Hot Cakes!

I woke up this morning with a craving for one of my favorite breakfast indulgences. Lemon Ricotta Hot Cakes. This delicious creation is a specialty of the house at the Four Seasons Hotel New York. The Lemon Ricotta Hot Cakes are ultra light, rich, fluffy rounds that don't demand syrup. They're best served with just a dusting of powdered sugar and a handful of berries. The fluffiness of this refined pancake comes from whipped egg whites folded into the batter, a technique that is often used in waffles, but rarely for pancakes. Whites add an airy lightness and creamy ricotta and egg yolks turn the batter rich and thick. The hot cakes are so tender they practically melt in your mouth. www.fourseasons.com

Shut Up and Kiss Me.

I admire the artist who can find creative outlets for recycling the many pieces of junk mail received every day. Artist Sandhi Schimmel Gold has found a way to do just that! His collaged portraits are created from junk-mail-on-canvas. "Shut Up and Kiss Me", pictured above, is on view in Los Angeles through September 15 at the Loft at Liz's.

Liquor Store.

In August 2008, J. Crew, the all-American brand established their first high-concept men's store in TriBeCa's old Liquor Store tavern. The original mahogany-and-brass bar now displays a mix of vintage cuff links, tie bars, and Rolex watches; ultrafine cashmere cardigans and Thomas Mason shirts set atop Globe-Trotter trunks; and navy double-breasted mackintosh jackets hang beside vinyl Smiths albums.

Family Chairs.

Available this Autumn from Design House Stockholm are Lina Nordqvist's Family Chairs.

Not every chair is created equal. Especially not Family Chairs by Lina Nordqvist, a foursome of traditional Swedish stickback chairs. Separately they present themselves as individuals, unique chairs aspiring to be something more than just pieces of furniture. Together they form a boisterous family, with each one displaying a distinctive character. Even the horizontal spindles between the chair legs play their part in the game.

“I’m fascinated by objects, and I like it when they have their own special individuality, something beyond mere technical function. That’s why I decided on a graduation project at Beckmans College of Design in which I transformed something well-known and traditional into something unexpected.”

It’s no surprise that Lina Nordqvist’s Family Chairs seem to be made for the stage: she has already pursued a career as a professional set designer in the Swedish film industry for several years. Family Chairs will be available in natural wood and in a black-lacquered version.

Tuxedo-Chic.

This black lacquered bathroom console vanity has sexy curves, tapered legs and a glossy black finish. It is an elegant mix of classic and contemporary elements. Italian company Devon & Devon produces this piece with a choice of Carrara, Nero Marcquinha or Afyon Bianco marble vanity tops. Pictured here is a beautiful, tuxedo-chic white porcelain basin sink (also available in black), which is perfectly complemented by clear-crystal drawer pulls and cast-aluminum legs in a polished chrome finish. The legs are also available in gold tone or nickel plate. I like the sophistication of this bathroom ensemble.

Dries. Outerwear.

From his Autumn - Winter 2009/2010 Menswear Collection. I am particularly fond of the tailored simplicity of the outerwear from Fashion Designer
Dries Van Noten. The collections may be viewed here.

Oomph.

Oomph offers several cool tables that may be customized in accordance with a customer's every whim. With so many different choices of fabric, table tops and finishes, these fun tables will add spark to almost any room. I'd love to see the turquoise lacquered table in a contemporary room of all white minimal furnishings and foundation.

Paul Smith. Fine China.

Thomas Goode, recognized by connoisseurs as the best fine bone China producer in the world, brings us Paul Smith china, made to original Victorian values.

The multi stripes, which are a Paul Smith Signature, are achieved on the fine bone china by a way of slide lithographing, which is fired and fuses to the surface of the wares. The finer details are then expertly hand painted and glazed. The gold used on the detailing is a liquid gold leaf (28%), equivalent of 22 carat gold.

Lola.

Sometimes product packaging can say a lot - especially when selling a designer fragrance. Marc Jacobs' latest fragrance for women, "Lola" is one such example of beautiful product packaging. The perfume vessel is both elegant and playful at the same time.

Energy of the City.

Eco-Friendly is all around us. This article, "Urban Sophisticated" appears in the premier issue of "Energy of the City" a publication from Washington Gas that is dedicated to the use of natural gas eco-friendly design and lifestyle. Click on the image above to read the article.

Ming Dynastic!

I like Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams' Ming Console. The piece is ideally scaled for a modest entry or hallway. The Asian inspired console has a birch-veneer that is finished in a lightly distressed red lacquer. Round satin drawer pulls punctuate the console, while satin brass legs lend ample support and architectural interest.

Habit-Forming.

Simply stated, this advertisement for Glidden Paint is Most Excellent. Bravo!

Design Drain.

The New York designer shower drain from BLÜCHER, Denmark, says "I Love Water" - a reminder to relax and enjoy your shower, especially on those days when you are rushing. The clever stainless steel drain is available in the square shape shown here, a long, skinny grate that goes wall to wall, a triangle that fits snug in the corner or a diamond to place where you please.