Just Another Candelaria Design Weekend

Happy Birthday Gicela!

Ok I can pack more into a weekend than most….at least that’s what I have been told. This weekend is no exception….its only Sunday morning so technically the weekend is just a little half over. I wonder what I can accomplish today???

So starting with Friday we did our first staff Candelaria Design Home Tour. Basically, this consists of my staff and I touring three or four projects in different points in the process. From a home in framing to a home completely furnished and tricked out! Its fun to see the whole process of construction in just a few hours. It’s even more fun to hear the comments from our clients now living and experiencing the finished Candelaria Design product.

I feel it is so important for my team, who all work on these homes, to experience the finished product – a few pictures do not do them justice. Spending time exploring the spaces, details, gardens, all add to their subconscious knowledge and brain data base. We work as a team and so its great to have this visual base to use when we design and brainstorm.

Now these homes are either under construction or just recently completed and have not been professionally shot yet so you are getting a sneak peek here of what we have coming!

This year we started our tour with a Spanish Colonial home we just completed in Silverleaf Arcadia that we collaborated with my wife, Isabel, and her staff from Earth and Images who orchestrated the interior design, landscape by Berghoff Design. Great job by my Project Manager, Damon Wake who you will read about later in an upcoming blog. Now this may be Spanish Colonial on the outside but the interior epitomizes the hot Transitional style with clean lines and fresh interiors. Stay tuned for a paella party debut in May with guests including the editors from LUXE Magazine and Scottsdale Modern Luxury and our film crew from Sketch for an episode in Season 3.

Client Jennifer Gage with Interior Designer and my lovely wife, Isabel.

Jeff kramer leads the tour on this spectacular Rural Mediterranean home in Paradise Valley.

Our second home will most definitely be another marquis residence in our portfolio. This home was created with the dream team of interior design by Vallone Design, landscape by Berghoff Design, and built by Schultz Development. This project was the last collaboration between me and Project Architect, Jeff Kramer, who retired a couple years ago but continues to consult on all of our projects! Rural Mediterranean in inspiration this home captures the precise lifestyle of the homeowners in how the entertain, cook, work and garden. I cannot wait to share more of this comfortable yet sophisticated home in Paradise Valley.

Project Architect Jeff Kramer, Homeowner, Principal Mark Candelaria

Our third home is a Paradise Valley, hillside Transitional Contemporary home with a glamourous twist that makes you think Greta Garbo or Frank Sinatra might be right around any corner as you explore the home. This home spans the property including a wash with a water feature bridge that connects to a stunning Guest House. Under the house is a car collectors dream garage. The home was decorated and appointed by the the client’s nephew, Interior Designer, Matt Murphy of Matt Murphy Studio of San Francisco, with the home constructed by GM Hunt.

Rod Cullum of Cullum Homes. Associate and Project Manager, Vivian Ayala, and MC

We finished journey with The Village at Mountain Shadows and a wonderful wine and cheese tour put on by the builder/developer Rod and Kim Cullum of Cullum Homes. The 40 contemporary patio homes are coming along and the grand opening gala is set for April 27th! I cannot wait for the public to see the two model homes one of which features a basement Car Bar / Home Theater! The interiors by Anita Lang of IMI Design will blow you away!

Ok so I hope you enjoyed a sneak peek at our Candelaria Design Staff Home Tour! Stay tuned to see more of these homes on our website, publications and on our show Sketch on The Design Network.

So we are still on Friday and now it was time to transition to our Candelaria Design Tour Italy Pre-Trip dinner at Vivo! This is always fun for me and my travelers. It gives everyone a chance to meet, break the ice, and go ever the details of the trip. This dinner was for our June travelers where our trip will have its grand finale’ at the Villa d’Este on Lake Como. I have travelers coming from Philadelphia, Long Beach, Coeur d’Alene , Idaho, Santa Monica, Las Vegas and of course Scottsdale – 14 travelers in all with several first time travelers to Europe! What an enjoyable evening on the patio, great food, and the start of new friendships. Our 2016 Tours in June and September are SOLD OUT so get ready for our September 2017 trip with a stunning finale' in Venice. 

Our June 2016 Candelaria Design Tour Italy Travelers at Vivo!

Join us in September 2017 for our 15th Candelaria Design Tour Italy finishing in Venice!

Now onto Saturday! How about a birthday paella dinner for 20 including our dear friend and Italy traveler (her third trip upcoming) on the new al fresca patio at our Casa Candelaria! Isabel thought we should freshen up the patio so in 5 days Jeff Berghoff and his crew came in and gave our patio a complete makeover! Top it off with some bistro lights and pole coordinated by builder, Chris Johnson, and our personal lighting designer and friend, Walter Spitz, of Creative Designs in Lighting and wah-la we had a new Italian patio and a party!

The hit of this dinner was my leftover ham and cannellini bean soup! Recipe forthcoming – you definitely want to make this. I made a giant soup terrine full and it was empty within minutes.

What a wonderful evening celebrating our friend and Italy traveler, Gicela Dulcich’s, birthday with many of the travelers who joined her on her last trip! 

Finish with a cigar and a nightcap under the lemon tree. This was the perfect way to christen our new patio.

So that get’s me through Saturday!  Now it’s Sunday – nothing like leftover Paella with a couple fried eggs over the top! How are you all spending your Sunday???? Wishing you all a fantastic April! We have some more exciting travels, projects, and events forthcoming so stay tuned.

Dinner with Lidia Bastianich at Avanti's

Lidia Bastianich, MC and Isabel at Avanti's

I love how life is sometimes like the waves of an ocean in that the tide comes in and then goes out and then comes back in again…..

Lidia Bastianich and Isabel at Avanti's

Last night, Isabel and I enjoyed a wonderful presentation and dinner with a true cuisine rock star, Lidia Bastianich, at our good friend Patricia Livi’s restaurant here in Phoenix, Avanit’s. What a treat to spend an evening with her and get to personally know her and exchange thoughts and ideas. This lady is amazing. 69 years young this lady is full of energy and life and uses her cooking to share her message.

Patricia Livi, Isabel and MC at Avanti's

Flash back to 1979, I had just moved to Tempe as a sophomore college student from Durango, Colorado and didn’t know a single person with the exception of one friend from Durango, Danny Brown. Danny and I went to High School in Durango and I also shared time and a job with him on the Durango to Silverton steam train. Danny Brown is now the City Attorney for the City of Phoenix. 

