Holiday 2020 Issue

feature

Q+A |Raphael Macek Your work has spanned the globe and you have made
yourself quite a desired commodity in the Equestrian
Tell us who you are, what you do, and where you currently community specifically, what drove you to focus on horses as
reside. your compelling models?
An animal lover, passionate about beauty... perfectionist, highly I’m in a very happy stage of my career, working with art
disciplined and dedicated always striving to improve on both galleries, art fairs and clients Worldwide. We have many
a personal and professional level. My name is Raphael Macek partnerships with architects and interior designer who present
photographer/artist born in Brazil into a family of animal lovers. my images to their clients and exhibit my work together with
My father was a horse breeder and veterinarian, instilled in me masterpiece decorations. It’s very interesting because I normally
his passion and love for animals. After some years travelling the sell a lot for people who don’t have horses too, not only for the
World developing different series of images, I decided to move horse community, but people who admire this majestic animal
to live in Palm Beach – Florida – USA a place very central, easy but there is no day-to-day contact with horses. I believe
to travel for many different parts of the World and side by side
with Wellington one of the biggest horse communities in the
World.

You earned your Master of Fine Arts in 2007, did
you always have the desire to shoot with animals?
Or more importantly horses?
Because since my childhood I lived surrounded
by horses on my family’s farm this proximity
to Horses created a very special relationship of
respect and admiration. When I start to photography
was natural for me choose them as my models.
“interaction without interference,” exemplifies
how calmness, dedication and patience play key
roles in my approach. Horses are one of the most
important animals on the human history, without
horses would not be possible to develop our society
as it’s today. So, for me an idea of presenting them
on the best way possible is a matter of gratitude and
acknowledgment.

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nowadays and even more now with this situation the World is facing the
human realized how important is to preserve our environment and how
great is to have a little bit of that inside of their houses in form of art.

Your heightened awareness surrounding your subjects makes for
a tremendously intimate image. Would you consider yourself a
horseman?
Looking at some of my images, viewers can sense the vital force of a horse,
their expressions, near to humans expressions. The warmth of perfectly
balanced light creates shapes and contrast, revealing my heightened sense
of aesthetics and ongoing communication with nature. “A good photograph
is more than a beautiful picture; it encompasses a wide range of emotions
that tell the entire story of a unique moment frozen in time.” My process
goes beyond simply taking a beautiful picture, I want to feel the energy
of the horse even if I’m not anymore on his presence and bring that
experience for people around the World through my photography motivates
me every day to continue creating new images and new concepts for my
series.

Your work stands apart from so many others, what is your secret?
DEDICATION... I live photography 110% of my life and days, all my
business is related with art, photography, creativity. This environment in
my life helps me to develop my instincts and pursuit this feeling of be
possible to create uniqueness. I ever say my best picture will be the next
one, I came to every photoshoot focus, passionate and dedicated to do
my best for this fantastic animal who deserve all my love and passion. I
think that is the “SECRET” a good photographer who produce beautiful
images is not difficult to be, you need to study and be dedicated, but a
photographer who can feel the emotions of the animals and transmit this
through images only a feel ones can do and I’m really happy for be one of
them.

I read that you sometimes offer workshops. Is this something you
are still doing? If so, will you be doing one after this covid-crisis has
ended?
I developed this Workshops bringing the experience and knowledge I have
gained from my own personal journey and professional experience. Each
year, my team host a number of workshops worldwide, each one with
it’s own unique content teaching different techniques along of the most
beautiful Horse breeds in the World. All the participants has the opportunity
to be side by side with me sharing they creative look, inspirations and
emotions true the camera.
The workshop attendee numbers are small and exclusive, which means
we have time to focus on individuals and cater to every photographer’s
needs; whether you are an amateur, an professional or even specialize in an
entirely different field of photography altogether. We are sure that after this
days you will leave with new ideas, knowledge and most of all, inspiration
and guidance to put into your own practice, career and business.
Because of this covid-crisis we’re developing a new exclusive on line
course full of my “secrets”, techniques and experiences to attend much
more people than my regular workshops. Will be available soon.

