest peak in South America, Mendoza is famous for
producing most of Argentina’s wine. A bustling cosmopolitan
city of wide, tree-lined avenues, atmospheric plazas
and cosmopolitan cafes, Mendoza offers some incredible
outdoor adventures, including white water rafting, fly fishing,
horseback riding into the Andes, biking through the
vineyards for casual wine tastings, and for the more ambitious,
mountain climbing. Most visitors, however, come for
touring some of the more than 1200 wineries, world-class
restaurants and resorts with award-winning spas.
One of the eleven Great Wine Capitals, Mendoza vineyards
are planted at some of the highest altitudes in the world.
The wine region is divided into three main growing regions:
Maipú, Uco Valley, and Luján de Cuyo.
Maipu is the sub-region closest to the city of Mendoza and
can be reached in just 20 minutes. It is more compact than
other wine regions and bikes are the most popular way to
get around. Maipu has the warmest climate and produces
full-bodied wines with high levels of alcohol, fruity flavours,
and powerful tannins. The altitude ranges from 650m to
1000m above sea level. Luján de Cuyo, located about 30
minutes from Mendoza, was the first region in Argentina to
be officially recognized as an appellation in 1993. Most vineyards
are found to be planted at an altitude of about 1000m
and the most prominent grape varietals grown are Malbec,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Torrontes.
The Uco Valley, Mendoza’s newest and smallest growing
region, lies about 120km from Mendoza city and can be
reached in about 90 minutes. Here, visitors will find some
of the most spectacular views of the region. Situated in the
foothills of the Andes and among the highest of elevations,
ranging from 850–1200m, this wine-growing area is dotted
with blue lakes and rolling vineyards. On average, there are
over 300 days of sunshine per year and paired with frigid
nightly temperatures, crisp, clear and pure meltwater from
the thawing Andes Mountains and the minerals from the
sandy, gravelly and clay-rich soil, you will not only find the
world’s best Malbec but Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc
of the red varietals and Torrontes, Chardonnay and Sauvignon
Blanc of the white varietals. You can find out more
about this fascinating region in our Catena Zapata article.
How to get here
Going to Mendoza, you will usually come from either Buenos
Aires or Santiago, Chile. Should you come from Buenos
Aires, which is about 1000km away, you can reach Mendoza
in less than 2 hours by plane, or - for those who seek more of
an adventure – you can take a long-distance bus that makes
the trip every day and takes approximately 14 hours. Should
you come from Santiago, you can reach Argentina’s wine
region in just 30 minutes by plane, or opt for what is often
described as one of the best bus rides in the world. On
board one of the many luxurious buses, the 600km journey
through the Andes will offer some breathtaking views and
will take around 6 to 7 hours.
Winery tours
The most popular way to discover Mendoza’s vineyards is
on an organized tour. Guided by a local wine expert, you’ll
have the chance to visit some of the best wineries and learn
about making and tasting different varieties. You can also
book a private tour and pick the wineries of your choice and
create your own itinerary.
Where to stay
The choice is yours: If you want to wake up to sunrise over
rows and rows of beautiful vineyards, you have to stay at
one of the many winery hotels and resorts. However, if you
like to head out for a walk in the evening, exploring interesting
shops, cafes and amazing restaurants in walking distance,
stay in the center of downtown Mendoza.
Our recommendation - the Park Hyatt Mendoza.
Hotels/ Resorts
Park Hyatt Mendoza
Cavas Wine Lodge
Vines Resort and Spa
Alpasión Lodge
MAY WE RECOMMEND ...
Restaurants
Casa Vigil/ El Enemigo (Maipú)
Azafran (Mendoza City)
Siete Fuegos (Uco Valley)
Piedra Infinita/Zuccardi (Uco Valley)
Things to Do
Helicopter Tours: helitronador.com
Horseback Riding
Tour Aconcagua Park
Paragliding | River Rafting
40 ICONIC CONCIERGE

[top left, clockwise]: A vineyard at the foot of the Andes | Tupungato, one of the highest mountains in the
Americas | a private wine tasting at El Mirador at the Adrianna Vineyard | 12-course fine-dining experience
at Casa Vigil/ El Enemigo (Maipú) | [bottom left and top] the cellars below the new Angélica Cocina Maestra
restaurant at the Catena Zapata winery

Bodega Zuccardi Valle de Uco
An Homage to the Mountains and the Spirit of Engineering
“The Best Vineyard in the World.”
In 2021 - and for the third year in a row -
Sebastián Zuccardi received this prestigious
award from ‘World’s Best Vineyards’. His
family has been planting vineyards and
making wine in Maipú, a town just outside
Mendoza, since 1963. It was Sebastián’s
grandfather Alberto ‘Tito’ Zuccardi, an
engineer who came to Mendoza a few years
before 1950, who planted the first vineyard
to demonstrate to the farmers in the region
how his new irrigation system would help
their businesses.
It should become the beginning of his life’s
passion.
alluvial plains of the Tunuyán River in Altamira,
it was named after the amount of rocks and
stones that had to be removed in order to
plant vines, and is now the source of the
winery’s award-winning Malbec wine.
The vineyard also gave the name for the
Piedra Infinita Cocina restaurant with its floorto-ceiling
windows that allow an awe-inspiring
view of the Andean landscape. The multicourse
lunch, using only the finest regional
produce, is reminiscent of Michelin-star
restaurants and comes highly recommended.
A third-generation family member to lead
the winery, Sebastián began the construction
of a new majestic 95,000-square-foot winery
in 2013 in Paraje Altamire, 125 km south
of Mendoza, in the shadow of the Andes
Mountains. Designed by architects Tom
Hughes, Fernando Raganato and Eugenia
Mora using only natural and local materials
both inside and outside, the state-of-the-art
facility opened in 2016.
Visiting the winery, guests can book a
tour which will not only show the amazing
architecture of the facility with its shining metal
dome, but will also include the fermentation
room with its amphorae-like concrete eggs
and the barrel room with its stunning tasting
room.
An in-depth introduction to the diverse
terroirs will also include a visit to the flagship
‘Piedra Infinita’ vineyard. Located on the

FOR THE THIRD TIME
IN A ROW, A WINE BY
ZUCCARDI EARNS
100 PARKER POINTS.
“ ... DON’T STRIVE FOR PERFECT WINES,
BUT WINES THAT EXPRESS THE PLACE,
THE REGION.”
Sebastián Zuccardi is the third generation of
one of the most prominent wine families in
Mendoza. His grandfather, Alberto, planted
the first hectares of vines in Maipú in 1963.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
43

JOIN THE ALPASIÓN EXPERIENCE
Own a Piece of Heaven on Earth, make Iconic Wines among Friends and leave a Legacy for Future Generations
You will find the Alpasión Winery & Lodge in one
of the most well-regarded and prestigious areas in
Mendoza. At around 1250 meters above sea level
in the district of Chacayes, 165 acres of organic
vineyards have been planted right below the foot
of the majestic Andes mountains.
A project of true passion - Alpasión is a combination
of the Spanish words “alma” (soul) and “pasión”
(passion), it all started with a few like-minded people
who decided one day over a few bottles of wine to
make a dream come true, creating their own honest
and iconic wines. In 2011, the first vintage was
bottled and in March 2012, the lodge celebrated its
grand opening.
Today, Alpasión does not only produce more than
250,000 bottles of eight different wines in addition
to their flagship Malbec per year, the project now
includes a beautiful guest lodge with a restaurant,
6 luxurious suites, a reading and dining room, wine
cellar and an outdoor pool with jacuzzi. Another very
popular accommodation choice are the fully serviced
glamping tents with their private decks and woodfired
hot tubs.
However, it is yet another part of Alpasión
that truly fascinated us – to become an owner in a
vineyard, bottle your own wine and join a club of
currently 70 investors from all parts of the world. A
diverse group of people from different nationalities
and backgrounds, they have plenty of things in
common that have brought them together: the passion
for wine, the value of friendship, and the dream of
creating something meaningful that will endure for
generations to come.
So if you want to see your own name in a
vineyard, own a piece of heaven on earth and
make iconic wines among friends, just get in touch
with Gaby Soto at Alpasión:
Gabriela Soto
Tel: +1 (305) 815 4896
g.soto@alpasion.com | Skype: gabysoto1802
www.alpasion.com
Camping in luxury!
Alpasión’s fully serviced glamping tents with their
private decks and wood-fired hot tubs are very
popular and have a waiting list.
The perfect car to explore a wine-growing region!
The 2CV (“Deux-Chevaux” or “two horses”), produced
between 1948 and 1990, had a 33bhp 602cc motor that
would catapult it from 0-100km/h in .. a day or two.
The owner of Mendoza-based rental company Slowkar
is very passionate about the little French cars and has a
fleet of them, perfectly restored, including a ‘roadster’
version and a delivery truck. Contact them through
their Instagram account @slowkar_mza

THE ALPASIÓN
LABEL FEATURES THE
FINGERPRINTS AND
SIGNATURES OF THE
WINERY’S OWNERS
AS TESTIMONY TO
FRIENDSHIP FOR LIFE.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
45

CATENA ZAPATA
Transforming Argentina’s Wine Industry Since 1902
The story of Argentine wine is also the story of the Catena
Zapata family. Nicola Catena sailed from Italy to Argentina
in 1898, leaving behind his famine-stricken European
homeland for a land of opportunity. In the clear air and
rolling hills of Mendoza, he firmly believed he had found the
promised land and so in 1902, Nicola planted his first Malbec
- a blending grape from Bordeaux, setting the foundation
for what would become the most iconic and historic family
winery in South America.
Domingo, Nicola’s eldest son, inherited his father’s dream
and took the family winery to the next level, building the Catena
business to become one of the largest vineyard holders in
Mendoza. Like his father before him, Domingo Catena fiercely
believed that Argentine Malbec could make a wine as worthy
as any first-growth Bordeaux.
In the 1960s, however, the Argentine economy imploded
and inflation rates soared. It got so bad one year that Domingo
realized it would cost him more to harvest than to leave the
fruit on the vines. His 22- year-old son Nicolás Catena Zapata, a
recent PhD graduate in economics, advised him not to harvest
but Domingo could not follow his son’s advice with a clear
conscience. Years of turmoil followed and when it became
Nicolás’s turn to take the reins of the family winery, he did so with
a challenging backdrop of political and economic instability. He
concentrated on expanding distribution throughout the country
and followed an opportunity in the early 1980s to become a
visiting scholar of economics at the world-renowned campus at
Berkeley at the University of California.
Until that time, only the Californians had challenged France
on the wine front, defying Europe by creating a Cabernet
Sauvignon and a Chardonnay that could rival the best French
wines. A serendipitous inspiration to Nicolás and his wife, Elena,
who spent weekends visiting the wineries with their youngest
daughter Adrianna in a backpack. And when Nicolás Catena
Zapata finally returned to Mendoza, it was with a vision. The
vision for the “Catena Dream”!
At that time Argentina was perceived as a bulk wine producer.
Going completely against the grain, Nicolás sold his table-wineproducing
company, keeping only Bodegas Esmeralda, the finewine
branch of the family’s winery. Told by fellow winemakers
that he was “completamente loco” (completely crazy), Nicolás
became the first to export fine wine from Argentina, laying
46 ICONIC CONCIERGE

the groundwork for the country’s
preeminence on the world´s wine map
today.
Taking risks paid off, and in 1992
another milestone was set when Nicolás
established the Adrianna vineyard, named
after his youngest daughter. At 5,000 feet,
more than 1,500 meters, it is the highest
and westernmost spot in Tupungato.
Every 100 meters increase in altitude,
the temperature decreases by 1º C. And
although the vineyard was protected from
frost to some extent by the nearby Andes
mountains, and with a slight slope and a
small hill, even his own vineyard manager
told him that Malbec would never ripen
in the high-altitude elevations. But it did,
and it did beautifully. The wines were
completely different from wines sourced
from lower altitudes, especially the
Malbecs. They had a deep, inky colour,
were extremely soft and velvety, had
a wonderful complexity, and offered a
lower pH and a very intense floral and red
fruit flavour.
A huge success for Nicolás, and proof
that Mendoza was indeed exceptional
for vine growing and that the poor soils
near the Andes, discarded by the original
European immigrants because of their
low fertility, were actually ideal for quality
viticulture; they provided a terroir where
vines had naturally low yields and ripened
slowly over the summer, making wines of
great balance, elegance and deliciously
soft tannins.
With most of the wines admired by
wine collectors around the world at that
time made of either Cabernet Sauvignon
blends or Chardonnay, Nicolás
wondered if Malbec would ever be able
to reach such heights to reach his goal
of making Argentine wines that could
stand with the best of the world. After
his father Domingo died in 1985, Nicolás
made it his mission to see if his father’s
confidence in Malbec was right. It should
take 5 years of working on the 85-yearold
Angélica vineyard before Nicolás
was satisfied enough to present the first
Nicolas Catena Zapata & Laura Catena (top) and with Winemaking Director, Alejandro Vigil
Catena Malbec in 1994. A historic year in
winemaking history, changing Argentina’s
preeminence on the world´s wine map
forever. The family’s Adrianna Vineyard
would now be called the Grand Cru of
South America.
“Kudos to Nicolás Catena,” wrote the
famed world critic Robert Parker Jr. about
this first vintage. And then came the
ranking as Argentina’s #1 Malbec in the
Wall Street Journal’s first-ever feature on
Malbec. Still, it would take a decade after
that for Malbec to become a well-known
wine varietal around the world. But with
it came yet another
challenge: Which
Malbec vine selections
should he plant in
the new vineyards?
There was no existing
Argentine Malbec
selection available, and
so he decided to bring
cuttings from Cahors,
France, but the cuttings
were disappointing;
the French Malbec
grew large berries and
bunches with rustic
ICONIC CONCIERGE
47

aromas and flavours. Nicolás set out to
develop his own selection of Argentine
Malbec cuttings, planting 135 cuttings,
one per row, in the La Pirámide vineyard.
He then selected the best five and began
to plant them in different terroirs and
altitudes in the Uco Valley. To this day, the
Catena cuttings, as this original selection
is called, are an important part of the
flavour profile, elegance and typicity of
the Catena family’s Malbecs.
The label of Catena Zapata’s Malbec Argentino pays
tribute to the variety’s history in France and its rise in
Argentina. On it, four female figures symbolize the
different landmarks in the history of the grape:
Eleanor of Aquitaine represents the birth of Malbec.
She is a strong, Old World presence, lingering at the
bridge in Cahors, where Malbec came into its own.
The Immigrant symbolizes the process that
brought Europeans and vines to the Americas.
The third figure is Phylloxera who personifies the
transition of Malbec from death in the Old World to
rebirth in the new.
Finally, Bodega Catena Zapata depicts birth,
earth, and motherhood, sharing the riches of the New
World.
The “Parcelas” and the Catena Institute
of Wine
Dr. Laura Catena, Nicolás’ daughter, is
a biologist who graduated with honours
from Harvard and Standford University
and received the Woman of the year award
in 2022 by Drinks Business Magazine –
the same year that her father became
the first South American to receive the
lifetime achievement award from Wine
Enthusiast. When the Catenas made the
startling discovery that the
alluvial soils from Mendoza
are not homogenous but
show both physical and
chemical soil differences
with unique characteristics,
they realized that each
vineyard lot would give
origin to its own unique
wine with very specific
flavours and aromas. Laura
decided it was time to instill
in the winery team the
method of research and
study, what she calls “the
science of understanding
nature.”
With the help of
Catena’s Head Winemaker Alejandro
Vigil, Fernando Buscema, Catena Institute
of Wine Director, and Vineyard Manager
Luis Reginato, she established the Catena
Institute of Wine to better understand the
Argentine terroir, the characteristics of
Mendoza, and to study every aspect of
their vineyards with the ultimate goal of
making Argentine wines that can stand
with the best of the world. The Catena’s
first successful project using research as
a guide was with Chardonnay, creating
the “White Stones” and “White Bones”,
sourced from nearby lots within the
Adrianna Vineyard, perhaps the most
studied vineyard in the world. The names
were picked after analyzing the physical
soil composition of the two lots.
All the hard work, passion and devotion
of Laura and her team paid off and
got international recognition when the
World’s Most Admired Wine Brands 2020
was released, and Bodega Catena Zapata
was named number one, topping the list
of mega-brands from the Old World and
the New. It was the first time a producer
from South America had made the top 10,
let alone come in first.
More than just Malbec!
Yes, it is the flagship variety of Argentina,
but Catena Zapata truly represents the full
potential of what Argentine wines have to
offer. From the mentioned White Stones
and White Bones series of Chardonnays
to amazing Cabernet blends such as
the Nicolas Catena Zapata 2015, the DV
Catena Pinot Noir and the magnificent
Angélica Zapata Cabernet Franc Alta, we
had the pleasure of sampling some of
the finest wines that Catena Zapata and
the Mendoza area has to offer – and we
would like to encourage you to do the
same! You will find most of the Catena
Zapata wines in BC but, obviously, there is
nothing better than to enjoy the wines of
Mendoza in ... Mendoza!
“In 1997, I felt my country’s calling. Our
Argentine wines were unknown around the
World. I learned about the 500-year-old
history of Argentine wine and realized that in
my country there was everything to discover.
I set out to challenge and break rules to make
Argentine wines that could shine. In 1999, I
made the first vintage of my Luca Wines.
Choosing the name was easy; it was my
newborn son’s.”
Luca Winery was the first Argentinean winery to bottle old vine Malbec and organically
farmed high-altitude Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Uco Valley. It also offers the oldest
massal Syrah selection in Argentina, brought from the Rhone Valley in 1955 and was
listed three times in the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 List (2008, 2014 and 2021) and twice in
the Wine Enthusiast Top 100 List (2018 and 2020).
48 ICONIC CONCIERGE