The Durango ~ Silverton Train

Well our railroad boss and family friend, Bill Griffin and his wife Della, were in town enjoying a winter getaway and knew that Danny and I were down here at ASU. He tracked me down and asked if he could take us to dinner. Of course he was expecting something like the Chuck Box or the Dash Inn…. Of course I guess even back then I had good taste, I grabbed the Yellow Pages (remember those) and looked up restaurants, and found an Italian place called Avanti’s that caught my eye. Made reservations and met them there. My boss never let me forget that – “ask the kid to pick a place for dinner, and he picks this place with duck under glass!”

Patricia  and Angiolo Livi - Owner's of Avanti's

MC with Patricia Livi of Avanti's

Now some 37 years later here I am with my wife having a fabulous Osso Bucco dinner with Lidia Bastianich in the same Avanit restaurant sitting next to one of the PBS Producers and his wife….. Add to it, over the course of the years I’ve become friends and the architect for the wife and co-owner of Avanti, Patricia Livi. If someone would have told me about this evening 37 years ago I would have laughed and never believed it. What is even more fascinating, is how many times I have watched Lidia and her shows on PBS, studied her cookbooks, and enjoyed dinners at her Eataly in NYC and now in Florence and then to sit with her and share dessert was just magical and so inspirational.

The Cheese Shop at Eataly - NYC

The Macelleria at Eataly, NY

The Pasta counter at Eataly, NYC

Sophia and Isabella Candelaria sharing a laugh at Eataly, NYC

MC with Lidia Bastianich signing my copy of her wonderful cookbook. 

At 69 she is going strong, she is out promoting her show on PBS Lidia Celebrates America, her new book Lidia’s – Mastering the Art of Italian Cuisine, speaking and book signings across the world with trips to Dubai and South America. Truly an inspiration. I encourage you to try her recipes. They are authentic and generally simple.

So as the tide flows in and then flows out, I wonder 37 years from now what I’ll be blogging about. I do not think this story is over – in fact based on our conversation last night, this story is just beginning!!!!

By the way, the Osso Bucco at Avanti's is amazing. Here is the link to my Osso Bucco just in case you want to make it this evening! Enjoy and Live Different!

Candelaria Design Tour Italy - 2 spots open for June

I hope everyone is out enjoying the wonderful weather here in AZ! The weather is great but the allergies are in full force!

Buckhead, GA

Busy week last week as Isabel and I finished our trip to Buckhead. What a wonderful time and very informative as there is a lot going on in the Design Industry. We enjoyed inspiring presentations by designers Cynthia Rowley, India Hicks, Nathan Turner, and Mary McDonald. Throw in a couple wonderful dinners, Sunday night at Barcelona with Chris Meeks of Hartman Windows & Doors and his lovely daughter Whitley, followed by dinner Monday night at Hal’s Steakhouse with The Design Network founder and CEO, Jason Harris hosted by Surya President, Satya Tiwari.  

Mary McDonald at the Designer Conference in Buckhead

Cynthia Rowley at the Designer Conference

Designer India Hicks

Isabel and Interior Designer Audra Wrightson

Dinner at Barcelona with Chris & Whitley Meeks

MC with Satya Tiwari of Surya and Jason Harris of The Design Network at Hal's Steakhouse

Isabel and I returned just in time to kick off Spring Training with a day at the Scottsdale Charros Lodge at Scottsdale Stadium for our two companies – Candelaria Design & Earth and Images. What a wonderful afternoon! I encourage all of you to get out just one day and take in an afternoon at the ballpark – it is definitely one of the best and very unique experiences here in AZ.

The Candelaria Design crew out at the Ballpark - Scottsdale Charro Lodge

Our ad in the Scottsdale Charro Spring Training Programs!

Isabel and MC with the team from Earth and Images at the Charro Lodge

The rest of the week was all about work – including this weekend! We have some wonderful projects going from coast to coast. Isabel and I are heading to Albuquerque this coming week to move the design forward on a home there. Several projects are just starting and several are coming to the finish line and our clients moving in soon! So exciting!

Grand Hall nearing completion with this Candelaria Design ~ Earth and Images French Transitional home on the Paradise Valley Country Club built by Desert Star Construction. 

Breakfast Room nearing completion with this Candelaria Design ~ Earth and Images French Transitional home on the Paradise Valley Country Club built by Desert Star Construction. 

A new Candelaria Design ~ Nance Construction Farmhouse Transitional remodel in Arcadia 

Group photo of our 2015 Candelaria Design Tour Italy travelers at the Villa Piazzano

Meanwhile – we have had two spots open up for our June Candelaria Design Tour Italy! I have several couples that have expressed interest so I know these spots will be gone soon. This will be our thirteenth tour and I have a wonderful group of travelers coming from across the country. Our pre-trip dinner is coming on April 1st so if you are thinking about going you definitely want to sign up and meet your fellow travelers at this pre-trip dinner.

Our departure date is June 1st and we will fly into Florence, Italy where we will spend two days and two nights in this center of the Renaissance with a fabulous welcome dinner at the Villa San Michele. From Florence we will all drive in our convoy of private sedans to the countryside of Umbria where we will reside in a lovely 19th century farmhouse compound.

Pino Teresi and Isabel at winery Casanova di Neri

From our base in Umbria we will visit Cortona, Assisi, Siena, San Gimignano, and the wine country of Tuscany with our private guide, Pino. We will dedicate a day towards cooking and relaxing at the farmhouse compound when our private chef, Elizabeth Wholey, will guide us through authentic recipes from Umbria.

After a week in the country, we will then convoy to the luxurious Villa d’Este on Lake Como. From the rustic elegance of the country to the over the top ambiance of Lake Como you will experience the beautiful diversity of Italy.

What’s special about our trip is the fact that you really do not have to do anything but show up and start enjoying. Our trip runs $7500 for a single and $14k for a couple. This includes coach air-fare (upgrades are available), hotels, houses, your rental car, hotel transfers, several meals during the trip, cooking class, and wine tour. Add in the pre-trip dinner and post trip dinner and it is a total bargain.

One of the special outcomes of this trip for me and my travelers are the friendships that have been formed. There is something special that happens when cooking and dining and traveling that creates lasting memories and friendships. I have many repeat travelers and several coming on this June trip. Visit some of my past blogs and our website for more detail. Don’t wait though…..Let’s go to ITALY! 

