LUXURY WORLD CONVENED

ON NOVEMBER 8 AT

“BEST OF THE BEST SARASOTA”

HELD AT THE JOHN AND MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM

 

SARASOTA Magazine and Robb Report

Together for an Extraordinary Evening of Connoisseurship

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SARASOTA (November 13, 2006) - The pages of SARASOTA Magazine and Robb Report magazine came to life at The Courtyard of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, as the luxury lifestyle authority duo teamed with seventeen luxury brand partners Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Maserati, Sentient Jet Membership, Prudential Palms Realty, Queens’ Wreath Jewels, Collingwood Construction Group, The MET, The Ritz Carlton Members Club, AIG Private Client Group, Beaudry, John Hardy, HUB International Personal Insurance, Thanda Royal Zulu, The World, Turks & Caicos Tourism Board, Level Vodka, Plymouth Gin and Zino Platinum—to present the first ever “Best of the Best Sarasota.”

 

One in a series of signature events held in exclusive locations such as Monaco, San Diego, Naples and Greenwich, NY, “Best of the Best Sarasota” was highlighted by local and national companies showcasing the world’s most exclusive jewels, real estate, fashion, cigars and spirits, travel destinations, jet memberships and luxury cars.

 

Level Vodka mixed “Sarasota Breeze” cocktails, Zino Platinum handed out cigars, and guests had a chance to experience Rolls Royce and Maserati cars, all before even entering the courtyard. Circus entertainers gave out lollipops and musical stylist DJ Shlomi juxtaposed live instruments over recognizable favorites to create a unique ambiance. Gold taffeta and sapphire brocade overlays accented by enormous floral pieces created an elegant Italian countryside feel.

 

The MET propped models on pedestals in various locations, including on the stage below the statue of David, where they mingled and sipped cocktails in designer duds. Special guest Robert Stock, designer for Robert Graham commented, “[the Best of the Best was] one of the most tastefully done events I have ever attended. The featured products, food, music, service, entertainment and atmosphere were all showcased with a beautiful, understated elegance."

 

Catering was provided by Michael’s on East, and crowds gathered around decorated tables for Vernona’s white truffle filet mignon atop risotto; Selva Grill’s Gulf of Maine baby shrimp ceviche; Beach Bistro’s lamb chops and lobster mashed potatoes; Bijou Café’s lobster and crab bisque; The Colony’s roasted grouper with yellow tomato gazpacho; Pacific Rim’s famous sushi and a flourless chocolate pavé by Zoria.

 

Each event partner hosted a themed vignette area to entertain and educate guests about their products and services. Prudential Palms Realty created a “Rock Solid Service Garden” with the help of Artistree and offered VIP cocktail service to bistro tables; guests guessed how many pebbles were in a vase for a chance to win a trip to St. Thomas: Queens’ Wreath Jewels let guests try keys in a treasure chest for a chance to win a diamond necklace: Thanda Royal Zulu—a South African preserve—created a lounge area where the Zulu Princess Nandi visited with possible vacation home clients; and Collingwood Construction Group gave away $50,000 certificates toward the purchase of a new home.

 

A silent auction item for a chance to be a judge for Robb Report Car of the Year event brought in $35,000 to benefit the Ringling. For his second year in a row, the winner will travel to Napa Valley, where he will test drive and judge the year’s best cars. Judges’ comments are published in Robb Report each February.

 

The “Best of the Best Sarasota” was attended by luminaries from throughout the luxury world, as well as subscribers of SARASOTA Magazine, Robb Report and Worth. The event was an invitation-only affair that was complimentary to guests. Commented Jeff Lawenda, publisher of SARASOTA Magazine, “I’m confident we exceeded our goal for this event, which was to bring a few of our key advertisers together with some of our appropriate readers in a magnificent social environment. Reactions from both groups have been outstanding.”

Also hosted by SARASOTA Magazine, Robb Report, and Worth Magazine, were a golf tournament sponsored by AIG Private Client Group and Hub International Personal Insurance at The Ritz-Carlton Members Club; and a private dinner sponsored by Thanda Royal Zulu..

 

Robb Report

Robb Report readers spend their money on the world’s finest brands, live in the best residences, drive the most exquisite cars, and travel frequently to the most exotic destinations. Robb Report subscribers are highly educated, affluent leaders. For nearly three decades, Robb Report has been the leading authority on the products, events, issues and passions that capture the attention of affluent consumers. The publication’s exclusive editorial and stunning photography present the finest products and services from the realms of automobiles, yachts, fashion, private travel, the epicurean life and more. Special editions of the monthly magazine—including Car of the Year, the Best of the Best, and the Ultimate Gift Guide—garner tremendous interest from readers, advertisers, and the consumer press, helping to further Robb Report’s positioning as the consummate magazine of luxurious living.

 

SARASOTA Magazine

For more than 32 years, SARASOTA Magazine and its sister publication, Gulfshore Life, have been recognized as the leading publishers of regional consumer and business magazines in Southwest Florida, which includes the ultra-affluent communities of Sarasota, Naples, Marco Island, Boca Grande, Bonita Springs, and Sanibel and Captiva islands. Gulfshore Life (founded in 1974) and SARASOTA Magazine (founded in 1978) have been recognized as authorities in Southwest Florida on topics such as affluent lifestyle, art, real estate, politics, and fashion.

 

CurtCo Media also offers regional financial information through Sarasota/Manatee BUSINESS magazines and Gulfshore Business. In addition, the company publishes magazines targeted to the burgeoning Florida real estate and relocation market: Gulfshore Magazine’s Homebuyer, Greater Charlotte Harbor Homebuyer and SARASOTA Magazine’s Homebuyer in Southwest Florida, Orlando Homebuyer in Central Florida and Jacksonville Homebuyer in Northeast Florida.

 

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