Food
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Shopping In London For A Spring Wedding!
Ladurée CakesBurlington Arcade: London’s Ultimate Shopping Destination
This post is dedicated to our London readers, and all the fashionable crowd, who wish to shop at one of England’s chicest address – Burlington Arcade. Whether it is planning your wedding list, selecting your engagement ring or buying a present for hte bridal party, Burligton Arcade, Britain’s first shopping arcade, has the answer. I like the fact that it’s away from the mainstream, and elegant brides and grooms, and anyone who is shopping for a posh and special wedding, can see bespoke pieces to match British boutique wedding – something which the Burlington Arcade offers with unrivalled aplom!
Mark Lord, the head Beadle at the Burlington Arcade comments: ‘The Burlington Arcade is an un-rivalled destination for both UK and international consumers looking for a truly bespoke wedding experience. From the ring room at Richard Ogden to the tranquil perfume profiling room at Penhaligon’s, the enclosed arcade is an oasis away from the busy streets of London. It takes time to decide who you want to marry, do that decision justice by taking the time to get the attire right for your big day. I certainly did, I bought my wife’s engagement ring at the arcade. I see many couples visit the Arcade and each couple has a memorable British experience. It doesn’t get better than that.’
33″ Extra Deep Suitcase with wheels from Globe-Trotter
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Eye-catching engagement at Susannah Lovis
Dragées Ladurée
Scroll Art Deco Feather Hair Piece
Deep Suitcase … with wheels!
Romantic and captivating Endymion from Penhaligons
Crockett & Jones
Burlington Arcade, UK -
Drama At The Table
Photo credit Chronicle/Eric LuseHow To Decorate Your Tables – BeautifullyMy gift to you today is a series of dramatic table settings that I’ve collected from the Internet over the years. No doubt you appreciate the pleasure and the importance of preparing a meal, and setting an elegant table as you get together with your friends and families. So today, as you welcome them in your homes and ultimately your tables, why not do so with a bit of flair, and a lot of drama?
Simple and personal touches at the table equal lasting memoriesPhoto via Brunch at SAKS
Centerpieces are key to any table settings. It’s important for the eye to wonder and fantasy, especially when the conversation around the table gets a bit dull
Black and white is the new black. Seeing these bold stripes at an outdoor table setting is “a good thing”. It makes a lasting impression, even if the flowers were absent from the table
Bountiful: Preston Bailey’s over the top, yet elegant table setting
Breaking bread: The folks at Le Pain Quotidien always manage to create a dramatic table, even with they bare-polished furniture
Elegant: Greek keys, monograms and zig zags… Who could ask for anything more?Photo via Reasons to Breathe
Lost in the woods: This setting is by far one of the most interesting ones. It provides a means to escape, and be wrapped up – In The MomentPhoto credit Chronicle/Eric Luse
I would of liked to see a bit more color here, especially since all the flowers are white. However, the peacock provides plenty of that – even though it is neutralMonique Lhuilier’s Table Setting
Shine on: Nothing says drama, and romance than candlesticks
Okay, we get it! Audrey equals drama!Photo credit Timothy Kilk, via Elle Decor
Outdoor festivities are always a great ideas. Even in the winterAll other images via PinterestNOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.You May Also Like
The Wondrous World of Parisian Florist Olivier Giugni
- Bill Cunningham, Books, Celebrities, Food, Le Cirque, Life and Style, Restaurants, Sirio Maccioni, The New York Times
A New Chapter for Le Cirque
What makes a restaurant legendary in a city that has seen its fair share of great restaurants come and go through the revolving door? Let me offer a suggestion. Perhaps the formula for success should be a restaurant with a combination between Italian cuisine alongside the french classics? If that is the case, than Le Cirque, celebrated for its fine dining and frequent celebrity spotting, has managed to achieve this coveted feat since 1974.