Mark and Isabel at the Villa d'Este ~ Lake Como

Atlanta - The Design Bloggers Conference

This weekend Isabel and I are back visiting one of my favorite cities in the US and maybe only second to New Orleans in the South – Atlanta!!!

I have been here several times and what always strikes me about Atlanta and the South in general, is how friendly everyone is here! I know you always hear about Southern hospitality, but there is definitely a reason for that….it’s true!

Isabel and I are here this time for a Designer Social Media Conference that Isabel found put on by our good friends of The Design Network….what could be better for me than that!!! As you know all I do is Facebook and Blogging all day so I am in heaven! The conference starts today so we snuck out here on Friday to get in some Southern cuisine and that Southern hospitality – and of course take in some of the amazing homes here in Atlanta and specifically, Buckhead.

We also decided to keep it green this trip and do our best to never step in a car during the entire trip. I think we both know how much we love the food down here in the South so we knew we better keep on the go. So far we have done a great job. We took the light rail, MARTA, from the airport to Buckhead, then walked with our bags a good quarter mile to our hotel, and yesterday hiked all through Buckhead racking up 20,000 steps on our IWatches!  The weather could not be more perfect. 40’s at night and mid 60’s during the day. Perfect walking weather.

I am excited to attend this conference being sponsored by The Design Network and all of the exciting things they have coming including their new platform on the new Apple TV coming this April including our show SKETCH which will feature eight new episodes for our Season 2! We have really upped the production with the addition of our new director, Kenny Moskowitz, “Spanky” and his crew from Wedgie Creative. They are fantastic and the footage they are shooting and editing is beautiful. More on this as we get a little closer. I am also bringing Spanky and the crew on the September Candelaria Tour Italy where they will film the entire trip as we will be creating daily posts with dramatic footage and will put the whole trip and story into a whole new Season of SKETCH goes to Italy!

In the meantime, we are having a great time and enjoying some wonderful architecture and dining along the way. Yesterday, we hiked several neighborhoods in Buckhead. I love walking to capture the essence of these homes from both a macro level with the layout of the roads and neighborhoods down to the micro details of wall, gate, paving, window header details…..What is best, is having a partner, in Isabel, who loves this I think more than me!!! We get excited about a cool dormer detail!

The new Tom Ford Boutique in Bulkhead

Then after walking all day we did a little shopping in Buckhead - including the new Tom Ford Boutique which was amazing - grabbed lunch at Dantanna’s, did a little more shopping, including our favorites – shoes!

Then we finished the day with a fantastic dinner at Southern Art with our waiter and new friend Kurt, who took great care of us. Tonight it was a charbroiled ribeye with collard greens and sweet potato succotash. Of course add a good Bouvadier cocktail and some vino and finish with a cigar on the terrace.

Our waiter and now good friend, Kurt, at Southern Art

 Life in the South is good!

Staycation at Royal Palms then its time for Short Ribs

I hope everyone had a nice Valentine’s weekend! Isabel and I stretched it out and checked into the Royal Palms for a little staycation this weekend.

I love the Royal Palms – no I did not design it! Architect, Don Zabell of Oz Architects gets that credit and it is well deserved. Definitely one of my favorite and most romantic spots in this town for sure.

We started the weekend with a little impromptu Happy Hour in the courtyard with friends who caught wind and stopped by. We stayed for dinner and closed the place down with Isabel and I relaxing by the outdoor fireplace while I enjoyed a cigar.

Nothing better than a nice quiet weekend to reset the jets. We have really been busy drawing and designing. From beachside villas in LaJolla, to amazing equestrian estancias to luxury senior living condos we are drawing and designing like crazy.

Starting Construction on this Candelaria Design Estate in Silverleaf with Schultz Development

Nonetheless, there is always time to do some cooking! I love to cook because, unlike architecture that sometimes takes years from inspiration to completion, a dinner can achieve the same joy and sense of accomplishment in a matter of hours. I think that is why I love it so much!

This coming weekend Isabel and I along with a couple souz chefs from my Candelaria Team will be preparing our famous paella dinner for one of my clients and her friends at her home I remodeled several years ago! I love making my paella and I’m looking forward to sharing in its preparation. My paella recipe can be found in our past blog -

Meanwhile, last week we had several friends over for another of my favorites and I know my Candelaria girls love this dish – Italian Red Wine Short Ribs over Horseradish Mashed Potatoes. Here is the recipe – Enjoy!

Short Ribs bathed in Italian Wine served over Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

In a large cast iron or Dutch oven heat your olive oil until just starting to smoke. Season your short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Only add as many short ribs as you can so they have adequate space to brown. You may have to do them in batches. Brown them all over until they are a nice seared brown 10 – 12 minutes. Remove from the pot and let them rest on a platter and cover with foil.

Pour the excess oil out of the pot and then add the onion, carrot, celery, bay leafs and pancetta and cook everything until the veggies are soft and starting to brown approximately 7-8 minutes. Use a wooden spoon and the onions to deglaze the pan and get all those nice meat remnants loosened off the bottom of the pan and integrated into the veggies.

Now add the red wine – I like to use a good Amarone, Rosso di Montalcino or Vino Nobile form Italy of course! Once the wine is in add your homemade tomato sauce and bring the whole mixture to a boil.

Finally, add the meat back in and let it soak in the flavor. Bring everything to a boil and then turn the heat down to simmer and cook the meat 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours until the meat is fork tender.

From here there are two way to go, you can remove the meat and then serve the veggie / stew as is, or you can bring the liquid to a boil and reduce the liquid down and thicken it as you see fit. Season with salt and pepper, and then serve over the top of the Horseradish mashed potatoes and garnish with chopped Italian parsley.

For the Horseradish Mashed Potatoes take 4 lbs of Yukon Gold potatoes and peel them. Please them in cold water along with two bay leaves and let them set until your short ribs are just about ready. Boil for over medium-high heat and cook the potatoes until they are for tender, about 20-30 minutes.

Remove the bay leaves and drain the water from the potatoes, reserving 2 tablespoons of cooking water. Smash the potatoes in a large bowl along with the sour cream, butter and horseradish. Season well with salt and pepper.