How can someone purchase or view your current available collections?
Do you do commissioned pieces?
My website is www.raphaelmacek.com there I have a huge collection of
images with different styles. Normally my artworks are limited editions of
only 7 reproductions all signed by hand and with certificate of authenticity.
You can contact me and my team through the website or by email contact@
macekgallery.com Another very important place to exhibit my images is the
Instagram @raphaelmacek there we upload images every day and I show a
little bit of my photoshoots, my companies, my lifestyle. Is a great pleasure
to be able to communicate with all this people who follow me and send me
positive messages everyday, I try to be repay this in the best way possible,
with my time. Thanks again for the amazing interview EQluxe, was a
pleasure and I’m always open for your audience. Stay safe.

Find Him

instagram.com/raphaelmacek
rapahelmacek.com
macekgallery.com

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barn envy

Written by Raquel Lynn of Stable Style, Photography by Zachary Balber, courtesy of In-Site Design Group

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It’s all in the details and this polo barn in Florida

is picture perfect. In Wellington, the equestrian world is
thriving. Here is a world-class facility with top-of-the-line
amenities and expansive space to grow into. The developed
portion of the property is just over 5 acres with another 50
acres for practice polo fields and potential add-on buildings.
The Decorators Unlimited, a luxury interior design firm
based out of South Florida, worked hand-in-hand with
the architect Annie Carruthers and Jack Carruthers of
the established In-Site Design Group and the builder J5
Construction, to create the overall project vision for the
client.
In keeping with the client’s vision, a majority of the
selections, both inside and out; from paver and brick
finishes to the final towel rod and robe hook were made by
the team at Decorators Unlimited.

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barn envy

Not all projects flow easily however, they faced
a challenging time constraint, which was a large
undertaking. The property needed to be ready for
polo season and the horse’s arrival. Luckily, the team
was able to coordinate the moving parts seamlessly
through overseas client communication insuring
scheduled selections and reliable expertise on their
part. In the end, the finished project turned out better
than anyone imagined.

Equestrian Facility Breakdown

There are 64 stalls on the property with Classic
Equine doors. Twelve paddocks for outdoor grazing,
two polo fields for stick and ball and one large arena.
And that’s just the developed portion.

barn envy

Inside the barn are 4 tack rooms and 4 large storage/laundry/feed rooms, 2 wash stalls are located on the outside perimeter of the stables.
The barn area also has a staff building, which sleeps 16 and a Patron Players Common Building, which also has 2 administrative offices.
At the center is a large Asado area with an outdoor kitchen for grilling and entertaining.
This is just one of four tack rooms in the barn.
The tack room flooring is an 8” porcelain tobacco wood plank for easier cleaning and less maintenance.  This spectacular room features
bridle racks on one side, saddle racks and mallet storage on the opposing wall.

Project Details

Interior Design – 
The Decorators Unlimited
decoratorsunlimited.com
Architects –  
Annie Carruthers and Jack
Carruthers, In-Site Design
Group insitedesigngroup.com
Builder –
J5 Construction
Lighting Consultant –
Orsman Design Inc

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escape

Written by Shelli Wright

As the fear of stepping out of our homes decreases and the longing for getting out there takes over

one starts to wonder exactly where we should go? As someone who has a bit of ‘wander lust’ anyway, I
really wanted to explore something closer to home. I wanted to capture the thrill of venturing away and
indulge in restorative plights like spa treatments and wine tasting without airports or packing a large
suitcase. Let me introduce you to my favorite California town, San Luis Obispo or SLO as the locals call
it. SLO is perfectly situated between San Francisco and Los Angeles on the Central Coast of California.
It’s the perfect weekend getaway with all of the ‘treat yourself’ perks of any regal destination but filled
with the warmth and convenience of your own neighborhood. It’s also very convenient to day sipping at
vineyards or catching a horse show in Paso Robles.

