Mr. Peacock first enjoyed a glass of homemade ginger ale about 18 years ago at a little hole in the wall café on lower Haight Street, called Kate’s Kitchen. I don’t really like soda pop, because it’s usually too sweet and syrupy tasting, but I was immediately hooked on this homemade gingery beverage. It wasn’t too sweet and had a bit of a hot gingery kick after you sipped it.
Above: Mr. Peacock adores this vintage Canada Dry advertisement from the mid 1960's, with Ann Margaret—"the soft drink expert." (Via my friend Doug—thanks!)
I didn’t grow up drinking soda pop. My mother discouraged us from drinking any soda, because she thought it was “sugar water” with artificial color—and we never had soda pop in our house. In the summers as a kid, when I worked at my father’s golf pro shop, I was allowed to indulge in an occasional Dr. Pepper on scorching hot afternoons. Sometimes when I was home from school, sick with the flu or a sore throat, my mom would treat me to a bottle of Bubble-Up or Canada Dry Ginger Ale. Here’s my recipe for homemade ginger ale, made with naturally colored ginger syrup.
Ginger Syrup This is super easy to prepare and makes about 3 to 4 cups of ginger flavored simple syrup. Traditionally simple syrup is 2 to 1 ratio of water to sugar. You can experiment with the amount of sugar—less will make a ginger ale with a hot after taste, and more sugar will make more of a traditional ginger ale flavor.
Fresh Ginger-a loose ½ cup to ¾ cup sliced (about 2 “fingers” worth) Sugar-1 ½ to 1 ¾ cup Water 1)Wash the ginger and slice it on the diagonal, about 1/8 inch thick. It doesn’t have to be cut perfectly. I don’t even bother peeling it, but you can if you prefer.
2) Place the ginger in a heavy saucepan and cover with about 5 or 6 cups of cold water.
3) Bring to a boil and cover with a lid. Continue to simmer for about 40 minutes.
4) Remove from heat and cool. Strain the liquid through a sieve, to remove the ginger. The liquid should be a light yellow to a golden brown color. I strained the liquid a second time though a finer sieve, just to remove every last bit of the ginger root sediment.
5) Measure your liquid and put back in the saucepan. You should have about 3 to 4 cups of liquid. Dissolve 1 to 1 ¾ cup granulated sugar into the liquid, depending on your taste.
6) Bring to a boil. Reduce heat continue to boil, whole stirring, for about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool.
7) Pour into a container or jar. Keep the syrup covered in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for a few weeks. Use it to sweeten your favorite hot or iced tea, and to make homemade ginger ale and Moscow Mules.
Ginger Ale This is especially refreshing on a hot day, but it's also nice to sip after a heavy meal.
Ginger syrup (see recipe above) Club Soda Ice Lemon slices to garnish
Fill a glass ¾ full with crushed ice. Pour an ounce or two of ginger syrup over the ice. Top with club soda and a squeeze of lemon. Stir and enjoy. Adjust the amount of syrup to your taste. If the syrup has too much of a “hot” aftertaste to your liking, add more sugar the next time you make it. Garnish with lemon slices.
Moscow Mule A traditional Moscow Mule cocktail is usually made with one part vodka, one part lime juice and 3 parts ginger beer. Here’s Mr. Peacock’s version of a Moscow Mule.
Your favorite vodka Ginger syrup (see recipe above) Your favorite beer (or you can use ginger beer, if you don’t make the syrup) Club soda Fresh limes Mint for garnish Ice
Fill a highball or ice tea glass half full with ice. Pour 2 ounces of syrup over the ice. Add 1 or 2 ounces of vodka, 3 or 4 ounces of beer and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice. Top off with club soda. Stir and garnish with lime and mint. Enjoy, but remember, this is one of those cocktails that doesn’t seem like it has any alcohol in it, so go slow drinking these Moscow Mules!
My sister, Carmella, recommends a bit of ginger for car or seasickness. This homemade ginger ale would be perfect. Do you have any ginger remedies?
