Spaces Built with People and Wine in Mind Where wine cellars have historically been placed underground, Al Fuentes reinvents the way storing wine is viewed. This modern approach his company, Dragon Cellars, takes allows for custom, luxury wine cellars to be built above ground in a way that complements the owner's interior design and wine-curating styles, creating the perfect display. These custom cellars, cabinets, and walls not only display but preserve each bottle at the ideal temperature and angles, ensuring longevity. In creating a wine cellar that serves serves as the focal point for the room, each moment in this space--from selecting the bottle to drinking the last drop--is an experience one longs to share with others. The Taste of Ambiance reveals Al's design process, furniture selecting, construction, and backlighting approach for over eighty unique projects. His innovative designs have been featured in houses, condos, and restaurants in seven different countries.

This publication takes a look at the rooms where wine is tasted and enjoyed. It highlights a variety of projects, ranging from winemakers' tasting rooms and salesrooms to more unusual shop concepts and successful examples taken from the gastronomy sector. To provide a glimpse into the development of a design, the authors engage intensively with the architects and contractors to explore the following questions: How did those involved contribute and combine their ideas? What story is told by the project as it begins to take shape? What kind of customers does it appeal to and how should they react to it? Additional essays illustrate how designs are influenced by functional factors, as well as the role played by materials, colour, light, and indeed the spatial concept as a whole in the process of wine tasting.

“From computers to energy to even my love: restaurants . . . Sam’s journey reminds us that the American Dream is alive and well.” —Kimbal Musk, founder and owner of The Kitchen Restaurant Group Known throughout his childhood as “Bubba,” Sam Wyly’s story is one of evolution, connection, and unrelenting optimism. Born in rural Louisiana, Sam’s humble beginnings may have made him seem an unlikely candidate to become one of the preeminent entrepreneurs of the last century, but his accomplishments speak for themselves. Told with candor and humor, primarily through the lens of his business endeavors, Sam’s story tracks a lifetime of growth and betterment, as he consistently utilizes what may seem like limitations to his advantage. “I cannot think of a proper way to salute Sam Wyly. He has accomplished a great deal, and his success has always been accomplished with honor and integrity.” —George H. W. Bush “Sam is certainly an amazing visionary, a successful entrepreneur and definitely lives the American dream.” —Michael Rouleau, former CEO and president of Michaels Stores “Sam Wyly has been an extraordinary visionary for the long term.” —John Mackey, founder of Whole Foods “Spanning four decades and remarkably diverse industries, the career of Sam Wyly—a true original—shows what good ideas, strong will and access to capital can accomplish.” —Michael Milken, chairman of The Milken Institute

Wichita, aka “Doo-Dah,” is a midsize city with attractions that easily rival the nation’s largest metropolises in entertainment value. Fun awaits for all who come to discover it! 100 Things to Do in Wichita Before You Die is a bucket-list book filled cover to cover with timeless destinations and lesser known places. Dig into the burgeoning arts scene with tips for the First Friday Gallery Crawl or the Tallgrass Film Festival. Find out the story behind the 44-foot-tall Keeper of the Plains statue in downtown. Root, root, root for the home team, the Wichita Wind Surge at Riverfront Stadium. Outdoor activities, delicious dining, shopping, concerts, and a thriving arts scene scratch the surface. As they say, “Wichita is what you make it,” and around every corner is an experience waiting for you. Wichita native and travel writer Vanessa Whiteside is your personal guide to her favorite places in her much beloved hometown. Crack the spine on this book and choose an adventure in the city!

Entertaining at home in gracious French style. Born from her experience of everyday living in France, Sharon Santoni reveals the gracious, easy French way of entertaining guests at her countryside home, year-round. Personal stories evoke the spirit of the French lifestyle, while gorgeous photos make us feel right at home. Santoni creates lush bouquets from her garden and utilizes resources from surrounding nature to lay gorgeous tables both indoors and outdoors. Venues range from a Sunday morning breakfast on the patio, to a ladies lunch in her lush garden, a formal dinner in her dining room, and a picnic by the river. Santoni also shares 15 favorite recipes utilizing seasonal foods. Find inspiration for your tables throughout the seasons, and discover the simple pleasure of entertaining friends and family. Sharon Santoni writes the popular blog My French Country Home. She is the author of My Stylish French Girlfriends (Gibbs Smith). She resides in Normandy, France.