Verona 29th of September 2018, Gérard Basset is honoured with the MASI prize

On the 29th of September 2018, a Ceremony in Verona was held by the MASI Foundation in honour of Gérard Basset. Gérard remarkable contribution to the wine world allowed him to receive the Premio MASI (the MASI prize). Gérard Basset is arguably the most certified and distinguished wine professional in the world right now having

Butler Art acquisition, the four skill sets

(represented here by those four Strads in the Cremona violin museum) Skill set number one: Leadership Skill set number two: Etiquette & Protocol mastery Skill set number three: Wine mastery Skill set number four: Butler specific techniques (such as : organising functions, taking care of guests and the family, daily graces etc.)  

Palladio Classical architecture,

A triumph of western civilisation, Andrea Palladio architecture. Informed by Vitruvius and the buildings of the past, proportion and symmetry are the trademark of the genius of Palladio (1508-1580). Palladio declared looking to build houses that would  bring to their owners a feeling of: calm, harmony and dignity (Palladio words). A butler mindset for sure!

Studio in Palladian Casa Cogollo, Vicenza, Italy

It was a pleasure to stay in Vicenza at Casa Cogollo, in an appartment exquisitely renovated by architect and owner Nazario Berti. Located in Vicenza city center in an historical building on which the great architect Palladio worked (Palladio designed the façade), the character and charm of a thoughtful (2014) renovation blending seamlessly with the

The Luxury of Privacy II, perfect setting for Krug?

Perfect setting for enjoying a glass of champagne? (please note the Baccarat flutes)

The Luxury of Privacy

This is what a butler must supply in spades…

Forbes writes about the IMBA

 link to article  

In situ, tasting Bordeaux Pomerol 2014-2015

Bordeaux 2014 was a challenging year, 2015 vintage is the blessed one. Should you overloook the 14’s for cellar purposes? No, the beauty is to find the best producers. How do you do that tasting blind? At the end you compare the 2014-2015 lists and check your 10% best scores to see if some Château

The Piano is waiting for the Chef

The Bertazzoni Piano is waiting for the Chef

Game Changer: I discovered this book twenty-five years ago….and embarked on a journey

  Game Changer: I discovered this book twenty-five years ago….and embarked on an adventure that I still find thrilling to this day

Rolls-Royce Cullinan *Total endorsement from the IMBA*

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the SUV of my dreams.   I am partial, I must admit, I own the brand and the brand owns me. Whenever I do something or have a project for my butler school I think to myself “How would they do it at Rolls-Royce?”   Why do I say that the Cullinan is

In Vino Veritas! Our Ottawa WSET students are visiting us in Montreal, tasting setup four five

 

Spinoza or Spinosa?

For Spinoza the philosopher, happiness (conatus) is all about increasing your desire… No doubt that after a glass of this fresh wine you will desire more; In Vino Veritas!

Through the generosity of Ronchi de Cialla…

Through the generosity of Ronchi de Cialla again this year, we will auction a private tasting of six of these fine wines to benefit SAMS organisation, a fine non profit who organises concerts for patients in long term care enters. More about: SAMS
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RR Commemoration of the 1904 Silver Ghost with a special 2018 limited productions of 35 five new “Silver” Ghosts

Rolls-Royce will create a collection of 35 2018 Rolls-Royce Ghosts, in homage to the original Silver Ghost’s achievement. I had the pleasure in 2001of seing the original “Silver” Ghost from1904 in Crewe at the factory. Impressive machine! (and in pristine condition)