Food and Drink
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Volt
I had an incredible evening on Wednesday. I received a last minute invitation from
a favorite client to join her for dinner at VOLT in Frederick, Maryland. I always love
a good meal, but I was especially excited about this venue because the head chef
is Bryan Voltaggio of Top Chef fame. His dishes were so impressive during season 6
of Bravo’s acclaimed series that I couldn’t pass up the chance to sample them for myself.
To say that our dinner was delicious is the understatement of the century. Seated at
Table 21 (aka the chef’s table), we were presented and served a 21-course tasting menu,
5 bottles of wine and a front row view of the genius at work in the kitchen. By 11 o’clock
we were nearly delirious from four hours of absolute gastronomic indulgence. Thanks go
out to my client Donna, Chef Voltaggio and the fabulous staff at Volt. What a Wednesday!
Volt is located in the historic Houck mansion in the heart of historic Frederick.
The building was originally home to the Houck sisters – six daughters of the
wealthy, local financier Ezra Houck. The 8,000 SF structure was erected in
the early 1890’s by the architectural firm J. A. Dempwolf.
Views of the foyer’s hostess stand and adjacent bar.
Chef Voltaggio, Sous Chef Graeme Ritchie and Beverage Director Neil Dundee
oversee one of the evenings courses in the kitchen as Table 21 looks on.
L to R: Graeme Ritchie, Bryan Voltaggio and Neil Dundee
Bryan Voltaggio grew up in Frederick county and began cooking at an early age.
He studied at the Culinary Institute of American in New York and worked as Sous
Chef at Aureole in Manhattan and as Executive Chef at Charlie Palmer Steak DC.
Voltaggio opened Volt in 2008 with business partner Hilda Staples.
Some of the most memorable dishes of the evening …
celeriac macaroon | foie gras
yellowfin tuna tartare | cilantro, jasmine rice, soy “air”, yuzu, avocado
The fourth course and one of my favorite plates of the night.
chilled yellow corn soup | cucumber chive salad, coconut
cherry glen farm ravioli | maitake mushroom, goat cheese
My other favorite dish. The combination of flavors was incredible.
tuscarora farm beets | arugula, goat cheese, balsamic
I love beet salad and almost always order it when dining out.
Volt’s was delicious and beautiful
.
quartet of mignardises | white chocolate with sour cherry, almond macaroon with
chocolate and cardamom, madeleine, and raspberry pâte de fruits
So full at this point, I was near tears. My boyfriend looked at me in disbelief when
I nibbled each and every one of these desserts despite my distended tummy.
If your mouth is watering and you want to book a table at Volt – call now.
They are already taking reservations for 2011 … and save your appetite!
Bon appétit!
Tricia
– VOLT –
228 NORTH MARKET STREET
FREDERICK, MD 21701
(301) 696-8658
* several photos courtesy of Volt’s website and www.kevineats.com *
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Summer Vacation
… mine has officially started.
I'm spending the week in my hometown of Minneapolis with family and friends.
There is no place I would rather be this time of year than the land of ten thousand lakes.
It's the perfect destination for the three essentials of a summer vacation – sun, fun and
relaxation. I lounge at my parents', soak in the sun, catch up with the girls and breathe.
Not much to it really, but it's always nice to have a plan – if a somewhat loose one – in place.
Below are some of the activities I've scheduled for my week in the beautiful "mini apple".
Lake Minnetonka
This vast and intricate chain of bays is a summer must for tourists and
natives alike. You can tie up at Big Island, stop for drinks at Lord Fletcher's
or simply cruise along while enjoying 100+ miles of beautiful shoreline.
A typical summer day at Lord Fletcher's.
Chez Huntley is on the north shore of Lake Minnetonka in Crystal Bay.
Pool Time
My sun-worshipping days are long gone. I haven't spent committed time
in the sun in nearly twenty years. But the rents have a pool with a view
of the lake. So really, I'm going to pass up a day of lounging poolside with
my ipod, a tall drink and a couple of fashion mags? Puhleeez!
I picked up two delicious magazines before my flight. Check out the August issues of
Elle and Vogue featuring Drew Barrymore and Gwyneth Paltrow respectively.
Great features and fall fashion previews!