Buon appetito…

Italian Wine Short Ribs

6 servings

 3 lbs of boneless or bone in short ribs

6-8 tablespoons of olive oil

salt and ground pepper

3 large Spanish onions cut into ½” dice

4 medium carrots cut into ½” think slices

3 ribs of celery cut into ½” thick slices,

4 ounces of pancetta diced

3 cups of Italian red wine

3 cups of tomato sauce

2 bay leaves

Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

4 lbs of Yukon Gold potoatoes

2 bay leaves

salt and freshly ground pepper

2 cups of sour cream

2 tablespoons of remaining cooking water

1 stick of unsalted butter

3 tablespoons of horseradish

Italian parsley cut for garnish.

Some Thoughts on Valentine's Day 2016

Happy Valentine’s Day to you all! It looks like a beautiful weekend – at least here in sunny Arizona with temps in the upper 80’s in mid February!!!

El Chorro Before

El Chorro during construction

Valentine’s Day reminds me of several things each year. First it reminds me of a very special project for me and many others in the design and construction industry – that being the makeover and rehab of El Chorro in Paradise Valley. I most definitely will stop in for an Old Fashioned and a cigar this weekend to reflect back on this wonderful project that I am personally so proud of.

El Chorro After

Opening Day Valentine's Day 2010

Christy and Tim Moore, Jacquie Dorrance

First, and foremost I want to thank my good friend and builder, Jerry Meek, of Desert Start Construction for bringing me on board for this project and then of course Jacquie Dorrance for her vision and love of El Chorro and what it means to the history of Paradise Valley and Arizona. What a team, from Desert Star Construction, Vallone Design, Berghoff Design, Walter Spitz and Creative Design in Lighting, Tim and Kristy Moore, my team of Jeff Kramer, Tim Mathewson and Vivian Ayala, and to the many amazing subs and suppliers who all offered their input, craftsmanship and expertise. This project is a labor of love and the fact it reopened on Valentine’s week it has to make my Valentine’s Day list.

The Boys!

The El Chorro Design Team!

The makers and shakers of El Chorro!

Riding in the Parada del Sol 

My next memory of Valentine’s Day is always the Scottsdale Parada del Sol parade which kicks off this morning down Scottsdale Road in Old Town Scottsdale. I have made my way down Scottsdale Road on a horse with my fellow Scottsdale Charros brothers many times and unfortunately cannot make it this year as I have a lot going on with the kiddos this weekend. But I love participating in the parade and the experience of riding a horse down Scottsdale Road and enjoying the big crowd that always shows up. I’m sure with our great weather this weekend there will be a big turnout. I am so honored to be a part of the Scottsdale Charros and all they do for the community! Support us by making it out to the Charro Lodge and catch some Spring Training baseball next month!

The Candelaria Design crew at the Charro Lodge 2015

Me and my girls in Florence - New Years 2016

Finally, Valentine’s Day would not be complete without being in love. I am so blessed to have frankly, a ton of love, from my three daughters, Sophia, Isabella and Tiffany, my mom, Karin, my wife’s mother, Alette, and of course my wife and love of my life, Isabel! How lucky I am and a day doesn’t go by that isn’t frankly, Valentine’s Day for me. I wish all of you a wonderful Valentine's Day.

Isabel and Mark in Positano, Italy

Isabel came into my life during some of my darkest hours and has transformed my life with her love, belief, and support. She is my best friend, lover, partner, and fellow designer. I am so excited to see of our combined projects now come to life. Our trips to Italy have taken on a entirely new dimension and this year we will be celebrating and sharing our 6th and 7th trips together.  I cannot tell you how much she has added to my experience of life. The fact is architecture and design is a way of life….you live it and breathe it 24/7. To share life with a woman who also lives and breathes it 24/7 makes it so much easier. How many couples talk about baseboard details in bed….:-). We both love it.

My Valentine....

Isabel selecting colors on a Candelaria Design ~ Earth and Images ~ Desert Star Construction home on the Paradise Valley Country Club, Arizona 2015

Isabel and Mark at the Poggio Rubino Winery - Montalcino, Tuscany Sept 2015

Isabel and I making our famous paella.

I think, I’ll stop there….I wish you all a beautiful and romantic Valentine’s Day. I’ll be having a few friends over Sunday and will be cooking some Valentine’s Day short ribs over risotto so stay tuned for some more recipes. Have fund everybody – I love you all!

Wedding Day September 16, 2013 - Lake Como, Italy

Opening the Doors on this Super Bowl Sunday

I hope everyone enjoy’s the big game today! I grew up in Denver so I am rooting for my Broncos but boy, Carolina looks really good. I guess that’s why they play the game….anything can happen!

Speaking how anything can happen….It’s always interesting to see how one comment, idea, or suggestion can be just like tossing a rock in still water and then watching the waves that then can virtually go on forever…..Such is the experience with my now sixteen year relationship with Lacole’ and the Belli family from Umbria Italy. This week, Gabriele Belli and his assistant, Luca, are here from Italy measuring the opening for the doors they will be manufacturing in Italy for a Candelaria Design home we have under construction in Desert Mountain.

Flash back to 1999. I was still working at CCBG Architects. I had set up a meeting with a new client who was coming in to talk about having me design a new home for them in Paradise Valley.My now good friends, Drue and Cathy Engels came in and sat down in my conference room. As I start every meeting, I asked them if I could get them anything. Drue responded with, “Anything?” I said, “Sure what would you like?” Of course in true Drue fashion he asked for the tallest Bloody Mary you can make me. I followed with, “No Problem”. Always our answer!

Well I had no idea where I was going to get a Bloody Mary fast, so I excused myself, grabbed my office assistant, and told him to go and get the tallest Bloody Mary he could and get right back. I returned to the room and assured them that is was on it’s way.

WelI I don’t know where my assistant went, but he returned with not just one, but two amazing Bloody Mary’s garnished in style. Drue said, “You are hired!” And that’s how we got the job and started our friendship that still goes to this day!

So how does this all tie into the doors…??? Well as we started the design of the home, Drue and Cathy said they wanted the home to be a true, Tuscan style home. So I casually suggested we should go to Tuscany. Drue loved the idea and like the Bloody Mary he said, “Let’s do it”. Well I was one for one and I had to keep my streak alive! It so happened that at the same time I was designing a home for a travel agent, and I told her the story and she jumped at the opportunity to set up the trip and in fact she and her husband would join us. The first Candelaria Design Tour Italy journey was born!