www.catenazapata.com /catenazapata /catenawines

AT THE TOP OF
THE GAME...
50 ICONIC CONCIERGE

FRED MANNIX JR.
Executive VP of Investment Management, Accelerate Financial Technologies Inc.
Captain/Founder of the Alegria Polo Team
F
FRED MANNIX JR became a member
of Team Canada when he was only sixteen
years old, making him one of the
youngest polo players to compete in the
2001 Federation of International Polo
(FIP) World Championship in Australia.
He is also the first Canadian in nearly
80 years to have competed in the coveted
Argentine Triple Crown (2012-until
now) – the sport’s most exclusive and
respected tournaments and is only the
second in 124 years to have competed in
the prestigious Argentine Open.
But how did someone who was born
and raised in Calgary, where pretty
much every kid plays hockey, find not
only the passion for such a very different
sport, but make it to the best in the
world?
To better understand this, we have to
dig a bit into the history of the Mannix
family...
Fred is the fourth generation of a pioneering
family that has played a significant role
in building the province of Alberta. His
father, Calgary-based businessman and
philanthropist Frederick Philip Mannix,
was introduced to the business world at an
early age and witnessed his own dad create
an international empire. However, he also
inherited another passion from both his
grandfather and father, a sport rooted deep
in the early days of Alberta. Polo.
Passionate about sharing the long history
of polo in Alberta, Frederick has not only
fostered the resurgence of Canadian players
at the sport’s elite international ranks, he
also became the founder and former Chair
of the Polo Training Foundation Canada
and is the Past Director and President of
the Canadian Polo Association. He was
an avid player himself, too, and has even
played several matches with
King Charles under the watchful
eyes of the late Queen Elizabeth
and is a member of the Canadian
Polo Hall of Fame.
Frederick taught his children
how to ride on their family
ranch in Calgary, and took
them to many equestrian events
and polo games, planting the
seed and encouraging them to
take on the sport. And when
the harsh winter in Calgary
wouldn’t allow playing the
game, the family would even
relocate to sunny California to
follow the passion. It worked,
and whilst Fred’s sister Vanessa climbed
the ranks to become one of Canada’s top
equestrians, competing internationally
for Team Canada, Fred and his younger
brother Julian followed in their dad’s
footsteps playing polo.
We joined Fred at his Alegria Farm,
located around 80km outside Buenos
Aires, where we watched a training
session for the upcoming prestigious
Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo
competition.
Many people don’t
know that Calgary
has one of North
America’s largest
and finest polo
facilities with nine
full-sized playing
fields, an outdoor
arena and school,
and viewing for
thousands of
spectators on over
300 acres.
IC: So it was your father who
introduced you to polo, and we
guess that growing up on a ranch
surrounded by horses had a bit of an
influence, too?
FM: Yes, of course, my whole life has been
around horses and yes, it was my dad who
got me hooked. He was a polo player, too,
and used to play at the El Dorado Polo Club
in California, which had a peewee league
and so when I started playing when I was
eight years old I was fortunate enough
to have some pretty high-ranked players
ICONIC CONCIERGE
51

to advise me and to become my mentors.
It is the speed of the game and the whole
lifestyle around it that got me fascinated.
IC: Yes, we have to admit that we had
never seen a real polo game before we
came here, to Buenos Aires. It is so
fast and the control of the players over
the horses is just amazing. But still, it
is quite different from loving a sport,
to competing in it, making it a career
and ultimately becoming the country’s
highest-ranked player...
FM: Well, it needed a lot of work and a
little bit of luck, too, hahaha. But seriously,
it was not just my dad but also the fact
that polo has such importance in Alberta.
Many people don’t know that Calgary has
one of North America’s largest and finest
polo facilities with nine full-sized playing
fields, an outdoor arena and school, and
viewing for thousands of spectators on over
300 acres. It is also one of the oldest clubs
in North America with a strong heritage
of producing great polo and some of the
country’s best competitors, and I spent a
lot of time there in the summer and honed
my riding skills. I have always loved
sports, played basketball while at school in
Vancouver, and did my fair bit of skating
but in the end, it was my love for horses
and the fascination of the polo game, and
that includes this very positive, electric
atmosphere at the tournaments, that made
me want to pursue it as a career.
IC: It is always said that you are the
“second” Canadian to have competed
in the Argentine Open. However,
when we did our research, we saw that
Lewis Lacey, the “other” Canadian, is
actually British/ Argentine?
FM: He was born in Montreal, but his
parents moved to Buenos Aires when he
was around 3 years old. He also served for
England in World War I before returning
to Argentina to pursue his polo career and
then captained the English team in 1924
and 1930, and also played for Argentina in
1928 in the Cup of the Americas. So I guess
I will leave it up to you to decide who is
more Canadian here, hahaha....
IC: You are not just a polo player,
but as the captain of your own team
in Argentina, Alegria, which you
established in 2005, you are also very
much involved in breeding horses and
then training them.
FM: Absolutely! I really love this farm
here, and it really is so much more than
just a training centre. The location is truly
a dream for a polo player. The area we are
in is the epicentre, the frontier of polo, with
around 100 full-size polo fields in just a 10-
mile radius. And to answer your question,
Alegria breeds and then trains between 50
to 60 horses, with an auction once a year.
IC: Maybe tell us a bit about how long
it takes for a horse to become a good
polo horse.
FM: Gladly. So the first time we put a saddle
on a horse it is around 2 years old. Over the
next 5 years, we then slowly build them up
so they are about 7 years old when we can
take them to the first game. Obviously, they
all have their own little personalities, just
like us. Some are calm, some very eager
and it is now up to a player to find the horse
best suited for him or her. You have to know
the character of the horse, and you have to
become one to compete on the field.
IC: Very fascinating! So now that we
have heard so much about you as an
accomplished player on the field, we
should also point out that there is more
than just polo in your professional
life. You are a businessman off the
field, too. More connected to polo, you
started your own line of athletic wear
and then associated it with British
luxury brand Hurlingham Polo 1875,
which you now represent as a global
brand ambassador. But you graduated
from Florida Atlantic University with
a degree in Business Administration
and hold the Chartered Investment
Managers (CIM) designation.
FM: That is correct. And yes, although I try
to spend as much time as possible on the
polo field, I am also the Executive VP at
Accelerate Financial Technologies Inc., one
of Canada’s most innovative and fastestgrowing
alternative investment solution
providers, as well as a director at Chinook
Valley Inc. and Gryphon Corp.
IC: Fred, it almost seems impossible
that between polo and your business
endeavours you also find some time to
spend with your own family...
FM: I know, but my family is always my
priority and I am blessed that they share
my passion. My wife Kelsea actually plays
polo herself, and our three kids Brooklyn,
Freddie, and the youngest one, Jackson,
love horses. I love to watch them, see their
interaction with the horses, hear them laugh
and see big smiles on their faces. Such
positive energy, it makes me very happy.
IC: So can you see one of them follow in
your footsteps?
FM: Maybe a bit early to say, but who
knows? I will gladly support whatever they
are passionate about.
IC: Fred, thank you and Team Alegria
very much for such a warm welcome
and all the best for the upcoming
tournaments. Go, Alegria!
52 ICONIC CONCIERGE

THE RISE OF THE
COBRA
INTRODUCING: ATOWAK WATCHES
When it comes to watches, people are usually attracted
to established brands for a good reason. They have a
proven track record and years of history and experience
in the industry. However, over the past several years
there has been a rising level of interest in smaller companies
that appeal to a niche but passionate audience.
The so-called microbrands are small shops producing
watches in a variety of price ranges, competing for the
attention of the watch enthusiast. They often don’t have
the resources to produce their own in-house movements
or other proprietary parts, and cut out the middleman by
selling their watches online, straight to consumers. They
try to reach those aficionados who collect established
brands but are open to purchasing interesting valuepriced
watches as well as individuals who are looking
into timepieces because they are different, maybe trendy
and can often be found on Kickstarter, trying to get the
funding for their creations. Atowak is one of those companies.
The Team...
Established in 2017, Atowak may be a very young company,
but the international team around its founder and CEO
Johnny Deng has been engaged in watch research and development
for more than 20 years.
The Mission ...
According to the founders of the company, ATOWAK is
“dedicated to creating high-quality mechanical watches
with a unique and bold design philosophy.” It “redefines the
54
ICONIC CONCIERGE

aesthetics on your wrist and makes your time more unique
than others.”
The Name...
What looks and sounds a bit strange as the name for a watch
company is actually an interesting story in itself. Have you
heard of the Caesar Cipher? Named after Julius Caesar, who
apparently used it to communicate with his officials, it is one of
the earliest and simplest methods of encryption technique. It is
a type of substitution cipher in which each letter of a given text
is replaced by a letter with a fixed number of positions down the
alphabet. Have another look at the ‘Mission statement’ of the
company and then take the word Atowak and move each letter
by 20. UNIQUE! Or, take Unique and move it by 6 letters and
you will get Atowak. Simple as that.
The Watches...
Yes, we have to mention Urwerk. The Swiss watch company
with its amazing visionary creations was definitely an inspiration
for Atowak, but the young company managed to create
their own fascinating timepieces at a very affordable price point
with modified Japanese Miyota movements and a production
set up in China. However, with Atowak’s parent company, Peacock
Watch Group, having experience in movement production
for decades, Atowak is currently investing in the development
of their own in-house calibers.
The Cobra
The Cobra is Atowak’s new flagship watch. It has an angular
multi-faceted 316L stainless steel case with carbon fibre inlays
and three sapphire crystals to view the movement and dial. The
shape of the case is reminiscent of the profile of a cobra head
with the front crystal being the mouth. The carbon fibre inlays
act as a scale pattern of a snake. The front and top openings
show the unique timekeeping mechanism and yes, as previously
mentioned, the movement is not an in-house development
but a highly modified Miyota 9039.
It is quite fascinating how Atowak modified the caliber to feature
a unique revolving satellite hour wheel. Instead of a pair of
hands, a carousel moves three pointers, sitting 120 degrees
apart. Each pointer has a rectangular block with a number
written on each of its four sides and as the carousel moves,
the block rotates. The rotating block shows the hour, while the
pointer depicts the minutes. At 38 hours the power reserve is
slightly less than an un-modified Miyota 9039, but this is easily
explained with the movement of the pointers.
Currently, three different colour combinations are available:
Carbon black with orange-red highlights and dial markings, desert
brown with brown highlights and steel silver with silver textured
side panels and highlights. The Cobra comes with both a
leather and a stainless steel strap.
The Ettore
This “supercar-inspired” timepiece has
a wandering hour complication that
gives a totally different experience of
reading the time on a watch. First seen
in pocket watches in the 17th century,
the first wristwatch using the complication
seems to have been the Audemars
Piguet Star Wheel in the early 1990s,
before Urwerk took full advantage of the
idea with their first UR-101 watches in
1997.
The Atowak Ettore is built on a Miyota 9015 movement and
their watchmaker found a rather simple way to ‘do the magic’:
under the covered area on the left side of the watch, a little
rod and a semi-circular cutout make the satellite move and the
numbers switch over. The power reserve is 36 hours and several
colour combinations are available.
The Windows PRO
The Windows Pro is the entrance
level to Atowak watches. Inspired by
a vintage 1970s FM radio dial, with
the hours organized much the same
as on the old radios, it utilizes a highly
modified Miyota 8S20 movement with
around 42 hours of power reserve.
The Windows Pro comes in several
variations and colour combinations
For more information and to see some great
videos of how these watches work, please visit
the official Atowak website www.atowak.com.
Scan the QR code for Atowak’s YouTube page
with many interesting videos showing the Cobra
and their other watch models.
www.Atowak.com
ICONIC CONCIERGE
55

ROLEX
DEEPSEA CHALLENGE TITANIUM 126067
Recently, Rolex revealed their most advanced dive watch ever,
the Deepsea Challenge. Described as the ultimate watch of
the deep it is the direct successor of multiple experimental
watches, starting in the late 1950s with the original
Deep Sea Special, which made the trip down to the
bottom of the Mariana Trench (10,916 metres).
Paying homage, the Deepsea Challenge is engraved
with the words “Mariana Trench” as well as the dates
“23-01-1960” and “26-03-2012” on the case
back, in tribute to the dive of Jacques Piccard
and U.S. Navy Lieutenant Don Walsh aboard
the Trieste, in 1960, and James Cameron’s
solo descent in DEEPSEA CHALLENGER, in
2012. Both expeditions took experimental
Rolex watches with them.
To test the waterproofness of each
Deepsea Challenge, Rolex specially
developed an ultra-high-pressure tank
capable of reproducing a test pressure
equivalent to that exerted by water at a
depth of 13,750 metres.
Like all Rolex watches, the Deepsea Challenge
carries the Superlative Chronometer certification
and boasts chronometric precision of the order of –2
/+2 seconds per day.
C$30,800. LUGARO Jewellers.
56
ICONIC CONCIERGE
FRANCK MULLER
DOUBLE MYSTERY TOURBILLON
RALPH LAUREN
867 COLLECTION
“Translating high horology
into everyday luxury, four new
additions to Ralph Lauren’s 867
timepiece collection reinterpret
the elegance of the Art Deco era
into polished, pragmatic designs
for how men live today.”
The watch features classical
proportions with symmetrical
square cases of 28 mm and 32
mm in sterling silver or 18K
rose gold, lacquered white dials
comprised of concentric squares
with Arabic and Roman numerals
and sleek Breguet-style hands.
Powered by an “extra-flat”
mechanical manual winding
Swiss movement, hand finished
with vertical Côtes de Genève
stripes and circular graining,
known as Perlage. Prices start
from US$8,250 for the 28mm
Sterling Silver / White Dial.
FRANCK MULLER
DOUBLE MYSTERY TOURBILLON
A collaboration with French painter of
Vietnamese origin, Hom Nguyen, this
version of the Cintrée Curvex combines
two complications: Double Mystery
A collaboration with French painter of Vietnamese
and Tourbillon.
origin,
Without
Hom Nguyen,
hands, the
this
dial
version of the Cintrée
Curvex combines two complications: Double
depicts
Mystery
time using
and Tourbillon.
two rotating
Without
discs.
hands, the dial depicts
time using two rotating discs. The full face
The
of
full
the
face
child
of
in
the
the
child
artwork
in the
takes
artwork
full shape when the discs are
perfectly aligned at 12 o’clock. Price: Upon
takes
Request.
full shape when the discs are
perfectly aligned at 12 o’clock. Price:
Upon Request.