Photo: San Luis Obipo Tourism

escape

What You Might Not Know

SLO enjoys year-round sun, a warm Mediterranean marine climate, a world-class wine region and thousands of acres of protected open
space to explore. Landing on the iconic 101 Highway, SLO offers an abundance of road trip opportunities along the 80-mile stretch of
highway. In town, you have an abundance of top-rated farm to table restaurants set up for outdoor seating and lovely shopping opportunities
and wonderful over night stays at fabulous boutique hotels. As a small town, SLO supports the relaxing feel of down home comfort while
still offering all the amenities you need during covid-protocol situations. Naturally, it’s a daily check in so be sure to check operations
before embarking.

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Where to Stay

Hotel Cerro
1125 Garden St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
If privacy and upscale comfort is what
you crave then Hotel Cerro is the spot to
accommodate your every luxurious need.
With sustainability and sophistication in
mind, the 65- room boutique hotel offers
every detailed whim your bougie heart
desires all the way down to the private patio.
At Hotel Cerro you will experience a new
level of design and sophistication amongst
boutique hotels. With Downtown at your
doorstep, this is where you’ll find the ideal
balance of high-touch service with a relaxed,
“Central Coast” feel. They also just recently
opened their rooftop lounge and pool area
and are sticking to protocol in their area for
your safety.

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Amenities:

Rooftop Terrace Pool. The amenities at Hotel Cerro abound with a roof-top pool terrace featuring lounging opportunities and a chance to
sip on a fancy cocktail and watch the sun set. Relax and take in the fresh central coast breezes.

Dine-out but remain at hotel at Brasserie SLO serving modern coastal cuisine with an
emphasis on creating a casual French dining experience. At Brasserie SLO they serve
an assortment of fresh dishes made from locally sourced ingredients and greens hand
picked from their edible gardens on the property. Their sumptuous meals are prepared
using their wood-burning oven or the wood-fired grill. I highly recommend their
flatbreads!
Brasserie Slo does Breakfast A La Carte, Lunch, Dinner, and Brunch on Sat-Sun.

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Where to Dine escape

The walkable downtown is bursting with restaurants in turn-of-the-century | W20 65
mercantile buildings, inviting you to stroll around and check out all the options,
while an array of eateries outside the center core are just a few minutes away.
SLO’s mild, Mediterranean climate is ideal for outdoor dining, and the options
don’t disappoint. Find a quiet courtyard for a romantic meal, dine creekside for
instant ambiance, or snag a spot at a sidewalk table and watch the world go by
around you.
San Luis Obispo offers an assortment of restaurants and bars which pride
themselves on the farm to table experience. The Central Coast has much to offer
by way of wine, fresh farm produce and main course ingredients which lends to
the lifestyle attitude that everything you need can be found nearby in SLO. You
will find that most local restaurants share in this attitude and what you are left with
are choices of fabulous food all through the town. I would recommend checking
with individual restaurants prior to arrival to make sure everything is operational as
some may have limited openings due to Covid protocol.

Favorites

Big Sky Cafe
This little gem is a must for a healthy and great tasting meal. Depending on
local farmers, ranchers, brewmasters and vintners Big Sky prides themselves of
providing real food by real people. Their fresh market cuisine has made them the
go-to place in SLO for breakfast, lunch and dinner so make sure you don’t pass
up this gem. Many of their dishes are vegetarian so their
menu offers unique combinations for everyone. We dropped
in for breakfast and If you want something that will knock
your socks off roll with the Shaksouka, it’s as hearty as is it
delicious.

