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2013 Dodge Challenger R/T at L’Auberge de Sedona: a Blending of

Technological and Culinary Excellence

2013 Dodge Challenger R/T at L’Auberge de Sedona: a Blending of

Technological and Culinary Excellence

Sedona, AZ, 15 December, 2012 - Ten years ago, as Reuters photographer John Hillery and myself

rounded a curve on Arizona Service Route 89 in a pre-production and completely revamped 2002 Ford

Explorer, we came face-to-face with at least a 2 ton boulder blocking the roadway. There was no place to

go; going around on the left would have placed us perilously close to the road edge and an estimated

1,000 ft. drop. Going to the right was out of the question.

The only choice was to stop, hopefully, in time.

We had four things working to our advantage: 1. Anti-lock braking (ABS) 2. New for Explorer anti-dive

geometry 3. Lighter weight. and 4. Driving skills (John’s) presumed adequate. Thankfully, all these

aspects combined to stop us just a hairsbreadth from this massive boulder which would have made short

work of our vehicle - and perhaps us - had we impacted it.

Fast forward to 15 December, 2012, again headed to Sedona, this time for lunch at the renowned and

highly recommended by my driving companion, L'Auberge de Sedona Resort and its Restaurant on Oak

Creek.

Set in a stunningly beautiful locale among the Red Rocks - a weighted statement considering that Sedona

is one of the most aesthetically glorious places on earth - much is offered in the way of placing maximum

distance between guests and the cares, pressures, stresses and concerns of what is commonly called life.

Like my companion, I am a Frank Lloyd Wright aficionado, and we were both struck by the similarities

of L'Auberge landscaping, utilization of natural resources and building placement to Wright's approach

of melding human conceptualized architecture within the organic. Moreover, it called to mind his words

in describing this machine age architect's masterpiece of residences, Fallingwater: "Fallingwater is a great

blessing -- one of the great blessings to be experienced here on earth, I think nothing yet ever so equaled the

coordination, sympathetic expression of the great principle of repose where forest and stream and rock and

all the elements of structure are combined so quietly that really you listen not to any noise whatsoever

although the music of the stream is there. But you listen to Fallingwater the way you listen to the quiet of

the country..."

Mother Nature at Her Uncooperative Best

Our mission in this instance was twofold: Evaluation of the 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T, and the cuisine of

L'Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek (In another life, I was a restaurant critic) which my companion had

assured me was a cut above.

But in a circumstance eerily similar to the boulder encounter of a decade previous, we found ourselves

and I-17 under relentless climatological assault through heavy rain, intermittent snow, and an interstate

section badly in need of repair. In an instant, we were immersed in a wall of water thrown up by a vehicle

to the left of us, following its encounter with a pool of accumulated rain water at 65 mph.

Two things, maybe three, were at work for us; 1. Years of training through the Bob Bondurant and Skip

Barber Racing Schools, and 2. A vehicle whose superior balance and road adhesion characteristics -

thanks to an excellent blending of power, suspension, Electronic Stability Control, All Speed Traction

Control and tire technologies by Dodge engineers - was conducive to a flawless performance within an

impending road emergency...

Northrop-Grumman F-14 Tomcat Breaking the Sound Barrier Image: US Navy

If memory serves me correctly, the recommended action for recovery from a flat spin in a Northrop-

Grumman F-14 Tomcat or fighter aircraft of similar configuration and performance, is perhaps

analogous to the situation we suddenly encountered: DO NOTHING. The prevailing wisdom being that

additional pilot or driver inputs could well exacerbate the problem. And, despite survival instincts telling

you to take some action, i.e.; slow down, change lanes, etc., the training forces a more logical course, and

it worked for us that day. Challenger emerged from this water baptism maintaining course and speed,

without a hint of perturbance.

And that has been the experience, in a variety of driving circumstances on Arizona and California

roadways, with this extraordinarily balanced and modern iteration of a ‘70’s muscle car icon.