So this evening, when I head out to the book launch of A Table at Le Cirque, I know that it will be a charming occasion to mingle with my friends, and perhaps chat with the seductive Sirio Maccioni, who most famously, created a buzzing social club for titans and tastemakers from all walks of life, from every U.S. president since Nixon, kings and Hollywood royalty; café society and business magnates.
Above photos property of Le CirqueAll rights reservedAs I’m writing this post, I’m also glancing over the pages of A Table at Le Cirque… It is the first book to chronicle the fascinating stories, fabled history, the glitz and glamour, and the iconic recipes from the restaurant that is synonymous with luxury. The first half of the book recounts Maccioni’s journey from Montecatini to Manhattan and Le Cirque’s rise to glory. There are hundreds of photographs and drawings, and they all represent a visual history of the world inside the tent (some of them captured by The New York Times society photographer Bill Cunningham who posted himself, in rain or shine, in front of the entrance to capture the comings and goings. I see fashion titans Oscar de La Renta and Carolina Herrera; moguls Donald Trump and Swifty Lazar; socialites Blaine Trump and Nan Kempner; media mavens Barbara Walters and Liz Smith; music legends Mick Jagger, Frank Sinatra, and Diana Ross; celebrities Woody Allen and Sophia Loren, to name a few. I also get to go inside the kitchens of each tenured chef from Jean Vergnes to Olivier Reginensi, each of whom brought something amazing to the table, as well as witness the reinvention of Le Cirque at the three Manhattan locations the restaurant has occupied in its storied history.
My favorite Chocolate Soufflé at Sirio Maccioni’s Le CirqueThe second part of the book shares the recipes that have kept everyone coming back for four decades. Le Cirque has been credited with inventing a cornucopia of plates that have become legendary: Jean Vergnes’s Dover Sole Le Cirque and Spaghetti Primavera, Alain Sailhac’s Fettuccine with White Truffles, Daniel Boulud’s Lobster Salad, Pierre Schaedelin’s deconstructed Caesar Salad, Jacques Torres’s Bombolini, and Sottha Khunn’s update on Chicken Diable. Enticing isn’t it? Now even you can try these delicious dishes at home by obtaining this movable feast at their online store. What are you waiting for? -
Paris Is Always A Good Idea
Les Deux Magots, Paris
Whenever I visit Saint-Germain-des-Prés, it’s not until I sip my first cup of coffee at Les Deux Magots, that I truly feel that I’m in Paris. It’s no secret that nowadays this famous hangout is well known for being a tourist destination, but most Parisians still consider it a favorite jaunt to see and be seen. My experience in the city of lights have taught me that no other places in this town is as welcoming, nor convey the true Parisian spirit, as this quintessential Parisian café.
These days, my mind is more focus on Paris, since I’ve been considering moving there in the next three years. That’s right, you heard it here first. It’s no big surprise really. I’ve always considered Paris my home, and since I’ve been consulting with a couple of luxury companies located in the Marais district, the idea is becoming more and more appealing. And before I forget, my apologies for the delay of posts for the past week or two. It’s been a movable feast.
Photo credits: 1st Black and White: From Edouard Boubat, 1955, Gelatin silver print from Peter Fetterman Gallery. Original still life painting “Lunch at Les Deux Magots, Paris, acrylic on canvas by BL Murray. 2nd Black and White: Dovina with Sacha, Cloche and Suit by Balenciaga, Cafe des Deux Magots, Paris, August, 1955, by Richard Avedon.
NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.You May Also Like
Alain Ducasse’ Sweet Life
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East & West Coast Parties
Picnic by DesignA number of young NYC interior designers came together to support DIFFA by spearheading Picnic by Design. The event took place this past Wednesday under a bright city sky.