JACOB & CO
CR7 EPIC X
FLIGHT OF CR7 | HEAT OF CR7
Soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo and
Jacob Arabo of Jacob & Co. have teamed
up for a new line of watches, starting
with two stunning timepieces.
Based on the Epic X, the ‘Flight of CR7’
and ‘Heart of CR7’ show all the typical
hallmarks: a 44 mm case with X-shaped
lugs, a smooth and polished or diamondset
bezel and a coloured crown and
flange. The watches are powered by the
handwound Jacob & Co JCAM45 caliber
with a skeletonized movement and a
striking architecture: its two vertical
pillars not only form the central part of
the X-shape initiated by the lugs, they
are also designed to represent Cristiano
Ronaldo and his CR7 brand. The left pillar
takes on the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo
himself, while the right one bears his
logo and his signature, both engraved in
bold. The skeleton barrel cover is shaped
like a football.
There will be 99 pieces of each model.
Heart of CR7 - US$28,000 in stainless
steel and US$117,000 in stainless steel
with baguette diamonds.
Flight of CR7 - US$56,000 in 18-karat
rose gold and US$145,000 in 18-karat
rose gold with baguette diamonds)
ROGER DUBUIS
EXCALIBUR SPIDER HURACÁN STERRATO MB
This Boutique Exclusive timepiece by Roger Dubuis in partnership
with Lamborghini was created to mark the launch of the
Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato.
Limited to 28 pieces, the
Monobalancier (MB)
watch houses a self-winding
mechanical in-house RD630
caliber with a 12° tilted
balance, two barrels and
a rotor inspired by the
Lamborghini wheel rim.
The whole movement
resembles the structure
of the supercar engine
with strut-bars, and
clean-cut lines of the
Sterrato’s roof rack. The
crown is inspired by
racing nuts.
45mm diameter
carbon case with black
DLC titanium bezel, fitted on an
interchangeable rubber strap with
cameo pattern. US$72,000
A. LANGE & SÖHNE
ZEITWERK
In 2009, A. Lange & Söhne introduced the ZEITWERK, the first mechanical wristwatch that displays
hours and minutes with jumping numerals. Finally, the second generation with an all-new movement
(the caliber L043.6) with a 72-hour power reserve and an updated design with the addition of a
pusher at four o’clock for adjustment of the jumping-hour display, has been introduced. Available in
either 18-karat rose gold with a black dial and a time bridge made of untreated German silver, or in
950 platinum with a rhodié dial made of solid silver. Price: upon request.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
57

HUBLOT
MP-09 TOURBILLON BI-AXIS
A world first, exclusively unveiled
during the Hublot Loves Art
in Miami event, the ‘MP-09
Tourbillon Bi-Axis 5-Day Power
Reserve’ takes the iconic rainbow
design and thrusts it into the 21st century.
The famous gemstone pattern has been
reproduced using hundreds of coloured
composites inserted into the mass of a 3D
carbon case. Each insert is imperceptibly
cropped with carbon, and polished and
adjusted to the nearest micron.
As for the movement, the MP-09 once more
uses the HUB9009.H1.RA.B movement with
manual winding and a 5-day power reserve.
It comes with a bi-axial tourbillon with one
complete rotation per minute for the first axis
and a second rotation every 30 seconds for
the second axis. Limited to 8 pieces.
C$264,000. HUBLOT Vancouver.
58
ICONIC CONCIERGE

TAG HEUER
CARRERA POLYCHROME
Limited to 150 pieces, the Carrera Chronograph
Tourbillon Polychrome retains the signature
case, bezel and strap design combined with a
new multicoloured dial that serves as a subtle
nod to the rainbow trend. Made of lightweight,
fine-brushed black PVD grade 5 titanium,
the exhibition caseback of the all-black 45mm
case shows the caliber Heuer 02T COSC
chronograph tourbillon movement. US$24,050.
PATEK PHILIPPE
NAUTILUS REF. 5811/1G-001
It looks a lot like its famous 5711 predecessor
but there are big differences. Instead of
stainless steel, white gold and a slightly bigger
41mm (height 8.2mm) case are used, and the
dial is graduated from blue to darker blue at the
edges. Other modifications are a pull-out piecelever
system for the crown and improvements
to the bracelet. Self-winding caliber 26‐330S
with 45 hours power reserve. US$69,785
AUDEMARS PIGUET
ROYAL OAK
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, AP released
a white gold version of the iconic model with
an eye-catching Grande Tapisserie dial in a
rich, warm shade of purple and a bezel set with
baguette-cut diamonds. The perpetual calendar
has week indication, day, date, astronomical
moon, month, leap year, hours and minutes. The
41mm case is 9.5mm thick and houses AP’s inhouse
caliber 5134. Price on Request.
HYT
SUPERNOVA BLUE MOON RUNNER
HYT is back! Under the new leadership of Davide Cerrato, HYT CEO and creative
director, the HYT Supernova Moon Runner is made from grey and blue titanium,
topped with an anti-reflective coating sapphire crystal glass dome.
Driven by a manual winding mechanical movement, the 601-MO calibre
designed by Eric Coudray, the 3D display represents the lunar phases and
satellite day and month indications. With fluidic hours, rotating lunar
cycles and calendar functions, the HYT offers a kinetic view of time and
space.
The mecafluidic technology
uses two flexible reservoirs
(called “bellows”) that are attached
to each end of a capillary.
The thickness of the walls of
this reservoir is of an extraordinary
fineness of hardly a
quarter of a human hair.
There are two immiscible
fluids inside the capillary -
the active, coloured fluid is in
the first reservoir; the passive
fluid is in the other reservoir.
The convergence of the two
fluids marks the current time.
Only 27 copies of the HYT
Supernova Blue Moon Runner will be produced. CHF 120,000.
60
ICONIC CONCIERGE

RISK IS THE REWARD
MONTECRISTO - www.montecristo1978.com
CHATEAU D’IVOIRE - www.chateaudivoire.com
Montreal, QB - 514.845.4651
LA MINE D’OR - www.laminedor.ca
Moncton, NB - 506.857.1980
The first watch brand to embrace the world of sailing,
the Corum Admiral collection celebrates its nautical origins.
With its unique 12-sided case and nautical pennants as hour
markers, it is instantly recognized the world over.
ADMIRAL 45 CHRONOGRAPH • ADMIRAL 38
CORUM-WATCHES.COM • @CORUMUSA
(954) 279-1220 • info@cwjbrands.com

GIRARD-PERREGAUX
COSMOS FINAL EDITION
First launched in 2019 to showcase the brand’s
horological and artistic craftsmanship, the Girard-
Perregaux Cosmos is coming to an end.
The three last models ever to be produced are made
using different gems of the earth: A black aventurine
dial and black aventurine celestial and terrestrial globes
with gold micro-painting, a spectrolite dial and black
aventurine globes with silver micro-painting and an
obsidian dial and onyx globes with gold micro-painting.
The watches are powered by the in-house GP09320
hand-wound movement that consists of 368 individual
and meticulously finished parts.
Each Cosmos comes with an alligator strap and is
water resistant to 30 meters.
Just one of each version will be made, with each
retailing for US$364,000.
H. MOSER & CIE
ENDEAVOURCENTRE SECONDS GENESIS
Swiss independent brand H. Moser - yes, the company
without a logo on the dial - just introduced its most
ambitious project to date, combining the physical, the
digital, and the virtual world.
Available in an edition of 50 pieces, the Endeavour
Centre Seconds Genesis or, if you want to embrace the
digital world, the 01100111 01100101 01101110 01100101
01110011 01101001 01110011, has a pixelated, 3D-printed
titanium bezel and crown and a QR code engraved onto the
sapphire crystal.
The dial is treated with Vantablack—the darkest artificial
substance on Earth capable of absorbing up to 99.975% of
ambient light.
Utilizing the HMC 200 automatic calibre with an
openworked 18k gold rotor, the movement delivers a robust
3-day power reserve.
Retailing for CHF 27,000, Moser is also open to payments
in cryptocurrency.
ZENITH
DEFY EXTREME DOUBLE TOURBILLON
Equipped with the brand’s most advanced chronograph
to date, the El Primero 9020. Since its inception in 1969,
Zenith has continued to improve the first automatic
chronograph ever created and with the 9020, a new star
is born. A combination of two independent tourbillon
mechanisms that complete rotations in 60 seconds for
the timekeeping tourbillon and five seconds for the
chronograph’s tourbillon makes it one of the fastest
tourbillons ever made. Housed within an oversized 45mm
Defy case, it is available in either lightweight titanium with
a mix of satin brushed, polished and matte surfaces, or a
carbon fiber model with a sandblasted matte rose gold
bezel and a black textured rubber strap.
Titanium: US$69,600. Carbon/ rose gold: US$79,700.
62 ICONIC CONCIERGE

OMEGA
60 YEARS OF BOND
OMEGA has hosted a black-tie celebration in London, with guest of honour
Daniel Craig, to mark 60 years of James Bond. The spy-inspired night featured
a dramatic live experience, complete with movie props and gadgets from
Q’s Lab, and a full line-up of 007’s OMEGA watches. It included two new
Seamaster Diver 300M timepieces, both paying homage to the spy through
innovation and impressive materials – with a touch of film magic infused
within the design. Stainless steel: C$10,300. Canopus Gold: CHF 135,000
(no Canadian price as of yet).
DOXA
SUB 300 CARBON AQUA
A limited series of only 300
timepieces with COSC-certified
caliber, the SUB 300 Aqua Lung
US Divers marks a first with a
forged carbon case and black
rubber strap. A limited series of
only 300 timepieces with COSCcertified
caliber, in partnership
with Aqua Lung. US$4,790.
SEQUENT
ELEKTRON HR 2.2
Converting motion into
electricity through gravity, this
smartwatch is powered by an inhouse
automatic caliber. Once
fully charged it has a standby time
of more than a year. The HR 2.2 is
capable of recording steps, heart
rate, workout, sleep and Blood
Oxygen Levels. US$961.
FORMEX
ESSENCE SPACE ROCK
The final release of 2022, Formex
has unveiled two meteorite dial
watches. The Essence 39mm and
Essence Leggera 41mm Space
Rock watches will each be limited
to 88 pieces and feature the COSC
chronometer-certified Sellita
SW200-1 automatic movement.
US$1,650/ US$1,850.
NIVADA GRENCHEN
CHAOSMASTER
One watch, three emoji variations,
each one produced in a limited
edition of 33 pieces. Swiss neoretro
brand Nivada Grenchen
shows a vibrant-unconventional
twist on vintage dials, paired with
a Sellita SW510 BH B movement,
which is both manual and selfwinding.
US$1,995.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
63

EXEL
SUPER EXCLUSIVE
One of the main advantages of
choosing an Exel fabric for your next
suit is that you will be one of the few
people in the world to actually own
one. Dormeuil makes approximately
300 yards of these premium fabrics,
which allows for the creation of
about 100 suits worldwide. Yes… it is
that limited.
A wise decision for those who like to
stand out from the crowd.
STYLE YOUR WAY
TO
SUCCESS
TAILORED FOR THE MODERN MAN
64 ICONIC CONCIERGE

EXEL
LUXURY SUITING
The Exel collection plays on two
fronts: the dynamism of modernity
and the conformism of
tradition. The fabrics are characterized
by nuances and distinguished
by the vitality of the
plain and semi-plains weaves
that bring out light effects, adding
a lot of personality to any
piece. This collection of 100%
wool fabrics with natural stretch
without elastane will seduce the
most discerning of you who remain
sensitive to the sensory
pleasure of a quality fabric.
Confidence
That Can
Be Seen.
IMPECCABLE FROM
HEAD TO TOE
Every important step in our
life is better to take with the
proper shoes. Many people underestimate
them, but a man’s
elegance is really determined
by what he wears on his feet.
Choosing the right shoes is crucial;
never forget that!
Our custom handmade shoes
are available in our Vancouver
showroom.
SUPERFINE SHIRTING
BY THOMAS MASON
Thomas Mason makes fabrics
of the highest quality, flaunting
a bold style and timeless elegance.
Produced in Italy since
1796 with the most precious
materials and avant-garde technology,
their fabrics tell stories
of pure excellence, combining
tradition, elegance and artisanal
care.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
65

Let Your
Style
Represent
Your
Personality!
“Dressing is about conveying a message, revealing what you like
about yourself, your mood, your desires. We believe that there is a
close link between your inner well-being and your appearance, and
that by taking care of one, you ultimately take care of the other.
A new wardrobe tailored from the finest fabrics is the best way to
return to the office looking and feeling good.”
Surmesur Vancouver
1012 Mainland St. | (604) 424-8555
vancouver@surmesur.com
@surmesurvancouver
66 ICONIC CONCIERGE

New Bentayga Extended Wheelbase
A new era in Bentley well being.
To celebrate the arrival of the New Bentayga EWB, a stunning First Edition is available. Subject to a limited
production run, it combines many of the most desirable options available for the car with a package of eye-catching
details found only on Bentley First Editions.
On the outside, exterior First Edition badging identifies the car – a theme that extends inside, with First Edition
badging on the veneered fascia, as well as First Edition embroidery on the seats. Unique First Edition Contrast
Stitching adorns the seats and, depending on your choice of veneers, gleaming metal overlays can be applied to the
fascia and waistrails in the front and the rear.
As well as all the standard features of the New Bentayga EWB Azure, the First Edition includes premium features
such as LED Welcome Lights, the Bentley Diamond Illumination and Naim for Bentley – arguably the world’s best
in-car sound system.
Contact Bentley Vancouver for more information.
1770 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC, Canada | 604.730.8998 | bentleyvancouver.ca BENTLEY VANCOUVER

In Style!
DIPTYQUE
TEMPO EAU DE PARFUM
During the 1960s, a certain
scent was changing the world:
patchouli. It conveyed a sense
of freedom and spirituality that
was closer to nature, and the
hopes of a generation that was
reinventing the future. Tempo is
a tribute to this olfactory icon.
Elegant and woody.
MANCERA
TONKA COLA
A new perfume for women and men, released in 2022. Sweet and
engaging, pop and elegant, Tonka Cola will catch you in the
moment.
THE BEST FRAGRANCES FOR MEN
AZZARO
WANTED
Bold. Powerful. Irresistible.
This woody citrus and spicy
fragrance, composed of
explosive lemon, energizing
cardamom and vetiver, is
for the man who dares
to live life to the fullest.
ISSEY MIYAKE
NUIT D’ISSEY
NOIR AGENT
A new intensity in the
shadow of the moon.
When the sensuality of
leather and saffron meets
the magnetism of the
patchouli heart. Woody
and spicy, a sophisticated
scent with an opening of
grapefruit that dries down
to leather, patchouli and
myrrh.
68 ICONIC CONCIERGE