Walker Art Center
I haven't been in years, so I plan to spend a day at this world-class museum and
adjacent sculpture garden with dinner after at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant 20*21.
Claes Oldenburg’s famous “Spoonbridge and Cherry” sculpture at the Walker.
The view from 20*21 includes Loring Park and the Basilica.
Neighborhood Driving Tour
Before I was an adult and a professional interior designer, I was a design voyeur.
As a teenager, I loved driving through Minneapolis and its western suburbs soaking
in the architecture and atmosphere of the neighborhoods. I haven't done that in years
and am looking forward to visiting some of my favorites haunts like Edina, Kenwood
and Linwood Hills. I see a blog post developing out of this.
Classics in Kenwood (above) and adjacent to Lake Harriet (below).
Lake Calhoun & Lake Harriet
During my high school years many a day, night and weekend were spent at these two
lakes. Smaller in size and in the heart of Minneapolis, they're great for all kinds of activities:
running, biking, canoeing, windsurfing. Plus, the Lake Harriet Bandshell features concerts
all summer long, so you can bring a date or the whole family for a picnic under the stars.
Windsurfers on Lake Calhoun.
Moored sailboats and the bandshell at Lake Harriet.
Weisman Art Museum
Designed by Frank Gehry and erected in 1993, this iconic steel structure on
the University of Minnesota campus is a precursor to the famous Guggenheim in
Bilbao, Spain. The only Gehry-designed museum in the United States, it is
currently undergoing a major expansion scheduled for completion in 2011.
Girls' Night
My Midwest "besties" and I don't get quality time together but once a year.
So when we do, we make it count. There's nothing better than hanging out,
sipping cocktails and laughing our a—s off for hours on end.
Five of “the nine” at our 20th reunion last summer at the Minneapolis W Hotel.
Hoping you all get the chance to get away, recharge and reconnect with the ones you love!
Tricia xo
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District Design
New York, LA, Paris – Sure, everyone knows these cities are the “it” destinations for design
and fashion. But there are fabulous finds in any city if you’re a chic and savvy girl (or guy) who knows
how and where to look. “DISTRICT DESIGN” is a recurring feature from Luxe & Lucid that highlights
great shopping in the US and beyond sourced by my most stylish friends and colleagues in-the-know.
District Design vol. 2
BARCELONA & MADRID
On the heels of its World Cup win over The Netherlands this past weekend, who better to
feature in District Design than Spain? You couldn't help falling in love with this country upon
viewing the spirit and excitement of its players and fans throughout the finals. Sarah, my oldest
friend from childhood – we started our education together in preschool – has had a lifelong love affair
with Europa Latina. She has lived there since college and married a Spaniard. She is probably more
Spanish than American at this point, but as someone who was raised in the U.S., she never loses her
enthusiasm for her adopted home. In Luxe & Lucid's second installment of District Design, Sarah
will share her favorite sources for fashion and home as a stylish ex-pat in the know. Viva España!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FURNISHINGS RESOURCE?
Two great, high-end resources for the home are ArteEspaña and Becara.
Both have retail locations in Madrid and Barcelona.
Table from ArteEspana and accessories from Becara.
WHAT WAS YOUR LAST STELLAR FIND?
Gold leaf mirrors for our dining room and a gold-flecked frame that instantly jazzed up a lackluster print.
Artwork at Hotel Pulitzer in Barcelona c/o La Dolce Vita.
IS THERE A PREFERRED LINEN SHOP IN MADRID?
Yes! The best buy for your money is at Sandra Marquez. It’s a Portuguese chain and
Portuguese textiles are lovely. You can find quality linens – for bath, bed, tabletop – at
great prices. Her sheets have lovely detailing like scalloped edges and hand-embroidery.
They’re soft, don’t need much ironing and last. What more can you ask for?!
HOW DO YOU WORK YOUR FASHION LOOK INTO YOUR HOME?
I like gold accessories and my living room has quite a few little gold accents.
Interior by Estefanía Carrero featured in Spanish AD Nov ’09.
Check out this mag. Every issue blows my mind!
WHAT FASHION DESTINATION CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
That would have to be Zara. They are completely in touch with the pulse of current fashion
and churn out new looks every two weeks, so their store is new every time you walk in. Zara is
known for taking hot looks off the street/runway and getting them into stores in record time. They
mix up their styles and feature limited edition dresses and outfits that are really gorgeous. You can
find your standard work uniform or weekend outfits in a snap. Everything is well-priced, and while it’s
only good for a season or two, it’s great to get up-to-date pieces without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s
one-stop shopping for women (including shoes), men and kids. A great resource for moms on-the-go.
Styles from the Zara Lookbook.
WHAT’S THE BEST KEPT SHOPPING SECRET IN SPAIN?
Boutiques like Hazel for shoes and Bimba & Lola for ready-to-wear clothes and accessories.
Perhaps best of all? Zara’s new upscale shop called Uterque. Check it out – it’s gorgeous!
Shoes from Hazel.
Spirited and coloful clothes and accessories from Bimba & Lola.
Handbags from Uterqüe.
* LUXE & LUCID PICKS FOR BARCELONA & MADRID *
Sarah and I are part of a group of longtime girlfriends in Minnesota (a.k.a. “the nine”).
Our friendships span 30+ years and we get together annually so that we stay on top of the
many changes we all go through and to keep our relationships au courant. We pick a new
spot each year, and with our fortieth birthdays looming on the horizon (yikes!), we’ve decided
to do it up with a trip to Spain. Sarah will, of course, provide us with many to-do’s and must-
sees for our little adventure. But in true Tricia-style, I’ve started compiling a list of Luxe &
Lucid worthy pit-stops. See some of my recent finds below. And feel free to send me your
own recommendations. I would love to hear from you!
HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
– The Hotel Pulitzer in Barcelona –
Designed by the incredibly talented Lázaro Rosa-Violán.
Patrons have included Joan Miró, Salman Rushdie and François Mitterand … must be good!
– Bar Marsella –
Some of my artistic heroes – Dalí, Hemingway, Gaudí and Picasso – used to frequent this
Barcelona bar. And they serve absinthe. A sexy, mysterious spirit I’ve been enjoying lately.
– The Hotel Ritz Madrid –
Dining on the Terrace with views across the garden of the Prado Museum.
MUSEUMS
- Museo del Prado –
Glorious garden, magnificent architecture and a stellar collection of works.
– The Museu Picasso, Barcelona –
The Wait (Margot), 1901.
- Museo Reina Sofia, Madrid –
Hombre con Pipa, 1925
Joan Miró
Guernica, 1937
Pablo Picasso's masterpiece
More to come as I troll blogs and poll my friends for the best resources España.
… and check out District Design vol. 1 from November 09.
Tricia xo
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(C)happy
I spent this past weekend on Martha’s Vineyard.
Apart from several trips to Newport for hotel work a decade ago, I haven't spent any
time in New England. I tend to migrate west for family get-togethers and downtime.
And being the contrarian-enthusiast that I am, I was tentative about a preppy endemic.
I.e., an island saturated with bobbed hair, lockjaws and Lily Pulitzer ad nauseam. Oh
ye of little faith (and so much paranoia)! I didn't know what I was missing. Pristine
architecture, majestic beaches and charming shops abound. Add world-class
seafood to the mix and you have the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
* FRIDAY *
Since our destination – Chappaquiddick – was east of Martha’s Vineyard,
we decided to take a driving tour of the island’s west side upon arrival.
First stop – The views of Gay Head.
To know me is to understand that I am a HUGE Jaws fan. It’s one of my favorite
movies of all time (see the October Luxe & Lucid post “Mad About Macabre”). Several
key scenes were shot in Menemsha (above) as well as on other parts of the island.
Aprés dinner and before hopping on the Chappy ferry, we stopped for a nightcap at Atlantic.
The Mike Benjamin Band was headlining – they’ve played for Mary Steenburgen and
President Bill Clinton – and absolutely rocked the house. We danced until we were soaked
through and closed down the bar. Haven’t done that in a few years and loved every minute of it.
* SATURDAY *
I woke up at 6AM ready to tackle the day’s itinerary and
enjoy the small window of sunshine forecasted for the weekend.
To make the most of it, we started the day with a little exploration and a walk on the beach.
Followed by shopping for groceries at the famous (and newly renovated) Morning
Glory farmer’s market. I brought their blackberry/strawberry jam home to DC. Yum!
But the real highlight of the day (well, for me) was a visit to Island Alpaca.
I fell in love with these animals when Sandra Jordan made a visit to Huntley & Co. this
spring. Sandra’s eponymous company manufactures and imports incredibly beautiful
textiles from Peru. She has a true passion for her fabrics and the Alpaca breed itself.
How could she not? Just look at those faces!
Two babies and several “colorways” from Island Alpaca’s herd.
This little fella’ had a passion for grooming. So cute!
After all that excitement, we continued onto Vineyard Haven to do a little
sightseeing and shopping. Below are a few of our stops.
RILEY'S READS
A charming children’s book store owned by the very knowledgeable Zoë
Pechter. Check out her blog for new releases and recommendations.
BRAMHALL & DUNN
Great linens and tabletop items with [you guessed it] a slightly preppy
theme. I did, in fact, find several sheet sets and coverlets from
Pamela Kline and Le Jacquard Français that were quite lovely.
RAINY DAY
A vast assortment of gifts, paper goods and tableware
that range from sweet to sophisticated to amusing.
MIX
An eclectic mix of modern and vintage accessories. I left with a darling
pair of sunglasses. You can also find classic Golden books, antique
typeface letters and colorful dinnerware. And the staff couldn’t be friendlier.
A. E. KIRKPATRICK
A slightly kooky jewelry store tucked away off of Main Street. I found
a chic, bendable gold-plated snake bracelet/necklace for a song.
I'm using it as a sculpture on my living room coffee table.
A great accessory that will change up my tablescape in a snap.
Our long and active day required a nap and a nice dinner in Edgartown.
We dined at Restaurant Détente, an unassuming spot in Nevin Square.
Casual décor, excellent wine list, award-winning fare.
* SUNDAY *
It’s hard to believe we had already packed all the activities above into 30 hours.
We didn’t slow our pace much on Sunday.
Morning is a great time to view Chappaquiddick’s wildlife in its natural habitat. Besides
the incredible sea creatures (horseshoe crabs are freaks!), the bird-watching on
the island is pretty incredible. We saw all of the species below during our visit.
clockwise from top left: Osprey, Oyster Catcher, Snowy Egret and Cormorant.
Later we headed to East beach across infamous Dike Bridge.
I’ve never been the beachy-type, but I found all sorts of design inspiration
in the sand – a collection of shells and other organic materials that will
make great samples for custom furniture finishes. I know …
Could I be any more entrenched in my profession?!
On our way back to the house we stopped for a stroll through Mytoi Gardens.
A Japanese-style garden and cultural treasure protected by the The Trustees of Reservations.
Still beautiful in the rain, I would like to go back when the gardens are lit by sunshine.
Despite the inclement weather, we went for a sail on Cape Poge.
The increasing winds turned a casual cruise into an exhilarating 2 hours.
Can you say “exhausted”?! Only 3 things left to do …
Eat, cocktail, and relax.
And that’s how you do a fabulous weekend.
LUXE & LUCID RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR VISIT TO MARTHA’S VINEYARD
– The Vineyard’s official site is www.mvol.com and has a lot of useful info.
– Design Sponge’s December post featuring MV is Grace Bonney’s extensive, personal guide.
– I also like the New York Times Travel Guide because it includes reader recommendations.
– The island has an excellent radio station. Tune into mvyradio and you’ll be set for the weekend.
– If you’re an architecture and/or design buff, bring your camera and do a walking tour of Edgartown.
– Pack layers for travel before July. The weather can turn on a dime and become quite chilly when the winds pick up.
– With that said, a first time visit before the crush of July 4 is a great idea. You can enjoy the island sans mob.
– Most important? Make sure you travel with the right partner in crime!
Tricia xo
P.S. Final cool moment of the weekend? Bill Murray on our flight from MVA to LGA.
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Genius at Work – Darrell Dean
Washington is a strong city for design.
Incredible architecture, international influences and award winning talent.
But to the larger audience, we're seen as conservative and predictable.
Sure we don't have the inventory of New York or the edginess of LA, but take a
closer look and you'll find innovators, risk-takers and geniuses in their fields.