John Ross and Don Carney(above photo) started their company, Patch NYC, in the 1990’s and immediately garnered a dedicated following of clientele who adored their handmade scarves, purses, tote bags, hats, jewelry and other various sundries and dry goods. Mr. Peacock has known and admired these talented and creative gentlemen peacocks for quite some time now. In addition to being hard working entrepreneurs, they consistently have had their own unique peacock style. I first met Don, through mutual friends, in the early 90’s, and then met John, through Don, in the mid 90’s. Whether they’re attending a formal function, hanging out with friends, or just running to the corner market to get some groceries—these peacocks shine. The home base of Patch NYC is currently in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mr. Peacock salutes these modern gentlemen.
Mr. Peacock: How would you describe your style? John: Grampa on the Range. Don: Disheveled at the disco.
MP: How old were you when you consciously realized you were a peacock? John: I remember having a very favorite shirt in pre-school! We lived in Hawaii and everything was big floral prints, but I loved this solid butter yellow pullover with black detailing. Don: Five—when I got my first corduroy jumpsuit.
MP: Who's your style icon? John:Diana Vreeland(above left) Don:Cher(above right)
MP: Who has influenced your style? John: My father had an appreciation for good fit, and Scottish wool cardigans in dark colors—which I can now say I admire. Don: My mother—because growing up, no matter where she went, she put effort into everything she wore.
Above: Don, wearing a fitted blue blazer, and John, wearing his favorite vintage sweater—posing in their living room for the Boston Globe, in 2007.
MP: What's your favorite item in your entire wardrobe? John: My vintage mohair sweater with the big argyle pattern. Don: My Hermes spike watch (see photo below).
MP: Have you had any sartorial disasters that you can share? John: After a late 80's trip to Italy I sported Fiorucci denim shorts with a paper bag waist, big white t-shirt a la Frankie Goes to Hollywood and black cowboy boots. I actually wore that to work at Z Gallery in Santa Monica. Scary! Don: Bicycle shorts, blazer, combat boots in the 80's
MP: Do you have a particular item of clothing you're obsessed with? John: I can always convince myself I need another pair of shoes. Don: Fitted navy blazers are my weakness.
MP: Do you wear vintage clothes or only "new" clothes? John: I used to wear a lot more vintage but I just don't take the time to dig around anymore, so now I wear new clothes that look old. Don: Rarely vintage, because my arms are too long.
Above, Patch NYC goodies, clockwise from top left: Silkscreen Owl Pillow on French burlap (16" x 16"); a pair of Boot Candle Holders cast in metal and gold plated with an antique finish; Beetle Tote hand-printed on French burlap and black denim, with vintage cotton lining; Workshop Collage Bracelet—plated charms and chain mixed with metal and crystal findings; darkened gold plated Thorn Heart Pin; silkcreened Pipe Pillow (16" x 16").
MP: Are there any menswear trends you abhor? Adore? John: It bugs me when I see a man with a high crew neck t-shirt. I always want to reach over and pull it down. I'm also not a big fan of the dirty hair-haven't showered in a week look. Disheveled is fine, but stinky is a definite no. I really like it when I see a man who knows how to mix color and texture. Don: I don't care for super skinny jeans on men with hips. I do like a man who looks slightly rumpled but put together at the same time.
Above: Don in Paris, wearing a navy blazer, in front of a selection of his intricate black ink line drawings, framed in one-of-kind vintage frames.
MP: Any dream item you are lusting for right now? John: This changes weekly but right now I would love a Missoni multi-color sweater that actually fits my body shape. Don: The perfect pair of jeans, a pair with a few interesting details without going overboard (no washes that are too busy).
Above: A view of John and Don's living room in their home, which you can see more of in the Small Spaces Issue of Readymade Magazine.
MP: What's your pet peeve with the way most men dress? John: Not enough attention to fit! Don: We live in Boston and most men's style is really conservative and boring. I think it’s great when someone cares about their style but they don't go too far with it...that's a big turn off.
Above: A tableau in their home.
MP: You guys are both tall, is that a hindrance when looking for clothes? John: Sleeves are always a drag but I'm usually lucky with pants, which makes me wonder about shorter guys. Don: Only in sleeve lengths.
Above: John, a few years ago, in their New York City studio.
MP: Do you wear jewelry? If so, what? John: I like to wear a few of our necklaces at the same time...and I have a favorite Jill Platner bracelet that I wear a lot. I like to just put jewelry on and leave it there for a while as opposed to taking it off every night. Don: I wear the jewelry that we design which is usually a necklace with assorted silver and gold charms and my favorite Ted Muehling bracelet that I've had on my wrist for eight years.