ARQUISTE
NANBAN
Based on a documented transoceanic
voyage in 1618 uniting East and West,
NANBAN is a woody and smoky
oriental fragrance evoking the dark
hull of a galleon full of exotic
cargo. With notes of: Malabar
black pepper, Persian saffron,
Chinese osmanthus, coffee
absolute, Spanish leather,
myrrh, frankincense,
sandalwood and cade.
après ski
MILLER HARRIS
FEUILLES DE TABAC
Feuilles de Tabac opens with a spark of fiery pimento berries and Cuban
cascarilla oil - imparting a spectrum of smouldering spice.
xcitemecanada.com
xcitecanada.ca

by Jason Boudreau
CREATING IMPACT
Candid Conversations with Leaders in Life, Business and Philanthropy
Welcome to the winter issue of Creating Impact. Happy
New Year and warmest wishes and a healthy and happy
2023 to you and yours. In late 2022, I had the pleasure
of sitting down for a deep conversation with Som Seif,
Founder & CEO of Purpose Unlimited. I’ve known Som
for many years through the industry, with VELA being a
partner company of Purpose. Over the years, Som and I
have spent most of our time talking business and so it was
wonderful to spend some time on the topics of family and
philanthropy and to learn more about his family history. It’s
always inspiring to speak with people like Som and hear
about what drives them to be their best, push through
adversity and truly create something great. I hope you
enjoy this first candid conversation of 2023 with one of
Canada’s leading financial services entrepreneurs, Som
Seif.
SOM SEIF
Founder & CEO
Purpose Unlimited
Som’s background plays a huge role in who he is today,
and we began the conversation about how it all began. His
family immigrated to Canada from Iran around the time of
the Iranian revolution. His father was working toward his
master’s degree in England where Som was born. It was the
1970s and his father originally wanted to stay in England,
but a professor suggested he move to a more progressive
society, a country that might be more welcoming, like Canada.
It was this advice that led his father to Toronto, ON, where
he applied to continue working toward his Ph.D. at York
University. His family immigrated a year later in 1980.
“It was one of the greatest decisions my family ever made,
but most importantly, one of the most important decisions
in my life that I didn’t make. That single decision changed the
probability of success for me, and my family, 100-fold”.
Growing up Som dreamed about being an architect as he
loved the idea of building and designing. However, in speaking
with a couple of well-known architects in the Toronto Area,
he changed his mind and decided to pursue engineering at
the University of Toronto. Very shortly thereafter, he went to
work with RBC Investment banking, just in time for the tech
bubble.
“I worked at RBC for six years but then, I just started to
really ask myself whether this was what I wanted to do. I
remember the big moment. I was 25 years old and starting
to make very good money for a young kid, and I remember
coming home one night at two in the morning (pretty typical
of the hours I was working). I sat on my bed and said to myself
70 ICONIC CONCIERGE

‘I’m not happy’. It’s not that I wasn’t
enjoying what I was doing. I wasn’t happy
because I had pursued all of this with the
singular goal of making money. Now that
I was making some money and was on a
path to making lots more, I didn’t feel like
I had the right goal. I had to step back
and figure out what I really enjoyed.“
Som wanted to apply himself to
see his ideas flourish and he realized
he wanted to build something. So, he
decided to leave, giving himself an
ultimatum. “If I reach my 30th birthday
and I’m still sitting in this seat, I’m going
to resign,” he said to himself. That day
came, and it was before Som turned
30. At the age of 28, he established his
first company called Claymore; an ETF
company built on a strong philosophical
model and a vision to build a better asset
management firm.
Over the following seven years,
Claymore became one of the most
important asset management firms
in Canada and changed the way
the industry looked at investing and
investment product design. Then, Som’s
business partner in the company wanted
to exit, so in 2012, the company was
sold to the world’s largest investment
management firm, BlackRock.
“I aspire to give with
impact. I believe it is
the most important
project of my life.
A year later, Som started Purpose
Investments and co-founded a firm
called Wealthsimple. Both companies
have been growing over the last nine
years in multiple areas of financial
services, driving successful industry
innovation for Canadians.
“If I went back in time, I wouldn’t
do anything differently. One of my
fundamental beliefs is that we shouldn’t
have regrets in life and that every
decision we make in the moment, right
or wrong, has been for reasons that
were in the moment. I also believe it’s
important to go back and reflect on our
decisions with the benefit of hindsight
and apply those insights going forward.”
As with many other entrepreneurs,
the pandemic had an impact on Som’s
priorities and exposed him to what is
most important in his life. Having dinner
every night with his wife and four children
during the pandemic was amazing after
years of building Purpose. “I have made
it a rule that I want to be home four
weeknights and the weekends to have
dinner with my children. It is important
not to be absent for what I think is the
most relevant period of their lives - the
family time of being around the table
together.”
Som’s childhood was very different to
the one of his children. He wants to be
certain to lead by example in everything
that he does. “When I was growing up,
I didn’t have lots of material things. All I
had were my dreams. In many cases, our
lifestyle has taken away some of those
things from my children because they
have grown up in a different life setting.
We have to find different ways to inspire
them to dream, to be something greater
than what they are today, in many ways.”
Continuous development and learning
are important things that Som wants
to instill in his children. He believes that
people should not be worrying about how
they are relative to somebody else, but
they should focus on how they progress
as an individual. “If you as an individual
think that way, you’re just going to get
stronger. You’re going to get better.
You’re going to do more. You’re going to
feel more accomplished. You’re going to
attack your goals, and I think that’s the
most important thing I want to teach my
kids. I think it’s a really powerful way to
think in life.”
Giving back is another big part of
Som’s life that he wants to pass on to
his children. He has been involved with
his time, energy, and money in different
organizations to give back to society.
“
we have to find
different ways
to inspire our
children to dream,
to be something
greater than what
they are today,
in many ways.”
Being grateful to his parents for coming
to Canada and for the opportunity this
country has given him, Som has a sense
of duty to give back to his country, and
community. This passion brought him to
the organization “Big Brothers” while he
was in his second year of university. Even
though he was busy with his studies and
a very busy social life, he signed up and
became a Big Brother.
“It taught me so much about the joy
of giving and the invaluable personal
returns. It has been an important part
of my life ever since.”
Today, Som has a deep engagement
in several organizations that he is
passionate about. He applies himself to
them wholeheartedly and plans to do so
for the rest of his life.
“I aspire to give with impact. I believe
it is the most important project of my
life. Today I try to add value and all the
rest of it, but I’m talking about really
giving with impact. I want to apply the
same rigour and entrepreneurial spirit
that I dedicated to building businesses
and helping to change the financial
services industry for the benefit of
Canadians, to how I can support causes
to drive positive outcomes that matter
and change society in meaningful ways.
I’m really energized and excited at the
prospect of getting there.”
Knowing what we know about Som
Seif, it’s only a matter of when…
JASON BOUDREAU CFP, CLU
WEALTH ADVISOR
Principal & Founder - VELA Wealth
www.velawealth.com

72
ICONIC CONCIERGE

COACHING THE ‘CAPS
VANNI SARTINI
HEAD COACH
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
BY DR. OLIVER FINLAY
PHOTOGRAPHY: JON HAIR | BOB FRID
IC: In fifteen words or less, who are you
and what do you do?
VS: My name is Vanni Sartini. I am the Head
Coach of the Vancouver Whitecaps.
IC: How did you get into coaching and
how have your experiences in the sport
shaped your perspectives on coaching
that may be different from many others
you face on the touchline?
VS: I always knew that I would be a coach.
When I was playing (and probably because
I was not a good player), in addition to my
own game, I was very interested in building
an understanding of everything, including
the tactics, the work methodology, the relationship
between players and coach, etc.
As soon as I stopped playing, I started
coaching. At the same time, thanks to my educational
background, I also had the opportunity
to start working as a coach instructor
Coaching them from youth level through
to the professional level for ten years, deeply
shaped my way of doing things. Fundamentally,
I always needed an awareness of innovations
related to the understanding of the
game from a holistic perspective (tactics,
methodology, leadership, communication
etc.). This ensured I was prepared to provide
students with the best feedback possible, but
it also served to remind me that there are
hundreds of ways of doing this job successfully.
Yet, for each person, the only way that
works is the one that allows you to stay true
to yourself, your convictions (in football and
life) and your values.
Being a coaches’ instructor made me a
much better coach and whilst I hope they
learned something from me, I certainly
learned a lot from my students.
IC: As a coach, what are your strongest
attributes? And your weakest? How
have you learnt to play to your strengths
and manage your weaknesses?
VS: I always had a better eye for the collective
than the individual, so consequently, I
think I am very good when it comes to the
tactical part of the game, and I feel very
confident devising or teaching strategy and
movements. In contrast, my footballing
strengths lie away from developing players
one on one.
Additionally, I have a clear work methodology
and a vision for how things should be
done. However, practically, I am not the best
with the day-to-day organizational or administrative
tasks, and so I am grateful to be surrounded
by a team of organized staff.
IC: How would you describe your leadership
style and what has influenced
that?
VS: First of all, I believe that everyone is a
leader in some aspects of life and, in an organization
there a lot of leaders. For example,
in matters related to equipment, I follow the
lead of the kit manager, on the field the players
follow the lead of the best players and in
the locker room they follow the most charismatic
individuals. Consequently, the head
coach is not the leader but a leader between
leaders and as such, it is important that every
leader is also a good follower. We must all
follow the team culture and the team pillars,
as we work towards achieving the team’s objectives.
For this reason, I believe the team
is the leader!
Personally, my leadership role is that of
the Educational Leader and I think that in
my role, I must mostly be an educator. I must
first teach both staff and players what my vision
is, and then educate them on the process
that I want them to implement in order to
reach the team’s objective.
An important part of this education is to
give responsibility to every staff member
and player. I must delegate tasks and avoid
micro-managing every situation, whilst constantly
giving accurate feedback, even if that
can be difficult when things are not going
well. Conflict is an important part of the education
process, and a coach should embrace
conflict when the situation arises, to avoid
facing a much bigger problem further down
the road.
At the same time, a good leader must listen
and observe everything that happens around
them, in order to improve. Another important
attribute of a strong leader is openness.
IC: How do you go about creating a
high-performance culture when you arrive
in a new team?
VS: In my opinion, a high-performance culture
is built on three pillars: the process, the
content and the people.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
73

“I started early,” Vanni
laughs, looking at some of
his childhood pictures.
In a results-driven business, you must
have a strong view about what to do (the
content) and how to do it (the process). You
must be intentional and orientate every aspect
of your working time to these two aspects.
For a soccer team the content is the
tactical principle and the way that you want
your team to play, whilst the process is the
methodology that players and staff will follow
both on and off the field. The content
and the process are pillars that you must
follow even if results don’t always go well.
Consistency is the key to creating a highperformance
culture, and every action must
be intentional, in following the process and
towards achieving the content.
The third pillar is the people. The content
must be adopted and the process followed in
an environment within which every person
in the working group experiences respect
and empathy. Respect requires the clear
communication of the standards that we
need to reach in terms of the content and for
the promotion of growth through the process
by being very clear when these standards are
not met. Empathy basically means that we
each try to create a connection with everyone
else in the group.
In our environment, you often spend more
time with your teammates than with your
family and so it is natural that some relationships
are stronger than others. However,
in caring about the person next to us, it is
easier to be honest and straightforward with
each other, which is critical when nurturing
relationships and growing the special connections
that can be instrumental in helping
teams go that extra mile when challenges
arise.
IC: Who has inspired you on your journey
and how have they influenced you?
VS: I have been inspired by a lot of people.
Countless coaches, thought leaders, public
figures, friends, and family members. I am
a people person and, where I can, I derive
energy and inspiration from every interaction.
Professionally, the most important person
throughout my journey has been Renzo
Ulivieri, Head of Coaching at the Italian FA.
The things Renzo taught me and the
chance he gave me in appointing me as his
assistant in 2010 are just the start of what
he has contributed to my journey. The biggest
lesson that I learned from him is that
in order to reach the utopia of knowing everything
about football and life, you must always
have a “hunger” for knowledge. Whilst
reaching utopia is unattainable, the quest is
what drives you to get better every day.
IC: After leaving Italy, you spent time
living and working in Chicago before
arriving in Vancouver. What do you
miss about Italy and what have you enjoyed
most about living in Chicago and
Vancouver?
VS: Of course, I miss the people I love in
Florence, as I am very close to my family and
with two group of friends there. Thankfully
we live in an era where technology helps
us to stay connected, although a WhatsApp
group or a Facetime call is not the same as
seeing each other in person.
For me and Chicago, it was love at first
sight. I really liked the architecture, and I enjoyed
how lively the city was, with so many
cultural, social, and sporting events to follow.
I love the attitude of Chicagoans, who
like people from Florence, are very proud of
their city and this helped my wife and me
connect with Chicago very quickly.
With Vancouver, feeling part of the city
has been a bit of a slow burn. You immediately
realize how beautiful the city is, with
the water, the mountains, and green spaces
creating a paradise akin to living outdoors.
However, I struggled initially as Vancouver
seems to prefer to focus on being beautiful
rather than alive. Once I got to know the
city better, I started to love how completely
different East Van is to Yaletown, Olympic
Village or Kitsilano. I also think this city
has one of the best restaurant cultures in the
world.
IC: Have you
spent time familiarizing
yourself
with other sports
since living in
North America?
If so, which other
sports do you enjoy
watching?
Then and Now....
Vanni with his parents when he was a child, and just
recently, with his parents and his wife on a hiking trip in BC.
VS: I love watching basketball and, because
my wife was a basketball player, we watch
a lot of games together - so it’s our family
time. It’s sad that Vancouver doesn’t have an
NBA team anymore. When we lived in Chicago,
we went to a Bulls game at least once a
month. However, since living in Canada for
the last 4 years, ice hockey has grown on me;
it’s a fast-paced sport where, like soccer, it’s
hard to score, and so I often get excited during
Canucks games.
IC: Which other countries or cities
would you like to live and work in?
VS: I love Vancouver and want to stay here
to help the team reach the next level, but I
don’t see myself staying 10 years in the
same job. I am in this business for the life
experience that it affords me. Living in the
US and Canada has been an incredible journey
for my wife and me, but Europe and, of
course Italy, is home, so I’ll probably want
to go back at some point.
I am currently learning Japanese, so why
not work in Japan in the future? I also love
Australia. But, if I have learned one thing
during my career, it is that you never know
where you will end up, so I am open to all
possibilities.
IC: How do you relax away from work?
VS: I have a lot of interests, but the easiest
ways I like to relax are by reading a book (I
am an avid reader), taking a long walk on the
Seawall while listening to a podcast (I love
true crime and history), enjoying a night out
for dinner with my wife, or a night at home
watching something on one of the hundreds
of streaming services that I subscribe to (I
am a television junkie).
The famous Curva Fiesole in the Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence, Italy,
where Vanni has been “hundreds of times in my life.”
74 ICONIC CONCIERGE

