@luxurypair

Celebrating its 26th anniversary, the 2024 Great International Beer, Cider, Mead & Sake Competition (GIBCC) had 303 beers, ciders, meads, hard kombuchas, hard seltzers, non-alcohol beers and RTDs from across the world entered in competition. On November 9, 2024, over the course of 4 hours, we, along with 55 other spirits industry professionals put our expertise and palates to the test, as we worked in teams to judge the various categories. A big thank you to the 12 stewards who …

When it comes to Christmas holiday traditions, the 1954 film White Christmas is at the top of the list as a perennial favorite for many families and was something that (Edward and his father) looked forward to watching together each year. This year, we added Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical at the Music Theatre of Connecticut (MTC) in Norwalk, Connecticut as part of our holiday experiences. Directed by MTC Artistic Director and Co-Founder Kevin O’Connor, this musical has all …

Sculpture has always captivated our imaginations. Unlike other art forms, sculpting in stone is unforgiving, there is no going back once you take the chisel and hammer to the stone. One wrong hit and the stone can crack, however when done with care and great skill, the results are astounding. What the mind can imagine, a gifted sculptor can create in stone; American sculptor Robin Antar is one such artist. Her vision is inspired, at times whimsical, at other times …

Avignonesi Desiderio Toscana Merlot 2020, Italy is the spectacular taste of the Tuscan countryside. Powerful, aromatic jammy notes of plum, with rhubarb, black tea, and violet on the nose that follow through on the palate with silky tannins and a spicy black pepper finish. James Suckling awarded this wine 93 points, and we think it is pretty special as well. We paired this delectable certified organic wine with our recipe for Luxury Experience – Dijon Mustard Panko Crusted Pork Tenderloin …

All aboard! The Holiday Train Show® at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) in Bronx, New York has been a holiday tradition for over 30 years, and a part of our holiday tradition for 7 years. Each year the show draws repeat visitors from the Tri-State area, as well as from across the United States and internationally. Applied Imagination, started by Paul Busse, and now continued by his daughter, artist Laura Busse Dolan and her team carry on the tradition …

We have been to Paris, France many times, however each time we visit we discover more things to love about the “City of Light.” While every month and season in Paris is beautiful, and April has a song written about it, Autumn in Paris is especially wonderful. We spent a romantic weekend in Paris in late October when the weather was perfect before venturing on to explore the Burgundy region. C’est magnifique! Where to Stay – Hotel Villa Marquis, member …

Each time that we visit Paris, France, we always discover something wonderful. On our latest trip in late October 2024, we visited the Musée Yves Saint Laurent, and if fashion is your passion, then a visit there is a must. While we have been to Paris many times, this was our first time visiting this exquisite museum dedicated to the life of French haute couture designer Yves Saint Laurent, which was located very near to the Hotel Villa Marquis, a …

Location, location, location! We stayed at the intimate, Hotel Villa Marquis, member of Meliá Collection, a gorgeous five-star luxury hotel located in the Central District of Paris, in the Élysée-8th Arrondissement (District) at 35 rue Jean Goujon, on the right bank (Rive Droit) of the Seine River. The hotel is located a mere 1.3 km (0.8 mile) from the Eiffel Tower. How much more romantic can you get when your hotel has this iconic landmark as its neighbor? Luxury shopping …

The Dos Almas Restaurant at Hotel Villa Marquis, a member of Meliá Collection, in Paris, France features a delightful “fusion between Spanish generosity and French elegance.” We had dinner at the restaurant twice during our trip, once on our first night in Paris, on a Friday in October, where a two-piece band provided a romantic backdrop of music to complement the food, and again on a Friday night on our return from visiting the Burgundy region in November 2024. On …

As we are always on the lookout for product excellence, we were extremely excited when we “discovered” The Rocket – The Ultimate Tennis Racquet Bag” by Tennis C. Williams. Do you play tennis? If so, when was the last time that you were excited about your tennis bag? The Rocket tennis racquet bag is gorgeous and is the perfect combination of style, durability, and functionality. While we cannot guarantee that The Rocket – “The Ultimate Tennis Racquet Bag” by Tennis …