One of those virtuosos is Darrell Dean of the eponymous antique store on
Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown. His finds are always fresh and striking and
completely original. The man is brilliant. His shop is a constant source of
product and inspiration. If I could, I would buy the entire cache. Where is that
generous benefactor?! Thank God for trusting clients and interesting projects. I
stopped in Darrell Dean this weekend and was blown away as usual. I shot 40+
photos while browsing the two levels. Interior designers far-and-wide, take note!
The store front on Wisconsin Avenue at P Street.
Perfectly situated between Cherry and Café Bonaparte.
A pair of brightly upholstered mid-century swivel chairs.
These would be sick if recovered in a buttery beige kidskin.
This glass-topped, faux parchment table is a show-stopper.
How did I describe Darrell’s inventory … “striking and completely original”?
Case in point. A nautically inspired, zoomorphic chair
I have been eyeing these crystal encrusted lamps for a looong time.
… As well as this 1970s faux tortoise, multi-faceted table.
I think I’m going to place it in the Huntley & Co. Lake Geneva project in Switzerland.
One reason I love Darrell’s pieces is that they are often graphic and sculptural.
Like this table – both the top and the base are interesting
These lamps are actually quite large, and with the stripes, very striking in person.
It’s hard to find a good planter these days. This one is the right
size and glamorous without being over the top. Tempting.
Speaking of glamour. A pair of white leather and brass armchairs from the 50s.
And don’t they look comfortable?!
A pair of patchwork, salvaged wood obelisks. Love!
Darrell Dean epitomized. Dramatic and unique, but not too perfect.
One last shot before I leave and then across the street to Puro Café for lunch.
Another relaxing, fun-filled weekend while Nina is at boot camp. Two more weeks!
* * *
1524 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-6330
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Road Trippin’
On Friday I delivered my sweet but stressed Norwegian Elkhound, Nina, to a trainer in
Virginia for a much-needed behavioral boot camp. To make the most of my time sans-dog,
I inaugurated my three weeks of freedom with a series of excursions to Warrenton, The Plains
and Maryland's western shore. Road trips are a great way for a curious, visual or adventurous
soul to satisfy his or her inner explorer. And better yet, you avoid the airport … which is like
sticking hot needles in ones eye these days. With a little planning and the right companion,
2 days and 3 nights plus a few hundred miles can be just the escape you've needed.
Summer weekends are here, DC urbanites. Get packed and get going!
I stayed at The Black Horse Inn on Friday. The perfect setting for
a Virginia bed-and-breakfast with rolling hills and grazing horses.
A view of the property's north side.
The stables are a short walk from the main house.
Like everything on the property, the stalls are nicely detailed and well maintained.
We had dinner at The Rail Stop on Friday night in The Plains.
A casual spot once owned by local Robert Duvall.
After dinner we walked across the street to Forlano’s Market and had a glass of wine on the front porch.
This market/restaurant is the perfect addition to Main Street – charming, unpretentious and filled with
locals and visitors alike. Dinner here will be on my itinerary the next time I visit hunt country.
I planned on a quiet afternoon in old town Warrenton, but as it turned out, Saturday was the town’s
annual spring festival replete with bands, booths and lots of interesting characters. Classic people-watching!
Looking down S. 3rd Street to E. Lee Street.
I love the architecture, history and intimacy of southern towns.
We had lunch at The Iron Bridge Wine Co. on Main Street. Delicious food and
great wine in a handsome setting with excellent service to boot. Worth a trip.
On the way out of town, the clever signage for Tri County Feeds caught my eye.
So much so that we pulled over to take a look inside. In fact, the company
is a retailer specializing in riding gear and services for the equine set.
I’m no great equestrian, but if I were, I would definitely buy this saddle and outfit. So chic!
Sunday required a change in gears with a drive to Maryland and a cruise up the Potomac back to
DC via boat. I commented at one point that the shoreline reminded me of Lake Minnetonka.
That is until I saw a little estate called Mount Vernon perched on a hill on the Virginia side.
Once up the river in DC, we stopped for awhile to enjoy the views. Where else can you drift on a
boat on a beautiful day with little water traffic and gaze at the Lincoln and Washington Memorials?!?!
Wrapping up the perfect easy-breezy weekend.