Novo Restaurant and Lounge
726 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Novorestaurant.com
If romance is your goal for your weekend away than Novo
Restaurant and Lounge is your place. This hospitable creekside
location offers a relaxing and friendly dining experience
whilst serving spectacular food for lunch, brunch or dinner. We
chose to dine on the beautifully lit terrace for dinner. Locally-
sourced whenever possible, Novo’s menu provided us with so
many options of internationally combined flavors it was truly
difficult to decide. I would hugely recommend the duck breast
with blackberries, eggplant and panang sauce with forbidden
black rice. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
In keeping with the tradition of fabulous locally-sourced
globally inspired food Novo’s founders Robin and Shanny
Covey also operate Luna Red and Mint+Craft and Mercantile
located within SLO as well. Again, be sure to check prior to
arrival to make sure things are operational.

Sidecar Cocktail Co.
1040 Broad St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
If it’s happy hour or just time for a night cap then Sidecar Cocktail Co. is the
perfect choice. Set up above the creek in the former home of the Metro Brewing
Co. owner Josh Christensen has developed a cozy and fun atmosphere for
wonderfully concocted mixed drinks, robust eats and cocktails to go! Wait what?
Yes, they have a small market at the restaurant where you can have your cocktails
packaged into 16oz containers. Love this place.

Buona Tavola
1037 Monterey St San Luis Obispo, 93401
For well over two decades Antonio Varia has been delighting the discerning plates
of Central Coast residents with his inventive Northern Italian Cuisine. Zagat survey
gave it the highest ratings of any restaurant in the country, calling it ‘superb dining’
and it is. If Italian food is on your radar than this is the one you choose. Serving up
both lunch and dinner this outdoor patio setting is just the spot to sink into a plate
of homemade pasta or feast on their handcrafted Alle-Pia Salamis.

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escape

Sip Away

Welcome to the rolling hill vineyards, bold wines and the assortment of wineries to choose from in San Luis Obispo County. The Edna
Valley just minutes from SLO is loaded with a mecca of lovely vineyards and wineries to choose from. We highly suggest signing up for
a wine tour and venturing out with those in the know and those who will drive you home after a fabulous day of wine tasting some of the
most sought after wines in the country.
Breakaway Tours Wine and Events holds 25 years of experience in the wine tour business. Their personalized options and passion for fun
wine education made this not only an enjoyable outing but we came back feeling like we had learned about the wine we were drinking
which admittedly was a first for both of us. I think what stuck with us most, was the attention placed on sustainability that was prevalent
amongst all of the wineries and vineyards we visited. Nancy from the tour company was readily available to answer any questions and was
deeply knowledgable about every stop and their wines.
Most tasting rooms are offering outdoor seating by reservation so just make sure to reach out prior to set your schedule accordingly.
Breakaway-tours.com

Our Favs

Wolff Vineyards
6238 Orcutt Road
wolffvineyards.com
Wolff Vineyards was planted in 1976 with 55 acres
of Chardonnay grapes by one of the Edna Valley’s
wine growing pioneers, Andy Macgregor. Now
located on 125 acres of ecologically friendly and
certified sustainable this vineyard is family run
and headed by it’s skillfully knowledgable Wolff
pack leader Jean Pierre Wolff. Their winemaking
philosophy is very simple: wine is made in the
vineyard utilizing minimal intervention. The cool
coastal climate of the Edna Valley influences the
characteristic of their wines. This boutique winery
is designed specifically for small lots allowing close
control of every aspect of the vilification. They
produce an assortment of wines ranging from a
lovely fresh Reisling to a beautiufl Petite Sirah.

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Tolosa
4910 Edna Road
tolosawinery.com
Tolosa’s wines are an exploration of Pinto Noir and Chardonnay.
The vineyard, Edna Ranch, is sustainably farmed and Sustainability
in Practice certified as has roots all the back to 1988 when vintner
Robin Baguette began winemaking. This was a beautiful wine tasting
experience. Tolosa sources much of its fruit from Edna Ranch which
consists of six distinct sections. Heavy clay fills the valley floor
while sandstone and clay loam cover the hillsides. Limestone - the
Holy Grail for Pinot Noir – blankets the slopes of a knoll. The result,
profound wines of diverse and distinctive character. The outdoor
seating amongst the rolling hills inspires reflection and relaxation.

