AM RB 001: The World’s Fastest Street Legal Car to Premiere in 2019

In a world where hypercars are becoming ever more parodies of racing video game products, it’s difficult to stand out in the field. However, when the car in question is a collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull, you can be sure that the result is going to turn heads wherever it goes.

Extraordinary Looks, Stunning Performance

If ever a car was to look fast, even when standing still, it has to be the RB 001. Due out in 2019, the RB 001 is likely to be the fastest production car by a considerable margin, it’s the car to catch, and it’s going to take a hell of a lot of catching. Forget hypercars; the RB 001 is going to be the first of a whole new breed of car and one that will need a whole new category to describe it.

That may sound like a bold statement but when you consider that if it were to be put up against cars like the Porsche 918 or even the McLaren P1 around a suitable race track, such as Silverstone, the RB 001 would be expected to cross the line around 20 seconds faster than the other cars. That’s not just a bit faster – it’s a new level of performance! That fact is a far better measure of performance than simple straight line speed, as it incorporates a whole raft of abilities and pushes a car in terms of road holding, acceleration, and braking performance, and puts the RB 001 literally miles ahead of the opposition.

Power and Grace

While the RB 001 is expected to be the pinnacle of performance, exact details are still sketchy, and neither Aston Martin nor Red Bull are letting too much out of the bag. It is rumored to be powered by a bespoke Cosworth-built 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, and have a bespoke gearbox, but many other details are less well known. In keeping with Aston Martin’s desire to give their cars names beginning with V – Vantage, Vanquish, Virage, and the track-only Vulcan – the RB 001 has been christened ‘Valkyrie’ to reflect its God-like status. Mark Reichman, Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer said “Aston Martin model names have deep meaning. They need to inspire and excite. To tell a story and enrich a narrative that stretches back some 104-years. The Aston Martin Valkyrie is an incredibly special car that demands an equally remarkable name; an uncompromising car that leaves nothing in reserve.” It is a name that evokes the mighty power and effortless grace of the RB 001.

Details on engine and power train assemblies are still unknown – and possibly even undecided – but the RB 001 is unlikely to suffer from technical shortcomings or putting up with second-best components. It is also expected to be roomy enough to fit two adults in the cockpit, so Sunday afternoon drives won’t be a problem.

But all that power is useless without a chassis that is able to keep the car on the road under maximum acceleration, and that is the job of Aston Martin’s third collaboration on the car with Michelin, the tyre manufacturer who supply the 265/30 ZR20 at the front and 325/30 ZR21 rear tyres. Michelin have decades of experience in supplying tyres to some of the most demanding motorsport events in the world, and has been recognized as being one of the most innovative manufacturers. Being selected to work on a next-generation car like the RB 001 is the ultimate accolade for a tyre manufacture and puts Michelin firmly at the top of their class.

As well as vicious acceleration the tyres and whole suspension system will need to cope with huge amounts of downforce generated by the aerodynamic bodywork. The unsprung mass has been kept to an absolute minimum and the suspension system has been specially designed by Aston Martin to cope with the extreme performance from the car.

Limited Edition, Maximum Appeal

The RB 001 is expected to be manufactured at Aston Martin’s Gaydon plant in Warwickshire, and it is also thought that it will be limited to a short special unit production run of between 99 and 150 cars only. That will not only ensure the car’s exclusivity but also make it an investment worth having. Andy Palmer, CEO of Aston Martin has said that, following the cars debut at the famous Goodwood Festival of Speed, demand for the car would make it oversubscribed at least three times.

Aston Martin’s association with the Red Bull designers started with collaboration on the much anticipated DBII, due out later this year, and following that, work on a concept that would become the RB 001 seemed the only logical way forward. Red Bull has the reputation for extreme action, and Aston Martin has the car design experience to bring anything Red Bull can imagine to life.

Race Track Performance on the Road

So what do you get for your expected selling price of £2,500,000? You get what is essentially a road legal Formula One car, but with a docile side that means that it will never become too much of a handful on the roads. The RB 001 is designed to have shattering performance when it is needed, but to still be a car that can bring sheer driving experience to the lucky few who are able to get their hands on it.

