It's summertime, the perfect time to "drink pink" although this luscious Inspiration, Château de Berne, Côtes de Provence, 2020 made in Provence, France and imported by the Provence Rosé Group, would be lovely at any time of the year. Winemaker Alexis Cornu has created a gorgeous rosé with a rich salmon-rose color with an enticing flavor profile that is perfect to enjoy on its own or to pair with food. 

BE Chocolat, named for Master Chocolatier BEnoit, opened in January 2021 in the historic district of Fairfield, Connecticut, and if you thought "Willy Wonka" had fun creating chocolates, wait until you see and taste what BEnoit is creating at their gorgeous atelier. Mouthwatering, high-quality Callebaut fair trade finest Belgian chocolate is the base for BEnoit's amazing creations with inspired flavors that tempt and tantalize the palate and are as beautiful to look at as they are tasty to eat.

The Westport Country Playhouse located in Westport, Connecticut celebrated its 90^th anniversary on June 29, 2021, and Luxury Experience was there to help them celebrate. After a year of no in-person performances it was fabulous to be back in the theatre to experience the one-night only, in-person screening of the comedic play, Tiny House, written by Michael Gotch and directed by Mark Lamos. The virtual production of Tiny House runs as "screening on demand" from June 29 - July 18, 2021.

Ooh lá, Farigoule Herbal Thyme Liqueur made in Provence, France and imported by Crillon Importers, Ltd. Is c'est magnifique and the perfect ingredient for delectable cocktails. As cocktalians, we are always on the lookout for new spirits to inspire cocktail recipes. Farigoule Herbal Thyme Liqueur is a delectable herbal liqueur made from thyme, verbena, angelica, and sage that is perfect to sip neat, chilled over ice, or in used in cocktail or culinary recipes to add layers of delectable flavors. 

After much anticipation, the Greenwich Polo Club was back in action for an exciting match on Sunday, June 13, 2021, in Greenwich, Connecticut, where the legendary White Birch Farm: Christopher Brant, Juan Olivera, Jr., Pablo Llorente, Jr., and Mariano Aguerre took on Palm Beach Equine: Scott Swerdlin, Constancio "Costi" Caset, Juan Redlich, and Raul "Gringo" Colombres, as part of the East Coast Bronze Cup 2021. Our adrenaline levels were flying high watching the unparalleled action on the field for a fabulous afternoon of high-goal polo.

We love excellent quality coffee to start our day, an espresso or iced coffee in the afternoon, as well as used in cocktail and culinary recipes. We recently "discovered" Java Love Coffee Roasting Co., and while new to us, they celebrated their 10-year anniversary on May 1, 2021. With their widely diverse selection of high-quality coffees, you can break out from your usual coffee routine and take your palate on a trip around the world with their exotic coffees from Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Papua New Guinea, and Sumatra, as well as enjoy one of their domestic blends. In addition to their coffee, they also carry an extensive line of teas available online and at their 4 locations in New York and New Jersey. 

With the rising interest in organic and gluten-free products, we decided to explore Westford Hill Distillers Organic Rime Vodka handcrafted in Ashford, Connecticut with 100% organic non-GMO corn. Master Distiller Louis Chatey has created another delicious spirit for their handcrafted artisanal spirit line with the introduction of Rime Vodka. Delectably smooth and all-natural with nice viscosity and mouthfeel, Rime Vodka is perfect served chilled or over ice, and is an admirable companion in cocktail and culinary recipes.

Instrumental Jazz composer musician Tom Kennedy has some new tales to tell with his latest release, Tom Kennedy Stories featuring Dave Weckl released on the instrumental label, Autumn Hill Records, that hits the street on June 11, 2021. Tom Kennedy is joined by a musical "who's who" of talent including Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver, Gary Meek, Roger Squitero, Nick Marchione, Mike Stern, Ada Rovatti, Rand Brecker, Roger Guth, and Bill Evans. Instrumental Jazz fans are in for a real treat with this release as the 8-composition release runs 55-minutes and is pure musical inspiration.

Mike Zito's latest release, Mike Zito - Resurrection, shows another side and depth from this extraordinary musician. Mike's mastery of the guitar is legendary, but Resurrection shows a depth in the lyrics, melodies, and order of tracks to tell a story and create a musical journey. Sharing in his journey are Zach Zito, Matthew Johnson, Doug Byrkit, Lewis Stephens, Eric Demmer, Fernando Castillo, and Lisa Leuschner Andersen. 

Need some happy music in your life? Put on your New Orleans Blues dancing shoes and give Maria Muldaur's latest release with the band Tuba Skinny entitled Let's Get Happy Together a listen as this is one album that will have you dancing along to the 12-tracks with a smile on your face. Released on the Stony Plain Records label, the album hit the street on May 7, 2021.

Drink local is the sign inside Fifth State Distillery owned by Rob and Bridget Schulten where their motto is "Made with pride in the great state of Connecticut." Based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, their award-winning Fifth State Distillery products are made from locally grown Connecticut non-GMO corn and are gluten-free. Handcrafted in small batches, Fifth State Distillery has been turning heads with their delectable spirits since 2016.

There is something magical about visiting zoos and spending time with animals that bring out the child in all of us, and the Beardsley Zoo located in Bridgeport, Connecticut is fun for all ages. Founded over 90 years ago the Beardsley Zoo located inside the gorgeous Beardsley Park has evolved into more than just a zoo providing home to endangered and vanishing animals as well as rescued animals, it is also a learning center, botanical garden, is a certified AZA (Accredited Zoos and Aquariums) that "design and maintain Species Survival   Plans (SSP), and so much more, which we "discovered" on our visit there. 

Rosé wines are the perfect Summer wine, and Summer in the Hamptons and the South of France are the makings of dreams, which was the inspiration for the award-winning Hampton Water Rosé 2020 created by Rock Musician Jon Bon Jovi, his son Jesse Bongiovi, and French Winemaker Gérard Bertrand, that deftly captures the essence of both. Hampton Water Rosé is a gorgeous rosé made in the South of France that is perfect to enjoy with friends on a Summer evening or anytime you want to remember Summer. Look for the tall clear glass bottle with a diver on the front and "dive in" and enjoy this delicious wine. "Born in France. Raised in the Hamptons." 

The Baker Brothers - David, Jack, and Peter, owners of Litchfield Distillery in Litchfield, Connecticut have added another very tasty spirit to their long line of super-premium award-winning spirits, with the addition of their latest product, Litchfield Distillery Agave Spirits. Made from 100% blue agave imported from Mexico and distilled and bottled at their distillery in Connecticut, Litchfield Distillery Agave Spirits is sure to garner many a fan. 

Whenever I think of memorable dinners that Edward and I have enjoyed throughout the years, truffles are always involved. Decadent, earthy, exotic, and expensive, a little goes a long way to add flavor. Cooking With Truffles: A Chef's Guide written by Susi Gott Séguret and published by Hatherleigh Press, Ltd. delves into the intriguing world of truffles and provides both insight and 150 delectable truffle recipes designed for the professional chef as well as the home cook. Bon Appetit!