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escape

Edna Valley
2582 Biddle Ranch Rd.
Ednavalleyvineyards.com
Following in the footsteps of their founder, vineyard developer Jack Niven,
Edna Valley continues to craft award-winning Chardonnay, the first variety
planted in the Edna Valley region. In addition to their flagship Chardonnay
wine, they offer five other varietal wines nationwide: Merlot, cabernet
Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigios, Rose’ and Sauvignon Blanc. With an
array of award-winning wines and stunning views, Edna Valley Vineyard’s
tasting room and grounds provide a wonderful stop over with different
tasting experiences.
All and all our SLO experience revived us. The pace and lifestyle that this
little pocket of beauty situated between Los Angeles and San Francisco had
to offer reminded us that it’s ok to just be relaxed and easy going. Reward
yourself for getting out there by experiencing this quaint with sophisticated
tastes kind of town.

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The First Racehorse Rider Store

RiderTack.com
(786) 474-6465

Join the Ride
www.EQluxe.com

celebrate

Grand Prix 75

1.5 oz Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
.75 oz fresh lemon juice
1 bar spoon simple syrup
top with dry champagne

Combine all ingredients in a
champagne flute. Garnish with

orange zest.
Written by Lila Joy Ginsburg
Quarantine hasn’t stopped us from enjoying a nice
cocktail. Whether you’re alone or at a party these festive
equine-themed drinks are sure to bring Holiday Cheer!

Barn Treats Chai Hot Horse

1 oz Kahlúa 2 cups water
1 oz Vodka 4 chai tea bags
1 oz Peppermint Schnapps (or ½ cup loose-leaf chai tea)
3 oz Milk or Half and half 1½ cups milk
Simple Syrup ¼ cup honey
Crushed Candy Canes ¼ cup sugar
6 ounces rum
Dip rim of glass in the simple syrup, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
then the candy crushed canes to coat. Ground cinnamon, as needed for finishing
Add Kahlua, Vodka, and Peppermint
In a medium pot, bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
Schnapps into a cocktail shaker with Remove the pot from the heat and add the tea bags (or the loose-leaf
ice. Shake until well chilled, and strain tea). Let the mixture steep for 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the tea bags
into glass. Top off with milk of choice. or strain out the loose tea. Return the tea mixture to the pot and then
stir in the milk, honey and sugar. Heat, stirring occasionally, until
Enjoy immediately, and don’t let your the sugar is dissolved. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the
ponies get a whiff of this delicious treat! rum and vanilla extract. Divide the mixture among four mugs and
garnish each with a pinch or two of cinnamon. Garnish with anise
and cinammon stick. Serve immediately.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Mule

3 ounces ginger ale
3 ounces ginger beer
2 ounces cherry vodka

(or regular vodka with 3 splashes cherry
juice)
Lime and cherry for garnish

Combine ginger ale, ginger beer, cherry
juice and vodka into copper mug or lowball
glass. Stir, add ice, and garnish with lime and
cherry.

One Horse Open Sleigh Runner Triple Crown

2 oz rum 1 ounce bourbon
4 tbsp cream of coconut 3/4 ounce pamplemousse
6 large ice cubes 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice from 1 lemon
cinnamon and nutmeg 3/4 ounce Montenegro Amaro
Whipped cream Lemon slice, for garnish

Combine ingredients into glass with ice and Add bourbon, pamplemousse, lemon
stir. Top with Whipped Cream. Sprinkle juice, and amaro to a cocktail shaker.
with cinnamon and Nutmeg. Fill 2/3 full with ice and shake until well
chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into a
cocktail coupe, garnish with lemon slice
or twist, and serve immediately.

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