BEst Guide.

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LUXURIOUS LIVING

Welcome to the first annual "B.E.ST Guide." Living well is an inherent part of our culture. This premier supplement features pages of recommendations on the "best" in ... Style (fashion, fragrance), Wining & Dining, Destinations (spas, luxury vacations, and beach-front mega resorts) and Passions (luxury automobiles, yachting, coin collecting, premium cigars, golf, etc.) and highlights the ways we work. Play. Shop. And simply, how we enjoy the finer things in life.

Economic conditions have never been better for African American consumers. Our earnings increased significantly between 1998 and 1999 from $441 billion to $491 billion; and along the way, the face of America's newest millionaires took on a new hue, too. Our goals are now bigger homes, faster cars, and billion-dollar deals. We've watched our parents play the corporate game, but have decided to forge our own way -- on our own terms.

STYLE

The power of style is in its shorthand declaration of individuality, allowing us to say who we are and what we're about without having to say a word. From an early 1930s Duke Ellington commanding the stage at Harlem's famed Cotton Club in tailored suits and coordinating vests, to Sean Combs commanding runways with his lush, plush, and opulent Sean Jean clothing line, Black male style has always been a defining force in the world of fashion. That means being secure enough to take the best of Prada, a little bit of the Gap, toss in a liberal dose of Jeffrey Banks, and stir. Because those who know are too busy starting trends to simply follow dictates.

For women, fashion's focus is on global warming. A memorable Italian experience is just a likely to be a tour of the Ufizzi or a Sardinian summer as a funky pair of Versace hip-huggers, Dolce & Gabbana python boots, and a Gucci tote picked up during an afternoon at Saks Fifth Avenue. Wherever we go, fashion remains at the top of our must-do list.

BEST OF COUTURE

B. michael, Seventh Avenue's only African-American collections' couturier, is quickly gaining international recognition for his apparel and accessory designs. While b's initial acclaim was through his talents as a millinery designer, he has since developed a loyal following of professional women, international socialites, and worldwide celebrities, including Cate Blanchett, Halle Berry, Nnenna Freelon, and Cindy Blackman. "I am inspired by the woman I dress," comments b.

Recently, during the world famous "Seventh on Sixth" fashion shows in New York, b unveiled his fall 2001 collections, consisting of day and late-day suits and dresses, sexy sophisticated cocktail dresses and ensembles, and glamorous gowns for evening. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, and select boutiques. Call b michael, N.Y., 212-221-9400

BEST OF FOOTWEAR

Rondonovan, a former engineer, as the builder of fine footwear and accessories. Rondonovan Bespoke, the custom collections, consists of three offerings: the Signatures, the Traditionals, and the Originals. Measurements of each client's feet are taken and used to hand-build his or her footwear in Donovan's small, SOHO workshop. While custom products will remain the company's hallmark, Donovan is currently preparing to introduce his first ready-to-wear collections. Like the custom designs, they will also cater to well-heeled men and women who appreciate style and understand the value of quality. Donovan, who wears a size 15-and-a-half, has created a niche for himself by equally accommodating those within this market segment with "extreme size" needs.

RONDONOVAN BESPOKE, from the signature collection.

Whether the occasion calls for disco-influenced Gucci (from the luggage and saddlery company founded by Guccio Gucci in 1921 that attained legendary status in the '70s and has reemerged as a fashion force under the direction of designer Tom Ford), or the classic '40s feel of Prada, or the timeless look of b michael couture, black America is well aware of its fashion options and won't hesitate to explore, and exploit, them.

BEST SCENTS ...

From Ted Baker, England's foremost designer of quality clothing, comes Ted Baker Skinwear, a modern, yet, classic scent with crisp top notes of bergamot, citrus, and cool oceanic notes of amber and cedarwood. Each stylish glass bottle with aluminum cap and color-coded sleeves, is housed in a hand-stitched Neoprene suit--extraordinary packaging for a far-from-ordinary fragrance. Choose your bottle from five different colors--select your color just like you select your fabulous Ted Baker shirts--for a truly personalized fragrance. Ted Baker Skinwear is now available nationwide at select stores. The line includes a 60ml. and 100ml. Eau de Toilette, 100ml. Aftershave, 200ml. Body Wash and 25ml. Shaving Oil. Priced from $17.50 to $45. Also available is the Ted Baker Woman fragrance, reflecting the Ted Baker Woman's personality. All Ted Baker clothing and fragrances--including Ted Baker Woman & Endurance--are available at the Ted Baker London store on Grand Street in New York City, or at: www.tedbaker.co.uk.