Safe Arrival at L’Auberge

Although slightly unnerved by the experience, we were nevertheless confident that the cuisine and

atmosphere of L’Auberge would more than compensate, and we were correct.

It is no exaggeration to say I felt instantly at home in spacious and well-appointed surroundings (my

companion had been there many times before, and has never been disappointed) while delighting in an

attentive staff from the moment we walked in until departure. Our waiter, Luklik, epitomized the

knowledgeable presenter of fine cuisine, and seemed possessed of a sixth sense in terms of anticipating

need.

My companion chose from the menu Spinach and Leek Chicken Crepes; served with cherry tomato and

cucumber salad, while gruyere cheese fondue provided a flavorful topping . Light, airy and tasteful, it was

served in the right quantity; allowing one to savor the experience without caloric concerns.

When I delayed making a selection from a fairly expansive menu, Luklik quickly suggested a special

entree for that days’ luncheon dining: Veal and Lamb Bolognese; a pasta dish that revealed, via its

texture, aroma and a taste that lingered long enough within the tongues’ receptors for me to perceive the

culinary architecture of its individual components, why it was so strongly recommended.

Both entrees’ were impeccably presented and demonstrative of a flair for artistry in this most critical

aspect of any fine dining experience. And, as if on cue, Chef Keith was kind enough to grace us with his

presence, offering commentary on the decision to include this Italian themed repast in the offerings of the

day: “Veal and Lamb Bolognese, a winter time entrée at L’Auberge. As the weather cools down, this is a

hearty pasta dish sure to warm your heart and soul.”

I completely agreed with his assessment, and I will order this again when we return for a more unhurried

breakfast, lunch and dinner experience, along with a more comprehensive walkthrough of L’Auberge

grounds in the near future.

It goes without saying that a fine dining establishment is only as good as its culinary staff, and assurance

of a memorable event is the responsibility of L’Auberge Head Chef Rochelle Daniel.

Why she was selected by the establishment’s executive leadership is borne out by the impressive Bio of

Chef Daniel:

“Chef Rochelle Daniel discovered her passion for cooking at the age of 15 and

soon embarked on an illustrious culinary journey that has led her to her current

role as head Chef of the award-winning L’Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek.

After graduating from the Scottsdale Culinary Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona,

Daniel was offered a position at Zinc Bistro, cooking under the award winning

Executive Chef Matt Carter before working her way up to become Chef de

Cuisine.

“Chef Daniel’s unique creativity combined with her understanding of current

dining trends has provided her many highly esteemed opportunities. A few career

highlights include consulting for the opening of Lush Burger Restaurant,

offering food demonstrations through Food Network and acting as a personal

chef for families with nutritional needs. She has also been recognized as one of

the Valleys top 5 Sous Chef’s by the Arizona Republic and as Best Sous Chef by

AZcentral.com. Chef Daniels’ reputable culinary career, ability to stay ahead of

the dining curve and distinct approachability will only continue to enhance the

highly celebrated L’Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek.”

L’Auberge Head Chef Rochelle Daniel discusses the day's menu and wine selections with Chef Keith and Culinary staffer Image: L'Auberge

Chef Daniel oversees the creation of perfect pairings of cuisine and select wines from L'Auberge's impressive wine cellar Image: L'Auberge

December 15, 2012

Starters Artisan Cheese Platter 18

Chef's Daily Selection of Three Cheeses, Classic Accompaniments

In House Charcuterie 14 Warm Olives, Violet Mustard, Toasted Ciabatta

Flatbread of the Day 15 Chef's Daily Selection

Seasonal Soup 12 Chef's Daily Selection

Salads/Sandwiches/Signatures Organic Mixed Greens 13

Shaved Pears, Blue Cheese, Candied Pecans, Red Wine Vinaigrette

Arugula & Fig Salad 15 Marinated Cherry Tomatoes, Pickled English Cucumber, Feta Cheese

Dungeness Crab Salad 22 Iceburg Lettuce, Tarragon, Toasted Hazelnuts, Baby Tomato, Sherry Vinaigrette

