The Standard's Hotelier Turned Farmer

André Balazs owns eight hotels, including the Chateau Marmont and The Standard, which famously cater to the rich, famous, gorgeous, and fabulous. And apparently now to locavores, as well. Balazs recently purchased a Dutchess County farm, which sits along the Hudson River in upstate New York, and is supplying The Standard hotel in New York City with chickens and other farm-raised meats from his new property. New Yorkers should hasten to try the chicken at The Standard Grill, because Balazs has been quoted saying, "I've never tasted chicken like this."

Balazs purchased Dutchess County Farm from Bob Guccione, the founder of Penthouse magazine, which does sort of make this whole slick-hotelier-turned-farmer thing a little easier to understand, since both men are well versed in the hot girls department. It just makes us wonder if a countryside Standard property is on the way or if he's just really dedicated to the farm-to-table movement.

Balazs also owns the André Balazs Reserve, a collaboration with Long Island winemaker Christian Wolffer that produces summery rosé wines. The wines are available at his own hotels and restaurants.