Members of the design community enjoyed each other company, as they came together at the lawn of the MiMA roof-deck, a space designed by DIFFA’s own co-chair David Rockwell. Guests enjoyed a variety of picnic baskets designed by Mary Davis, Brooke Lichtenstein, Yiannos Vrousgos, Dwayne Clark, Bob Gaynor, Nigel Sielegar, Dee Kemper, and Michael Aram. This was an evening filled with laughter and cheers, as well as a movie screening of Mart Crowley’s revolutionary play-turn-movie “The Boys in the Band.”
Photos courtesy Marco BollingerThe Pebble Beach Scene
Kristina Marchitto, from Rolls-Royce and Chef Thomas KellerVacheron Constantin Hosts Special Event
with Rolls-Royce Motor CarsLast Saturday evening, Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest high end watch manufacturer, hosted an exclusive event with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, prior to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the world-renowned annual classic cars show. The soiree took place at a private villa situated in the hills of one of the most beloved region in the US, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Guests were treated to a unique and customized dinner crafted by none other, Chef Thomas Keller and prepared by The French Laundry, his famous 3-star Michelin restaurant in Yountville, CA.
Hugues de Pins, president of Vacheron Constantin North AmericaIn his welcome speech, Hugues de Pins spoke about the common values shared by Vacheron Constantin, Chef Keller and Rolls Royce Motor Cars, such as the passing-down of traditions, the constant search for excellence, and the nurturing of creativity in each of their respective industries.Vacheron Constantin Historiques Collection
A view of the villa in Carmel, CaliforniaPhoto credit Paul BoutrosDuring the cocktail, guests were invited into the kitchen to interact with The French Laundry team and witness the preparations for the meal. A staff of 19 from The French Laundry and Per Se, Chef Keller’s New York City restaurant, prepared and served the meal for 60 guests.
Models greeting the guestsUnless otherwise indicated, All images courtesy Derek Gardner Photography -
Top 7
EDITOR’S TOP PICKSFor its first foray into lighting, Kiln Design Studio worked with Bespoke Global to introduce the Derrick Chandelier – inspired by the Studio’s famed vitreous enamel table mobile. The stunning colors of the vitreous enamel are luminous, while the organic form of the Lily Pads are striking against the minimalist hardware.Available at Bespoke GlobalDerrick Chandelier by Kiln Design Studio
Bangle Dining Table from Hudson FurnitureHigh Polished Bronze Finish Base shown with Solid Walnut Slab Top (Natural Finish)Also Available in Stainless Steel (Polished and Blackened), Statuary Bronze (Light and Dark).
Custom Sizes Available
The Queen’s FavoriteIt’s not hard to see why Queen Elizabeth II favors Launer’s iconic handbags. As a whole, the british brand pays great attention to detail to all their handmade bags which bear the same meticulous craftsmanship as the handbags
the Queen has carried for over 50 years.
Vineyards VacationThe Vintage Inn located in Yountville, CaliforniaThis sprawling inn is the sort of haven that reminds one of an elegant French country manor which has been deconstructed and dropped into the heart of California wine country.
Nailing It!The relaunch of Cartier, Juste Un Clou Collection (Unisex rings and bracelets)There are two sizes of the bracelet and a ring, available in yellow and white gold, unadorned or with paved diamonds. This collection was first introduced in the 1970s, and was designed by Aldo Cipullo, a roman jewelry designer.
The Phantom Series IIUpgrade your life today with the this ultimate horse power from Rolls-RoycePhantom Series II marks the first significant improvements to Phantom since 2003 and featuresseveral technological upgrades intended to improve the timeless appeal, performance and efficiency of the car.NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you. -
East & West Coasts Celebrations
High PraiseDid you know that the stylish editor in chief of Interior Design Magazine, Cindy Allen, was bestowed an Honorary Doctorate on May 16th, 2012 by the Academy of Art University? It all took place in San Francisco, where the AAU president, Dr. Elisa Stephens, through a special reception at the school to honor this visionary New York-based editor, who has been heading Interior Design Magazine for the last 10 years.Interior Design Magazine Editor in Chief, Cindy Allen
In addition to spearheading this most prestigeous trade magazine, Cindy Allen also handles the selection of inductees into the Interior Design Hall of Fame at the annual event, which she co-hosts with publisher Mark Strauss. She also presides over the Best of Year Award competition, honoring the best in product and interior design. And here’s some more good news: Cindy Allen was recently appointed chairwoman of DIFFA.
