Spotlight on Dining DNA:
The Suave Sophisticate
December 7, 2009
Through the smoky haze of a jazz club, you’ll see him sitting in the back, contentedly sipping a glass of whiskey on the rocks. His attire and his sultry demeanor seem straight out of film noir, but he doesn’t dress to impress – he dresses to define his individuality via the details that would escape the common eye. Nor is he trying to be the star of the show; he’d much rather sit back and watch in bemusement as the world entertains him. He’s a Suave Sophisticate, and pleasure and enjoyment are among his primary pursuits.
When it comes to cuisine, fashion, and culture in general, the Suave Sophisticate often has his own signatures – not because he’s picky or narrow-minded, rather, because he’s experienced enough to know what he likes and dislikes. Don’t expect him to change his ways in order to please or fit in. The Suave Sophisticate is far from a Crowd Pleaser, but many still find his devil-may-care attitude charming and irresistible, or at least enigmatic.
His worldly scope is a source of confidence - it allows him to approach most situations with an air of ease and a sense of detachment. Observe closely and you’ll notice the subtle grace in his actions – an attractive yet mysterious decisiveness is the recurring motif in the artistry of his lifestyle. He fully understands and appreciates proper protocol – from the de-corking and tasting of the wine, to the cutting of the after-dinner cigar that accompanies his Cognac.
Be aware: he’s different from most of the other specimen in our dining DNA strands, because he’s not really part of a crowd: he’s an individual, a self-assured contrarian when and if necessary. You’re unlikely to see Suave Sophisticates traveling in packs. They prefer the intimacy of a private club atmosphere at a British pub or piano bar over the flashiness of a crowded, velvet-roped lounge. And they value the dependability of a well-situated table for two at a quality steakhouse over the trendiness of the latest restaurant to open.
You might think the Suave Sophisticate is a remnant of the past, a washed-up James Bond wannabe, but he’s alive and well, and emerging in all generations. He could be a member of the Euro Couture crowd on a more subdued night or an Agile Improviser that happens to be a bit wise beyond his years. Anyone who appreciates the proven quality of something classic could, at any moment, be tapping into an inner-Suave Sophisticate.
He’s an intimidating figure, since he’s able to see right through all things superficial, and this perceptiveness is the root of his fondness for proven classics and fine dining. Fine cocktails and quality cuts make for loyal friends; trends and gimmicks do not. But that doesn’t mean the Suave Sophisticate can’t evolve or adopt new technologies. Like Bond, aside from his vodka martini and his dry wit, gadgets are his favorite accessories. These days, he’s just as nimble at surfing the mobile Web on his smartphone as he is at sifting his Burgundy on the table – but the clock on his phone won’t be replacing his vintage Cartier watch anytime soon.
Anyone who’s tech chic will want the Suave Sophisticate as a best friend or as a dinner date. He may seem cynical, but he also naturally assumes the role of a good host, and he is always well-informed about the finer things in life. Besides, anyone who can withstand his sharp tongue has earned a spot next to him at the smoky table in the back of the jazz club.
Photo courtesy of: ethosmarketing.co.uk.
Print ThisPosted in Dining DNA, Lifestyle |