MP: When did you start Patch? John: 1997? Don: We're not sure! It's been so long!
MP: What's your favorite Patch item? John: This makes me really take a trip down Patch memory lane. There are so many of our designs that I remember fondly but now my favorites are the one of a kind necklaces we make for our Hunter collection (see photo above)...we use vintage findings and piece together sterling chains and each piece is completely unique and most are unisex. Don: Our striped linen crinkle scarves (see photo below) for Patch NYC spring 2009. It's rare that we design something we can actually wear so we're really enjoying that. It's nice to promote our work simply by wearing it.
MP: Morning or night person? John: NIGHT! Don: Morning.
MP: How long have you been together? John: Um... Don: 15 long years.
Above: One of Don's line drawings, buy this beautiful crab here.
MP: What city has the best-dressed men? John: In the last 15 years, we've been to Paris the most—usually for trade fairs that really bring out some stylish folks. I'm always amazed at how great the men dress there—the colors and the fit! Even the policemen wear these sexy fitted jumpsuit things that are hot—so not like the police here or NYC. Don: Of the cities I've been to, I'd say Paris. The men there always look put together, and it seems so effortless.
Above: Don and John, ages ago, posing in Mr. Peacock's previous dining room.
Mr. Peacock would describe John and Don the same way—always put together and seemingly so effortless. These Patch NYC gentlemen are busy too! In addition to running Patch NYC, they also have a Patch blog, and recently had their lovely home featured in a various publications including, French Elle Décoration magazine. Thank you John and Don!
Mr. Peacock worked in the art department of Mademoiselle magazine in the mid-nineties—before Condé Nast decided to shut it down in 2001. I would frequently wear gingham to the office—both shirts and jackets, usually in shades of blue, gray or pink. One morning there was a little origami gingham shirt (see photo below) propped up on my computer keyboard. The lovely girls in the photo and production departments conspired, and left it on my desk. It was a sweet gesture, and a nice compliment to my gingham addiction.
Almost every designer and brand is offering something in gingham this spring and summer. These checks are an elegant way for a gentleman peacock to add some color to his wardrobe, without looking fussy or feminine. The important thing is to find the designer or brand that fits your body type the best.
…or should I say, a white porcelain bird in a kitchen cabinet. “Birds” go in and out of fashion for home décor themes, but Mr.Peacock has always had a weakness for a nice porcelain bird. Here are some of my favorite bird porcelain pieces.
I found this stylized trio of partridges at one of my favorite vintage shops in San Francisco. They were made by Dansk, in the 60’s or 70’s. I use the “mother” partridge to hold garlic, while the “chicks” hold condiments, like candied fennel seeds.There's a White Dansk Bird Vase on eBay right now, click here. I'm not sure if I like it stylized as a vase.
I bought this bird-topped terrine at lunchtime, when I worked at US Magazine. The offices were near Rockefeller Center, so I would always take a quick break during deadlines and saunter over to get a bite to eat, and sometimes spend money on stuff I didn’t really need. I found this terrine at a place called Tuscan Square (I don’t think it’s around anymore?), that had a rustic dining room upstairs, and a deli downstairs, along with a small shop of Italian housewares and apparel. I’ve used it to serve side dishes, but it’s not really large enough to cook a whole bird.
This inexpensive teapot is bit “swirly and girly,” but I like the shape of the handle. I first spotted this bird topped teapot at Anthopologie, and then spotted one on eBay. It was a bargain, because I didn’t have to pay postage, because by coincidence, the seller lived on the corner of my street. There's one on eBay right now, click here.
Unfortunately, I don’t own this wonderful large Italian White Bird Tureen & Stand—but I would like too! It would take center stage on my Thanksgiving table, filled with a yummy squash soup. You can buy a large or small tureen here.
These birds were my mother’s. They’re mostly from England and Japan. I like the detail of each piece. So many of the new bird figurines at the chain stores don’t have very much detail—as though they were made with a worn out mold. The piece on the far left and right are vases. I like to drop a tealight candle in them and use them as candleholders.
Whether birds are in or out of fashion, Mr. Peacock will always have a soft spot for a nice bird. What about you?
