Kitchen Quarantine with Michelin-starred Chef Massimo Bottura

“We never experienced this kind of time. So we have to do as much as we can in this time, and share in your isolated way, share with the world some positive attitude.”

Massimo Bottura

We humans are creatures of comfort, and in times of crisis, change or uncertainty, we often turn to food. We are wired to cook, to feed ourselves and our loved ones. Some of us however are not that confident in the kitchen and prefer to enjoy the creations of our favorite chefs at their restaurants. But with much of the world staying home during this time, it’s not always possible. With all this in mind, Massimo Bottura and his family invite us all into their family home – virtually, of course – with a new Instagram show, Kitchen Quarantine.

Bottura is the Michelin-starred chef behind Osteria Francescana, the top restaurant on San Pellegrino’s world’s best restaurants list. Bottura’s popular MasterClass lesson series is great for learning all the professional tricks, but Kitchen Quarantine is closer to an informal cooking class, rather like watching your chef-friend whip up something for a dinner party.

Alexa, Bottura’s daughter’s, is responsible for this great idea; after a day or two of staying home watching her dad in the kitchen, she thought a lot of people would enjoy seeing him cooking for his family in his own home. She mentioned the idea of sharing their family meals with fans around the world, and luckily for us, Massimo agreed.

The Instagram-based show is real, down to earth cooking and features the chef’s delightful family. Catch the nightly cooking series at 8pm CET (3pm ET; 7pm in the UK or find your time zone here) on the chef’s Instagram page.

Photo Courtesy by performancestrategies.it

Freestyle cooking – in which we ditch the recipe books and create unique dishes from whatever we find in the pantry – is a wonderful way to experiment with flavors, learn new cooking techniques, and finish off leftovers. Chef Massimo takes this freestyle approach to the next level with his intimate knowledge of ingredients, flavor profiles professional methods. With limited trips to the food market, Bottura cooks a full dinner using ingredients he finds in his fridge. Recent dishes on the menu included a green vegetable curry, tortellini in cream sauce, guacamole, risotto with asparagus and peas, pasta with tomato sauce, eggplant parmigiana, and even Japanese beef ramen soup – all with interesting twists based on the ingredients on hand.

Kitchen Quarantine involves the whole family: wife Lara and son Charlie lend a hand, sample the flavors, and chip into the videos while Alexa handles the camera and dad Massimo shows off his skills. Even the family dog, Thelonious Monk, gets in on the action, waiting hopefully for bits to drop to the floor!

Kitchen Quarantine is targeted at home cooks, although other professional chefs will no doubt follow him to see Bottura in action. This series will help anyone turn basic ingredients into tasty dishes and great home-cooked food. We can all pick up a few useful tips and great ideas from the Bottura family on how to use things we already have. Past livestreams are no longer available on Bottura’s Instagram page, but Fine Dining Lovers has preserved some of the shows on their YouTube channel.

Chef Bottura is known for getting involved in times of need. In May 2012 following two earthquakes in Italy, he saved thousands of wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano from destruction by hosting a world-wide ‘cookathon’. Bottura has a goal to combat world hunger and has made food more accessible through his revolving Food for Soul non-profit project, partnered by his wife Lara Gilmore.

5 SPA TREATMENTS TO DO AT HOME

While having a luxurious spa day may not be your biggest concern at the moment it’s an acceptable response to seek this comforting ritual. If you can’t go out for a spa day, go in for one. In fact there are real stress relieving benefits associated with putting aside the time for a twenty-minute bath with relaxing candles—and let’s be honest, this is something we all need.

Here are a few thought starters:

Dry Brushing:

Everyone’s skin is a little less glowy than usual, most likely, due to spending more time indoors, lack of extra sunshine and stress. Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist, sells a great dry brush (https://shop.joannavargas.com/collections/shop-all/products/ritual-brush). Of course you can also pick one up on Amazon. Vargas is an advocate of the routine, which returns our skin to a nice glow. Dry brushing increases blood flow and stimulates collagen, which ultimately strengthens our skin. It also a great way to increases skin elasticity— lift and tone — without a crazy work out. The process of dry brushing is also soothing mentally and physically.

Milk Bath

Once your skin is ready to fully absorb extra nutrients turn on the bath water and get ready to soak in a sultry milk bath. The lactic acid in milk helps soften skin and is ultra-relaxing. It’s especially helpful for those with eczema or psoriasis and it’s an easy spa option to create. Simply add a few cups of whole milk or milk powder to your bathwater. Next, mix in some essential oils and then float some rose petals on top. Also do not forget to light a soothing candle before stepping in.