Companies like Brooks Brothers are still forces to be reckoned with, but these days they have to share their franchise with Brioni, Costume National, Ermengildo Zegna, Giorgio Armani, Comme des Garcons or hip British designer Ozwald Boateng. Appropriate footwear for climbing the ladder to the top means Manalo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo for her, and Ferragamo and Fratelli Rosetti for the businessman on the go. And just to make life easy, chic haunts like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Barney's New York, and Louis Vuitton serve up more than enough of a selection to fill up any fashion plate.

Whether traditional or avant-garde, how we wear what we wear with flair remains an African American pastime. Simply put: We set trends. We know style.

WINING & DINING

Your drink of choice? It depends on your taste, of course. Whether it's a glass of Petrus, a bit of the bubbly, or a sip of L'Esprit de Courvoisier cognac to accompany that Fuente Fuente OpusX, the goal is to know what you like and like what you know. Whether celebrating another year of successful living, the culmination of a lucrative business deal, or simply to socialize with friends at the end of a hectic week, we're reaching for Veuve Clicquot, the brut to pour when the occasion calls for more. If fine wine is your pleasure, make it La Tache by Domaine De La Romanee-Conti ($475). And because one never knows when the occasion may call for an impromptu toast, serious connoisseurs equip their homes with state-of-the-art wine cellars designed by the Wine Enthusiast, stocked with a bevy of booze.

When it comes to fine dining, five-stars is nice, but exceptional service, attention to detail, and out-of-the-ordinary fare is what keeps us coming back for more. Perhaps that's why those who know visit Azul in Miami for it's 200-bottle wine list (from $28 to $7,999) and rare selection of spirits, including Hennessy Timeless (at $408 a shot). Out west, Sunset Room in Hollywood draws the moneyed set who don't mind dropping $500 for the privilege to eat, drink and be merry in the luxurious VIP room and chic cigar cabanas. On the East Coast, New York's Grand Havana Room is the members-only penthouse cigar bar for those discerning patrons who fancy a premium stogie, a Manhattan view, fine dining, and all the amenities that go along with private club membership.

Tanqueray[R] No.Ten

REFINED TASTE ...

Every so often a product appears on the scene that creates a frenzy that sends party-goers and shoppers everywhere asking for it. This year, that product is Tanqueray No. Ten. You have probably seen the beautiful, sleek green bottle. Your friends who are looking for an elegant and flavorful spirit are probably ordering it.

Tanqueray No. Ten is the perfect fusion of citrus botanical flavors with a delicate character of fruits, herbs and spices. So what does that mean? It means that can say good-bye to the drab and lackluster martinis of the past, and say hello to a smoother, fresher, livelier, and tastier drink made with the freshest tasting spirit available.

With the resurgence of the great classic cocktails, high-style drinking and entertaining is back in vogue. With this new trend comes a more demanding consumer who looks for an elegant and flavorful spirit that will go beyond the traditional cocktail to elevate socializing to the level of a truly memorable experience.

But don't take my word for it, next time you are out on thea town, ask for Tanqueray No.Ten.

THE BEST RED ...

DOMAINE DE LA ROMANEE: CONTI (VOSNE-ROMANEE) ASSORTED

1997 Grands Echezeaux $250

The ruby-colored 1997 Grands Echezeaux offers red and black liqueur aromas. It is a medium to full-bodied, oily-textured wine that possesses good power and density. Smoked bacon, sweet wax, and spices are found in the fat, plump, seductive offering. Drink it over the next six to eight years.

1997 Richebourg $350

The similarly colored 1997 Richebourg is substantially bigger and more flavorful. Its rose, violet, talcum power, and crushed berry-scented nose leads to a boisterous, dense personality. Medium to full-bodied and loaded with spices, freshly ground black pepper, and blackberries, this is a deeply ripe, expressive wine. Projected maturity: now-2009.

1997 La T,che $475

Dark-colored, the aromatically right 1997 La T,che reveals Asian spices, pepper, cherries and black currants. This is a velvety-textured, expansive, and massively ripe wine boasting flavors reminiscent of licorice and blackberry jam. It has superb depth of fruit (particularly for this sometimes "simple" vintage), medium to full body, with an admirable length to add to its supple finish. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2012.

The French Wine Merchant is located at The Mall at The Source, 1504 Old Country Road, Westbury, N.Y. For more information, call 1-800-WINE-4-YOU.

THE TWENTY-SEVEN HERBS, SPICES AND OTHER NATURAL FLAVORINGS IN B & B LIQUEUR

The master blender of the Benedictine Distiller uses 27 spices, herbs, and other botanicals to create Benedictine and B & B Liqueurs. While 25 of the 27 ingredients are known, the precise proportions are a secret known only to the master blender. The formal recipe is kept in a safe in three different locations around the world for security purposes. The master blender works with producers around the world to ensure that only the highest quality ingredients are used for the blending of Benedictine and B & B Liqueur.