IC: How important is legacy to you and
what indelible mark would you like to
leave on the soccer world by the time
you retire?
VS: It is very important. Being in professional
sport one would expect that the legacy
that I aspire to leave is related to wins and
trophies, but I work and live every day to
create evidence of the culture that I’ve tried
to establish. A culture of respect, quality,
and empathy. Respect for everything around
me, doing the highest quality of work possible,
and connecting with the people around
me: players, colleagues, and fans.
IC: What 3 words would your closest
friends use to describe you?
VS: Generous. Funny. Clumsy.
IC: Thank you Vanni, it’s been a real
pleasure chatting with you and learning
a bit about your interests, passions and
influences.
VS: It was a great pleasure for me too. I
hope it was interesting.
IC: Before you go, here are our ‘Completely
Unrelated, but Nevertheless Entertaining
Standard 10 Questions’…you
ready?
VS: Sure. Shoot.
IC: You lose everything you own. How
do you rise like a phoenix from the ashes?
VS: I write a book or film a documentary on
how I lost everything. Nothing sells quicker
than stories about people who became successful
and then lost everything.
IC: As you step outside, you find a lottery
ticket that ends up winning you $20
million. What do you do?
VS: I immediately register the win, allowing
the Government to collect my taxes and
appease my winner’s guilt thanks to my contribution
to the common good. Then, I spend
50% on enjoying life with the people I love
and use 50% to set up a fund helping young
entrepreneurs fund their startup costs.
IC: You can invite 5 people for a dinner
party…and the guest list isn’t restricted
by the confines of time and mortality.
Who joins you for dinner and why?
VS: Leonardo Da Vinci, Antonio Gramsci
(an important Italian politician, who died
in jail opposing the Fascist dictatorships in
1937), George Orwell, Frida Kahlo and my
wife.
I would love to talk with a genius like
Leonardo. I’d talk about politics, philosophy,
writing and art with Gramsci, Orwell
and Frida Kahlo. My wife would never forgive
me if I didn’t invite her to dinner with
Frida Kahlo.
IC: What was your first car, what do
you drive now and what is your dream
car?
VS: My first car was a very used Renault
Clio. I don’t like to drive, so if in future they
perfect the self-driving car, that would be
my dream one.
IC: What one piece of advice would you
give to your 16-year old self?
VS: Be ready and patient. Your chances
(plural!) will arrive, maybe not today, maybe
not in a few years but keep working on
yourself because you need to be ready when
they do. And don’t wait until you’re 39 to
become a vegetarian.
IC: Who would play you in a movie
about your life?
VS: Will Arnett. He’s a really funny actor
and a sport lover. Apparently, during the
broadcast of our game vs LAFC, Will said
that I look like Mr. Bean - so Rowan Atkinson
can be a stand in.
IC: Where is your favourite travel destination
and why?
VS: I like to go home to Italy to see friends
and family. If I travel elsewhere, the destination
must make me grow. At the moment, I
am learning Japanese and so I want to test
my language skills and improve them in Japan.
IC: Tell me your favourite joke…
VS: A magician, performing on stage, has a
baseball bat and is asking volunteers in the
crowd to come up and take their best shot to
hit him in the head, proving his magic will
protect him.
A young guy from the audience volunteers
but is very reluctant to hit him. The
magician persists, performs a sort of ritual,
and finally the volunteer takes a swing and
hits him square in the forehead. The magician
collapses and is transported to the hospital,
where he remains in a coma.
After 3 months he eventually wakes up
in his hospital bed. Flamboyantly, he rises,
arms aloft and says “Et Voila! This is magic
ladies and gentlemen!”
IC: Where is your favourite Vancouver
restaurant?
VS: For an intimate dinner with my wife,
I like Mangia in Olympic Village. To kick
off a night with friends, I like Per Se Social
Corner in Yaletown. For a quick, quality
lunch break, Casereccio on Broadway
and Vine. Given they are all Italian/
Mediterranean places I recognize that I am
a little biased!
IC: Complete the sentence: “Vancouver
is a great place to live because…”
VS: …every neighbourhood has a different
soul, so you can experience many different
small towns inside one city”.
IC: Grazie mille, Vanni. I’d like to wish
you and the Whitecaps the best of luck for
the new season, and look forward to following
your journey, wherever that may
take you.
For more information about the Vancouver
Whitecaps, the 2023 season and ticket
sales, please visit the official website at:
www.whitecapsfc.com
ICONIC CONCIERGE
75

CASH
TO
CRYPTO
Instant, Anonymous, Secure: How a BC Company Changed the Game
Cryptocurrencies are a compelling opportunity for the discerning investor. Digital
assets are arguably the fastest, most efficient, and most secure way to move capital
and exchange value locally or around the world.
The goal of Bitcoin Central, a British Columbia-based Bitcoin ATM company, is “to
offer the most smoothly paved and shortest bridge between the traditional cash
economy and the digital economy of cryptocurrencies in a non-custodial capacity.”
Iconic Concierge caught up with Ben Glickman, Founder and CEO of Bitcoin Central,
to find out more about his company which is putting up machines all over the province.
IC: Ben, we have heard from several people that they are still uncomfortable working
with cryptocurrencies. One of the key messages seems to be the concern of not having
something physical, and especially older people don’t like to do everything online.
So is this something where a real ATM machine can help?
Ben Glickman, CEO & Founder
Ben: Absolutely! It definitely takes away the anxiety some have, as this now is very
much like your typical ATM machine in the foyer of your local bank. You can buy and sell
cryptocurrencies, check your wallet balance and donate directly to the government of
Ukraine at any of our locations. It gives confidence and trust, having a physical machine
rather than just a website.
76 ICONIC CONCIERGE

! ICONIC CONCIERGE DISCOUNT !
In the months of January and February use the discount code
‘ICONIC’ - for 12% off commissions at all Bitcoin Central ATMs.
For high net worth individuals interested in larger transactions,
call 250-825-1902 or email support@bitcoincentralatm.com
for bespoke service.
兔 年 大 吉 !
凡 于 Bitcoin Central 自 动 柜 员 机 进 行 买 卖 交 易 ,
输 入 折 扣 代 码 “Rabbit”, 即 可 享 88 折 优 惠
IC: No doubt. So what is needed to use the machines?
Ben: All that is needed to buy or sell crypto at any of our ATMs is cash
and a QR code for a Bitcoin, Ethereum or Litecoin wallet. That’s it. The
transactions are instant, anonymous and secure and our clients are
not required to enter a phone number, submit an ID or register.
IC: So what about the notorious ‘key’? As investors in insolvent exchanges
like FTX have learned painfully - if you don’t have the keys to
your cryptocurrency wallets, you don’t control your assets.
Ben: Bitcoin Central puts you in control when you are buying or selling
crypto - you always have access to your assets. Individuals seeking to
convert cash to cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrencies to cash have
a multitude of options. Our mission is to offer our customers an array
of compelling add-value propositions when converting cash to crypto
or vice versa.
When you purchase crypto from Bitcoin Central, your coins are
sent immediately and reach your wallet as fast as possible. When
selling crypto for cash, your cash is typically available for withdrawal
within minutes.
IC: And should your machine break, or some online problem occurs...?
Ben: Yes, machines break occasionally and algorithms can go awry.
So when such problems arise you want resolution in real-time, and we
make sure that if our customers have an issue or a question, they can
reach us anytime via phone, text, WhatsApp or Telegram. I personally
resolve every query. Complete customer satisfaction all the time is
our expectation.
IC: Do the ATMs accept both US and Canadian Dollars?
Ben: Correct. And our ATMs offer interfaces in Chinese (Mandarin
and Cantonese), English, French, Korean, Japanese and Spanish. It
really is a simple, intuitive user interface so you can complete your
transactions in as few steps as possible. And by the way - we don’t
charge transaction fees. And never will!
IC: We will try it out, now that we will have one of the ATMs just a
block away from our office!
Ben: We will have several new locations over the next few months. The
best way to find out where they are is to check our website.
CURRENT BITCOIN CENTRAL ATM LOCATIONS IN VANCOUVER & AREA
VANCOUVER
My Convenience Store
450 W Hastings St (Buy BTC, ETH and LTC)
City Park Express
700 Denman St (Buy BTC, ETH and LTC)
Easy Day Store
892 Beach Ave (Buy BTC, ETH and LTC)
Victory Food Market
166 W Hastings St (Buy BTC, ETH and LTC)
Granville Food Market
1090 Granville St (Buy BTC, ETH and LTC)
Stationary 2000
3552 W 41st Ave (Buy BTC, ETH and LTC)
GVA
Westwood Mixer and Smokes
2748 Lougheed Hwy. Suite 101, Port Coquitlam, BC (Buy BTC,
ETH and LTC)
COMNG SOON
Hornby Smoke and Convenience
435 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC (Buy BTC, ETH and LTC)
Moonlight Smoke and Convenience
9179 148 St, Surrey, BC (Buy BTC, ETH and LTC)
Centre Point Post Office & Print Express
Centrepoint Mall, 9-2949 Main St, Vancouver, BC
(Buy BTC, ETH and LTC with CAD and USD; Sell BTC, LTC and
ETH for CAD)
Visit www.bitcoincentralatm.com for a complete list of all Bitcoin Central ATM locations in British Columbia.

THE BEST EVENTS
OUT &
ABOUT
2022 GOLDEN OWL AWARDS
D/6 LOUNGE | MANSION NIGHTCLUB
Celebrating the best and most engaging people in hospitality since 2004, the Golden
Owl Awards has grown to become the most anticipated industry event in Vancouver.
The awards are unique in bringing many of Vancouver’s hospitality owners, managers
and staff together for an amazing evening of entertainment and camaraderie.
On Monday, November 21, and after taking a 3-year pandemic pause, attendees were
eager to return for an amazing evening of entertainment and camaraderie with old friends,
new friends, and Zoom friends. Stories were told, drinks were passed, and the resiliency of
Vancouver’s hospitality industry was on full display.
Held at D/6 Bar & Lounge, Vancouver’s premier rooftop lounge, the evening opened
with an invitation-only Nominee Soirée celebration and the Golden Owls’ ten innovative
‘Experience Award’ categories. Following that, the Awards continued with the main event,
presenting five ‘Best of the Year Awards’ for best Covid Innovation, Nightclub, Festival, New
Venue, and Manager of the year. With their Golden Owl in hand, award recipients flocked to
the red carpet for a celebratory toast of Moët & Chandon.
In keeping with tradition, the evening continued at Mansion Nightclub for the Golden Owl
After-Party, establishing again that Vancouver is the best city for Night Owls.
Congratulations to all the Nominees & Winners who came out to celebrate the relentless
pursuit of hospitality excellence with Vancouver’s finest.
photography: Laura Harvey
78 ICONIC CONCIERGE

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO
WHAT’S NEXT IN THE ELECTRIC WORLD
BMW i4 POLICE BY AC SCHNITZER
Faster than the police allow - that of course applies to the concept vehicles of the TUNE IT! SAFE! initiative as much as any
other vehicle. With the Police BMW i4 by AC Schnitzer as a concept car, the German tuning company has played a major role
in the initiative. Every year for the past 17 years, a vehicle in the original police design has been presented that complies with
the traffic safety regulations of the law enforcers. The campaign, which is supported by the Federal Ministry of Transport and
Digital Infrastructure Germany, uses the nationwide campaign to draw attention to safe tuning and to show what is possible
in tuning when the road traffic licensing regulations are complied with.
This time, the all-electric BMW i4 by AC Schnitzer fulfils all the requirements for a dynamic, powerful and sporty appearance
while at the same time complying with regulations and taking sustainability aspects into account. The fact that AC Schnitzer is also a
competent partner for increased driving dynamics and fun with electric vehicles is not only shown by the now extensive programs for
hybrid and electric vehicles.
ICONIC CONCIERGE
81

THE SCANIA ELECTRIC TRUCK
Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania has unveiled a new
line of battery-electric trucks designed for regional operations, boasting
624kWh battery packs with a range of up to 350 kilometers and charging
at up to 375 kW.
The company says that range will vary based on weight, configuration,
and the topography of the driving route, but that a 4×2 tractor or 6×2*4
rigid with 624kWh of battery capacity will provide up to 350 km of range
– or, more specifically, up to 320 km at 40 tons load and 230 km range at
the 64 tons max GTW.
www.scania.com
THE TESLA SEMI
Tesla officially unveiled its production electric Semi and started deliveries not long ago, with
PepsiCo and its subsidiary Frito Lay being the first to take delivery.
At its top configuration, the Semi Class 8 has a range of 805 km and an energy consumption
of less than 2 kWh/mile (1.24 kWh/km). As for the battery capacity, Tesla is reluctant to reveal a
number but it is estimated at around 850 kWh. The Tesla Semi will be able to fast charge up to 70%
of its battery capacity in just 30 minutes.
As for when the trucks will be offered in Canada, it appears that Tesla has already submitted
specific proposals related to
Canada’s federal budget for
2023. www.tesla.com
THE NIKOLA TRE BE
Nikola Corporation has begun the commercial serial truck
production of the Nikola Tre BEV, producing 125 units (by
mid-November 2022) at its plant in Arizona. It also delivered
the first semi-trucks to Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA),
making it the first government entity to take delivery of a
Tre BEV. It will be used to move paving equipment, transport
construction materials and pull other heavy equipment at
LAX worksites.
The Nikola Tre BEV offers a range of up to 530 kilometers
on a single charge of its 733 kWh battery pack and will use
a new 75 kW DC charging station being installed at LAX.
www.nikolamotor.com
THE OPEL ROCKS E-TREME
Please, Opel, just built it! Unfortunately, this is not even an official concept by
the German automaker but an independently designed study by industrial
design student, Lukas Wenzhöfer. We still wanted to show it ... just look at it!
Wenzhöfer, who is currently studying at the School of Design of Pforzheim
University in Germany, said: “The new Opel Rocks-e is quite polarizing
and enables young people to be mobile and to enjoy an unfiltered
driving experience, but why not have some fun and go
completely mad?”
The Rocks-e is Opel’s first electric heavy
quadricycle, and whilst Wenzhöfer
retained all of the original body panels,
he added fender flares, off-road tires,
a raised suspension with loads of
travel, and a massive rear spoiler.
We also spot some great
looking new LED headlights and
taillights.
Check out the video
(scan the QR code) to
see more of this fun ride.
82 ICONIC CONCIERGE

THE LAS VEGAS ROBOTAXI
Fancy a ride in Hyundai’s Ioniq 5-based autonomous
Robotaxi? Just head down to Vegas where you can have
one pick you up via Uber or Lyft. They currently have
safety drivers on board, but in the second half of 2023,
the manufacturer plans to have these vehicles operate
on their own. FYI - although based on the Ioniq 5, the
Robotaxi is made by specialized autonomous vehicle
company Motional.
THE ALPHA MONTAGE COUPE
Alpha Motor Corporation has unveiled another head-turning car. The limited edition electric Montage Coupe will reportedly be made available
exclusively via private sale, sold as a custom-built electric vehicle. Without giving an output for the standard powertrain, Alpha says the Montage,
which resembles a modern take on classic British sports cars from the 1950s, is available with an optional electric drive unit making 201 horsepower
(150 kilowatts) and 2,640 pound-feet (3,335 Newton-meters) of torque. It also provides an estimated 402 kilometers of driving range.
The limited-production Montage Coupe is now open for applications at the Alpha Motor website. Prices start at $499,000 USD.
www.alphamotorinc.com
MERCEDES MAYBACH EQS
Mercedes-Benz has shown off the electric Maybach
EQS, an ultra-luxury concept car that shares its
platform with the electric Benz-branded EQS and
EQE sedans.
The EQS SUV’s electric powertrain will come
standard with all-wheel drive and is said to offer
around 600 km of driving range per charge.
As one can expect from a Maybach, the deluxe
interior offers luxury travel at the highest level,
including faux-fur carpeting, a flower vase, and
rose-gold trim.
The EQS SUV is expected to reach production for
the 2023 model year. www.mercedes-benz.ca
ICONIC CONCIERGE
83

