The Luxe Chronicles

Change Is Good But ...

I think I'll just stand still for a little while.

I often hear the expression "change is good for you." While I agree with this sentiment (in principle), I feel strongly that a caveat is required. I would add that change is good for you in a "whatever doesn't kill you will make you stronger" kind of way and as far as I'm concerned, I've embraced just about all the change I can take for a while.

Martell: The Art of Marketing A Heritage Brand.

One of the aspects I value most about my recent trip to Cognac for the House of Martell is the opportunity to learn more about the cognac industry. Too often, luxury brands shroud themselves in mystery. Cultivating a certain reserve can obviously be a useful way of managing a brand's image and in some instances can even enhance it. As a consumer however, I find that my affection or admiration for a brand is often enhanced by being offered a glimpse behind the scenes.

Gastronomy: The House Of Martell Embarks Upon An Audacious Culinary Adventure.

It takes a certain audacity to cast aside generations of tradition and plot a radically new course.  Cognac, a drink long associated with the antiquated post-dinner ritual where men withdrew to the library for cigars and serious discussion while women stayed amongst themselves for coffee and light banter, is being rebranded as a total culinary experience.  The move is all the more audacious when you consider that it is the work of France's oldest cognac house, Martell, founded in 1715.

It Was A Wonderful Week ...

Every once in a while, life offers you a rare opportunity to experience something truly special. As a guest of historic cognac house Martell, I had just such an opportunity this week. Comfortably esconced in the enchanting Chateau de Chanteloup just outside of Cognac, I was offered, along with a small group of food and spirits bloggers, a taste of French art de vivre and gastronomy at its very best. We toured, we ate and we drank. Alas, you'll have to wait until next week to hear all about it because simply put, I'm exhausted! But happily so.

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Catch Me If You Can!

I'm in another one of those travel cycles where I effectively unpack my bags only to repack them again. I just got back from Paris and I'm now off to the Cognac region of France as a guest of historic French cognac house Martell. Of course, given where I'm going, who in their right mind could possibly complain? Moi? Certainement pas!

See You In A Little Bit ...

Dear Readers:

I need to pop over to Paris for a few days to take care of some business. I should resume my normal posting schedule by week's end. As usual, you can keep up with me via Twitter at @LuxeChronicles or via Tumblr. Au revoir!

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Duty Calls ...

Dear Readers:

I will be traveling for the rest of the week for work. I will resume my regular posting schedule next week. A bientôt!

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Cut At 45 Park Lane: A Mecca For Carnivores.

I have always loved and always will love red meat (especially when paired with a fine red wine). For this reason, I respect vegans, vegetarians and pescetarians but I will never understand them. I would also probably never invite them to London's newly opened upscale eatery Cut for the menu would most likely not go over well. It's not that there are no vegetarian or pescetarian options but the real emphasis is placed firmly on the meat. To put it bluntly, Cut is nothing short of a mecca for carnivores.

A Più Tardi!!

Dear Readers:

By the time you read this post, I will already be in an undisclosed location somewhere in the lovely Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Where I'm going, there are no trendy bars or restaurants, very little shopping, no places to see or be seen and precious few tourists. There is however plenty of sun, lovely food, lovely wine and truly lovely people. I'll be back sometime next week ... maybe. A più tardi!!

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Off To Paris For Club eLuxe... À Bientôt Chers Lecteurs!

Dear Readers:

I'm off to Paris to attend Club eLuxe which takes place tomorrow at the very chic Ritz Hotel. The event is fully booked but fear not, I will be Tweeting throughout the event (with the exception of the Panel Discussion in which I'm taking part) for those of you interested in following the discussions. You can follow the Twitter stream at #eluxe. Don't hesitate to send me your comments and questions. I'll do my best to track down answers. À bientôt!

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles