The above home in the village of Sag Harbor was mostly a renovation project, however it remains to be one of my favorite projects by interior designer Steven Gambrel. Built in 1835, the home is just one of Gambrel's country portfolio projects. (My other favorite is Red Craft, a 19th century estate in Southampton). You could lock me in that wine cellar and throw away the key as far as I'm concerned, that room is a thing of genius design.
West Coast Wine & Cheese in Cow Hollow
This week, I had such a pleasurable experience at Union Street's finest addition, West Coast Wine (and Cheese). The new post, brings the experiential elements of wine & cheese to our neighborhood in a modest manner, but with the utmost integrity (just one glance at their wine offerings will have you dreaming of the alluring hue of a central coast pinot noir). Inside, you'll find an impressive floor to ceiling display of wines to peruse and take home, sommeliers behind a chic slab of marble counter delivering informative notes on their favorite pairings, and patrons cozied up after a work day with lovers and friends in a nook by the front windows. Above, C&C has noted our most favorite wine and cheese offerings, however to get the full scoop and see the menu in its entirety, visit here. Cheers!
Foxcatcher
I saw a preview for 'Foxcatcher' last week at the movie theater and am now eagerly anticipating its debut this coming Friday. The biographical drama tells the story of Olympic Wrestling Champion Mark Shultz (played by Channing Tatum) and his deranged wealthy coach John du Pont (played by Steve Carell), who in 1996, murdered Shultz's brother, Olympic Champion Dave Schultz (played by Mark Ruffalo). Bennett Miller, the director of the film won Best Director Award in the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. Watch the trailer here.
THE Podcast...
"This American Life" producer Sarah Koenig has everyone (including the WSJ) talking about "Serial," the podcast that has generated one million unique listeners per episode and changing the way marketers view the power of a podcast. Along with Julie Snyder, (Senior Producer of "This American Life") and Ira Glass (Founder and Host of "This American Life"), the team is getting a lot of attention for this provocatively addictive audible narrative. Once a stagnant medium with a 0% growth prediction due to the popularity of newer web channels, industry leaders are now keen on the affects of this particular series. The show, broken up into different episodes each week, follows the case of Adnan Syed, a man arrested and convicted for the murder of his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee, a high school student in Baltimore County who disappeared and was subsequently found dead in a park.
I've encountered several friends and co-workers who seem to be absolutely intrenched in the podcast. It will be interesting to follow the journey of this new phenomenon...to subscribe to the podcast, visit here.
'Fall 50'
The WSJ published their 'Fall 50' in the weekend Off Duty issue which is comprised of 50 ideas for autumn adventures, gadgets, and looks that will aid in maximizing the season. Among them? Corduroy for men, cat eyes for women, apple cider cocktails for all, a jaunt to New Orleans and a ride on the Napa Valley dinner train (above). As the article examines the renaissance of the modern day "food train", it points to a few in the U.S. that are worthy of experiencing and are up to snuff even for the most discerning foodie. The Napa Valley dinner train has always caught my eye during trips to wine country, however it didn't truly peak my interest until now. How fun! See more, here.
God Save The Queen
Going back to the archives with this 2013 editorial from Elle Spain featuring Alina Baikova. I love the moody, vulnerable nature of these photographs, not to mention the fun play with British attire. They make me want to be locked away in a dark study on a dreary day with a glass of scotch and male suitor...
Gentlemen: Virtue and Merit
When I landed at SFO late last weekend, I witnessed a man greet what I presumed to be his wife, with open arms and a beautiful bouquet of flowers. He was grinning cheek to cheek so much that I couldn't stop smiling as I witnessed this raw moment of joy. The week before, I befriended a handsome stranger who walked me six blocks to work under his umbrella so I wouldn't get caught in the rain. When I visited with my Aunt & Uncle in Boston, my Uncle, without any hesitation, would open the car door for my Aunt and me every single occasion. Social decorum, kindness and thoughtfulness are some of the most attractive qualities, in my opinion. These acts of course go both ways, however I find it particularly refreshing in this day in age when I see men exhibit such niceties. My guy friends and male cousins back east are especially virtuous in this regard, however I seem to notice less of it out west. Mind your manners, gents!
The Affair
Is anyone else watching The Affair on Showtime? Dominic West is a hunk and the summer landscape on Montauk makes for a realistic setting for an extramarital scandal. It's my new favorite flick.
A Pool Pavilion
How fun is this pool pavilion? Looks like the perfect room for an evening soiree. I can see it now: Candlelight dancing against the floor to ceiling windows and mirrored wall, guests glittering in their cocktail attire enjoying caipirinhas and chatter. The room would be alive with cuban swing and jazz with all the possibilities for a mischievous evening or for the tame party goers, simply new friendships...
On Repeat...
Are you ever alone and you turn on "that song" that completely transforms your mood? You know, that song you turn on at max volume, sing along to and very quickly find yourself getting loose, in both mind and body. You'll think about teleporting in that moment to a particular place that sets you free. My song as of late is "Always Alright" by Alabama Shakes. Lead singer-guitarist Brittany Howard's soulful, deep, vocals bring me to a raw and authentic place. I saw them perform in New Orleans in May and would see them again in a heartbeat. Their 2012 album (above) is excellent in addition to the single release of "Always Alright".