Well during this trip, the owner of the farmhouses we were staying in while in Umbria told us of a place where we could see wonderful artifacts for the homes. We jumped at the opportunity and so our introduction to Lacole’ and the Belli family had begun.

We purchased a container of reclaimed doors, beams, stone arches, window grates, etc. Through the years the Belli family has supplied roof tiles, and more doors to several of my Candelaria Design homes across Arizona. From Yuma to Paradise Valley and now to North Scottsdale in Desert Mountain!

On our most recent Candelaria Design Tour Italy this past September, my beloved client, Phyllis Lerner, enjoyed a day at Lacole’ and their other business Porte del Passato where she discovered their marvelous treasures. The Belli family has supplied items for the likes of George Lucas and Dolce and Gabbana.

Nearly every trip since this first trip in 2000 we have made the visit to Lacole’ and Porte del Passato and a quick hello to Gabriele Belli. It is exciting to have him and his assistant here and their first visit to America. They arrived on Wednesday and they leave today, Super Bowl Sunday. Although this is a work trip they did work in a little fun and luckily the weather has been fantastic. From Harold’s in Cave Creek to the Rokerij to the night life in Old Town Scottsdale, I think they did get a little fun in to.

I’m looking forward to seeing these beautiful doors in this amazing Candelaria Design home. The work and follow through by my long time Associate, Vivian Ayala, in the creation of this home is beyond words. This home will be a Candelaria Design masterpiece.

Little did I know some 17 years ago, getting that Bloody Mary for Drue Engels would lead to the Candelaria Design Tour Italy, and the importing of these doors into the Lerner Residence among many other homes, and my long lasting friendship with the amazing and talented Belli family of Lacole' and Porte del Passato in Italy. 

The Village at Mountain Shadows Takes Shape in PV

Well that was a fast month…I don’t know about you, but January blazed by. Off to February we go! Of course it’s Phoenix Open week and so the weather instantly changes. Remember the fog last year the day of the final round and the Super Bowl!

I hope everyone had a wonderful January and a great weekend. The weather held off just long enough for a fantastic day and weekend. First and foremost, I want to wish my father, Donald Candelaria, a happy 81st birthday! Dad you are the best and I am so glad you are down here in Arizona now and we can watch our Broncos in their 8th Super Bowl together. It would sure be fun to get a victory on the week of your 81st Bday! Carolina will be tough that is for sure.

Meanwhile, today our Candelaria Design Team took part in the Cullum Homes SMART (Special Meetings About Residential Technologies) Party at our newest project The Village at Mountain Shadows in Paradise Valley. It was great to see so many of you, including a number of my current and past clients there today. The models are coming away and over half of the 40 lots and homes are already sold and the two model homes are not even completed yet! Great job by the Cullum Homes Team and the sales team of Scott Griggs and The Grigg’s Group.

It is very rewarding to see this project come out of the ground after all the hard work, especially my Associate, Vivian Ayala, and Interior Designer, Anita Lang, of IMI has put into this project. Not to mention all of the subcontractors and suppliers - many of whom participated in today's event! So much attention was put into modeling the project in 3d to capture the spectacular and ever changing views of Camelback Mountain and the Praying Monk. To now go there and walk the units and virtually relive the views we saw on the computer is very rewarding!

And if the views aren’t enough – the basement option being shown in the two models is off the charts. Nothing like going downstairs and then entering a club room with your sports car collection waiting for you behind a display sheet of glass. When these models are done, complete with the sharp and sophisticated contemporary finishes orchestrated by Anita… well it will be hard to get me out of that basement!

Stay tuned, I know Rod Cullum and the Candelaria Design Team have some more fun events in store for everyone as this project takes further shape and the models get completed.

Have a great week everyone!

Candelaria Cioppino - Perfect for the Big Game

One of my favs, especially for serving the big game, is cioppino – fish stew! Cioppino is traditionally made from the catch of the day – or in my case the freshest fish I can find at AJ’s! Cioppino was developed in the late 1800’s by Italian immigrants who settled in the San Francisco. It was originally made on the boats while the fisherman were out at sea and later became a staple in many restaurants in San Francisco.

It is definitely one of my favorites and when served with some grilled bread to soak up the juices of the broth – it is heaven. Plus if you make a big enough pot it can just simmer all day while you enjoy the games. It can feed a big crew and the longer it simmers the better it gets.

So enjoy, I love the red color – perfect dish to serve for that big Cardinal game!

You definitely want to get the freshest fish you can find. I pick up 8-12 clams, 8-12 mussles, 8-12 shrimp peeled and deveined, a pint container of fresh squid – tubes and tentacles, one good size fresh fish filet – halibut is my favorite but salmon is also good, you want a fish that is meaty and firm.  I pick up the rest of the items – if you cannot find fish broth I pick up a bottle of clam juice.

I always start by getting all my ingredients prepped and ready. Clean the seafood and chop up the veggies. Find a nice big pot – I love my cast iron cookware. Heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, shallots and fennel, salt all of it and saute until the onion is soft and translucent, roughly 10 minutes.

Add the garlic and a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or I have some amazing little pepper packets with all kinds of seasonings I bring back from Italy each trip. Continue to saute for another 2 or 3 minutes.

Now stir in the tomato paste, Add the tomatoes with their juices, the wine, the fish stock or chicken stock with clam juice and a couple bay leafs. Cover and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer and just let all the ingredients cook and blend – give it 30 minutes or so.

Now add the clams and mussels and cook until they start to open. Then add the shrimp, squid and fish chunks. You can also add crab claws to this recipe. Simmer gently until the fish and shrimp are cooked through the clams are completely open, and the shrimp have that nice pink color. It won’t take long – 5-10 minutes. You can season the soup with salt and more red pepper to your taste and liking.

Grill some French bread on your panini press by slicing the bred about ½” to ¾” thick and brush with some extra virgin olive oil. Get the grill marks on the bread and add three slices to the served soup. Garnish with Italian parsley and fresh lemon wedges.

Enjoy! Let me know what you think?!

Ingredients:

3 – 4 tablespoons of olive oil

1 large fennel bulb – slice thinly

1 sweet onion chopped

3-4 large shallots chopped

4 large finely chopped garlic cloves

2 teaspoons salt – pepper to your liking

3 to 4 teaspoons of dried crushed red pepper flakes or Pepperoncino Italian spices – you need to come to Italy with me to get these!