Seared Ahi Tuna Niçoise * 22 Baby Arugula, Olives, Haricots Vert, Fingerling Potatoes, Citrus Crème Fraiche

Roasted Chicken Caesar Salad 16 Baby Gem Lettuce, Oven Roasted Baby Heirlooms

Focaccia Crouton, Parmesan Vinaigrette

Rosemary Marinated Flat Iron Salad* 18 Bib Lettuce, Radish, Candied Walnuts, Roquefort Vinaigrette

Roasted Turkey Panini 16 Avocado, Smoked Swiss cheese, Pickled Onion, Watercress

Chile Aioli, Marble Rye

Salmon “BLT” 16 Butter leaf, Heirloom Tomato, Apple Wood Smoked Bacon, Cornichon Aioli

L’Auberge Burger* 18 Angus Beef Burger, Arugula, Heirloom Tomato on Fresh Brioche Bun

Choice of Bacon Bleu Cheese or Vermont White Cheddar

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Sandwich 16 Mozzarella, Roasted Red Peppers, Arugula, Basil Pesto, Griddled Focaccia Bread

Slow Roasted Prime Rib Sandwich* 18 Grilled Poblano Chiles, Caramelized Onions, Prairie Breeze Cheese, Herb Focaccia

Spinach & Leek Chicken Crepes 22 Cherry Tomato & Cucumber Salad, Gruyere Cheese Fondue

Bouillabaisse, Fresh Fish of the Day 24 Creamy Risotto, Rouille, Toasted Sourdough

Sides L’Auberge Fries 7

Fruit Salad Mint Scented 7

Green Salad Cucumber, Tomatoes, Onions, Red Wine Vinaigrette 7 Twenty Percent Gratuity will be Added to Parties of Six or More

For the comfort of all our guests please refrain from cell phone use

A Place of Restoration

One of the most difficult things to do is leave Sedona owing to its near uncanny attractiveness and

calming effect felt at the physiologic and psychologic sub-molecular level. Indigenous peoples for

centuries have considered this as an undeniably spiritual place, and one soon finds proof of the

correctness of their contention. To be sure, there is something alien about the landscape, its ever

changing colours and clear evidence of anomalies in the earth’s electro-magnetic field designated as

vortices here..

I rather suspect that psychiatrists and self -help gurus consider Sedona an anathema to their trade, and

they should be afraid… very afraid. The beauty of Sedona, beyond question, is in its restorative power,

and, having recently lost my dear wife, I can share with you that my spirit has been renewed, my

confidence that the worst possible event any human can experience in life, and the pain that accompanys

it so overwhelmingly, can be reversed… however slowly.

I will be eternally grateful to the wonderful staff, including Stephanie, of L’Auberge; my dear dining

companion who strongly recommended this excursion; Ali and Whitney at JPublicrelations; the Chrysler

people who went out of their way to provide the perfect mount for this trip; the children of the Kabul,

Afghanistan, refugee camps, and... that magical place we call Sedona.

Recommended Listening: John Denver “Annie’s Song” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C21G2OkHEYo Special thanks to the UK’s Jstfmceh for this moving

video

Epilogue: American Ferrari?

The Challenger R/T is so extraordinarily well balanced that I suspect something else is at work here.

During the Battle of Britain, which pitted the nearly equally matched Supermarine Spitfire and

Messerschmidt BF-109 against each other in an historic battle for air supremacy over the English

Channel and landscape, comparisons were made by British and German fighter pilots relative to their

individual experiences with these aircraft. While Spitfire operators often said that “You don’t sit in this

aeroplane as much as you wear it” and compared it to “a glove-like fit”, BF-109 experten associated

positioning oneself into the cockpit as “ coffin-like”.

The Spitfire descriptor works quite well for Challenger R/T, and the sensation of “wearing” this vehicle

as opposed to simply being “in it” is so satisfying and impressive that one tends to forget everthing else

that is magnificient about this automobile; i.e., the quite urgent yet smooth acceleration accorded by that

5.7L Hemi V8 and the lustful, alluring sound of its exhaust note straight out of the power extreme ‘60s.