Looking forward to more local adventures while my canine kid is at camp!
Tricia (and Nina) xo
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Spring Fever – DC Style
I don’t think I have ever been so excited for spring.
We just endured a brutal winter here in Washington and I think we’re
all ready for a new season. The good news is that thanks to all that snow,
spring seems to have come early to the nation’s capital. Our magnificent
cherry blossoms are already blooming and this past weekend’s temps were
absolutely heaven-sent. In celebration of nature’s glorious transformation,
Luxe & Lucid is highlighting all things fun, fresh and flowery this week.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh … spring has arrived!
H&G’s 2007 issue with Chloë Sevigny embodies the magic of spring.
The stone terrace, the roses, the dress … inspiring and lovely.
Is there a more beautiful spot in spring than DC’s tidal basin?!
The perfect finish to a day of viewing cherry blossoms? A late afternoon lunch with
your beau in a romantic setting like The Greenhouse at The Jefferson hotel below.
Or for true al fresco dining, try DC hotspots Perry’s in Adams Morgan,
Poste Moderne in Penn Quarter and Kafe Leopold’s in Georgetown.
Or just skip lunch altogether and have a sexy, disheveled romp in the park!
Louis Vuitton does it with dirt, doves and Lara Stone.
I do actually love spending my weekends in the park (sans romp); it’s a necessity
when one has a dog. DC has incredible outdoor destinations. My favorites are
Montrose, Battery Kemble and Dumbarton Oaks above.
Great for casual Saturdays and Sundays walking around Georgetown,
these bamboo-buckled Gucci flats are a warm weather staple for me.
As is this playful tote. I call it my “brunch bag". I carry it on
weekends when I’m running errands and lunching with my girls.
As for the rest of my spring wardrobe – I need to do some serious shopping.
Here are some looks I’d like to rock … from Jigsaw, Two Minds and Pucci respectively.
And for evening maybe a flowing pastel ensemble from Donna Karan.
Perfectly timed with the onset of spring, I received this card last week. The modern
cherry blossom motif speaks to the brighter, sunnier days of spring. It inspires
me to punch up my interiors with deep, saturated colors – especially yellow.
Like the chairs in this Vicente Wolf dining room …
… and the walls in this dynamic bedroom.
(who’s the designer?!)
Luxe & Lucid wishes everyone a wonderful spring.
And come see the cherry blossoms if you can – you'll never forget it!
Tricia xo
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Unleash Your Power!
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What a Girl Wants
OK boys.
It’s time to snap out of that beer-and-chips induced Superbowl fog and back into reality.
That’s right. Valentine’s Day is Sunday. Am I sensing a little panic? Maybe a cold sweat?
But don’t worry – I’m here to help. And I’ll let you in on a little secret. We’re not looking for
diamonds or a trip to Bora Bora. What we want from you is a little effort and a bit of insight
into what's important to us. It shows you care. It shows you listen. So follow the guidelines
below and show the girl you love that, yes, YOU ARE THE MAN!
Receiving flowers from a man is one of life’s simple pleasures. Alas, all flowers are not the
same. You may think a dozen red roses from the local grocery store is a nice gift. But you
might as well pick up a MacDonald’s Big Mac and wrap it with a red bow. Cheap and easy
is not the way to say “Je t’aime”. Think unique, glamorous, one-of-a-kind … like your beloved.
Lush arrangements that are colorful and dramatic.
Michael Lanni’s creations are unique, architectural and exotic.
I’ve mentioned before how much I love Saipua’s flowers. But they only deliver in
New York. So if you’re lucky enough to live in Manhattan or Brooklyn, it’s time
to drop some not-so-subtle hints to your man about these incredible blooms.
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but these days I find many women are less concerned
with jewelry houses and labels and more interested in unique, statement-making pieces.
This catalog is my go-to source for everything chic and dramatic, especially jewelry. Fabulous!
Bobbie is local, but her pieces have global sophistication.
Her one-of-a-kind necklaces are for the the chic, risk-taking woman.
For the woman who loves vintage. This jeweler’s inventory always blows my mind.
.
Not all girls love chocolate, but those who do are typically fanatics. If so, a Whitman’s
sampler isn’t going to cut it. Washington has some fabulous chocolate shops with staff
who are knowledgeable and eager to help you select that perfect Valentine’s Day treat.
