Culinary Art Newsletter
Our Ambassadors
Annie Bentley
"I love to eat!", declares Annie Jacquet-Bentley. While growing up in Paris, meals were always important occasions, whether she was dining out avec Grand Père or eating more simply en famille. Cheese soufflé was her father's favorite dish, and Annie guesses that she made her first one for him at the age of ten. Annie invites you to join her and friends by video on a Provençal truffle hunt or inside her home, cooking on her Lacanche Cluny. Read a fascinating biography in "Annie's Story".
Joe & Victoria Aviles
Joe and Victoria's longstanding love affair with The City takes them to New York food, herb and wine markets. Seasonal and fresh ingredients are the target for each evening's meal. As the resident chef, Joe enjoys creating with his Cluny at least half the time. Culinary exploration rounds out the rest of the week's meals. Although they could "live in any city in the world," the Avileses love their Upper Manhattan home and progressive urban lifestyle.
Julian Flear (and wife Judy Polzer)
As recent owners of the perennial favorite model, a matte black Cluny, Judy and Julian enjoy the spice and variety of their Lower Manhattan neighborhood. Surrounded by eclectic shops and restaurants, their borough enjoys a slower and casual pace compared to other New York standards. Julian thrives as the stay-at-home Dad for their 7 year old daughter, Emily, while Judy works in the heart of New York's financial district. After returning home from an overseas European business trip or a long day of activities, this family of three is happy to have a "home in the city” that includes quality cooking!
The Mantelli Family
Eduardo and Gabrielle have the distinction of being the only Lacanche owners we know of who purchased their Burgundy Red Lacanche Cluny to match the family Vespa! Eduardo is Creative Director for Italian luxury good manufacturer Tocca. Gabrielle is an aspiring actress and model who loves raising their adorable kids, Jocko and Stella. As avid sporting international travelers, originally from Italy, (he's from Milan, she's from Turin), the Mantellis look forward to seeking out primo rock climbing venues worldwide.
Laila Law-Gasiko & Peter Gasiko
European cultures unite in this Anglo-Franco couple! Often entertaining and gardening on the rooftop patios of their midtown Manhattan loft, this international family enjoys a full life with their young sons, ages four and two. With his British humor and knack for selecting fine wines, Peter is an excellent pairing with Layla's French passion and talent for preparing fine cuisine.
Richard & Maryanne Erickson
These proud co-owners of the famous Blue Mountain Bistro in Upstate New York have the distinction of catering savory meals for events up and down the Hudson River. Like many of their neighbors and clients, the Ericksons traded in their love of a frenetic New York lifestyle for the pastoral country residence. Their home is a retreat carved out of the slate hillside just outside the town of Woodstock. Maryanne manages the business end of their catering company, with professional chef Richard applying his culinary experiences to both home and business.