For more information visit:  astonmartin.com

A Brilliant Choice: Macallan’s 40-Year Sherry Oak Scotch

With only a total of five hundred bottles produced, Macallan’s 40-year old blended Scotch from their Sherry Oak line was exclusively released as a non-vintage $8,000 bottle.  Out of the five hundred bottles made, only a limited 70 bottles were appropriated to the United States.  Whilst, each bottle was labeled with a unique number and signed by Macallan’s master whisky maker, Bob Dalgarno.  furthermore, the Macallan-40 year-old serves as the second non-vintage to be released in it’s long-standing history of distilling.

This fine bottle of 40 year-old scotch appears in a dark Autumn color, where it includes flavorful ingredients such as cinnamon, chocolate, dried fruit, ginger, and mellow wood smoke that have all been in a 40 year aging process within European oak sherry casks.  Although the scotch is not the most exclusive or highest priced release by Macallan, the bottle is still easily a great scotch and an incredible spirit to add to your liquor collection.

The whisky might not have made it’s debut if not for this interesting story that made it an essential part of any connoisseur’s liquor collection.  “Back in 2006, our distillery team was looking to create a 30-year-old expression for the Sherry Oak line,” states Charlie Whitfield, Macallan’s manager of brand education and prestige whisky.  “After looking at a number of casks, they selected nine to make that 30-year-old. But Dalgarno had an instinct.  He kept one cask behind and watched it. He found that at the age of 40, it was at perfect, peak maturity.”

“In terms of what makes the Macallan unique,” Whitfield says, “the most important factor is the exceptional oak casks we use.  We control the entire process from acorn to cask.  Unlike a car that depreciates when you drive it off the lot, a whisky of this quality will rise at auction. Right now, it’s retailing for $8,000, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it much higher on the block.”

The purchase process for the Macallan 40-year old Sherry Oak scotch is available by way of fine whisky retailers located in New York.  Another option would be by partaking a sample at the Boston Harbor Hotel, Hotel Bel-Air, Spago, or alternatively the Langham Huntington, Pasadena, in Los Angeles.

For more information visit:  TheMacallan.com

Lost Work by Diego Velázquez Rediscovered

A rediscovered work by famed 17th century Spanish old master, Diego Velázquez, recently fetched 8.7M USD at auction.   The 57 x 44cm work is appropriately named ‘Retrato de niña o Joven Inmaculada’ or in English, Portrait of a Girl or Young Immaculate.

‘Retrato de niña o Joven Inmaculada’ by artist Diego Velázquez

The painting had created quite the stir when it was rediscovered, and was subjected to strict export restrictions by Spain’s government due to the works significant Spanish cultural value.  Apparently, ‘Retrato de niña o Joven Inmaculada’ had been owned privately by the same family for several generations, just recently being rediscovered by art historian & consultant, Richard de Willermin.  Diego Velázquez is well noted as one of the greatest Spanish artists, currently over 60 Velázquez’s are being displayed at The Prado Museum of Madrid.  Experts at the Prado have also been introduced to this newly found work, but they have issued no official statement regarding the piece.

The Prado Museum of Madrid

No pre-sale estimate was given by the auction house; though the work was sold for the initial price of 8M Euros (8.7M USD) with no higher bids offered.  The buyer is anonymous, though he or she is likely a Spainish resident due to the fact that this work is not permitted to leave the country due to its cultural significance.  As a true master, Velázquez created fewer than 200 works, though in no less than meticulate detail.  This piece is an incredibly rare work, as only 120 works by Velázquez are known to be in existence at this time.

Diego Velázquez

The Auctioneers noted that they had an X-ray analysis conducted of the work with findings indicating that beneath the under paint the young girl features a crown of stares nearly indictical to the Immaculate Conception (another well known work by Velázquez).

Picassos Included

Set in the southern French area of Provence, lay the Chateau de Castille nestled in the medieval town of Uzès; with original structures dating back to the thirteenth century and containing unrivaled “built-in” modern art by the great master himself, Pablo Picasso.  Formerly the residence of the Baron de Castille up until 1950 when it was acquired by famed English art-collector and expert, Douglas Cooper, whom not only amassed one of the most significant 20th century art collections, but also fostered friendships with many of the modern masters themselves.

Pablo Picasso, who was a close friend of Douglas Cooper frequented the estate, eventually even installing five spectacular frescos on several areas across the exterior walls around the logia; subsequently these murals by Picasso have been dubbed “Historic Monuments” along with several other parts of the chateau by the French Government.  So no, unfortunately to the current & future owners dismay these brilliant murals cannot be removed from the property to be placed at auction or even just transported to your home down the road.  Although at a price point beneath 10M USD, the estate may yet prove to be the perfect investment for the right lover of Modern Art & Historic French Architecture.

The Chateau boasts two drawing rooms, two dining rooms, several kitchens, 7 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms contained in 560 sq.m. (nearly 6,000 sqft) of luxurious living space.  The creative interior was designed & decorated by famed American designer Dick Dumas.  Mr. Dumas who worked on many chateaus across the French country side, is highly respected for his career in France which spanned several decades across multiple prestigious provencal properties.

Chateau de Castille offers opulent historic park like grounds exceeding 2 hectares (nearly six acres), which make for an enchanting entertainment area; which include a magnificent private tree lined drive, a formal knot garden, and a central water feature located behind the main residence.  The opportunity to purchase this historic & artistically significant Chateau is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity, as this is the first time the property has entered the open market in over fifty years.

For more information please visit: www.sothebysrealty.com

Massimo Bottura & Michael Cimarusti Team-Up in L.A.

Fine-dinning has been reborn in L.A. with the coming of two culinary artists and masters of the kitchen who have teamed-up to prepare a one of a kind dinner on May 4th, 2017.  With these two, A master Italian chef that has refashioned Modenese style cooking and a dexterous American expert on all things seafood, the menu will be presenting the most creative and delectable dishes to be coordinated by two masterful michelin stared chefs within the Los Angeles area.

This one, and only one, night event will be featuring both Massimo Bottura of the world renowned Osteria Francescana and Michael Cimarusti of the esteemed Hollywood restaurant, Providence.  During this event, the two master chefs will be demonstrating their vast individual culinary capabilities along with their sui generis approaches on gastronomy in a second to none nine-course meal.

Massimo Bottura

Michael Cimarusti

The event is going to be limited to only 50 guests, and will be showcasing Cimarusti’s significant seafood masterpieces, which concentrate on key sustainability, while Bottura offers a display of adroit fortes in a simply brilliant and creative form of cooking.  Bottura, whose Modena, Italy, restaurant currently ranks second on the World’s Best list, will be offering “the crunchy part of the lasagna,” which is a dismantle of the time-honored Italian staple.  Another dish, “Autumn in New York in the springtime,” which is a vegetarian tribute to two New York City icons; Union Square Greenmarket and American jazz musician Billie Holiday.  And the “Oops! I dropped the lemon tart” dessert, which holds a chaotic composition that enlightens the sheer artistry of imperfection, which consists of lemon zabaglione, verbena sorbet, broken pie crust, candied bergamot, oregano, capers, and hot pepper oil.

This peerless dinning experience will, in addition to the nine-courses, have amuse-bouches that were personally made by the chefs, along with wine pairings from start to finish.  With an exclusive 50 guest limit, pricing for the remaining seats are open on request.

For more information visit:  ProvidenceLA.com

Ocean Conservation: Kenyan Company Turns Flip Flops into Artwork

With ocean pollution continuing to threaten the survival and overall health of marine life worldwide; a new organization emerges to turn flip flops (one of the most common forms of ocean pollution) into magnificent colorful pieces of art and assist in developing trade in the African nation of Kenya.

Although the Watamu shores of Kenya should be pristine, they are currently anything but.  As flip flops made from synthetic materials have become the most common shoe of the underprivileged, they have in-turn also become one of the world’s oceans biggest polluters.  With eight million tons of plastic entering our oceans each year, estimates advise that if we do not change, there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish by 2050.