THE RYVID ANTHEM MOTORCYCLE
The Anthem is one of the most affordable highway-capable electric motorcycles
on the market. At just US$7,800 this US-designed and US-assembled bike
offers pretty much everything an urban rider needs to get around town and
even use the highway to commute. Inspired by spacecraft design the chassis
is ultra-lightweight; the stainless
steel frame weighs just 5.44 kg.
The Anthem even offers an
adjustable seat height, ranging
from 30 to 34 inches, and a
removable 4.3 kWh battery pack
for easy charging. Thanks to its a
powerful 13.5 kW BLDC electric
motor, the Anthem can reach top
speeds of 120 km/h with a max
range of 120 km on one charge.
www.ryvid.com
THE HYDROGEN NINJA
Kawasaki Motors is working on an
engine that uses directly injected
compressed hydrogen gas. It will be
mounted in the Ninja H2 platform,
with the hydrogen stored in canisters
in the rear. These canisters will
be swappable like batteries and the
intention is to make them available at
vending stations to power small hydrogen
fuel cells for electric devices
and vehicles. The hydrogen powerplant
is also being considered for use
in Kawasaki’s side-by-side vehicles
such as the Teryx KRX 1000.
www.kawasaki.com
THE FUELL FLOW
You can now pre-order the commuterclass
electric motorcycle with a top speed
of 137 km/h and a city range of 240 km.
For a $200 deposit (toward a target price
of US$11,995 for the base version), you
will get a $2,000 discount, and a “luxury
carbon helmet”.
www.fuell.us
THE KYMCO REVO NEX AND SUPER NEX
Taiwanese firm Kymco (who have major manufacturing agreements with
other motorcycle companies such as BMW, Harley-Davidson and Kawasaki),
have unveiled their latest RevoNEX and SuperNEX electric concepts. The
SuperNEX electric superbike was first unveiled in 2018, followed a year
later by the naked RevoNEX.
Featuring a cool-looking honeycomb bodywork which apparently acts
as an air intake for motor and battery cooling, the bikes also got new
Brembo brakes and TFT displays.
Unfortunately, there are no additional specs and the company has not
announced a release date as of yet.
www.kymco.com
THE CURTISS THE 1
Based out of Louisiana, Curtiss Motorcycles
has taken the wraps off of its stunning electric
bike, which has now entered production.
The 120-Year Anniversary Collection of
“The 1” comes in limited edition colours and
materials, making the hand-built bike even
more of a bespoke piece of rolling sculpture.
Limited to 120 examples, “The 1” is
capable of up to 168 kW (217 hp) of power
but comes with an initial peak power of 82
kW (110 hp) and a range of up to 195 km.
US$120,000. www.curtissmotorcycle.com
84
ICONIC CONCIERGE

THE TESLA MODEL 3 HEARSE
No, you can’t buy this from Tesla. It is made by Netherlandsbased
hearse maker, Derks. Hearses are actually perfect for
electrification: They cover relatively small distances, and
they generally have plenty of time to charge between drives.
According to Derks, the Tesla Hearse 3, built with a
powered tailgate and a 100% composite, lightweight body,
is equipped with small side doors with storage spaces
behind them and an extendable box floor. It has electric
curtains, LED lighting in the box area, and an optional starry
headliner ceiling.
THE DRAKO DRAGON
According to its manufacturer, the Drako
Dragon is “the most powerful, quickest and
fastest production hyper-luxury SUV in history.”
Like Drako’s Fisker-based GTE, the Dragon
was designed by Drako Chief Designer Lowie
Vermeersch and his Italian GranStudio team. As
for the performance ... Drako claims a top speed
of over 320 km/h, a sprint to 100 km/h in 1.9
seconds, and a 9.0-second quarter-mile time.
The battery pack has a 500 kW fast-charging
capability that allows for an 80% charge in 10
minutes with a maximum range of 540 km.
The Dragon will be built in America, with
production and deliveries planned for 2026.
US$290,000. www.drakomotors.com
THE MASERATI GRANTURISMO
Yes, you can now order an all-electric GranTurismo.
The Folgore coupe has a 92.5 kWh battery with an
800V architecture that allows up to 270 kW charging.
A tri-motor 760HP system offers plenty of
power, beating its counterparts’ performance with
a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 2.7 seconds (versus
3.5 for the Trofeo and 3.9 for the Modena) and the
same 320 km/h top speed as the Trofeo.
Price: tba.
www.maserati.com
THE NIU KQi3 MAX
Chinese electric mobility startup NIU introduces
the KQi3 MAX, touted as a long-distance electric
scooter with up to 65 km on a single charge.
A rear hub motor with a peak power output of
450 watts and a 608.4 Wh (13A h) battery pack,
combined with four riding modes, guarantees a
climbing capability of up to 25 degrees of gradient,
and a top speed limited to 25 km/h.
www.niu.com
THE ESCEND
ALPHA
E-BLADES
Designed by Escend
out of the
UK, “The World’s
First Electric Inline
Skates” are
powered by a
5.2Ah battery pack in
each blade, connected
to 400-watt hub motors,
powering the rear wheels.
www.escendblades.com
ICONIC CONCIERGE 85

THE RAM REVOLUTION BEV
Revealed at CES 2023, the close-to-production
concept truck brings Ram design into the future.
No word on the power output but Ram says
the vehicle runs on an 800-volt architecture for
charging speeds of up to 350 kW, enough to add
160 km of range in 10 minutes.
It is rumoured that two battery pack sizes will be
offered, with ranges up to 800 km.
The Ram 1500 BEV will be available in the 2024
model year.
www.ramtruck.ca
THE E.WAVE.X
German brand e.go has launched its
3.36 metres long e.wave x, its second
production model. A single electric
motor produces 80 kW / 109 PS
whilst the exchangeable battery with
11 kW charging promises a range of
up to 250 km.
The EV is rear-wheel driven and offers
three driving modes. Pricing starts from
€24,990. www.e-go-mobile.com
THE 2023 TOYOTA PRIUS
Toyota has taken the cover off the new
2023 fifth-generation Prius.
The reworked hybrid system with
its 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine
produces 196 hp and delivers a 0-100
km/h time of 7.2 seconds. A 2.0-liter inlinefour
gasoline engine replaces the old
1.8-liter unit. An Electronic On-Demand
AWD system is standard.
www.toyota.ca
THE SILENT
TENDER 400
Designed by the Silent-Yachts
team and built to the same
high standards as the mother
ships, it is the first dedicated
tender design from the
successful electric yachting
brand.
Measuring 4.0m from
transom to bow, the sportylooking
tender only weighs
90kg. Owners are able to choose
between an inboard 20kW electric
waterjet or an outboard 20kW or
30kW, depending on the package
selected.
The tender comes with either
a 16kWh lithium battery or an
upgraded 20kWh unit for more
range and a minimum 2 hours
driving time.
www.silent-yachts.com
THE SMART #1
The Smart brand may have been pulled out of Canada and
the United States, but it has lived on in Europe and other
markets and went electric-only. Recently, it expanded its
product lineup with the brand’s first SUV, called the #1
(“hashtag one”).
No longer a microcar at 4.25m, the powertrain consists of
a 66-kWh battery connected to a single electric motor on the
rear axle providing 268 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of
torque. Smart claims a top speed of 180 km/h and a range of
up to 440 km on Europe’s WLTP test cycle. There will also be
a Brabus performance variant.
We have a feeling it would do pretty well over here, too...
THE ABARTH 500E SCORPIONISSIMA
The press-release promises that “Performance has a new power.”
The Abarth 500e, the first-ever Abarth electric car, doesn’t look
as aggressive as the gas-powered model but the company
claims it is the most responsive and exciting 500 ever in city
driving and more responsive than the 695. It also beats the 695
by over a second on the ‘Misto Alfa Handling Track’ at Balocco.
The Abarth 500e uses a 37.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
like the Fiat 500e, but it sports an electric motor that produces
113.7 kW and 235 Nm of torque. Plus, there are three exclusive
driving modes: Turismo, Scorpion Street, and Scorpion Track.
The sprint from 0-100 km/h takes seven seconds, 2.5 seconds
quicker than the Fiat 500e, and thanks to the available sound
generator, one can even hear the famous Abarth “roar”.
www.abarth.com
86 ICONIC CONCIERGE

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ICONIC CONCIERGE 87

FLIGHING HIGH
ETIHAD AIRWAYS’ THREE-ROOM FIRST CLASS CABINS ARE BACK!
The Residence
WELCOME BACK! Yes, Etihad Airways,
the national carrier of the United Arab
Emirates, is set to reintroduce its muchloved
A380 fleet after a surge in demand
from customers.
Four of the super-jumbos will start flying
again in the summer of 2023, with initially announced
flights to operate between Abu Dhabi
and London Heathrow.. And with it its famous
The Residence and The Apartment first class
cabins.
The world’s only three-room suite in the
sky, The Residence offers the ultimate flying
experience with unparalleled exclusivity, privacy
and comfort. Located on the top deck in
the front of the aircraft, it features a dedicated
bedroom, bathroom and living room, as well
as service from a butler and a chef.
Etihad also announced a new collaboration
with Armani/Casa, which introduces ‘The
Constellation Collection’, a new dining service
featuring ceramics, glassware, cutlery and
serving ware, as well as premium textiles.
Should the airfare for The Residence be a
bit too steep, First Class offers the same amazing
service for its nine First Apartments directly
behind it on the upper deck.
Set across a single aisle and offering a private
living space with a large leather lounge
chair and an ottoman which opens up to become
a separate 80.5” long fully-flat bed, the
First Apartment is one of the most spacious in
its class and comes with a big 24” swiveling
LCD TV and personal vanity unit.
The Lobby, available to guests in First and
Business class, is a serviced lounge and bar
area located between the two cabins, featuring
leather sofas, refreshments and a large TV with
a USB connection.
The First Class The Apartment
Aviation News

Redefining The Way You Book
Book your experience at
airble.com
SCAN ME

LAZZARA LSX 67 LIMITED EDITION
MORE THAN JUST BEAUTY AND POWER
Luxury at its finest and with more space than other yachts of this size, the Lazzara LSX 67 has been designed as the ultimate ‘sport
express yacht’. A striking exterior profile and innovative arrangements such as a full-beam master suite with walk-around queen-size
bed and direct access to an aft deck entertainment area and beach club, truly set the LSX apart. The ultimate feature, however, are
the fold-down cockpit teak patios which can be lowered, providing easy access to the water and an expanded lounging area.
The Lazzara is powered by twin 1,000-horsepower Volvo IPS 1350 diesels with pod drives. Top speed is an estimated 35 knots,
with 30 knots cruising speed.
www.lazzarayachts.com
WALLYWHY 100
BOLDER & BIGGER - WHEN FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION
Monaco-based builder Wally has unveiled the first details of its new wallywhy100 yacht, which will join the wallywhy range alongside the larger wallywhy150
and wallywhy200. Created by the Wally-Ferretti Group Engineering team, with Studio A. Vallicelli & C. responsible for the interior design,
the crossover yacht fulfils the need for a more voluminous cruiser in the sub-70ft range, combining all of the qualities of a 60-70 foot coupé boat with
the benefits of the wallywhy volume.
A one-level, stern-to-bow approach results in a hybrid area on the main deck level which can either be enjoyed closed or fully open. The yacht has a
14m² beach area with a large hydraulic platform for launching and retrieving tenders and toys up to 3.6m in length. www.wally.com
90 ICONIC CONCIERGE

WILD BLUE
Restaurant + Bar | Whistler, BC
Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar opened to quite the buzz. Named “The Most Important Whistler Restaurant Opening in a
Decade” by Vancouver Magazine, it quickly proved that it was the place to be with Condé Nast Traveler saying shortly
after opening that it was “the hot table to book”.
Set amongst the mountains in world-renowned Whistler, Wild Blue is a fine-dining destination that provides an
exceptional guest experience, and offers a venue that exudes warmth and sensuality. It boasts seating for 150 guests
indoors, a private dining room ideal for events, a raw bar, an open kitchen, expansive lounge and cocktail bar, plus two
heated outdoor patios.
Wild Blue is the creation of a trifecta of talent, not often
seen under one roof. Neil Henderson, a 30-year Whistler
local, and the former restaurant director and sommelier of
Araxi Restaurant. While at the helm, Neil was awarded with
Vancouver Magazine’s prestigious Premier Crew award in
2012, and Araxi was voted Best Whistler Restaurant for over 10
years. Chef Alex Chen is currently executive chef at Boulevard
Restaurant and adds this partnership to his existing role. Chen,
with a long list of accolades to his name, is best known as the
winner of Iron Chef, Bocuse D’or, and Gold Medal Plates. He was
also recognized as Chef of the Year by Vancouver Magazine in
2018. Jack Evrensel is the Founder and former operator of the
award-winning Toptable Group, Evrensel is a veteran industry
leader. He was inducted into the BC Restaurant Hall of fame
in 2007 and was awarded the Vancouver Magazine Lifetime
Achievement Award by Vancouver Magazine in 2011. In
addition to Toptable Group, Jack also founded and successfully
operated several businesses in Whistler and Vancouver.
“Having lived and worked in this community for 30 years,
I feel such a sense of pride to be opening Wild Blue here and
92
ICONIC CONCIERGE

a real ownership over the entire experience when welcoming
our guests through these doors,” Neil Henderson said. Jack
Evrensel added, “My focus is creating an experience for our
guests - the food, the sounds, the design, the atmosphere -
having it all come together for a memorable experience.” Chef
Alex Chen stated, “Putting together the menu was an excitingly
creative endeavor and I can’t wait for our guests to enjoy each
dish.”
The clientele is quite diverse
and dynamic, with ‘locals’ who
have lived in Whistler all their lives,
and of course tens of thousands of
visitors every year traveling from
each corner of the globe to experience what Whistler has to
offer. Perhaps they have dined in some of the world’s finest
restaurants. Oftentimes, Wild Blue sees guests wanting to
delve deeper... looking to try something new from all three
menus: cocktail, wine and food. From sustainable ingredients,
organic and biodynamic wines to a highly detailed level of
service with personality, all of which the team proudly displays
each evening.
“We want the menu and the restaurant to be an ambassador
for our region and our local ingredients. From the tomatoes
to the grapes, the morel mushrooms in the spring and
chanterelle in autumn, by using local and seasonal ingredients,
we can amplify the voices of local farmers” Chef Alex Chen
said. “Through sourcing ingredients locally, including B.C.’s
world class Dungeness crab, sablefish, or geoduck, along with
local produce, we are able to offer guests and tourists a true
Whistler experience, using our platform to represent what
makes the West Coast so special.”
Known for his foundation in classic French technique and as
one of Canada’s most celebrated chefs, Chef Alex Chen leads
Wild Blue’s commitment to seasonal ingredients, both farm
and wild. “Highlighting the best ingredients without much
manipulation requires a lot of restraint. Simplicity is not just
plain, simple and boring; it actually takes a lifetime to achieve.
With Jack and Neil’s leadership and guidance, paired with
our Executive Chef Derek Bendig’s amazing talent, the menu
execution and dining experience will be unparalleled”, said
Chef Alex Chen.
The focus on wine and food pairing versatility plays a
vital role in the structure of the wine list and represents the
values and ethos of Wild Blue. Experiencing Wild Blue’s wine
list will allow guests to browse over 350 selections, with North
America, France and Italy being the regions Wine Director,
Chris Edens, is most excited about. Local B.C wineries, among
other notable international regions, will also be highlighted
throughout for Wild Blue patrons.
Wild Blue’s cocktail program, created by Bar Manager Zack
Lavoie, will delight both adventurous and classic cocktail buffs.
The outstanding cocktail line-up both creatively and expertly
blends classic cocktails with ingredients from Japan, the
French and Italian Riviera, and the Pacific Northwest. Each one
complements the Wild Blue menu, yet is compelling enough
to stand on its own.
PRESENTED BY
WILD BLUE
4005 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC (604) 962-2233
www.wildbluerestaurant.com
ICONIC CONCIERGE
93