Steaming Facial

When you get out of the bath it’s time to take extra care of your face. A steaming facial cleans the pores, which also helps promote a more dewy facial appearance. And, we are all still using Zoom conference– so facial appearance is important. To steam your face fill a bowl with boiled water. Leave it to cool slightly so that it is not hot enough to burn your skin then add a few drops of essential oils. Tea tree oil is great for acne-prone skin, lavender for oily skin or rose oil for dry skin. Then lean over the bowl with a towel covering your head (to trap the steam) and allow your face to absorb the moisture. You can finish off this treatment by putting on a mud mask. AHAVA Mud Masks – straight from the Dead Sea – are also on Amazon. If you want a more affordable and easy option, apply plane generic yogurt (maybe add some honey). Yogurt can help clear blemishes and reduce fine lines.

Once you have cleaned your face don’t forget the lips. Lips are often overlooked and deserve extra attention. You can try the Fresh Sugar Lip on the go kit from Sephora or any other option you can find (there are loads to choose from on Amazon).

Soothing Eye Treatment

Our eyes are often the first thing people see, especially now. You can buy an eye treatment or try a homemade remedy to soothe and refresh tired eyes. Chamomile tea bags and cucumber are both good traditional remedies to cool and soothe the eye area. A lesser-known fact is that you can also use cool potato slices. Cover your eyes with any of them for about ten minutes to see the positive effects. Also, if you cut up some cucumbers for your eyes, you can pop them in a glass of cold water to add to that spa vibe.

Hand massage

Washing hands so often they become dry and sensitive. Apply lavender and honey-scented Burt’s Bees Hand Cream right before bed (or any other Shea butter cream). Shea butter is wonderful for soothing and repairing hands overnight. Don’t forget when applying the cream to really massage it into your hands for both the relaxing effect of a massage and to have the cream absorb effectively.

Those are just a few easy options to achieve an at home spa day. As a final add on and find some soothing music so that no outside noise distracts you and soak it all away.

Aerin Lauder: Tips On Stylish & Simple Entertaining

Some are palatial tablescapes with Technicolor blooms others are essentially dream birthday set-ups with presents, cake and candy. Aerin Lauder knows the epitome of perfect hospitality from al fresco dinner parties to romantic holiday occasions and everything in between. And as flowers are in full power amid the most colorful season of the year, this illustrious hostess is lending her expert tips on how to refresh a space with new, surprisingly fun items that are soft in color palettes and bring sun-tipped arrows from the outside in. Between switching out throw pillows as a passport to warmer weather to incorporating cane, bamboo and straw to mimic the spring season, Lauder knows just how to elevate a home with warmth and heart as we leave the colder months.

Premiering her Spring Edit along with a collaboration with Williams Sonoma, Lauder is re-writing the guidelines for stylish entertaining that’s neither difficult nor expensive but manifests a touch of quiet decadence in an elegant manner. With coastal designs layered on top of dinnerware to pretty floral prints faceted on hair mist, there is no decorative accessory missing from this pleasure-filled, ultra-playful collection.

Ocean Blue World sat down with Lauder to hear more on creating memorable occasions that are simple with a glamorous ambience, refreshing a cozy winter room with spring aesthetics and how to become inspired in our personal spaces during self-quarantine.

OCEAN BLUE WORLD: Aerin, currently premiering your Spring Edit, tell us about curating this playful collection that’s filled with an impressive range of pastel aesthetics.

AERIN LAUDER: I inherited my creative passion from my grandmother Estee. She liked to make everything around her beautiful. She saw beauty as an extension of herself, her home, wardrobe and family. She used to say, ‘Everything can be beautiful if you just take the time.’ This concept has not only inspired the way I live day-to-day, but it shaped my philosophy behind the AERIN brand – that living beautifully should be effortless. I am always inspired by art, travel, fashion and design which serves as a focal point of inspiration for each collection.

OBW: Evoking the spirit of warmer months, you created a gateway to a new world where flowers bloom and al fresco dining moves outdoors. What is your favorite piece in this collection for a dinner outside on the terrace or in your own backyard?

AL: I always like to incorporate colors and textures that mimic the season. A few of my favorite materials to use are cane, bamboo and straw, which can always be enhanced with a ton of flowers. New for our spring collection, I really love the AERIN Caleen Plates. Available in a range of sizes, the plates have a bamboo border and are a beautiful addition to any table.

OBW: You recently collaborated with Williams Sonoma. What are your “must follow” tips for creating understated elegance for a dinner party?