Cindy Allen
Cindy Allen, Elisa Stephens, Laura Blumenfeld
Laura Blumenfeld, Cindy Allen, AAU Student
Elisa Stephen, Arthur Gensler, Cindy AllenPhotos courtesy Strohl & Co.FOOD AND MIGRATIONThe second edition of the International Migration Art Festival took place without a hitch this week. The celebration started on Tuesday night at Eataly, where the exhition Sport Your Food opened, and a second show followed at Wook & Lattuada Gallery, yesterday evening. The idea behind Sport Your Food was to assumed that in the second decade of the 21st Century, gastronomy is generally considered to be an art form rather than a mere physical requirement. Five artists and five chefs were asked to work in pairs on a common theme – creating a recipe and the other a work of art. All this was brilliantly done to coincide with the 2012 London Olympics. This charming event came equipped with holograms, ravioli, biscuits, sandwiches, fillets of fish, video installations, paintings and photographs.
Ferrarelle water for guests
Gregg LeFevre (photographer and sculptor) and Massimo Bottura (chef)
Gregg LeFevre (photographer and sculptor) talking to Giorgio Faletti (Italian best-selling writer)
Grana Padano
Rossella Canevari (writer, screenwriter and artistic director of IMAFestival), Giorgio Faletti (Italian best-selling writer
and Elena Manzini (producer and lawyer)
Eataly at 23rd street between 5th and 6th Ave.Photos courtesy Arturo Stanig -
Taste of Italy Tour in New York
Although I was late getting there from a client presentation, I was still able to enjoy The Taste of Italy Tour at GD Cucine, last night. The event was well attended by foodies in various industries, which included designers, chefs, TV personalities, and the media. It was staged to educate Americans on the importance of using authentic, pure ingredients and to secure Lucini and Delverde as the authority on real Italian food. The pasta that was served was so delicious!Cristobal Prat-Gay, President Molinos USA, Gail Simmons and David Neuman, President Lucini Italia
And it was clear that they’ve used authentic, high quality products in order to elevate the cooking experience to match or even exceed that of restaurants, primarily because of the ingredients used. So I had to curve the urge of not going for seconds. After schmoozing with some of my friends, I found out that the people responsible for the fabulous food bus parked outside GD Cucine were in partnership with Auricchio, Caffè Vergnano, Ferrarelle, Fratelli Beretta, Locatelli, Montosco, Zonin and Olis (an impressive group, indeed!)
Gail Simmons, Bravo celebrity chefAt the center of the tour was the Delverde and Lucini Food Bus, which was not your run-of-the-mill food truck – believe me! This state-of-the-art coach has been outfitted with an Olis industrial kitchen, modern lounge area and its own team of Italian chefs. They can certainly count me in as a passenger.
Photos courtesy Barabino USADid you know that Italian food is the number one ethnic food consumed in the US? Delverde and Lucini want to educate consumers on where their food comes from, how it tastes and the quality of the food they eat. Pasta and Extra Virgin Olive Oil is not all created equal, so by giving consumers the chance to taste the product, they are more likely to understand and appreciate the difference in quality. And as we all can agree, quality is everything. -
The Weekender: Maimonide of Brooklyn’s Opening Celebration
Culture Chic!And the party went on, and on, and on at Maimonide (also known as M.O.B.) during its grand opening on Wednesday night. And why not? I cannot think of a better combination than great food and music. And there was plenty of both going around all evening. Guests were treated to delicious vegetarian and vegan friendly cuisine that is affectionately known as avant-garde vegetarian food for carnivores.