¼ cup of tomato paste

1 (28 ounce) can of diced tomatoes in their juice

1-1/2 cups of pinot grigio white wine

5-1/2 cups of Fish Stock – or 5 cups of Chicken Broth with one bottle of clam juice.

2 – 3 bay leafs

8-12 clams, scrubbed

8-12 mussels, debearded and scrubbed

1 pint of squid/calamari

8-12 uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1-1/2 pounds of firm and fresh fish fillets such as halibut or salmon cut into 1-1/2 to 2 inch chunks.

Fresh French baguette

Italian parsley and lemons.

Dancing with the Stars - Looking Back and Now Ahead!

Five years ago I was asked to participate in an event that definitely got me out of my comfort zone. I was called by Kevin O’Malley one day who asked if I would be up for participating in the Arizona Kidney Foundation, Dancing with the Stars! Having watched the television show a few times I thought, this could be fun and obviously a great cause. Kevin called me like sometime in October and the event was in February – plenty of time. Little did I know what I was in for! More about that in a bit.

Meanwhile, move forward five years, and I come to find that one of my clients, Julie Van Etten, whom we are designing a beautiful home in Desert Mountain with builder Richard Sinagoga of RS Homes, has taken on the challenge back at her home in St. Louis, MO. Her big night is this Saturday! I remember the anxiety and anticipation the day leading up to the big event. So I am asking all of you to even make just a small donation to her effort tomorrow night as small ripples combine to make big waves!

Here is a quick letter from Julie about the event:

Each year St. Louis corporate and community leaders join an elite group for a once in a lifetime experience – a fun and challenging journey that culminates under the bright, white stage lights at Dancing with the St. Louis Stars, a benefit for Independence Center.

 Highly regarded as one of the most unique fundraisers in St. Louis, Dancing with the St. Louis Stars offers a night of entertaining dance performances by corporate and community leaders, all in effort to raise vital funds for mental illness.  I accepted the invitation to dance and will rehearse and campaign for votes until I debut my performance on Saturday, January 23, 2016, at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis.

 I am competing against six other dance couples to fundraise the most votes (1 vote = $10) and each vote is a direct donation to Independence Center. Please consider supporting me with your gift of votes at

​ You'll be supporting an amazing organization that provides hope and resilience for those living with mental illness.

As Independence Center’s signature fundraising event, it is crucial to providing charity services every year to people that are eager to restore their lives, manage their illness, and become contributing members of our community.

Independence Center provides programs and services to adults with severe and persistent mental illness such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and major depression. Their goal is to assist these individuals to live independently and with dignity by helping them find work, pursue their education, secure safe and affordable housing, improve their physical and mental wellness, and participate in age appropriate social activities. Adults diagnosed with a mental illness over the age of 18 may be eligible for services and once someone becomes an active recipient of the program, they are considered members.

 Thank you for your consideration! 

Your dancing friend,

Unruly Julie

Ok Julie – so I don’t know how your lead up has been but teaching me to tango from October to February was quite the feat! First of all they paired me with a professional dancer, Gergana, from Romania or Bulgaria or somewhere over there! Well she was tall, blonde and very lovely and so keeping focused on dancing was not easy but she worked me hard and I met with her two or three times a week for three months. Wow – is dancing difficult and what a work out! I lost ten pounds during those three months – so that was nice.

Anyway, I made it through the big evening. I didn’t win or even come close to winning the competition but I did well and didn’t make an absolute fool of myself….. We raised several hundred thousand dollars which was the best part of the event.

I have long forgotten all of my routines and moves but now that I think about it…..maybe Isabel and I need to take this up and get some refresher lessons! Help my good friend Julie out and give her your vote! Those of you in St. Louis make sure you attend the event. Thanks everyone for the support!

Candelaria Design French Inspired Arcadia Masterpiece Sold

This month one of my favorite Candelaria Design homes sold and has changed hands and a new homeowner will now live in this fairytale. This home designed and built over ten years ago is still one of my best and has become one of my iconic marquis homes.

I think what I love most is the friendships that evolved from the creation of this home. This home, known by many as “The Powell Residence” was the inspiration of our client and original homeowner, Shane Powell. He started the project with builder, Nancy Brunkhorst, of Nance Construction who then recommended our firm to Shane. I remember the first meeting at his existing home in Arcadia and initially the lot being considered was an internal lot off of 66th Street.

Shane shared his vision and we were off and sketching away. As the design developed, Shane and Nancy located the current lot where the home was ultimately designed and constructed, the beautiful lot on Exeter Boulevard. We then modified the design to take advantage of the views and visibility. With the collaboration of landscape designer, Jeff Berghoff, of Berghoff Design, the dream team was set.

What is so unique about this project was the talent and vision that Shane brought to the project. Acting as client and interior designer, Shane along with Brunkhorst, Berghoff, and myself all collaborated to create and select the elegant and timeless materials and details that are all so masterfully orchestrated to create the composition of this home and landscape. From reclaimed French oak floors, roof tiles sourced and imported from Serbia, reclaimed fireplaces, and beams, this home has a timeless nature that embodies beauty and and virtually brings to life a French fairytale in the heart of Arcadia.

So many people contributed to the creation of this home, from various subs, Murray Herron of Accent Design and Manufacturing and the incredible staircase they constructed, Paul Newman of Premiere Floors, Desert Cove Cabinetry, among many others. A number of beautiful materials came from Exquisite Surfaces of California. So many hours producing the detailed drawings by my Associate, Vivian Ayala. All of the landscape and hardscape designs and details by Jeff Berghoff and Nancie Vollmer of Berghoff Design. Then it all was so impeccably executed by Nancy and her amazing team of Nance Construction - most notably their hand plaster work and trim work.

It’s difficult for me to not imagine Shane not living in this home, who put his heart, soul and vision into it’s creation. When I’m in the home it says Shane to me and I relive all of the moments and design decisions that went into its creation. It’s hard to image someone else now living in this home but I am sure they will love the experience this home delivers. Even just being on the property, not to mention being in the house, transports you to France. It’s magical and the experience changes from day to night and from season to season.