Club Macanudo is dedicated to celebrating the lifestyle behind the cigar legacy. With the help of a cutting-edge filtration system that changes the air 28 times per hour, even non-smokers will feel comfortable.

Club Macanudo features leather sofas, warm lighting and Native American artwork. We offer 500 mahogany, Spanish-cedar lined, state-of-the-art humidors available for annual leasing.

Relax in luxurious comfort as our friendly staff treats you to an unforgettable evening. An impressive selection of fine spirits is complimented by an extensive wine and port list and one of the largest selections of premium handrolled cigars in New York.

The Spices

Indian cardamom, the second most expensive spice in the world, imparts a heady aroma to Benedictine and B&B Liqueur. Ceylonese cinnamon adds mild, warm spicy notes. Powerfully aromatic cloves and nutmeg are imported from the Comoros Islands. The orange-like aroma of Mediterranean coriander is a subtle, yet, distinctive element in the bland. Genger from southern Asia lends a certain pepperiness. Sweet and aromatic, blue-black juniper berries give B&B Liqueur a hint of woodiness; the master distiller insists upon French juniper berries. From Sri Lanka comes mace, the bright red, lacy covering of the nutmeg. Madagascar vanilla--preferred by chefs worldwide--smooths and mellows the mix. Saffron, the world's most expensive spice, is used as a final flavor infusion in the manufacturing process.

The Herbs

The leaves of the aloe plant yield a bitter extract that is used to flavor alcoholic beverages, Benedictine and B&B among them. The herb with the heavenly name--angelica--has the faintest aroma of licorice; it is imported from Armenia. Bee balm, a flower garden favorite, is fragrant and sweet. Hyssop, the somewhat neglected member of the mint family, adds a pungent note. Melissa, also known as lemon balm, was cultivated by medieval monks to attract bees to abbey hives; it adds a fresh, herbal quality to Benedictine and B&B Liqueur. The sharp, slightly piney accent of thyme melds beautifully with the complex array of flavors in Benedictine and B&B Liqueurs.

SAVORING THE BEST ...

Pear Betty (Cobbler)

3 bosc pears (sliced)
2 tbsp. dark brown sugar
1/3 cup dark rum
1/2 tsp. powdered ginger
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Lime juice - strained (of a whole lime)
1/2 stick butter
2 bulbs of anise
star

Crust: Pillsbury dough (available at local super markets) Medium saucepan Ceramic baking dish

Wendell Price, Chef to the Stars: This Houston-based celebrity chef is the master behind Carl Lewis's Cafe Noir and Isaac Hayes's upcoming Hot Butter Soul restaurant in Miami. Wendell is scheduled to host cooking classes at the Viking Culinary Arts Center (downtown Memphis). Wendell, anticipating demand from the unique cuisine offered at the Ivy Bistro, notes that he looks forward to providing Memphis with some of his most creative dishes ever.

DESTINATIONS

We own luxury yachts and private jets. We bar hop in Barcelona. Ride camels in Cairo. Make love in Milan. We have the disposable income to enjoy second homes in Martha's Vineyard and in the Hamptons and still find time to visit family down South. Should the agenda call for a few days away, we understand that getting there is equally as important as being there.

On airplanes we're sitting forward of the blue curtain and we've clocked enough frequent flier miles to take several excursions around the world. We are among the major airlines' top fliers and whether we travel for business (as we do in record numbers) or for pleasure, what a pleasure it is to travel in first-class style.

Our getaways complement our varying lifestyles. From golf vacations at Our Lucaya Golf and Beach Resort in the Grand Bahamas to sunning in St. Barts, and holiday-ing in the South of France, we're in search of the unusual and finding it in places like Les Sources de Caudalie, a vinotherapy spa set among the vineyards of Bordeaux, France, or at Mirival Life in Balance Spa in Catalina, Arizona. And because you cannot possibly know where you are going until you first understand where you've come from, we're heading home, to the Motherland, and embarking on African safaris to Kenya, Tanzania, and Egypt. Skiing in Aspen, Colorado and scuba diving in the Cayman Islands have also become a few of our daring departures.

As long as there are new worlds to explore, we will continue to fill our passports with stamps from exotic locales. We will also continue to look for mind-expanding outlets that will open us up to new experiences and embark on travels that reflect the lifestyles we've come to enjoy.

