OPENING DAY-NEW YORK GIFT SHOW

Parsons console table in navy textured linen by Bungalow5

I entered the first day of  the New York Gift Show like a little girl at her first visit to a candy store-filled ith anticipation, enthusiasm and ready to buy! My first stop was to Bungalow 5-their stylish and affordable furniture looked fresh and modern, and I was especially taken with their new line of grey cerused oak finish cabinets- handsome and functional with lots of little drawers for storage.

Berkley cabinet from Bungalow 5

The Marina console in grey cerused oak by Bungalow 5 would look fabulous in a front entryway.

The dark cerused finish seemed to be a big trend as I found another beautiful cerused cabinet at Julian Chichester. The British designer showcased a contemporary collection of furniture and accessories with luxurious finishes and lots of  mirrors. I flipped for the flip floor lamp which showed lots of character-what a fun addition to a room!

Flip floor lamp by Julian Chichester

One of my favorite stops of the day was to Made Goods, a collection of focal point mirrors conceptualized by former Anthropologie buyer Oscar Yague, had the most exquisite collection of mirrors in classic natured-inspired motifs with larger than life proportions. They also just introduced a lighting line  that features wall sconces and chandeliers in delicate and luminous shells that produce lots of drama.

Leaf coral was the inspirition for the CoCo mirror

Ives mirror from Made Goods is a delicate lattice framework covered by a mosiac of capis shell.

Dramatic Gemma chandelier with over 100 mother of pearl coco beads

More tomorrow on the latest in fabulous lamps and accessories!

THIS ONE IS JUST RIGHT

 Benjamin chair from Oly Studio

I felt like Goldilocks minus the three bears. Too tall, too short, too narrow too hard--looking for the perfect leather armchair was not easy. I wanted comfort and style; a leather chair that said chic living room not manly library, and after a morning spent test driving dozens of chairs,  I hadn't been able to find one.  Not easily deterred, I made way to the Oly Studio in Tribec, a bastion of eclectic and exotic furnishings upholstered in soft fabrics and soothing neutral tones. There amongst oyster encrusted sconses and ponyskin benches, I found a collection beautifully appointed chairs in soft, muted hues of buttery leather.  With their delicate frames and slim silhouettes, I wasn't sure they would be long on comfort, but I was pleasantly surprised. The frames were perfectly proportioned and the leather had a soft, gentle touch-I had finally found my chairs and they were just right!

Duncan Chair

Tobias and Gio 

Pierre chair and ottoman

Emma chair

Gabriel chair

PEPPER CRUSTED YELLOWFIN TUNA WITH ROASTED RED PEPPER AND BEAN SALAD

I love to create quick meals-which usually means something delicious and satisfying that I can whip together in under 20 minutes.  But there are days, like today, when even 20 minutes is too long for me, and that's when I assemble my Pepper Crusted Tuna With Roasted Red Pepper and Cannellini Bean Salad. Honestly,  it may take you longer to say the recipe's name than to make it!

This dish takes about 6 minutes to prepare. Just season and sear the tuna and combine a salad of mixed lettuce, roasted peppers and cannellini beans.  Toss the salad with a quick lemon vinaigrette and serve the salad with a loaf of hot French bread. Quick and delicious!

Pepper Crusted Yellowfin Tuna with Roasted Red Pepper and Cannellini Bean Salad

2- 4 ounce Yellowfin tuna steaks
crushed black pepper
salt
canola oil
fresh seasonal lettuce
1 roasted red pepper (from jar)
1 cup of cannelli beans, drained and rinsed


In a frying pan on medium high heat, add one tablespoon of canola oil and heat.  Run tuna steaks with canola oil and apply crushed black pepper liberally to coat.  Season with salt.  Add tuna to hot pan and sear on each side for 2 minutes.  Remove from pan.
Slice roasted red pepper into thin strips and add to salad mix.  Add beans and toss salad with viniagrette.  Season with salt and pepper and serve.

-remember to use the freshest Yellowfin tuna available.


Lemon Viniagrette
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Whisk all the ingredients in a bowl to blend.

THE WELL-APPOINTED ROOM

Photo Courtesy Doyle Gallery

   Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the opening reception for Jeffrey Bilhuber's Well-Appointed Room at the Doyle Gallery.  I had acquired an auction catalog earlier in the week, which was filled with a carefully edited collection of eclectic and sophisticated furniture, art and decorations.  The 200 piece collection is based on the well-appointed room, a phrase first used by the author Edith Wharton to describe the stylish decor featured in her character's homes. The well-appointed drawing rooms in her novels showcased quality pieces that were timeless and expressive.

    I am a devotee of Bilhuber's work and keep a copy of his classic book,  Design Basics, on my nightstand, which I flip through constantly for inspiration. This book is filled with wonderful anecdotes from the designer, gorgeous design and helpful advice-a must read for Interior Designers and enthusiasts of design.  I knew Bilhuber's interpertation of Wharton's salon would encompass a thoughtful and fresh attitude and I was not disappointed. 