This Belgian café has a delicious menu, wine and beer, outdoor seating and delightful service.
And then there’s the chocolate. Owner and chef Niel Piferoen creates his specialty
pastries, truffles, etc. on site. A true gem for the beau who aims to impress.
Virginia native Jason Andelman creates hip, modern confections.
For me the key to a romantic dinner is an intimate space, a unique menu, stellar
service and a dimly lit, sultry atmosphere, Ask for a booth with some privacy,
but avoid no-man’s land in the back; you want to enjoy the buzz of the restaurant.
Bourbon Steak at The Four Seasons
Elegant interior, elegant cuisine, elegant service.
Sophisticated dining in a laid-back environment.
Fashionable and romantic – imagine Jimmy Choo as a restaurateur.
And don’t forget to tell your girl just how much you love her with a handwritten note!
This exquisite Valentine is a Delphine Studio design available through Etsy.
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Tip deLuxe
BEATING THE WINTER BLUES
It’s that time of year. Mid-winter (ugh!) And like most people, I am counting the days until spring.
As a Minnesota native, however, I’ve learned to fight the urge to hibernate and boost my mood in small, simple ways.
These are my top five tips for staying sane January through March.
1. HIT THE SPA
Schedule a facial and a body scrub. You’ll leave feeling polished, relaxed and rejuvenated.
In DC I like Hela, Karen Fisher and the spas at Lorien Hotel and Mint. In Arizona I trust
my face to Lindsay at L Skincare and in Minneapolis I enjoy The Marsh.
2. FUNK UP YOUR FINGERTIPS
Take a chance and wear a bold color on your fingers and toes a la Gwyneth (grey) and Eva (navy).
I’m currently rocking dark green on my digits. Try "Zulu" from Nars or “Here Today Aragon Tomorrow” from Opi.
3. SHAKE YOUR BOOTY
Lately I’ve been playing a lot of dance music at home and at work … Rhianna, Fergie, JT, Lady Gaga, etc.
And yes, when no one’s watching, I do get my groove on.
4. CLEAN HOUSE
Is there anything more refreshing than a clean house/office/car? Automatic ahhhhhh.
5. THROW A PARTY
No real reason required. Just gather your best buds and celebrate those friendships that last season after season.
My party prep must – the website drinksmixer.com. Try the French Martini and Goodnight Kiss recipes. Yum!
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Tip deLuxe
STEALING BEAUTY
We’re embarking on a new year (a new decade actually!) and you’re ready to make some changes
to chez vous. Where to start? Everyone, even professional interior designers, need a jumping off point,
a focus, a raison d’être. It’s called inspiration. And without it, you’ll spend the next six months going around
and around in circles trying to figure out “what’s my style???” So take a little time during this holiday break,
grab a stack of magazines (remember those?) and start tearing. Don’t think about it, just rip out what you like.
Fashion layouts, jewelry ads, interiors, food features … whatever speaks to you. When you’re done, pull aside
the two or three that say “THIS IS ME!” and file the rest away. Yes, steal some beauty and allons-y!
Dolce & Gabbana’s Fall ‘09 campaign and a beautiful Payard feature from Town & Country Travel magazine.
Confectionary images to inspire the interiors of the girly-girls out there.
A room by designer Anne Coyle.
If you could live inside the Fall Gucci campaign or the latest Gorsuch catalog then you
respond to texture, layering and luxury and should book a trip to St. Moritz immediately.
Tom Scheerer’s Kip’s Bay Showhouse bedroom.
Maybe you’re a traditionalist with a saucy side. Like these ladies captured by Kate Spade and Slim Aarons.
Think vivid colors, floral prints and vintage accents with a little leather thrown in.
A Miles Redd bedroom from Domino.
Are you drawn to sleek, sexy, fashionable images?
Then let David Bowie and Marni’s 2008 collection be your inspiration.
A Chicago installation by Kara Mann.
Let the dark side of life be your muse. Like these images from 1992's Dracula and the blog Tedore.
The current vampire craze could inform a dark, dramatic space.
Anthony Gianacakos’ East Harlem bedroom from Lonny magazine.
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