The interior has been laid out with purposeful intent from the dash guages, to the 6-speed shifter

placement, to HVAC and entertainment console controls, to the grey/red coloring scheme that is at once

militaristic and calming. Indeed, I was so taken by the Challenger system, had become so, um, addicted

to the feeling of supreme confidence while driving in any number of scenarios, that I sent urgent notes

over the holidays to Chrysler’s Gualberto Ranieri and Rick Deneau pleading for more time… just a little

more time, which they graciously granted… but was far from enough.

The last time I felt like this was at the controls of an ’83 Ferrari GTSi Quattrovalvole at 150 mph on an

unnamed Florida highway 27 years ago and a year previous in the black 1978 Jaguar XJS V-12 that

racer Dave Heinz won the 1979 Cannonball Baker Sea to Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash (The famous

-or infamous, depending on your point of view - “Cannonball Run”) with. Maybe I should also throw

into this mix sitting in the FAA observer’s seat on a British Airways Supersonic Concorde from roll-out to

60,000ft at Mach 2.02 (1370mph) in 1985.

That said, I suspect that the good FIAT people could not resist turning Ferrari chassis and suspension

engineers loose on a Challenger shipped to the Farmington Hills, MI facility, a place sharp-eyed

observers have seen F50s. ( Well, at least we didn’t attribute Challenger R/T’s superb road manners to

space aliens, but that would have been our next choice.)

Drive this car…

Carpe Diem,

Myron D. Stokes

Challenger R/T at the famous Legends - Blast From The Past Diner; a destination on Route 66 that will make Bobby Soxers feel young again...

Performance Menu: 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T

Brake Assist

Rain Brake Support

Ready Alert Braking

Electronic Stability Control

Hill Start Assist

All Speed Traction Control

Anti-Lock 4-Wheel Disc Heavy Duty Brakes

Advanced Multistage Front Airbags

Supplemental Side-Curtain Airbags

Supplemental Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags

Supplemental Side-Curtain Front and Rear Airbags

Leather-Wrapped Shift Knob

Halogen Headlamps Automatic Headlamps Fog Lamps LED

Dual Bright Exhaust Tips

Performance Steering Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel

Performance Suspension

Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering

5.7-Liter V8 HEMI® VVT Engine

Power (SAE net) 375 hp (280 kW) @ 5,150 rpm (65.7 hp/L)(c)

Torque (SAE net) 410 lb.-ft. (555 N•m) @ 4,300 rpm(c)

6-Speed Manual Transmission

Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle

3.73 Rear Axle Ratio

18-Inch x 7.5-Inch Aluminum WheelsP235/55R18 BSW All Season Performance Tires

Tire Pressure Monitor with Warning Lamp

Addendum: Getting Kicks on Route 66…

A Graphic Narrative of A Drive

Down Memory Lane on America’s Most Famous

Highway

About eMOTION! REPORTS.com:

eMOTION! REPORTS.com (http://emotionreports.com http://emotionreportscom.blogspot.com/ http://asimov52.wordpress.com/ ) is an

automotive/aerospace industries research and analysis site targeting professionals within the academic, media,

corporate and government sectors. The site also created a pathway through which white papers and other scholarly

works such as "Crisis On Asimov: A Vision of 2085" by national security strategist Dr. Sheila Ronis; "Quantum

Parallel: The Saint-Hilaire Quasiturbine as the Basis For Simultaneous Paradigm Shift in Vehicle Propulsion

Systems" and "Super-Globalism: Strategies For Maintaining a Robust Industrial Base Through Technological,

Policy and Process Improvement", could be presented to a broadened yet specific audience.

