Monthly Archives: September 2010

SFLuxe: Old Is New Again: Restoration Hardware Now in San Francisco

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Gary Friedman, Douglas Durkin, Ed Hardy

Many months ago when Ed Hardy first told me over dinner at my home that he sold his iconic building to Restoration Hardware and that he would be somehow involved beyond the sale of the property. But he could not divulge anything more at that time.

Once the design community became abuzz with the news a few curious eyebrows were raised. One of San Francisco’s most prominent antique showrooms housed in one of the most beautiful buildings in the San Francisco Design Center would become the new home of Restoration Hardware? For many that was hard to imagine.  After all renowned antique dealer Ed Hardy has always been known for selling some of the most exquisite antiques.   At times the value of one single piece in his gallery may have bought a few rooms full of Restoration Hardware furniture. Would it be like Ford taking over Jaguar? How would such polar opposites avoid collision and instead inspire collaboration?

For my complete article please visit SFLuxe

Cheers,


Tea and Chocolates make for a wonderful combination

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Those of you know know that I like tea may also know that I love chocolate, really good chocolate that is.  Having grown up in Austria, always tempted by the most delicious desserts, I have attained a very discernible taste for sweets.  Socola Chocolatier, a local confectioner creating some of the most amazing truffles, stands up to the test.  Founded by sisters Wendy and Susan Lieu they paid tribute to their heritage by naming the company after the Vietnamese word for chocolate.  Their Asian heritage, their passion for travel, and their inspired curiosity make for some interesting flavors.   “Chai Baba Chai” is made from a blend of Assam tea and warm spices, “Stout Beer” is infused with Rogue Ale’s Shakespear Stout, and “Notorious H.O.G.” includes pieces of applewood smoked bacon.

Various flavors of Socola’s truffles (Photo: courtesy of Socola Chocolatier)

I am getting carried away dreaming about the flavors….  Oh yes, tea and chocolates.  On October 3rd from 11:30am to 1:30pm and from 2:00pm to 5:30pm Socola Chocolatier will be featured at a High Tea & Chocolate pairing at the DarTealing Tea Lounge.  If you can’t make it you will also be able to try Socala’s delicious truffles on October 13th at the Wine & Spirits Magazine Top 100 Tasting and on November 14th at the Fall Chocolate Salon.  You know where you will find me.

Socola’s beautiful packaging (Photo: courtesy of Socola Chocolatier)

Socola’s truffles can also be found at Bi-Rite and Whole  Foods.  Try them and let me know what you think.

Cheers,

SF20: Panel Discussion

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“Band Saw Box” made from Hyedua wood by Arthur Espenet Carpenter, 1972, collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum

SF20, the San Francisco Modernism Show & Sale opening next week will be holding a panel discussion about preserving the legacy of the studio craft movement in Marin County.

Moderated by Katie Nartonis (Bonhams & Butterfields) and Gerard O’Brien (Reform Gallery) the panelists Tripp Carpenter (son of Arthur Espenet Carpenter), Maria Nielson (daughter of J. B. Blunk) and Henry Urbach (Helen Hilton Raiser curator of architecture and design at SFMOMA) will discuss the life work of master Northern California woodworkers J. B. Blunk and Arthur Espenet Carpenter, as well as the unique and pressing challenge of preserving their respective studios for future generations.

Coffee table in burled redwood by J. B. Blunk, 1978, available at Reform Gallery

Friday, September 17th at 1:00pm at the Festival Pavillion at Fort Mason Center, admissions $ 25.00, but included with platinum, gold, and silver circle tickets and Designer Forum membership.  To reserve in advance please email rosemary@dolphinfairs.com.  Lecture tickets may also be purchased at the show.

Cheers,