AL: When entertaining, my goal is for guests to feel as comfortable as possible. I always consider incorporating elegant, unexpected touches to do so. One entertaining trick that I learned from my grandmother is to serve gourmet potato chips or nostalgic candy in decorative bowls. What’s more inviting than candy and chips? I also like to use a beautiful tray to create an instant cocktail party. It quickly becomes a portable bar space that can move with your guests.

OBW: Family is key. Do you have one memorable occasion that you continue to return to for inspiration?

AL: Birthdays are always a special tradition in our home. No matter the age, we celebrate with presents, cake and candy in the morning. I love how such a simple tradition can continue to inspire me year after year.

OBW: We often connect spring to cleaning out our homes with new, surprisingly fun items. How do you recommend refreshing your home this spring season?

AL: There are many simple things that can be done to make your home feel fresh for spring. Switching your throw pillows from season to season is one way to easily and effectively upgrade the aesthetic of any space. When it comes to spring, I start relying on softer color palettes and natural elements that bring the outside in. There’s also nothing better than the smell of fresh cut flowers in any season, but especially at this time of year.

OBW: Today, as we practice social distancing, how can we be inspired in our own personal spaces, whether if it’s cooking, re-decorating or cleaning out our closets?

AL: I’ve been doing my best to keep busy and remain positive while staying at home. I found that there are little things I can do each day to maintain a sense of normalcy and calmness such as cooking dinner for my family, working out at home, going for a walk in the fresh air and setting aside a few minutes for me to just relax. Whether it’s calling a friend to check-in or taking a bath, it’s important to do these small gestures to make myself feel good during such an unsettling time.

OBW: Building a lifestyle brand that’s reached consumers across the globe, what are your plans for the future?

AL: There are many exciting things happening for the AERIN brand. I look forward to developing new products, continuing to collaborate with like-minded brands and conceptualizing new pop-up and retail ideas.

Top 5 Virtual Museum Tours

“It’s a lovely experience walking around a museum by yourself.” Brad Pitt

We are all armchair travelers these days. But even when spontaneous world travel was still a thing, spending a leisurely afternoon exploring your favorite museum was not always easy. A reluctant partner, tight schedules, and overwhelming crowds all trying to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa – who knew she was so tiny IRL – would cool the passions of the most ardent museumiac.

I’m not sure if Mr Pitt meant visiting a museum without a partner, or if he took advantage of private viewing tours after hours. Either way, we can all indulge in solitary explorations now, as countless well-known museums and galleries around the world have gone online during their temporary closures.

We have rounded up our favorite Virtual Museum Tours to get you started on your Home Travel Experiences.

The Louvre, Paris

A selection of four virtual tours are currently available on the museum’s website. View an exhibition titled ‘The Advent of the Artist’ in The Petite Galerie; Egyptian Antiquities; Remains of the Louvre’s Moat; and the Galerie d’Apollon.

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The Smithsonian, Washington, D.C.

One of the most well-known and extensive museum complexes in the world, the Smithsonian is an intriguing place to visit at any time. Now you can take self-guided, room-by-room tours of select exhibits and areas within the museum – without that characteristic redolence of antiquity in the air. Current exhibits include African Voices, and the Butterfly Pavilion.

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National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

If you are more into art than archaeology, this is an excellent choice. Enjoy video tours of current exhibitions (Degas at the Opéra, and Raphael and His Circle), or discover in-depth looks at highlights of the collection, audio and video recordings by artists and curators, and other online opportunities for learning.

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History of Science Museum, Oxford

There’s certainly something for everyone in this online space, with several galleries to choose from. Explore the 3D “dollhouse” rendering of the museum to find exciting interactive treasures. If we must pick a fun favourite, it is probably this one!

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The Vatican Museum, Rome

For a sense of awe infused with spiritual majesty, The Vatican Museums are filled from marbled floor to ornate ceiling with breathtakingly beautiful pieces. Art, archaeology, and opulent décor combine in in glorious walk-though galleries including the celebrated Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms.

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Want more?

Google’s Arts & Culture Collection offers a fantastic showcase of virtual tours: 360° videos, interactive Street View images, and high-definition Art Camera close-ups of famous pieces. Notable inclusions in Google’s Top 10 Museums are Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology, MASP in São Paulo, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, and Seoul’s National Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art.

Search #MuseumFromHome on Twitter for more interesting links.

Chris Hemsworth’s latest role as fitness guru

The trailer for the new Netflix film Extraction starring Chris Hemsworth reveals something obvious from the opening cliff-jumping scene – he is extremely fit. While Chris may have been born with perfect genetics he also works really hard at it. His exercise routines are around consistency, intensity and dedication. Lucky for us he has started his own online fitness program called Centr here: www.centr.com.