    The Well-Apointed Room is an artfully arranged and sophisticated collection of classic and modern pieces which evoke a feeling of grand style without being ostentatious. I was impressed with the  intelligent mix of styles from several historical periods, which together,  produced a carefully layered, striking room. Pieces for The Well-Appointed Room were culled from the collection of furniture and decorations from Jonathan Burden, Inc. and John J. Gredler Works of Art,  and globes from George Glazer Gallery.

   The room was a visual feast for the eyes; I circled the collection three or four times, discovering new and intriguing pieces on each pass through. Some of my favorites include:

Italian Neoclassical gilt wood mirror, Rome late 18th century

Pair of Italian painted Toile Lanterns, possible Venetian, 19th century

George III painted Chest on Chest, late 18th century

 Bilhuber on what makes a well-appointed room-

"A Levels of things, levels of surface and of age. Things that are antique and modern. I don’t like clutter. Things have to have space around them as well; you can’t just shove everything into a room. Things need a chance of light to hit something. A well-appointed room includes objects and sculpture, idiosyncratic things, conversation pieces. You want someone to walk into a room and say, WOW! I never would have thought hat works and it works well. If you can do that, you have got a well-appointed room."  from Doyle.

I spoke with the charming and talented designer and took home a signed copy of his new book, Defining Luxury-more on our conversation and his fabulous new book on Thursday! 

Pair of Italian Neoclassical Marble Portrait Relief Plaques, 18th century

Italian Rococo Gilt wood folding stool 18th century

Pair of Cambodian Glazed Earthenware Urns, 19th century

Pair of Mid Century Blonde Wood Stools

Pair of Regency Style Painted Klismos Side Chairs

Anglo-Indian Ebonized Mahogany and Hardwood Tester Bed, Mid 19th century

ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK

When we built our house in Southampton a few years ago, I couldn't wait to work on the design of the kitchen.  After years of tearing pages of dream kitchens from shelter magazines and inspecting friends gorgeous cabinets and countertops I felt that I was really prepared to tackle the project. An enthusiastic cook, I was looking forward to designing our kitchen with all the bells and whistles: stainless steel appliances, a wine refrigerator, black granite counters, sliding pantry drawers, warming trays and a Fisher and Paykle drawer dishwasher. I would be prepared for a soccer team breakfast or dinner for 30-after all, you never know who is going to drop by!

I had designed a gleaming black granite island that sat in the middle of the kitchen with a large stainless sink and plenty of storage space. During one design meeting, my husband suggested installing a large chopping block across from the sink. I honestly had not given much thought to the need for a chopping board and wasn't quite sure my husband, whose culinary experience consisted of not burning the steaks, was the right person to be giving me such advice.  But the more I thought about it, the more the chopping block idea made sense.  Functionally, it would be great to have an instant large work space to chop, mix and create meals without searching for a board.  A visit to John Boos  won me over with a gorgeous custom American Cherry 4" grain island top. It's a beautiful piece of thick wood that seems to look better the more its used, and in my kitchen, its really used!

Lanterns and antique farm table from East Hampton.

 

 My favorite piece from Indonesia, filled with glassware and dishes.

 

American Cherry Boos Block

FRIDAY FUN-GROOVY COCKTAILS

These playful embroidered cocktail napkins from The Elegant Setting are so fun and chic.  They make me want to mix up a margarita and invite some friends over--TGIF!

Recipe for Margaritas
1 1/2 oz. Tequila
1/2 oz. Triple Sec
1 ounce of Lime Juice
bar salt

On the rocks--pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and pour. If desired, rim the outside of your glass with bar salt.

FETTUCINI WITH WILD MUSHROOMS AND SAGE

Creating a delicious dinner under 20 minutes is really important to me. I usually don't have the time or fortitude to cook something complicated during the week and this pasta dish is quick, simple and really delicious. The pairing of earthy mushrooms and fresh sage in a rich, creamy sauce is perfect for a cold winter night.

Fettucini with Wild Mushrooms and Sage

1 pound of fresh mushrooms, stems removed (mix of chanterelle, shitake, oyster, cremini, etc.)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 shallots, minced
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
parmesan cheese
pinch of nutmeg
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons of fresh sage
1 pound dried fettucini pasta


serves 4
1. Heat large pot of water and salt and boil pasta according to directions.
2. Clean mushrooms with a damp cloth and thinly slice.
3. Heat butter and olive oil in a pan and add shallots, saute for 2 minutes over medium heat.
4. Add mushrooms and 1 tablespoon of sage and saute for 5 minutes, season with salt,  pepper and nutmeg.
5. Add white wine and chicken broth to pan and cook over medium high heat until liquid reduces by half, about 3 minutes.
6. Incorporate heavy cream to pan, turn heat to low and simmer for a few minutes.
7. Drain pasta and coat with the wild mushroom sauce.  Garnish with cheese. and remaining sage.