Erin Smith at Ocean Sole AKA the Flip Flop Recycling Company, a social enterprise based in Nariobi, Kenya has been working  to change this unfortunate reality for over two decades, by recycling washed up flip flops from the Indian Ocean and turning them into inherently unique pieces of colorful art.  To increase awareness of the international problem, Ocean Sole aims to recycle over 400,000 flip flops every year by converting them to extremely creative Kenyan style works of art.

Ocean Sole’s creative team continues to use their imagination in branching out into new products that even include furniture & sculptures.  The majority of art-work features elephants, lions, gorillas and many other threatened species from all across the globe.  Ocean Sole’s most significant creations are appropriately dubbed “Grand Masterpieces” these works are significant in more than one way with some examples exceeding 18 feet, like their nearly life-size sculpture of a Giraffe and even giant chess pieces for eco-savvy resorts around the world.

A significant portion of Ocean Soles proceeds are transferred back to their foundation to continue research & education to assist in revenging ocean pollution.  As Ocean Sole continues to clean up the beaches across Kenya, the country also benefits from increased tourism from there clean beaches resulting in overall economic growth.  Ocean Sole is continuing to discuss opening similar projects through-out the world.

For more information please visit:  www.ocean-sole.com

Montecristo’s 80th Year Commemoration in Napa Valley

The weekend gala for luxury aficionados to come together and revel in gourmet cooking, luxurious Cuban cigars, and vintage California wines for three unforgettable days is scheduled from May 4th to the 6th of 2017, and hosted by Charlie Palmer at Harvest Inn in Napa Valley.

This second annual event pays homage to the 80th anniversary of Montecristo, which to this day accounts for roughly one-quarter of Habanos SA’s worldwide cigar sales, designating it the most popular and best-selling cigar maker in the world.  Those that will be present during all or only part of the celebratory weekend will be able to indulge in some of Napa Valley’s finest wines and be given the opportunity to partake in specifically selected Montecristos with Cuban cigar specialist, collector, and proprietor of London’s renowned Casa del Habano “Ajay Patel”.

On the first day, the celebration begins with a barbecue reception provided by Harvest Table executive chef Spencer Wolff and will also present complimentary One Main hand-rolled cigars.  The next night commemorates the 80th anniversary of Montecristo with a multi-course dinner by Wolff and cigar & wine parings with Ajay Patel, as you look out over the Mayacamas Mountains and the hundreds of acres of vineyards.  The last day features an exclusive tasting at Gargiulo Vineyards followed by an array of cigars and a special winery tour, after which, a private reception and dinner take-place at Oakville’s famed B Cellars cave and includes a world-class menu, incredible wine, and aromatic cigars.

Tickets for this grand gala can be procured for specific events ranging from $70 to $350 per person.  As for the two- and three-night resort packages, they can range from $2,585 to $3,414 and include first-rate accommodations at Harvest Inn.  In addition, dinners and tastings for two are available as well.  The event will take a share of the proceeds to be donated to local charitable directed organizations, which will include the Boys & Girls Club of St. Helena.

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.

Benetti Launches The 67 Meter “Seasense”

Famed Italian Shipyard Benetti, has just announced the launch of the 67 Meter SEASENSE.  Codenamed FB268, the fully custom 1175GT yacht was constructed of a steel hull and aluminum superstructure for a first time Benetti owner.

With a launch ceremony taking place at the Livorno shipyard right on production schedule.  The event allowed all to take in the stunning lines of the vessel, which were sculpted by the Dutch Designer Cor D. Rover (another first) as it was Mr. Rover’s first time working with Benetti.  SEASENSE features a contemporary interior designed in collaboration between Benetti and AREA design studio of Los Angeles.  With a general arrangement allowing accommodation for 12 guests in six staterooms.

SEASENSE has been designed to reflect its name with the utmost respect, paying great homage to its surroundings.  In particular, the vessel features expansive outdoor areas with maximum contact to the sea.  The stern of SEASENSE’s main deck offers a luxurious pool in combination with extensive sun lounging space flowing into the elegant main salon through a pair of large sliding doors that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces, providing unparalleled open entertainment space.

Offering a top speed of 15.5 knots, a cruising speed of 15 knots, and a maximum range of 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots thanks to SEASENSE’s two impressive 1380KW Caterpillar engines below deck.