Chris more than just the “pretty face” of the program, Centr is personalized digital health and fitness curated by Chris and comprised of international experts he handpicked for this venture. Over the last decade, Chris has changed his body for various roles in Men In Black, Thor, The Avengers, Ghostbusters and more. During that time, he surrounded himself with a team of the world’s elite chefs, trainers, nutritionists and wellness gurus. If you have ever heard the stories of Matt Damon, Gerard Butler and Russell Crow’s experience losing and gaining weight you know that when an actor doesn’t change their body mass safely it can have long lasting effects. For most of them, it’s a full-time job. Chris has made staying in shape a religion.

“I feel so fortunate to have worked with incredible experts in the fields of health, nutrition, mindfulness and training, so I thought, ‘Why not share that?’ Tell my team what you want to achieve and they’ll help you get there.”

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Working with Chris, you’re not just working out you are also working on your physical wellbeing designed for good mental health with a guided eating plan. Centr is an interactive feast for the eyes and features stunning photography, exquisite landscapes, mouthwatering food, and of course loads of fitness tips – all looking amazing. However, it is also tailored to your personal needs.

The app has everything you need in one spot: daily workouts, meal plans, meditations and a 24/7 community for support, extra tips and exclusive behind-the-scenes extras. Do note that the app doesn’t feature much of Hemsworth. He doesn’t lead or participate in any training sessions with you (sadly). So if you just want a Chris fix rent Thor, but, if you want to get in shape and feel strong and fit and happy, download the app.

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Villa Penon 4

Timeless Style, Endless views

Enter this beautiful, Mediterranean style single-level home to be greeted by stunning Sea of Cortez views, private pool/spa and expansive indoor and outdoor living areas.

The view is accented by the gorgeous entry with its domed ceiling, inlaid stone detail in the marble floor and vaulted beam ceilings in the living and dining rooms. The open concept kitchen features stainless appliances including a double oven, warming drawer, gas stove, bar counter and a breakfast nook with ocean view. Four bedrooms with two ocean-facing Master suites. Both have walk-in closets, en suite bathrooms with soaking tubs and showers. A third bedroom, also with an en suite, has its own private courtyard. Guest casita with a separate entrance.

Perfectly orientated on the lot to enjoy sun and shade all day long, at the pool/patio enjoy an ample fire pit, heated pool with swim-up bar and elevated Jacuzzi, full barbecue cook center and shaded living and dining areas. Just five minutes from Cabo San Lucas, set in the gated, master planned Cabo del Sol community with the 18-hole famed Jack Nicklaus Signature Ocean Course and 18-hole Tom Weiskopf Desert Course plus an expansive golf clubhouse, this is a home set up to entertain and enjoy time with family and friends!

For more information, visit Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate.

Ocean Blue World | On Location

Honoring the Seas with Sonia Falcone’s Ocean Scapes, Baja Series Exhibition

Ocean Scapes, Baja Series Exhibition

Sonia Falcone, Artist and Founder of AMA Foundation

Celebrating the Grand Opening of Ocean Scapes, Baja Series exhibition by Sonia Falcone! Showcasing her marine-inspired exhibition at Alfredo Ginocchio Gallery in San José del Cabo, she recovers the astonishment at the vital marvel of the seas in general and the Baja Californian sea in particular.

“The air we breathe,” shes observes, “comes from the seas.”

Inspired by the beauty of the seas, Sonia Falcone is not only a talented artist. She is also the Founder and President of the AMA Foundation, with a mission to improve, protect and save the ocean, as well as creating an ecological environment in Baja California.

If each work, allows us to sustain that life contained in a single wave of blue and salty water for a while, she will feel that she has fulfilled through her art, the ultimate purpose of creation: to preserve the continuity of what exists.

The Sea of Cortez and the region around the Baja California Peninsula is not only a site of outstanding natural beauty but also a mecca for marine life. Jacques Cousteau, the famous marine explorer called it ‘the world’s aquarium’ when he often visited between the 1960’s and the 1980’s and still today some 900 species of fish, thousands of invertebrates and around 30 mammals reside here while many others frequent the place on a regular basis.

The word ‘ama’ means ‘Lady in Charge’ and AMA Foundation seeks to represent the status of the ocean as an entity to be respected and cared for, so she in turn can continue to do her own magnificent job. Ocean Blue World continues to be inspired by the heartfelt artworks of Sonia Falcone ? and her incredible work with AMA Foundation.

Learn more how you can #MakeItHappen and support AMA Foundation!

Villas Del Mar Las Terraza 363

Because You’ve Earned It

Perched just one row off the beach, sits Las Terraza 363.