Jamaican-style Relaxation

Strawberry Hill makes for a perfect vacation

Are you ready for the ultimate island getaway? Try Strawberry Hill, a hideaway housed in Kingston Jamaica's Blue Mountains.

The secluded property is 3,100 feet above sea level and is encircled by giant ferns and towering plants. It contains 12 simple yet elegantly decorated villas, a restaurant offering new Jamaican cuisine, the Aveda Spa, an executive conference center and a library. There's also a gray-bottom 60-foot negative-edge swimming pool that hangs off of the mountain. Take a plunge into this attraction and you'll feel as if you're diving directly into the city below. And don't forget to partake of Sunday brunch, it features the island's best eats and treats.

Basic prices range from $295 to $595 per night, depending on the features, number of bedrooms and the view. Package deals that bundle room rates and spa treatments also range widely depending on the season and the amenities. Be prepared to book a few weeks in advance. Call 800-OUTPOST or 876-944-8400 to inquire and make reservations.

PASSIONS

HIDDEN TREASURES

The rare coin industry has demonstrated an impressive history of long-term capital appreciation that has attracted diversified investors for generations. Rare coins are somewhat like a silent chronicle of our western civilization. They illuminate the commercial histories of historically important cultures; some if which have evolved into modern economical titans while others have slipped with barely a whisper into the mysterious world of ancient history. In either case, rare numismatic specimens will always be desired and competed for as long as people covet wealth and enlightenment.

Coinage, the first readily transportable wealth, is the most important invention of western civilization and those who have collected them through the ages have been traditionally rewarded with an incomparable storehouse of tangible value. Numismatically meaningful collections have proven to be a sophisticated option which to preserve or increase personal wealth especially during inflationary cycles, which are never far away.

You will also be in rarefied company of royalty such as King Farouk, wealthy financiers as the Hunt Brothers, and celebrities from the entertainment and sporting world such as Buddy Ebson, Bill Cosby, Wayne Gretsky, Karl Malone, and even Dennis Rodman, all which have learned to enjoy the benefits of rare coin ownership.

Philip II Gold Stater Circa 323-319 BC. The front of the coin has the head of Apollo facing right with the features of Alexander the Great. The back displays a chariot of horses. A superb lustrous specimen in FDC (Fleurde-Coin) with original mint bloom -- Retail price $13,000.

Traditionally, financial advisors recommend a 10-20% position in hard assets to balance a portfolio of precarious paper investments. Rare coins are the perfect medium with which to maintain the balances because they grow, tax deferred until the time of liquidation. They also enjoy the status of a collectible; there are no reporting requirements pertaining to their purchase and sale.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact Kenneth Smaltz Jr., New World Rarities, Ltd. [phone]

907 United States $20 Gold Piece "High Relief" in mint state 65. Considered by most to be the most beautiful coin ever struck by the United States government. Total mintage 11,250 pieces. A beautiful orange/gold hue, which is highlighted by an unbelievable distinct strike. A highly collectable coin -- Purchase price $29,500.

Bentley Continental T Personal Commission A Unique Motoring Experience

The Bentley Continental T Personal Commission. This Grand Touring two-seat car features a specially designed rear luggage compartment behind the front seats and a set of exclusively created bespoke Bentley leather luggage. The three unique, co-coordinated pieces of a large valise style suitcase and two matching smaller curved cabin cases match the same quilted Connolly leather as the cars interior.

A new deep section front bumper, the headlamp surround panels, sills and rear bumper have all been altered to give the car a leaner and more assertive appearance. Details changes to the front profile include the painted radiator shell and indicator lamps mounted with the bumper while clear indicator lenses at the rear maintain and reinforce the sporting theme.

Sold for $465,000 - Personal Commission Car

For further information, please contact Sarah Perris, Bentley Motors at (W) [phone]; (F) [phone]; Mobile [phone].

2001 Porsche[R] 911[TM] Turbo Combines Blistering Performance and Striking Design

With a twin-turbo, 3.6-liter, 415-horsepower engine, a standard six-speed manual transmission, and all-wheel drive, the 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo can accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 4.2 seconds. The 2001 911 Turbo stands apart from the 911 CarreraAE models with a wider stance and all-new front and rear styling. Unique bi-xenon headlight clusters use xenon high-intensity discharge headlights for both the low and high beams. Three large intake grills dominate the lower front fascia and provide cooling air to the caris three radiators. Intakes behind the doors feed air to dual intercoolers that enhance turbocharger performance by reducing the intake charge temperature. Inside the 2001 911 Turbo treats the driver and passenger to the luxury of a full-leather interior, a high-power audio system, and automatic climate control with a dust/pollen filter.