SEASENSE is scheduled to be delivered to her owner in July of 2017, making for a few months to enjoy the remainder of the summer season.

The Worlds Most Collectible Mercedes?

First unveiled in March of 1957 at the Geneva Motor Show, the Mercedes 300 SL Roadster designed by the famed Friedrich Geiger would soon become the most prestigious German drop top grand tourer of the century.  Today, the 300 SL is one of the most desirable classic cars, with prices nearly always surpassing the seven figure mark.

As common with many German automakers at the time, Mercedes had spent several years following the second world war resecuring their position as a world leader in automotive manufacturing.  Between the combination of the 300 SL coupe & roadster coupled with their championing return to Motorsport.  Mercedes quickly reassumed their position as a name synomnous with the best.  The eye catching success of the 300 SL proved particularly helpful in the brands re-established perception in the United States, increasing Mercedes’ annual sales in the US market from under 100 vehicles (pre WW2) to over 6,000 in 1957.

Production ran from 1957 to 1963 with a base price of around $10,000 USD (one of the most expensive cars of the time).  Despite the cars high price, Mercedes still managed to sell on average over 300 examples per year.  Eventually being succeeded by the “W113” series SL or better known as the “Pagoda”.

Top Luxury Easter Eggs of 2017

Easter time is probably the best time of the year. What other time you can completely, with no regret let yourself fully enjoy its best gifts: chocolate eggs. No matter what age, every person in the world can’t resist their look and their fabulous taste. With that being said, we have found the top 5 of the best chocolate eggs and other Easter chocolate treats this year.

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1. Hotel Café Royal chocolate egg

If over the last few days you walked through Regent Street, you were definitely drawn in by this Hotel’s grand Easter display, which was accented with an impressive 75 kg, 1 meter high Easter egg with an edible golden leaf attached to it. These take three days to mold and decorate, so only two of them are made – one is for display and the other one is for sale (at]. 600£). But if you don’t need a one meter egg inside your home, but want a standard egg – sized replica, made out of creamy Valrhona milk chocolate with salted caramel truffles inside. You can get it for £45.

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2. The Classic Ostrich Egg from Hotel Chocolat

England’s biggest fine chocolate supplier took it to a whole new level this year. They measured an actual ostrich egg – which is the largest living bird egg in the world, and created their mammoth Easter offering. This luxurious egg is made out of milk chocolate with crunchy cookies and puffed rice, and crispy feuilletine. You can also find a dark version, which is made out of dark chocolate with almonds, hazelnuts and a sprinkle of salt.

These giant eggs come with an additional 27 delicious chocolates and six hidden golden eggs that are hidden somewhere in the box. Basically, there is more than a kilo of chocolate in that box.

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3. Prestat Milk Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Spiced Easter egg

As we all know, Prestat is the chocolatier to no one else but Her Majesty The Queen herself, and one of the oldest chocolate shops in London. And this year they added a cross bun inspired egg to their repertoire. It may not have the most luxurious appearance, since it comes wrapped in a ribbon and packed inside a minimalistic box, but its taste redeems for it completely. The lightly spiced milk chocolate egg is full of mini golden foiled eggs with different and fabulous taste, and hints of orange clove.

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4. Paul A Young Machu Picchu egg

The groundbreaking chocolatier from the British chocolate scene has once again wowed us with his amazing craft. His Easter egg is made out of Peruvian chocolate and imprinted with Mayan script. He added a finishing touch to it with 22-carat golden leafs. This fabulous creation comes with a box of nine caramel ganache truffles.

5. Chocolab’s Easter treats

When it comes to chocolate, Chocolab never failed to amaze us. This Australian company’s motto is to always provide their clients with the best, so this Easter they also had to get their place on this list. The variety and appearance of their Easter chocolate eggs and treats is beyond this world. Make sure you check out their collection of egg slabs, Easter slabs, and many more. Plus, if you are feeling a little artistic, or just want to wake up your inner Willy Wonka, they also have an option where you can create your own chocolate treats. Who knows, maybe next year your creation will end up on an article like this (wink).

That would be it. The five magnificent. Feeling a little hungry now? We do too.