Dishes included dried fruit saucissons, vegan chicken nuggets, and open-faced sandwiches that were topped with wholesome ingredients, which are called MOBs. Try the veggie burgers the next time you visit them, and let me know what you think. If this is the way vegetarians eat, I do not think I want to be a carnivore anymore. On second thoughts, I do enjoy a good steak at Sparks from time to time.
This restaurant is a wonderful addition to the ever vibrant and culture chic side of Brooklyn, and I loved its playful design which is an homage to 90s hip-hop culture, Brooklyn, and the healthy-living beliefs of the famous Jewish philosopher Maimonides. The walls have poetry by Brooklyn poets, and displays of paraphernalia bringing Brooklyn’s legends to life (Notorious B.I.G. and Spike Lee).The tables are communal style and each vegetable and fruit used on the menu has a sign on the wall, tombstone style. The corn soup is made with popcorn, to remember the time when corn was grown in Boerum Hill. How nostalgic. The ideas behind the MOB sandwich and the inclusion of Maimonides is explained through the story of Barack, a former fast-food delivery man, who realizes the error of his ways and heads off to save the world, one healthy meal at a time.
M.O.B. is the brainchild of Cyril Aouizerate. His partner in the project is Alain Senderens, the Executive Chef is Neal Harden and Zorina Price is the General Manager. Aouizerate is also the founder of Urbantech and co-founder of Mama Shelter, both located in France. The extraordinary flair of M.O.B. is the fact that the owner has combined his love for urban planning, architecture and philosophy. He’s done it in such way, that it all seemed flawless. Partner Alain Senderens, the legendary French chef, earned 28 consecutive years of three Michelin stars at Lucas Carton before famously rebelling against France’s strict star ranking system and democratizing the restaurant; he contributed to the menu with Executive Chef Neal Harden, formerly of Pure Food & Wine. This concept is so great, and I wondered why no one else have thought of it before. I believe that M.O.B will be a destination restaurant, and no doubt Manhattanites won’t mind the short taxi ride from Midtown, or the 20 minutes train hike from Times Square. I for one, will be making that regular trip. Maimonide is located at 525 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, New York.
Cyril Aouizerate
Ouigi Theodore
Tim Goossens
Partygoers, and Cyril Aouizerate
Partygoers
SucculentLeft and right: veggie burgers
What’s on the menu?Vegetarian food for carnivores
Vyna St Phard, Cyril AouizeratePhoto courtesy High End Weekly
Vyna St Phard, Laura Rothfuss
Andrew and Andrew
Malik So Chic
The Godfather of Hip-Hop Afrika Bambaataa, and Cyril Aouizerate
Sarma Melngailis, Louis C.K.
Andrew and Andrew
ProlificBrooklyn-based MC, DJ, and Beatboxer Rabbi Darkside
Partygoers
Right: Jenna Lee Scott, and friends
Cyril Aouizerate, Zorina Price
Legendary French chef Alain Senderens, with Executive Chef Neal Harden, and Maimonide Founder Cyril Aouizerate
Party Rocking in BrooklynPhotos courtesy Billy Farrell AgencyAll rights reserved -
Top 10 Places to Shop in 2011
Clockwise: Art Deco Furniture from Maison Gerard, OC Concept Store, Arabesques Earrings, Kiki de Montparnasse, Starlet Robe, Fine stationary from Mrs. John L. Strong.
From Top: Darcy, White & Silver Wallpaper ($70/Roll). Bottom from Left: Jana Paintable. Right: Arches Paintable Wallpaper ($30/Roll).
Handblown Czech glass from Artel.
Diamond 18k Rose Gold Bracelet from High End Weekly’s Amazon Store.
Top Left: Bookmarc by Marc Jacobs on Bleecker Street. Right: Flowers by L’Olivier. Bottom: Red Velvet cupcakes from Cannelle Patisserie, Jackson Heights, NY.NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.