I have been so fortunate to have had the unbelievable opportunity to create many amazing homes. But I would have to say what has been the most rewarding aspect of my job and career has been the wonderful clients I have met and had the privilege to get to know and learn from and in this case I learned so much that I carried forward to so many projects that followed. The friendship with Shane and his partner Raul Siquieros is one I cherish and is definitely the nicest, ongoing outcome of this experience. I’m sure it is bittersweet for Shane to leave but I also know he will soon be looking forward to the next creation! Thanks to you both for allowing us to photograph and film this home before your sale and I welcome the new homeowner’s to the Candelaria Design family.

So enjoy the pictures and videos of this home and stay tuned to our Season 2 and Episode 2 of our show SKETCH on The Design Network where we will feature the creation and story behind this home. Our Season 2 debuts on March 17th and will feature eight episodes all produced by my good friend, Ken “Spanky” Moskowitz and his company Wedgie Creative. What a fantastic job they have done with our show for this season and I cannot wait to show you what they have planned for Season 3 including a whole upcoming series featuring our Candelaria Design Tour Italy!

Thanks for the continued support of our firm and our work! We have the most amazing clients who share our passion for enhancing living! My Candelaria Design Team look forward to a fantastic, creative and productive 2016!

Arrival at the Villa - Christmas in Italy 2015

Rome was spectacular and a great way to introduce the girls to the iconic places we identify with Italy. But Rome is also quite hectic and busy and my daughter Isabella didn’t care for NYC because of the crowdedness and noise and so I was excited to get her out to the countryside.

There is such a contrast between the cities and the country of Italy. I guess that is true anywhere but I really notice it here. Now getting to the countryside from Rome is always an experience. I have rented cars in the city, taken trains, and rented cars at the airport. Of all of my previous experiences, most being total nightmares, I chose to go the route of picking up my car at the Rome airport whereby once we had the car we would literally by on the autostrada and off to the countryside.

Now some 12 years ago, on one of my first group tours, we had our group pick up our cars here at the Rome airport. Well, the rental car company had all of our cars in different garages and this was before cell phones and Google Maps and all we had were some one mile range walkie talkies which did not cut it. So to just add to the adventure everyone got separated. Luckily, I had given them all maps to the country houses we would be staying at – some 2-1/2 hours away. I stayed at the airport circling for several hours hoping to find even one of my travelers, but to no avail. I drove off to the country wondering if I would ever see my travelers….. What a nightmare. Luckily, when I arrived at the house they were ALL there, laughing and drinking vino and wondering what had happened to their leader! So needless to say I have not so fond memories of this rental car garage – this year all went as smooth as can be. I guess it pays to re-challenge some of those old wounds.

Our drive was beautiful and without hesitation we found one of the cross over the highway Autogrilles which I love We grabbed a quick bite of porcetta and roasted veggies and we were back on the highway in a flash.

As we drove northward we came into a blanket of fog that would turn out to last a couple days. Clear skies above and just fog along the ground. It all added a mysterious and surreal light and mood to the journey.

Our drive took us past Siena and to our little village Poggibonsi which is about halfway between Siena and Firenze and just outside of San Gimignano our dinner destination once checked in. Our home for the next three nights would be the Villa San Lucchese which was beautiful. Set on a hill overlooking the rolling and tranquil landscape of Tuscany.

We unloaded the plethora of bags (traveling with girls is definitely demanding in so many ways) and settled into our beautiful quarters set with high beamed ceilings and fantastic views. We gathered the troops and headed off to San Gimignano for dinner.

San Gimignano is a beautiful medieval hilltown set in the rolling hills of Tuscany. I had only been here during the day on all my journeys here and so I was very excited to see it at night and with all of the Holiday decorations! It did not disappoint. Quiet and filled with the sounds and smells that you can only experience coming here. Isabella and I stopped and took a picture at the spot I took a picture of her on her first trip to San Gimignano - when she was 18 months old....

Bella at 18 months in San Gimignano.

We shopped for about an hour and then made our way to what would be the best dinner to date on this trip at the Bel Soggiorno. Delicious food and with a spectacular view – which we could not see because it was dark – but we were happily greeted by a beautiful full moon. Our time in the country had begun. 

Final Day in Roma - Christmas Holiday 2015

Our final day in Rome was very busy and in total contrast to Christmas Day where we just chilled and really enjoyed the quiet of the day.

We got moving early and we did some walking! From the Colossuem we walked about two miles across the Tiber River to the area of Rome know as Trastevere which is just south of the Vatican. It’s a little rougher neighborhood and I probably wouldn’t want to be walking here at night but it was filled with some great spots to dine and shop. We stumbled upon a wonderful little spot called Cajo & Gajo for a nice late morning bite and of course made some new friends.

We explored the area then found a cab to take us to the exact opposite, the Galleria on the Corso. Wow – talk about elegance! I love this as it reminds me of the Galleria in Milan.

From there we walked towards the Spanish Steps area and the girls were tuckered out. So they grabbed a cab back to the hotel and Isabel and I carried on our adventure.

Within seconds Isabel spotted the Babington Tea Room where the two of us had a romantic and quiet tea, salad, and I indulged with one of the best cheesecakes I have ever eaten. What a lovely spot to spend a little quiet time with my Isabel.

From our lovely Tea we made our way down toward the Piazza del Popolo – ok another great area and spot to explore for sure. On the way we stopped and enjoyed the Hotel De Russie and its beautiful courtyard and terraced gardens. This hotel is most definitely on our radar for our next trip especially given its location.

From the Piazza del Popolo we made our way down the Corso and for a Saturday afternoon and the day after Christmas it was packed. I love just people watching. Especially here in Italy - everyone is so stylish and there is just such an elegance and simultaneous roughness to it all. A beautiful balance of masculinity and femininity. Everyone was strolling and shopping and dining under the beautiful street decorations….. amazing electricity in the air and SO Italy.

Isabel and I did a bit more shopping and the girls were now texting saying they were ready for some action! So Isabel and I were near the Spanish Steps and the girls were at the hotel by the Colosseum. We could either cab to them then cab to the Campo di Fiori where I wanted to dine or we could have them cab over and Isabel and I could walk across Rome and meet them there….of course Isabel and I chose to walk. Trust me, you need to walk every chance you get to burn those Italian dinners off!

We met up with Sophia and Tiffany at the Campo di Fiori a bustling and lively piazza during the day with the farmer’s market and then equally busy in the evening with its robust night life. Bella chose to relax at the hotel, and so it was then trying to find a restaurant that served fresh salmon as that was what Tiffany was craving! Wow what an adventure that became….but we were fortunate to find a restraunteur who could hold his own with my Tiffany! We had a lot of fun with the waiters and met a wonderful lady, Kathleen, a writer from Ireland who was visiting family and friends and literally befriended us – what a wonderful, kind soul she was.