Claudio De Rossi is a dapper and well-dressed peacock (above), with a passion for expertly tailored clothing. Whether he’s doing paperwork in his office, dashing around on his scooter, or just hanging out with his kids—he is always polished and well put together. Claudio, and his wife Cristina, are well established and long time members of the Italian Mod community. In 1993 they opened a vintage clothing shop for men and women called DNA Groove, in Vicenza, Italy—catering to people who like unique clothing and the Mod-style. They launched their own DNA Groove clothing line in 1999, starting with the high collar button down Italian made shirt. Trousers, suits, crombie coats and knitwear soon followed—all made in Italy and at a very reasonable price point.
They use only high quality fabrics and every piece has exquisite details, like cloth covered buttons on select trousers. DNA Groove only produces a small quantity of their goods, nothing is mass produced—so you probably won't see someone else wearing your DNA Groove purchases. The shop also stocks belts, ties, cuff links, hats, socks and t-shirts—all selected with Claudio's astute sartorial eye. Whatever your taste, there is something for you at DNA Groove...and everything is available online. *Peacock Note— Claudio answered these questions wearing: fine merino wool, long sleeve, off white, long 3 button polo collar knitted top; heavy weight combed wool prince of Wales check (with burgundy overlap check) stepped trousers; dark burgundy chisel toe wide basket weave lace up kangaroo leather shoes, black socks; college boy cut.
Mr. Peacock: How would you describe your own style? Claudio De Rossi: Classic Gentleman threads with a nod to Ivy League Americana; 60's Italian cuts; and British Modernist with attention to detailing.
MP: Where did you grow up? CR: Spent all my life travelling the world, as my father was an engineer. However, I did my teens, and graduated from the High School at the International School in Manila, Philippines(Class ‘86). This surely helped me keep an open mind in life, with the blending of various cultures and people. By the way, I was born in Eritrea.
Above left to right: Claudio stylishly lounging at DNA Groove.
MP: How old were you when you realized you were a peacock? CR:December 8, 1980—John Lennon got assassinated and thanks to media attention a petite twelve year old got hooked on 60's clothing, music and style. From that day onwards, I knew I was on to something—and I knew what I wanted, stylistically. Since then, my tastes haven’t changed much and unlike most fashionistas, I have always, to this day, disliked mainstream fashion and always lived in my own little 'style world’.
Above left to right: Michael Caine in the mid 60's, John Coltraine on Blue Note Records, Rude Boy Style, and Cary Grant.
MP: Who or what has influenced your style? CR: The whole Modernist thing of Ivy League, cool Italian suits, and London Gent look, along with Jamaican Rude Boy style of the early 60's (which was none other than their interpretation of the IVY look—so back to square one). I'd say the early to mid sixties period is still today my most influential element, be it music, fashion or design. However, I try to incorporate these styles to my clothes in a subtle way, without running the risk of sticking out like a sore thumb.
Above: DNA Groove has a nice selection of knitwear and sweaters.
MP: Do you have a favorite menswear designer or brand? CR: I have never liked what was thrown at the masses and was never one to buy based on labels. I for one DO NOT place any external, visible labels on my clothes. I hated them when I was twelve and still do now. Nothing ever catered to my tastes, so that is why I eventually started designing the clothes myself. Before having my own brand, I would either source dead stock vintage clothing, or visit my local tailor. Since the mid nineties, fashion took a turn for the better—but it was too late for me. Today, as far as designers go—I like Ozwald Boateng, and some Paul Smith. Then there are the few American labels, which still stick to what they do best (think Brooks Brothers for example).
Above: Italian high collar button down shirts in checks, solids, stripes, and plaids—whatever you're looking for, you'll find something to your liking at DNA Groove.
MP: What's your favorite item in your wardrobe? CR: Currently ostrich leg chisel toe lace up shoes in a very dark, deep brown
MP: What city has the best-dressed men? CR: London
Above: A sampling of the DNA Groove collection of trousers—notice the cloth covered button detailing (left and right).
MP: What do you think of the current state of men's apparel? CR: Esthetically overall, much better than the past 2 decades; cuts have gotten sharper and designers have been 'looking back' at finer sartorial times. References to the golden age of fashion have been regularly appearing from Bottega Veneta to Lacoste, Penguin, Levis etc...However quality has generally worsened—and one would think as time passes the ethics behind the major's would improve, but I'm afraid this is wishful thinking. It's of course, about making the bucks at whatever cost, be it employing kids in Bangladesh or illegal Chinese immigrants in garages in Italy.
