05 Oct A Weekend of Luxury at the Longines Masters

Paris, Hong Kong and Los Angeles – what a privilege to live in one of the three cities in the world that hosts the Longines Masters. Longines Masters took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center over four days (October 1-4, 2015). Attracting people who have a passion for horses, it celebrates the magic of Show Jumping through competitions and shows. Even if you do not have a passion for horses, it is a glamorous event that offers Olympic-level sport and entertainment. For the second year in a row, the Los Angeles Convention Center was converted into two horse rings with a VIP area, spectator seating and vendor booths. The best show jumping horses and riders in the world compete during four days for a total prize money of 1 million US Dollars at each stage of the Masters. As a guest of Champagne Barons de Rothschild, we had a front row seat in the VIP section, where we sat with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Bill Gates, Kaley Cuoco. But, most importantly we were very close to the competition ring and could see everything with an unfettered view. Friday night was the Longines Speed Challenge, a demonstration of speed, agility, power and precision. With our seats next to the ring, we could hear the horses panting as they jumped and our hearts stopped as we hoped they would clear the bar. We also watched a performance of a dancing horse. Saturday included more competitions, as well as a demonstration of how they teach the horse to dance and the various steps. As the competitions took place, we enjoyed numerous glasses of Champagne Barons de Rothschild Brut and Rose. Champagne Barons de Rothschild is the product of three branches of the family coming together to produce a Champagne that represents terroir, vintage and grapes. Champagne Barons de Rothschild works with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the region’s best terroirs. There are a total of 17 grand cru villages out out 400 villages in Champagne and Barons de Rothschild purchases fruit from these grand cru villages. The Baron de Rothschild Brut is 60% chardonnay and 40% pinot noir with 82% of the fruit coming from grand cru villages. This powerful, rich Champange has notes of pear, white flowers and nuts. The Baron de Rothschild Rose is 85% chardonnay and 15% pinot noir and 100% of the fruit comes from grand cru villages. A beautiful pale pink, the rose has aromas of rose petals and strawberry and on the palate is silky. In addition to all of the delicious bubbles, we had the pleasure to sip some Terso Bianco (white wine) and Amarone from Marchese Fumanelli from Valpolicella and white and red Rothschild Bordeaux as well. To pair with the wines, colorful, flavorful, elegant food was prepared by Chef Yves Mattagne, a 2* Michelin Chef from Belgium. Friday Night Nobashi Shrimp, Iced Soup of Peas, Burrata, Mint, Green Asparagus, Croutons, Fried Garlic Duck, Mousseline of Carrots, Plum Sauce, Citrus, Coriander, Nougat, Sesame, Peanut Tainori Chocolate Cream, Vanilla Espuma, Coffee Granite Saturday Lunch Salma Salmon, Coctail Orange Ginger Lemonade Passion Fruit Sake, Fresh Herbs Chicken Breast, Filled with Morels, Creamy Ratte Potato, Egg, Cauliflower, Parmesan, Poultry Crust Strawberries, Marshmallow, Vanilla, Sorbet, Opaline The Longines Masters was an elegant weekend of luxury and I look forward to it returning to Los Angeles next year for the third time.