ENTERTAINING-BAREFOOT CONTESSA'S CASUAL ELEGANCE

 Town and Country

I'm a huge fan of Ina Garten, aka The Barefoot Contessa, who started her brilliant culinary career with a popular food shop in East Hampton.  We were weekend regulars there, loading up on her curry chicken salad and decadent brownies for lunches on the beach. With the introduction of her cookbook, The Barefoot Contessa in 1999, I became a lifelong fan. Her recipes feature seasonal local ingredients in delicious, interesting recipes, and best of all, she isn't afraid to use butter!

Garten is featured in this months Town & Country magazine where she reveals secrets to the Barefoot Contessa's unpretentious, elegant style.

Her Words To Live By: "It's not about the food: it's about the friends."

Photo from House Beautiful

Her favorite piece of furniture is the long, narrow dining table in her new barn which comfortably seats sixteen.  The wooden table from Bloom in Sag Harbor, is pure rustic charm, which Garten sets for dinner with a mix of casual Crate and Barrel white Maison plates topped with delicate antique gold-rimmed plates from the Paris antique shop Au Bain Marie. The result is a laid-back elegance;  a table where lively conversation and delicious food takes center stage.

Restoration Hardware carries a salvaged 108" Trestle table that is a close cousin to Garten's prized table.

Trestle table from Restoration Hardware is made from reclaimed wood.

Her favorite flowers are hot-pink peonies and orange parrot tulips. Photo from Garten's Paris apartment.

 

Biggest professional influence was Julia Child-of course!

Gotta love a girl whose favorite drink is a Whiskey Sour.

TRAVEL DESTINATION-MAIDSTONE C/O IN EAST HAMPTON

We went for drinks and dinner this past weekend at Maidstone C/O in East Hampton. Formerly the Maidstone Inn, the iconic 18th century property was recently bought and invigorated by Swedish hotelier Jenny Ljungberg. I'd heard wonderful things about the cool Swedish-inspired interiors and fantastic restaurant, but I was most interested in taking a peek at the Josef Frank bedroom, a brilliant blue homage to the seminal designer.

The exterior of the property remains a classic and traditional tribute to Hampton architecture with a picturesque storybook gabled roof, green shutters and massive striped awning which covers the long front porch. The staid, classic exterior juxtaposes the interior of the resort, which features a playful mix of vintage furniture upholstered in vibrant colors.  The effect is lived-in European comfort with a modern, bohemian twist.

 The front hall is painted a brilliant turquoise and surrounds a vibrant palatte of Scandanavian textiles, creating a fresh ambiance.

 

 Deep chocolate walls highlight a changing gallery of prints by local artists.

 

 The Living Room is the hotels 74-seat restaurant, serving up slow-cooked local food with a Swedish twist.

The Josef Frank bedroom features furniture designed or inspired by the influential designer.

 

Sip a cocktail on the avant-garde covered porch.

HOT AND SPICY BUFFALO CHICKEN TART

Our house was filled with rowdy, die-hard New York Jets fans yesterday, eagerly anticipating the big Jets vs. Chargers game. This game was serious business and deserved some classic comfort food.  I wanted to make something fan friendly and delicious and what could be better than hot and spicy buffalo chicken?  I made a few tarts along with some homemade guacamole and chips, which seemed to satisfy the big game appetites.  The buffalo chicken was a real crowd pleaser--I'm sure it didn't hurt that the Jets continued their winning streak!

This tart is easy to make and works beautifully as an appetizer or for dinner with a salad. If you like your food really hot, add more hot sauce.

Hot and Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tart
1 box Pepperidge Farms Puff Pastry
1 rotisserie chicken, white meat

3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons Frank's hot sauce
4 oz. soft cream cheese

4 oz. blue cheese 
salt, to season



preheat oven to 400 degrees


Roll the puff pastry on a floured board to fit a 9 inch tart pan.  Place into tart pan and prick lightly with a fork.  Bake for 6-7 minutes until slightly puffed.  

Shred white meat from the rotisserie chicken and add to a large bowl.  In a small saucepan melt butter and add hot sauce, toss with chicken to coat thoroughly. Add the cream cheese and salt, mix well. Top tart with chicken mixture and crumble blue cheese on top.  Bake for 3-4 minutes until heated through and put under broiler for one minute until cheese is melted.

GLAMOROUS DECOR-NANCY CORZINE SHOP IN SOUTHAMPTON

Nancy Corzine, Glamour At Home

I recently met designer Nancy Corzine at the Parrish Art Museum benefit in late November where she was signing copies of her new book, Glamour At Home.  The title itself could get me to buy the book, after all, who couldn't use a little glamour at home?

I've long been a fan of Corzine's sleek, stylish rooms and was thrilled to get a chance to finally meet her. We spoke briefly about her namesake shop in Southampton, which in the year that it has been in business, has become a popular design destination.  The well edited shop just oozes quite sophistication-curvy lucite tables surround delicate silk slipper chairs-a serene, lustrous tableau. Oh, so glamorous!

 

"Upholstery and wall colors are most attractive when they "glow" by day, and have a soft, romantic appearance by night," says Corzine.  

Her rooms have a light, luminous quality.

Shop in Southampton