Above left to right: Claudio is ready for Spring and Summer.
MP: What's your favorite item at DNA Groove right now? CR: The afore mentioned ostrich leg lace up shoes and a light green with overlapping darker green windowpane check tweed suit (pink lining). I wish it were my size!
Above: Order your chic DNA Groove Bermuda Shorts now—you'll be ready when the weather gets hot.
MP: Did you always want to own a store, or did it happen through serendipity? CR: Let me google 'serendipity' a sec...(LOL). I was working as a Sales Manager for Forte Hotels in northeast Italy—nothing to do with fashion. But when you live, breathe, and bleed a passion for certain styles, this is something that cannot be taught, you pick it up with time and dedication. What I do regret is not going to tailoring school, now that's something I really would have loved to do—I'm a designer, not a tailor.
Above: DNA Groove also has a great selection of shoes. Mr. Peacock is swooning over the suede (left) and the corduroy and leather shoes (center and right).
It was by chance that I bought out a vintage clothing store that was closing, but a few years later I started getting restless. I wanted to sell clothes I really liked, but these were the ones I was getting tailored for myself, so I thought about a collection that included shirts and trousers. That was November 1999...
MP: Any advice for gentlemen peacocks? CR: Do your own thing and never-you-mind what the world is wearing (although, you peacocks already know this—wink). Walk that thin line that is Dandyism very carefully—as it can backfire, but do walk it! Above left to right: Claudio on a Mod scooter; hanging out with his kids. MP: Sartorial faux pas? CR: Lengthy trousers (damn that is something that didn’t exist pre-1970, where did it all go wrong??); Ill-fitting clothes (either too baggy or too tight); black suit – white shirt -black tie: only to a funeral (maybe).
Above: In addition to amazing tailored clothing, DNA Groove also has great graphics available on t-shirts.
MP: What’s next for Claudio and DNA Groove? CR: We currently left Italy, and moved north of Barcelona. Production is still left to the Italians and I work from my home office/showroom/shop and run my online shop from here. No major changes to the clothes, but I continue doing what has always been my passion and, since 1996, my work: look for fabrics, design clothes and thank and kiss my lovely wife and kids, with a smile.
Above: Andy Scott, manager of West London's Brentford Football Club, on TV—wearing DNA Groove.
DNA Groove is also sponsoring a young soccer manager, Andy Scott—manager of West London's Brentford F.C. He was recently voted Best Manager of the year by London BBC Radio. Andy is the youngest professional soccer/football manager in the UK, at the moment. He's often seen on Sky Sports,ITV, and other Sports programs commentating and wearing DNA Groove clothing. Brentford are in Division Two football and are currently top of the League. I would certainly want to get Mr. Scott best dressed Manager award for 2009 as well!
Above: Treat yourself to a chic Italian made outfit at DNA Groove!
Be sure to stop by the DNA Groove online shop, it radiates with Claudio’s vision and sartorial touch. Remember, DNA Groove does not mass produce their clothing lines, so you’re getting something well made and unique that fits your own style. And check out “Claudio Suggests” on the DNA Groove website, where Claudio puts together inspiring seasonal outfits, with the latest DNA Groove merchandise. Claudio also shares “What's Claudio Wearing” on the website—so you can be inspired with photos of Claudio's personal wardrobe choices. Thank you Claudio De Rossi!
Mr. Peacock first enjoyed a glass of homemade ginger ale about 18 years ago at a little hole in the wall café on lower Haight Street, called Kate’s Kitchen. I don’t really like soda pop, because it’s usually too sweet and syrupy tasting, but I was immediately hooked on this homemade gingery beverage. It wasn’t too sweet and had a bit of a hot gingery kick after you sipped it.
Ginger Syrup
2) Place the ginger in a heavy saucepan and cover with about 5 or 6 cups of cold water.
3) Bring to a boil and cover with a lid. Continue to simmer for about 40 minutes.
5) Measure your liquid and put back in the saucepan. You should have about 3 to 4 cups of liquid. Dissolve 1 to 1 ¾ cup granulated sugar into the liquid, depending on your taste.
Ginger Ale
Moscow Mule 