CHINESE MASTER CHEFS
DINING BY THE AWARDS FINALE
On December 7th, 2022, and organized by the Chinese Restaurant Awards,
the Chinese Master Chefs and DINING by the Awards 2022 MASTERS Finale
took place at the Paradox Hotel in Vancouver.
The ground-breaking Chinese culinary experience saw six high-profile awardwinning
chefs from prestigious hotels and upscale restaurants in Vancouver
and Hong Kong curate a top-notch 9-course tasting menu with wine pairing,
highlighting the delicacy and depth in both traditional and modern Chinese
cuisine.
Representing Vancouver were host venue Paradox Hotel Vancouver’s Executive
Chef Manpreet Sethi, and Iron Chef and creative powerhouse Chef Alex Chen
from Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar and Wild Blue Restaurant Whistler.
Representing Hong Kong, Mott 32 Group Chinese Executive Chef Lee Man
Sing, and Peninsula Hotels’ Chinese Culinary Advisor Chef Tang Chi Keung took
on the challenge to create exquisite Chinese dishes with their roots of culinary
influence. They were joined by Group pastry sous chef Jimmy Soo, and Chef Toby
Chen from L’Abattoir.
Before the dinner, guests could enjoy a reception tasting by Chef Li Bo (The
Fish Man) and some amazing cocktails by CASK Whisky Vault’s mixologist
Howard Chen and Mott 32 wine director Robert Stelmachuk, using China’s top
baijiu spirit Fen Chiew’s limited edition “Belt & Road”.
94
ICONIC CONCIERGE

out & about
ICONIC CONCIERGE
95

The Iconic Guide to the Best Speakeasy Bars in Buenos Aires
Inspired by the illegal pubs and drinking clubs of the 1920s Prohibition era in the United
States, Buenos Aires has some of the coolest speakeasies to offer. So join us as we descend
into disguised lower levels and past false walls, getting the secret codes and finding the
hidden entrances to Buenos Aires’ cocktail haven.
Nicky Harrison
A multi-award-winning speakeasy, this high-end clandestine bar is disguised as
an upscale, modern sushi restaurant. Now that you know, find a member of the
staff and they will lead you towards the back, through a wine room, entering
some sort of steampunk-inspired time machine which will then open to an elegant
waiting area. After a few minutes, you will then be brought to the actual bar.
Malabia 1764
Uptown
Don’t miss the train! An authentic reconstruction of a NYC subway station in Palermo,
complete with metro station tiles, poster ads and, of course, graffiti, that takes you underground
to an
entire subway
car that will ultimately
open to
a subterranean
bar with leather
booths, towering
ceilings and live
DJ music.
Arévalo 2030

presented by
Frank’s
It all starts with what looks like an antique
store, with some fascinating goodies from the
1980s in the window. If you know the password
(it’s on their Facebook page), provide
it to the doorman and then enter
the store. Here, you can indulge in
even more 1980s memorabilia, before
figuring out how to open the door,
perfectly camouflaged as a wall. You
will now find yourself in a cobblestoned
backyard with a sex shop, an
old car – and a phone booth. Do you
know the number? If so, dial it - and
then descend into what feels like a seemingly
different era.
Arévalo 1443
J.W. Bradley
Hop on the Orient Express to Strasbourg or Budapest
to get to this bar inspired by a large dining car in
an abandoned train station. The cocktail menu
travels the same routes as the Orient Express,
telling the stories of the stations and passengers.
Godoy Cruz 1875
Bar Presidente
Part of ‘the World’s 50 Best Bars’, Bar Presidente
is based out of a stunning centenary mansion and
perfectly recreates the ancient speakeasy environment
– and you don’t need to find any secret doors or
passwords! Be prepared for some great party vibes!
Quintana 188
Verne Club
Themed around the writings
of Jules Verne , this is one
of Buenos Aires’ most elegant
bars. Get ‘Around the World
in 80 Days’ and enjoy a great
cocktail inspired by the
travels of Phileas Fogg in a
leather chesterfield.
Victoria Brown
Medrano 1475
Look carefully or you will miss
it! An instant teleportation to
the decadent Victorian era, the
Victoria Brown Coffee & Bar in Palermo is an elegant café by
day, and a fascinating steampunk-style bar by night. It is
accessed though a moving brick wall and one of the city’s
most popular spots.
Costa Rica 4827
Florería Atlántico
Fronted as a flower and wine shop, you will get access to this
underground bar (part of ‘the World’s 50 Best Bars’) through
... a refrigerator door! Florería Atlántico offers cocktails
inspired by the flavours of countries that had and have a
large immigrant presence in Argentina.
Arroyo 872
ICONIC CONCIERGE
97

NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY
It is the cocktail most synonymous
with Mexico, and one of the most
beloved cocktails in the world –
the Margarita. Part of the ‘sour’
cocktail family, it traditionally
consists of tequila blanco, triple
sec (orange-flavoured liqueur) and
fresh lime juice. It is usually served
on the rocks (shaken and served
over ice) or frozen (blended with
ice to create a frosty concoction), with a salted rim.
Today, the Margarita has evolved and is available in many
delicious flavours like strawberry and mango. So far, we assume,
you haven’t heard anything you didn’t know, right? Well, so how
about the history of the Margarita? Do you know where and when
it originated? No? You are in good company, as the history of
the Margarita is a bit mysterious and varied, and several stories
describe its origin. So let’s have a look at some of the numerous
stories that claim to depict the true origin of the iconic drink.
Interesting enough, many of them involve an enchanting woman...
The oldest version...
... is that the owner of a restaurant situated between Tijuana and
Rosarito, created the cocktail in 1938 for Marjorie King, a gorgeous
Ziegfeld showgirl and patron of the restaurant. King was allergic to
most types of alcohol but could drink tequila, and so only lime juice
and salt were added.
However, the most likely origin is that the Margarita evolved from
The Daisy!
The Daisy is a classic American cocktail that was popular during the
Prohibition years. It combines alcohol, citrus juice and grenadine, and
is served over shaved ice. As drinking was allowed (better: encouraged)
in Mexico, and with tequila so prevalent, it was substituted for gin or
brandy and mixed with orange-flavoured liquer, fresh lime juice and a
splash of soda. As for the name – “margarita” is Spanish for “daisy”!
Hilton-powered?
A slightly different story, however,
claims that Dallas, Texas socialite
Margaret Sames, who was called
Margarita by her friends, mixed the
cocktail for her guests who were
joining her at her vacation home in
Acapulco in 1948. She wanted to
create a good day time cocktail to
enjoy by the pool, and combined
her favourite spirits, tequila blanco and Cointreau, added fresh lime
juice, and a salt rim. “The Drink” became an immediate success at
the extravagant party and became its famous name when Sames used
champagne glasses with her nickname “Margarita” etched on them, a
gift from her husband Bill.
One of the high-profile guests that night, Tommy Hilton, took the recipe
home and included it in the bar menu of his hotels as “the Margarita.”
Peggy Lee?
We also found a version where a bartender by the name of Santos
Cruz claims to have invented the drink in
1948 at the legendary Balinese Ballroom
in Galveston, Texas for actress and singer
Peggy Lee. He chose Margarita for the
moniker, the Spanish pronunciation of Ms.
Lee’s name, Margaret.
... or maybe Rita Hayworth?
Another story claims that the cocktail was
first mixed in Tijuana in the 1940s, and for
no other than actress Rita Hayworth, whose
real name was Margarita Cansino!
So there you go. But no matter how the Margarita actually came to be,
it is definitely one of the most beloved cocktails out there and inspired
countless variations. So celebrate National Margarita Day and start
your trip to ‘Margaritaville’ with one of the best recipes out there.
98 ICONIC CONCIERGE

THE ORIGINAL MARGARITA
• 30 ml Cointreau
• 50 ml blanco tequila
• 20 ml fresh lime juice
1. Make a salt rim on your glass
2. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice
3. Shake vigorously
4. Strain into a Margarita glass
5. Garnish with a lime wheel
“A Margarita without
Cointreau is not worth
its salt! - Margaret Sames
Discover the original Margarita with Cointreau

HE
GENTLEMAN
by Julie-Anna Vogel | www.julieabroad.com
EDITION 12 - CHARLESTON, SC (USA)
ABROAD
AH... CHARLESTON… established as Charles Town (in honour of King Charles II of England) in 1670 and still nicknamed
‘Charlie’s Town’ or the Holy City (thanks to the many spires that dot its skyline). It is also the home of America’s first golf
course, theatre, and museum. Charleston’s deep harbour made the city rich but also vulnerable to attack and pirates came in
droves. It was the first bit of America most African slaves saw. Rice, cotton and the slaves who worked in the fields were the
foundations of great fortunes. 5% of the pre-civil war population controlled 50% of the wealth. ‘The great fire’ of 1838 leveled
more than one-fourth of the centre and destroyed almost 1,100 buildings. Most were rebuilt in the Greek Revival Style for
which Charleston is now famous along with its gourmet food scene and legendary southern charm. Fictional scoundrel, but
ultimate gentleman, Rhett Butler hailed from the old town. Real-life gents Steven Colbert, Bill Murray and Shepard Fairey
have all called the city home. And should you wonder why may porches in Charleston have a light blue paint upon their
ceilings, it is meant to ward off “haints” or evil spirits who might want to harm the house or the family inside...
KING STREET - The second most historically and architecturally significant street in downtown Charleston with a history of more than
300 years, the 3-mile-long commercial hub is divided into three sections: Lower King is the antique shops area, Middle King is the fashion
district (avoid the national chains and shop local at Dumas & Sons or Ben Silver for men’s clothes) and Upper King is the design and dine
district filled dominated by galleries, home furnishing shops, bars and great restaurants.
www.www.charlestonsfinest.com
BULLDOG TOURS - There is no better way to explore the city than on foot, and voted ‘Charleston’s Best Walking & Ghost Tours’ these guys
offer a great range, from enchanting graveyards and cobblestone streets to the hidden gardens of antebellum mansions. My favourite is
the ‘Scandal and Sordid Affair tour’ where naughtiness abounds beneath the genteel surface.
www.bulldogtours.com
100 ICONIC CONCIERGE

(top left, clockwise) KING STREET | BULLDOG TOURS | HARBOUR SUNSET SAILING TOURS | THE ALLEY | LITTLE JACK’S TAVERN
THE ALLEY - Experience the ultimate American pastime in this oh-so cook reclaimed warehouse. This retro-style bowling hotspot offers
8 lanes of retro amusement with a 40-foot-long bar made from recycled bowling lane wood. The pub menu has burgers, sandwiches and
salads, alongside a changing menu of local and regional craft beers and there’s a selection of arcade games to keep you occupied while
waiting for your turn at the lanes.
www.thealleycharleston.com
LITTLE JACK’S TAVERN - While it may not be the best reviewed restaurant in Charleston, this all-American tavern serves some fantastic
She-crab soup, a must try local dish. A timeless neighbourhood spot, they also have arguably the city’s best burger and fries. Nothing fancy,
a simple but delicious menu with a dose of nostalgia.
www.littlejackstavern.com
SAIL THE HARBOUR - The gateway to the city, this inlet was a hub for pirates and one of
Blackbeard’s favourite spots, where the Civil War started. Today, it is not only one of the most
productive ports in the USA but also the deepest harbour on the East Coast, allowing it to
handle the largest ships in the world. It is also stunningly beautiful. Sunset is the most magical
time. Take a private boat with Charleston Sailing Adventure.
www.charlestonsailingadventures.com
HIGH WIRE DISTILLERY - You can take a tour and learn how their small batch premium
spirits are made. My preference is just to sample them at the bar. The bourbon, made from
rare Jimmy Red corn and aged for two years, is uniquely creamy and flavourful.
www.highwiredistilling.squarespace.com
ICONIC CONCIERGE
101

by Natalie Langston
www.natalielangston.com
“IF YOU THINK
CHOCOLATE
AND ROSES
ARE GOOD
ENOUGH,
THINK AGAIN !”
WWHAT
WOMEN
WANT...
YOUR SEASONAL SHOPPING GUIDE
Love is in the air! When it’s chilly outside there’s nothing better than getting cozy
with your special someone. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time
to spoil your loved one. I have some great suggestions for the perfect gift to
make her look and feel amazing. I wanted to ensure all fashion pieces
transitioned from winter into spring as we look ahead to the warmer
weather, my favourite! Each of these items make a beautiful gift on their
own or you can splurge with all of my picks for the woman in your life
this Valentine’s Day. The dresses are not only perfect for a date night or
day date with your significant other but they are also timeless investment
pieces that will be in her (soon to be very organized) wardrobe as staples for
years to come. This is a tough list to choose from so feel free to be generous!
CLE DE PEAU - LE SERUM
Help her nourish her skin and make it even more kissable! An
effective, luxurious serum is on every woman’s wish list. The Serum
from Cle de Peau is amazing. This radiance-boosting serum comes
in two stunning bottle colours to suit her style. This formula offers
vital moisture to skin, while supporting absorption. In one bottle
it strengthens skin from within giving her a softer, glowing, and
smoother texture with increased suppleness, resilience, and hydration.
The product is the perfect addition to any skincare routine, I
promise she’ll love it!
Cle de Peau Le Serum retails for $395.
Available at cledepeaubeaute.ca and Holt Renfrew.
RW&CO.
CLASSIC ONE-BUTTON TWILL COAT WITH PATCH POCKETS
This RW&CO. twill coat makes a statement in bubble gum pink, perfect for Valentine’s
Day! It’s available in an assortment of the season’s hottest colours if pink isn’t your lady’s
favourite but personally I love this pop of colour! This coat is a classic fit that slightly
contours the body giving a little extra room to breathe or layer. The fully lined stretch twill
blend and single button closure are perfect for any chilly night. The above-knee length
of this piece will also transition easily into spring weather. The pockets and buttoned cuff
are so classic, I love it and I think your special someone will too!
Retails for $219.90
Available at www.rw-co.com and in-store
102 ICONIC CONCIERGE

CARTIER FRAGRANCES
LES NÉCESSAIRES À PERFUM
Sophisticated and portable, Cartier Parfum cases are so
beautiful for travel or to use at home. Les Nécessaires à
Parfum Cartier offers an original yet modern design which
stores the Maison’s fragrances in 30 ml glass refills. You
can change the fragrance refill at any time making this
great to pack for a romantic weekend away with your
love. There’s nothing better than the delicate scent of a
new Cartier parfum so what better than to include a gorgeous
way to store the fragrance. They come in a variety
of colours to suit both taste and decor.
Price $870
Available at Cartier.com
EVER NEW CAROLINA SATIN FLUTTER SLEEVE MIDI DRESS
This satin beauty is the perfect dress for a date night with your
special someone this Valentine’s Day, or any night out! This flattering
wrap-style midi dress with delicate flutter sleeves adds an element
of flowing movement and sophistication to your romantic look of the
evening. The blush pink and luxurious satin fabric are right on point to
bring all the loving feelings. Add some cute heels and statement earrings
and the look is complete. Your love will be so pleased to open
this beautiful gift from you this Valentine’s Day!!
Retails for $189.00
Available at www.evernew.ca.
THE FREDERIQUE CONSTANT NATIVE
This stunning watch is every woman’s dream. She’ll never be late again with Classic Worldtimer Manufacture Native
Edition 2022. This piece is a beautiful 42mm stainless steel automatic watch featuring a light blue dial with globe decoration
on a black alligator leather strap. For the international traveler, this watch allows her to track time in major cities all
adjustable by one crown. Made with sapphire crystal this watch is limited to 100 pieces so you better move quickly.
Price: $5,750.00
Available at Rodeo Jewellers www.rodeojewellers.com.
NEAT METHOD HOME ORGANIZATION
Give the gift of organization! Nothing feels as
calming as an organized, tidy home but when life
gets busy it can be hard to find the time to do a
deep dive. The team at NEAT Method takes care
of everything. They begin by learning about your
lifestyle and how you like to use your space in ways
that are functional and beautiful. Every home and
every household are unique. Their goal is to customize
organizational solutions based on what makes
sense for both the space and the people using it.
This is particularly important after spending so much
time at home over the last couple of years. NEAT
Method transforms any space in your home from
chaos to calm.
Projects typically start at $3,500.00 CAD
NEAT Method, Luxury Home Organizing available
at neatmethod.com
ICONIC CONCIERGE
103