Our time in Rome had come to an end with a nice walk across Rome back to our hotel under the full moon. 

Christmas in Roma 2015

Felice Anno Nuovo or Happy New Year to you all! Thanks for all the posts and visits to our blog! It has been quite a year that is for sure.  I am looking forward to a fantastic 2016.

We have been going strong over here in Italy as you can tell I have not had time to blog. Add to that I caught Bella’s cold and so I’m fighting that now too… but who is complaining. She is feeling better so I'm hoping I'm right behind her on the recovery mode. 

We finished up our time in Rome with a very quiet Christmas Day – I don’t think any of us moved until about 2 pm. Tiffany and I then went for a bite on the street across the from Colosseum right down the street from our hotel. I enjoyed a delicious fish stew and we met a nice couple from Washington and Canada who were enjoying their first trip. So interesting to listen to their perspectives, their apprehensions, and their discoveries. It all reminded me of my first trips to Italy….it has all become so familiar now.

After our quick “lunch” we took a nice walk across Rome towards the Spanish Steps – which are currently under restoration. I love just strolling and listening to the Italian language in the background. The weather was fantastic….chilly but with the sun out and no wind it felt like Christmas. We made our way past the Trevi Fountain and then onto the Spanish Steps. I love this part of Rome with its beautiful shops and restaurants. After walking and shopping for another hour or two Tiffany and I stopped for another quick bite and a glass of vino.

We rendezvoused with Isabel and the girls later, worked in a little Flashdance by Dad, and enjoyed the quietness of Rome on Christmas Day. 

Christmas Eve in Roma ~ Our Tour of the Vatican ~ 2015

Buon Natale to you all! I am so blessed to be spending this Christmas with my lovely wife, Isabel, and all three of my daughters here in Rome. What could be better than touring the Vatican, The Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's on Christmas Eve.

Naturally, the tour begins with our driver meeting us in the hotel lobby at 8am! Believe it or not everyone made it on cue! Wow – Dad was impressed. We started with breakfast on the rooftop restaurant where we were greeted by a beautiful rainbow. We took a short drive across town and across the Tiber River to Vatican City where we met our tour guide who escorted us past the long lines to receive our ticket and expedited entrance to the Vatican.

The weather was probably as nice as one could expect for Rome in December – broken clouds with an occasional sprinkle but not too cold. We proceeded through the walled fortress of the Vatican and made our way to the terraced gardens to commence our tour.

Everything about the Vatican is about grandiose scale! The gardens are meticulous and every view is framed and choreographed perfectly. Years and years of design and construction were involved in the creation with artists and architects like Michaela fell, Brumante, Bernini, and Raphel. To think they were all here and you are experiencing their creations in their space is so inspiring. So much of coming to Italy for me is about the refill of the creative tank which is always in the extraction mode and so if feels so good to get the tank refilled!

From the gardens we made our way through the vast and endless halls filled with frescos, sculptures and tapestries until we enter the holiest spot at the Vatican the Sistine Chapel – Michaelangelo’s masterpiece! The frescos have all been restored and having seen them some 12 years ago in the unrestored state and to see them now – magnificent! What a spectaculars difference.

Of course traveling with kids always involves impromptu interruptions and of course Bella needed to find a restroom so the two of us broke away to find the restroom while everyone else enjoyed the masterpiece by Michaelangeo…. Ok this search of a restroom became and adventure all on its own and Bella and I found a whole new section of the Vatican museum I had never seen…. Then it was about refinding the group as they had left and had started their way to St. Peter's Basillica. Ok the Vatican is vast made of galleries connected by narrow passageways that consist of stairs and turns, yet miraculously through a couple calls to Isabel with descriptions of what they had passed and where they were we were able to find each other! Nothing like a little excitement….that's what Bella always brings us:-)

Touring St. Peter’s Basillica and seeing the Pieta by Michaelangelo is always amazing and frankly truly unimaginable. To think all of this was executed by artists, builders, and craftsmen without power tools, lighting, and building codes…. I can only imagine what these guys could do with the tools we have today!?!? It's endless and you could spend days studying the detailing, proportions, and execution of the floors, walls, and ceilings – not to mention the crafting of the space! You then leave the church and make your way onto St. Peter’s Square. Talk about scale and proportion. Another masterpiece for sure and at Christmas the square is adorned by the beautiful nativity scene. Later today the Holy Father Papa Francesco will give mass and then on Christmas Day he Holy Blessing from this space. You feel the presence….

Well my group was toured out. Four hours and we could choose to take the transport back to the hotel or head out and explore Rome. Of course I convinced everyone to go explore only met shortly thereafter with, “Dad, I'm tired, my feet hurt and I'm hungry!” Im sure you have all been there! We quickly walked across the Tibre and towards the Piazza Navone where we found a nice spot off the piazza for a nice lunch and a place to sit and relax on the street.

I love how cheerful and animated the Italians are – literally every waitress and waiter we have had are just beautiful in their smile, style and mannerisms! Such a joy to be in their presence and their energy adds so much to the experience. A cold beer, some lunch and we were off to the Farmer’s market at the Campo Di Fiori a fabulous piazza filled with booths of vegetable, cheese and flower vendors and of course patrons in search of fresh produce for their Christmas Eve dinners. We found a nice spot for an espresso and some hot chocolate for the girls, and some more relaxation filled with the sights and sounds of Italy.

From the Campo do Fiori we walked a few blocks and grabbed a cab and made our way back to the hotel for a cat nap and then dinner at our hotel. Christmas Eve is the fish feast and we enjoyed a quiet and relaxing seafood tasting dinner. Bella was wiped out but the rest of us rallied for a walk to the Basillica di Santa Maria in Ara coeli which required hiking up what seemed two thousand steps but well worth the view at the top listening to all the bells in Rome and the sanctuary filled with the smell of frankinsence and the voices of the choir.

Of course on the walk home at 1am in the morning what else do you stop for but gelato. Only in Italy on Christmas Eve at 1am can you find gelato! Finish with a nice walk home past the Colosseum. Quiet and serene and just what was needed to end the evening and this beautiful Christmas Eve in Roma.