If you're looking for a nice spot to dine in Downtown Los Angeles, this is it. The attention to detail is off the charts. That goes for interior design, menu, service and beyond. From the moment you walk in, right through desert, not a single element of your dining experience is overlooked. The story is quite interesting too. More HERE
Christmas is upon us. Great Gifts at the Brook Farm General Store
Via SAVILE -- One of our favorite shops over in Williamsburg moved to their own proper online shop last month and we couldn't be happier. They've got a terrific selection of homewares and curiosities, but are probably most well known for Tourne, their own line of nicely conceived and crafted products for the home. Tourne's Woolen blankets, made from locally sourced virgin wool, have particularly been making the rounds this early winter.
Midas Glassware (2010), which is dipped in a bath of gold, is the work of four Swedish designers, collectively known as Front. Driven by a desire to create unusual twists for everyday objects, their products have a story to tell – about process and material, as well as about their relationships with people. The way that the gold appears to be swishing around in the glass, as if someone is about to drink it, could be an ironic statement about luxury, or perhaps it simply speaks to the joy of sipping a glass of water or a favorite wine. How the story evolves is up to you. Made in Poland.
Buy: DWR
Via BAXTER FINLEY
This is simply stunning - a simple easy to use espresso machine for espresso ONLY, no extra buttons or features. We hope this gets made and available to the public - viaSelectism, more info and images via
Space 15 Twenty 1520 N. Cahuenga Blvd If you've never been, check it out. Shops at 15 Twenty: Free People, Gallery Space, Hennessey + Ingalls, Shoes + Shoes + Shoes + Bags, Umami Burger, Urban Outfitters, What Goes Around Comes Around "Located in Los Angeles, Space 15 Twenty is a unique retail setting, which creates an opportunity for Urban Outfitters to collaborate with creative brands we find inspiring and interesting. More info HERE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AFTER THE JUMP . . .
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Within the 12,690 square foot Urban Outfitters store, we showcase distinctive designers with a new pop-up shop every month. In tandem with these exclusive installations, Space 15 Twenty hosts a selection of adjoining vendors that reflect and compliment the Urban Outfitters brand.
Each store is connected by an outdoor courtyard, which includes a performance space and adjacent gallery, both of which encourage participation in the curated environment. Aligning with local music, film and art venues, the courtyard and gallery present a rotating cast of musicians and artists.
The revolving brands utilizing these spaces present our customers with an overarching view of people and brands which are excited to be aligned with."
Intelligentsia Coffee’s mission is to provide an unparalleled and complete coffee and tea experience in an environment steeped in understanding, knowledge, skill and service. Easy for them to say but I can tell you firsthand that they really do have truly exceptional coffee. Also part of the allure and Intelligenstia experience is the major emphasis they place on the aesthetics of their 'Coffeebars' and every minute detail inside of them. Finally, you've got to love their 'Black Cat Project'; Intelligentsia's pursuit of something they say they'll never catch: the perfect espresso.
Intelligentsia’s newest Los Angeles coffeebar (seen here) is another re-imagining of what a coffee experience can be. Located in Venice on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, guests are not met with the standard experience of waiting in line. After passing through the iron gates facing the boulevard, visitors walk down an ivy-covered hall open to the sky where they are greeted at a butcher block 'concierge desk.' From this point, they are taken to one of four custom-fabricated espresso machines where their espresso drink or coffee-by-the-cup is prepared. The idea is for a barista to stay with one person throughout the interaction to create an individualized experience for every customer, regardless of how many are being served.
Intelligentsia hired Ana Henton of MASS Architecture & Design to execute the Venice coffeebar. She and partner Gregory Williams have designed numerous projects, including BREADBAR Century City, the Silverlake Wine expansion, the modern downtown cafeteria Lemonade, Locali and the Auburn 7 residences in the Silver Lake hills. Henton created a space that contains very little in the way of defined seating, and there is no counter or register, which will create a more communal sense of setting.
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Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne have a good thing going. They brought us Lucques and A.O.C. Their newest endeavor, Tavern gives us more of what we want. This time it is classic American cuisine infused with some creativity and a level of sophistication and offered up in a beautiful, well-thought-out venue. The attention to detail is impeccable and the execution of concept is felt through and through. Tavern took over the old Hamburger Hamlet space on San Vicente Boulevard in Brentwood. It's a big, comfortable restaurant broken down into three components: The Larder - a bakery & take-out counter where you can also pick up your 'Tavern Brown Bag Lunch' (Sandwich of the Day, House made Chips, Windrose Farm Apple and a Cookie), the full Bar, and finally the Grand Dining Room.
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I recently had breakfast at Cecconi's in West Hollywood, the former site of the iconic Morton’s restaurant. With a focus on sourcing the finest quality ingredients, Cecconi’s features a menu of simply prepared, Venetian influenced food and drink. The food was good, they did a nice job with presentation, but I was most impressed with the design concept. It's a classic Italian restaurant with an old Hollywood vibe. The turquoise, riveted club-style chairs, up against the impressive all carrera-white marble bar really sets this place off. To finish off the look, the wall-to-wall, inlaid, black & white striped marble floors set on a bias take the look over the top. The design team held nothing back and definitely took some risks which in my opinion, are paying off, big time. The space is intimate,, yet open and airy as the restaurant opens onto a terrace creating prefect indoor/outdoor flow. There's also a private Dining Room (and entrance), the Butterfly Room with seating for up to 40 people. A job well done.