Valentine's
IT
SHOULD BE CELEBRATED EVERY DAY
Let’s face it - if you need a reminder that there is ‘a special day’ coming up, a day when you
cherish your partner, a day filled with romance and love, a day you buy flowers, tell your
partner how much you love her or him ... if you need big posters at a store, TV and social
media campaigns and a reminder in your phone ... then there is clearly something wrong
in your relationship! Every day is Valentine’s Day! So, surprise your partner with something
special when they least expect it!
ROLEX AIR-KING
The Oyster Perpetual Air-King pays tribute to the
pioneers of flight and the Oyster’s roles in the
epic story of aviation. 40mm. Oystersteel.
LUGARO JEWELLERS. C$8,800.
STEFANO RICCI
Small leather goods.
Handmade calfskin leather
notebook. C$250,00.
Crocodile leather keyring. C$1,000.
Stefano Ricci Vancouver.
TIFFANY & CO. FOUNTAIN PEN
Crafted in sterling silver with black onyx
cabochon and 18k gold nib.
Tiffany & Co. Vancouver. C$1,950.
BENTLEY UNBREAKABLE
A new fragrance for men.
Stone-plated bottle with glass.
100ml - C$82.00
shop.bentleymotors.com
FOR HIM
OMEGA SEAMASTER 60 YEARS OF BOND
Celebrating six decades of 007 on screen,
OMEGA’s Seamaster Diver 300M in stainless
steel is replete with Bond movie tributes.
LUGARO JEWELLERS. C$10,800.
CARL FRIEDRIK WALLET
A slim, vertical bi-fold wallet that holds 7
cards and bills in the internal card slots.
C$142.00.
www.carlfriedrik.com
SELF HEATING UI MUG
Maintains your coffee & tea at the
perfect drinking temperature and
charges your cell phone!
US$98.00.
www.ohom.com

FOR HER
DIAMOND JEWELLERY
Celebrate love with statement diamond jewellery.
1.55ct GIA Heart Shaped Diamond Engagement
Ring in 18K White Gold. C$7,350. Sapphire
and Diamond Heart Necklace in White Gold.
C$3,300. LUGARO JEWELLERS.
ROLEX DAY-DATE 36
Platinum with an ice-blue dial with 10
baguette-cut diamonds. Diamond-set bezel.
Price on request. LUGARO JEWELLERS.
STEFANO RICCI CANDLE
Fine Paisley decorative porcelain cup with a
black base, decorated in 14k gold.
Stefano Ricci Vancouver. $350.00
BOTTEGA VENETA MINI JODIE
Mini intrecciato leather top handle bag.
Available in several colours.
Holt Renfrew. C$3,190.
HUBLOT BIG BANG
STEEL WHITE DIAMONDS
39mm, polished and satin-finished
stainless steel case with 42 diamonds.
C$19,600. Hublot Boutique Vancouver.
DOUBLE BARREL DENIM PEN
Bespoke pens by BC-based Mascarenhas Pens.
www.mascarenhasluxurycreations.com
TIFFANY LOCK
A new statement bangle in Rose and
White Gold with Half Pavé Diamonds.
C$17,700. Tiffany & Co. Vancouver.
UGG SHEEPSKIN SLIPPERS
Suede with sheepskin and fluff fur collar.
C$145.00. The Bay.

ARTS & MUSIC
VANCOUVER’S ICONIC ART SCENE IN REVIEW
A TIMELES JOURNEY IN THE
LAND THAT GAVE BIRTH TO
LUXURY LIFESTYLE.
LUXOR, EGYPT
STEFANO RICCI 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Italian fashion house Stefano
Ricci truly created history. For the first time ever, Egypt
opened its doors to an international fashion show, granting the
use of its temples to the Florentine brand of Luxury Lifestyle.
Four hundred international guests from fifty countries followed
the invitation to attend a fashion show unlike any other.
Opened by Andrea Bocelli to the notes of “Celeste Aida”, fortyfive
models presented an exclusive collection designed by Stefano
Ricci for this unique night full of emotions and style. It was a tribute
to elegance with a clear vision for man, not a retrospective, but
a look to the future. A celebration of ancient Egyptian luxury with
a contemporary touch of rare elegance. Ninety bespoke looks
starting from elegant evening wear; tuxedos made with jacquard
fabrics with hieroglyphic designs and guru jackets worthy of a modern
pharaoh. An explosion of gold and blue inspired by the Valley of the
Kings, the innovation of a desert safari looks.
Italy was also protagonist when guests witnessed moments of great
emotion. Matteo Bocelli’s duet with his father, as well as the soprano
Susanna Rigacci singing an aria by Ennio Morricone.
The grand finale saw Andrea Bocelli’s “Nessun dorma” performance
during which Stefano Ricci and his son Filippo descended along
the steps of the temple, greeted by a standing ovation!
“This is a once in a lifetime experience. We wish to thank the Ministry
of Tourism, in particular Dr Mostafa Waziry. We gave our guests
a timeless journey in the land that gave birth to luxury lifestyle,” said
Filippo Ricci, creative director of the family brand.
106 ICONIC CONCIERGE

stefanoricci.com
Mantova, Celebrating the Great Beauty of Italy
VANCOUVER 1139 West Georgia Street ∙ T. +1 (604) 559 7800

ARTS & MUSIC
VANCOUVER’S ICONIC ART SCENE IN REVIEW
MORE THAN 200 PERFORMERS
Transcended Audiences ON A
SPECTACULAR JOURNEY
TO THE MAGIC KINGDOM!
GOH BALLET’S
THE NUTCRACKER
After a two-year hiatus, Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker finally
returned to the stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Since opening in 2009, the production has become a beloved
annual holiday tradition for thousands of families around the Lower
Mainland. During the pandemic, Goh Ballet kept the spirit alive
with filmed adaptations of The Nutcracker, with a reimagined and
pandemic-focused storyline, which was streamed online for free.
The 2022 production under the guidance of Executive Producer
Chan Hon Goh and Emmy-winning choreographer Anna-Marie
Holmes saw stars from New York City Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet,
Pacific Northwest Ballet, and National Ballet of China with live
accompaniment by the Vancouver Opera Orchestra.
Emerging 11-year-old ballerina Theepika Sivananthan set another
premiere as the first-ever South Asian Clara in Canada.
Traditionally, the show also included some celebrity guests, Netflixstar
Jacqueline Robbins, reprised her role as the Grandmother
and popular Vancouver-based drag performer Christopher Hunte
(aka Symone) played Mother Ginger.
Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker featured over two hundred local performers
along side dance luminaries performing Tchaikovsky’s iconic
holiday classic, transcending the audience on a spectacular journey to
the magical kingdom with glittering snowflakes,waltzing flowers
and the spellbinding Sugar Plum Fairy.
108 ICONIC CONCIERGE

“A truly incomparable
dynamic range.”
– Rachel Chien
SHOWCASEPIANOS.COM

Our
CITY
tonight!
by Jim Gordon & Leeta Liepins
The Iconic Concierge Magazine version of the weekly TV show, “Our City
Tonight”, which can be seen Sundays at 10:30pm on CHEK TV. You can
follow them on Instagram, Facebook Twitter & YouTube @ourcitytonight
AND INTO THE NEW YEAR ...
THE WINTER SIP – “DECADENT FLIP”
If you cannot jump on a plane and fly to warmer climes, how about a
spectacular winter cocktail to take your mind off the winter weather?
For this, we checked in with one of our favourite cocktail creators, Andrew
MacDonald, Bar Manager at Homer Street Café and Bar.
MacDonald, who can create a delicious cocktail to match any season,
offers the “Decadent Flip”, and trust us, it will help ease some of the
angst left by all the snow we’ve experienced so far this winter.
“Decadent Flip”
1 ounce Angels Envy, .5ounce Creme de Cacao, 1 ounce Ruby Port,
.5 ounce Pedro Ximenez Sherry, 1 whole egg, 1 ounce whole cream,
.25 ounce 1-to-1 Simple Syrup
Dry shake then add ice and shake again, fine strain in a coupe glass, then
garnish with grated dark chocolate.
www.homerstreetcafebar.com
THE READ –
“SURVIVING THE ODD” BY CANDI MILO
This is not your typical Hollywood story, and it certainly is
stranger than fiction.
Surviving the Odd (New Haven Publishing) takes a look
at an unusual childhood when a father leaves the entertainment
industry in 1968 to run a halfway house. Fear
turns to tolerance and eventually compassionate understanding
as the whole family cares for these residents.
Actress, singer and voiceover artist, Candi Milo, describes
her childhood journey growing up alongside her
family’s business, Milo Arms, the first halfway house for
developmentally disabled and emotionally disturbed adults.
“Not a childhood for the faint-hearted...”
www.candimilo.com
BEN HOWARD
110 ICONIC CONCIERGE

THE GETAWAY – FIJI
Late in November of 2022, Westcoast travelers received
some great news! Fiji Airways announced they would be flying
from Vancouver nonstop to Nadi, Fiji, twice a week, on Mondays
and Fridays. For our TV show’s travel expert and founder/host
of “Oh The People You Meet”, Michaela Guzy, this tropical paradise
offers, in addition to the white sands and remote beaches,
some great nature escapes.
“You can climb through caves while hiking, and even swim
with sharks in crystal clear blue waters”, Guzy tells us, “and
you can also immerse yourself in local culture with so many
wonderful ways to experience Fijian traditions; drinking the traditional
Cava, or eating out of the underground Lovo pit (Lovo
means feast cooked in the earth) which is their buried traditional
cooking method.” If you are looking for an exceptional
getaway option this winter season, Fiji is only an 11 hour flight
away! www.fijiairways.com
THE SPOT –
HYDRA WINE BAR
Hydra Estiatorio in the Exchange
Hotel (Main Entrance: 825 West
Pender St.) has been the “Our City
Tonight” studio base for much of
the last year. Now this popular downtown restaurant has something
else to offer – a cozy, ground floor Wine Bar.
This inviting space – which is shaped around Hydra’s winding
staircase - includes delicious snacks (their Grilled Octopus and
Lamb Keftedes are among our favourites), and a “Happy Hour”
from 4 to 6pm. The main attraction here is the wine offerings.
“We have carefully curated our wine list,” says Claire Greenfield,
Partner and Director of Operations for Executive Table Group,
“which includes more than 100 labels from Greece, Canada, the
US, Europe, and beyond.” It is fast becoming the perfect spot for
after-work relaxing or a special date night you’ve been planning.
www.hydravancouver/winebar
ICONIC CONCIERGE
111

#1 REALTOR AT ROYAL PACIFIC 2020-2021.
TOP 1% OF REALTORS IN GREATER VANCOUVER IN 2020 & 2021. PRESIDENT CLUB MEMBER 2020-2021.
AN EXPERT NEGOTIATOR WITH A COMMITMENT TO INCOMPARABLE SERVICE
Coming from a family of real estate investors, architects, and interior designers, real estate runs in Amir’s
blood giving him an intimate understanding of all sides of the real estate industry. He takes great pride in
what he does and strives to uphold his long-established family reputation of integrity and quality in real
estate. This pride leads him to continually update his skills and understanding of the marketplace, giving him
a commitment and understanding rarely found in the industry.
Amir’s positivity and commitment to incomparable service are evident in his track record. He is known for
making his clients his top priority. Taking the time to fully understand his clients’ needs, Amir utilizes his expert
negotiation skills to broker the best deals possible for his clients. From first-time homebuyers to property
investors, Amir will provide expert guidance and personalized solutions.
LUXURY SERVICE FOR A GLOBAL CLIENTELE
An expert in the Vancouver real estate market with a Dual Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Hotel Management
and Tourism from Manchester Metropolitan University and IMI University in Switzerland, Amir has the
education and experience to deal with the most elite global clientele. Working in management in the world’s
most exclusive luxury hotels including the Four Season hotels and resorts, Kempinski hotel groups, Intercontinental
Hotel Group, and Starwood hotel group, Amir was loved by clients and admired by fellow employees.
Working day and night to serve clients, Amir knows that a flexible schedule is necessary to serve global
clients.
THE COMPETITIVE EDGE
Vancouver ranks as one of the best places in the world to live; this means its real estate market is exclusive
and you need to choose a representative with a competitive edge. Amir utilizes his intimate knowledge of
this city and wide network of connections to ensure the best deals possible for his clients. Amir’s Persian
background and language skills, as well as his experience in luxury service in Canada, China, Dubai, and Iran,
will give you an edge in the exclusive luxury Vancouver real estate market.
HONESTY AND INTEGRITY
An animal-lover and avid football fan, Amir’s commitment to honesty and integrity with clients and attention
to detail in business dealings give him a competitive edge in the exclusive Vancouver real-estate market.
Amir understands the sacrifices you make to get the home you want; that’s why he treats every deal as
if it were his own and every client as if they were a member of his family.
www.AmirMiri.com

ROYAL PACIFIC REALTY GROUP AWARD CELEBRATION
2021 THE TOP 25 AWARD WINNERS
TOP 1
Maximum care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this newsletter, but we cannot guarantee it. Not
intended to induce breach of an existing agency agreement. All measurements are approximate. Buyers to verify all details.

SOLD
$6,998,000
SOLD
$12,880,000
550 CRAIGMOHR DRIVE
WEST VANCOUVER, BC
6Beds | 6.5 BATHS | 6,723 SQ.FT.
Warmth & chic architecture create this exquisite new estate on a 15,000+
sqf lot with 6,700+ interior space & 2700+ sqft of extended living.
1367 CHARTWELL DR
WEST VANCOUVER, BC
5 Beds | 8 BATHS | 8,200 SQ.FT.
This luxury home sits on a spectacular property in West Vancouver’s
ultra-exclusive & most prestigious Chartwell enclave with spectacular
views of the water, from Lions Gate Bridge to the Gulf Islands.
$4,498,000 $2,998,000
SOLD
2275 TWIN CREEK PLACE #302
WEST VANCOUVER, BC
3 Beds | 3.5 BATHS | 3,426 SQ.FT.
SPECTACULAR OCEAN & CITY VIEWS from this gorgeous penthouse
home. Stunning master suite, Tatami room, deluxe wine cellar, private
elevator. 2,000+ sqft patio with jacuzzi. 2 car garage.
1327 BELLEVUE AVENUE# 309
WEST VANCOUVER, BC
2 Beds | 2.5 BATHS | 1,397 SQ.FT.
Welcome to Grosvenor Ambleside. A boutique, concrete building with
gym and 24 hour concierge. Private 2 car garage.
Maximum care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this newsletter, but we cannot guarantee it. Not
intended to induce breach of an existing agency agreement. All measurements are approximate. Buyers to verify all details.

$5,298,000
5102-1480 HOWE STREET
VANCOUVER, BC
3 Beds | 3 BATHS | 2,005 SQ.FT.
Known as one of the finest residential buildings,
VANCOUVER HOUSE, represents sophisticated
living in style & luxury. Exceptional views meet enviable
amenities for a lifestyle of comfort, privacy,
& security. Enjoy panoramic views of English Bay,
Stanley Park, & Lions Gate Bridge. The unit is absolutely
immaculate, w gorgeous hardwood floors,
high ceilings, generous walls, beautiful wood
cabinetry, & an open layout that invites congenial
gatherings. Boffi chef’s kitchen featuring Miele appliances
& a custom Corian Island. World-class
amenities: concierge, security, gym & pool. Live in
the heart of downtown, only moments from iconic
landmarks & shops, restaurants & entertainment.
$7,998,000
735 SOUTHBOROUGH DRIVE
WEST VANCOUVER, BC
6 Beds | 7.5 BATHS | 8,431 SQ.FT.
A stunning contemporary south-facing home with
ultra-luxury meets everyone’s dream house expectations.
0.58 park-like private acres nestled in the
prestigious lower British Properties. Over 8,400 sq
ft of living space on 3 levels. Fully automated openconcept
living with 6 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms,
and a chef-inspired kitchen and wok kitchen with
super thick granite countertops and Sub-Zero &
Wolf appliances. High Vaulted ceiling with the
extensive use of floor to ceiling glass. Have your
summer activities on huge private patios and a
swimming pool. Enjoy yourself in the spacious rec
room with a full wet bar, wine room, home theater,
private fitness studio, and spa.
Maximum care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this newsletter, but we cannot guarantee it. Not
intended to induce breach of an existing agency agreement. All measurements are approximate. Buyers to verify all details.