Publisher Myron D. Stokes is an award winning veteran automotive/aerospace industry analyst and spent several

years as an industry correspondent for Newsweek, Newsweek Japan and Newsweek International. His work as a

journalist with special emphasis on business and technology has been published in a variety of other major print

mediums including the Detroit News, Changing Times Magazine, Auto Week and corporate publications. Over the

years, he has provided major corporations and media groups with “deep background” analyses that have helped

shape the direction of some of the most significant news stories and industry strategies After outlining a strategy to

expand industry coverage for Newsweek Magazine in November of 1991, he worked in the capacity of industry

correspondent and investigative reporter. His reporting included in-depth assessments of the “shake- up” at GM, the

much publicized industrial espionage charges against former GM supplier executive Dr. Ignacio Lopez; the hazards

of doing business in China; the viability of Electric Vehicles which centered on advanced battery technology in both

the private sector and military (Newsweek International edition); the difficulties then facing Japan’s auto industry

and the comeback of the Big Three (Newsweek Japan).

In recent years, he has covered some of the most recognized stories in automotive, aerospace and general interest.

These include the Kirk Kerkorian Chrysler takeover attempt; the GM C/K truck controversy; the U.S./Japan trade

issue (Newsweek Japan) which required significant interaction with then Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown; data

for Newsweek cover story (4/95) on Airline Safety; investigative analysis of possible collusion between the warring

governments of Bosnia President Alijah Izetbegovich and Serbia President Slobodan Milosevic along with

uncovering of plan to re-implement ethnic cleansing prior to Srebenica massacre (6/95); and the Oklahoma City

bombing. His ability to thoroughly and accurately report and analyze issues of substance garnered himself and

former Newsweek Detroit Bureau Chief Frank Washington first place in the coveted Detroit Press Club International

Golden Wheel Award for Automotive Journalism in 1995. This competition, judged by professors from the

University Of Nebraska School Of Journalism, included entries from 110 journalists in five countries. Business Week

took second place. Stokes was also privileged to function as acting Detroit Bureau Chief for Newsweek.

Stokes maintains strong interest in global affairs, and continues to be involved in a range of nation building and

humanitarian/disaster relief efforts. Among these were acting as initial intercessor between UN Secretary General

Kofi Annan and the then warring governments of Eritrea and Ethiopia; an activity which helped lead to the cessation

of hostilities in October 1999; the coordination of relief activities with US, European and Middle-East based

colleagues subsequent to the Bam, Iran, earthquake of 2004, the Pakistan earthquake of 2005, and co-structuring of

academic and industrio/economic base developmental programs with colleagues in Pakistan and India.

Lastly, in his capacity as Managing Director of Global HeavyLift Holdings, Inc., an entity involved in the creation of

a new air transportation industry subset, Stokes has just completed coordination, in conjunction with Kalitta Air US,

DHL UK, AviaPartner and Fast Forward Freight of Belgium, and the British Afghan Women’s Society, of a second

emergency private airlift relief mission into the refugee camps of Kabul, Afghanistan. The mission was named

“Deadra’s Flight” in honor of Stokes’ wife who recently succumbed to illness. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-

releases/urgent-appeal-ukuseuasiamiddle-east—help-with-airlift-of-winter-childrens-clothes-to-afghanistan-wanted-174768661.html

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/amnesty-international-calls-for-international-assistance-for-prevention-of-child-freezing-

deaths-in-afghanistan-as-private-citizens-commit-cargo-plane-for-airlift-175898321.html

Publisher’s note: A second phase of this mission will bring critically ill Afghan children to the US for treatment, with

Phoenix, AZ medical facilities having been designated for this effort. A pediatric review team consisting of

physicians and other area healthcare professionals is being formed as of now.

Current Media Advisory: http://asimov52.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/veteran-automotiveaerospace-journalistanalyst-available- for-interviews-on-state-of-the-industry-its-product-and-riskbenefit-analysis-of-western-auto-companies-doing-business-in-the-

peoples-repu/

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Web Editor: Matt Siporin

The Children of the Kabul, Afghanistan Refugee Camps Say "Thank You Deadra Stokes" following a recently completely relief mission... Images: British Afghan Women's Society