Offering a light and airy palette with subtle pops of color that livens each room. Casual elegance and sophisticated comfort when combined provides great style. Further, the open floor plan features pocket sliders that welcomes the continuous flow of livability to the spacious pool deck. The large half-moon kitchen island sets the perfect stage for easy everyday living and entertaining.

For the young at heart – surfing, snorkeling, SUP, golf, state-of-the-art gym are all within walking distance. On-site property management and concierge offer in-house spa services, chef, butler and maid services, as well.

There’s a reason this is all available for you, its because you’ve earned it.

For more information, visit Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate.

Ocean Blue World | On Location

On The Move: Elle Rising

Elle Fanning

“I love being terrified by a role. If it’s a challenge or I feel pressure, it’s probably the right choice.” — Elle Fanning

Elle Fanning’s career is soaring, and she’s taking it to different heights than one might expect from your typical 22-year-old actress, which Fanning is anything but.

The now-seasoned star made her screen debut at the age of two in 2001’s I am Sam, and in recent years has embraced indie films, including Sofia Coppola’s The Beguiled (2017) and Woody Allen’s A Rainy Day in New York (2019), to great acclaim.

Her stellar reputation led her to be the youngest woman ever named to the Cannes Film Festival Jury in 2019, but Fanning is not through breaking new ground.

Fanning not only stars in Hulu’s period drama The Great, which debuted in May, she is also an executive producer of the series, a new challenge the actress was eager to take on as she moves closer to her dream of directing one day.

The experience, she says, was an eye-opener, but more importantly, a confidence-builder as Fanning says she learned to express her opinions in situations that first seemed intimidating for a star used to being in front of the cameras.

Elle and Dakota Fanning will play on-screen sisters in the coming-of-age story The Nightingale adapted from Kristin Hannah’s international bestseller.

“I can’t really remember my life without movies.” — Elle Fanning

A Thrilling 2020 World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship

2020 WGC Mexico Championship on the PGA Tour

The 2020 World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship brought the drama!

Ultimately, Patrick Reed surged past Bryson DeChambeau to win the WGC-Mexico Championship at the prestigious Club de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico City.

With his eighth PGA Tour victory, Reed shot four under in the final round, and ended at 18 under for the tournament to claim his second WGC title in his career. He was one shot better than second place DeChambeau, with Jon Rahm and Erik van Rooyen tying for third at 15 under.

“I felt like I had something to prove to myself coming into this week,” said Reed, “because I feel like I’ve been playing some really solid golf and just haven’t quite gotten over that hump to get the W.”

The player field included four of the top five in the world, including Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas and Dustin Johnson. The 72-player field was represented by 19 countries, with 42 of the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

With plenty of roller-coaster drama on the green, #OceanBlueProductions takes you #behindthescenes to the 2020 #WGCMexico!

Photos: Laura Hernández, #OceanBlueProductions

Villa las Nubes

Villa las Nubes | Querencia

Tastefully designed Estate

Newly constructed 5 bedroom 5.5 baths single level home including a full casita apartment. This home is designed with modern touches throughout. Large open concept floor plan that opens to an expansive pool patio, creating an indoor-outdoor living experience.

Located within the private community of Querencia and situated perfectly to optimize views across the Palmilla Golf Course to the Sea of Cortez. Entertain guests on the terrace while enjoying ocean, fairway and mountain views. The light color palette of the home coupled with volumes of natural light provide a fresh feel. Luxury detailing includes marble flooring, custom cabinetry, and natural stone detailing.

Enjoy everything that the private Querencia community has to offer. With bike paths and surfing beaches for the adventure seekers, or spend your days on the famous Tom Fazio designed golf course. Villa Las Nubes will be a legacy property for your family to enjoy, creating memories that will endure for a lifetime.

The home is 90% finished and will be completed within a month of an accepted offer.

For more information, visit Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate.

Ocean Blue World | On Location

Liga MAC’s Legend of the Hummingbird

Legend of the Hummingbird

A truly magical evening at Liga MAC A.C.‘s Legend of the Hummingbird! ? In support of Liga MAC students and families, this evening under the stars featured a contemporary dance performance, as well as modern Mexican cuisine prepared by San Jose del Cabo’s top chefs! Special thanks to all of those who #MakeItHappen!

Changing Lives Through Education

Liga MAC is changing lives through education.

For 21 years, Liga MAC has helped to nourish, heal and give opportunities for education to thousands of individuals in the community of San José del Cabo, B.C.S. Mexico. This includes over 5,000 grants to children and young adults during the last 13 years. Learn more about their mission online: Liga MAC A.C.