ICFF: inspiring, cool, fabulous + fun

The International Contemporary Furniture Fair, held this past weekend at the Javits is something I look forward to every year. I don’t know what I like more, seeing all the fantastic new design or attending the myriad of events centered around the show. The combination is a definitely a delightful Design O.D. There were so many amazing things, I could not possibly include then all in one post, so stay tuned for the ongoing series of my picks from the show. Seen here: The oversized serving dish from Fornasetti, spotted in the Barney’s showroom during the elegant exhibiton and event. This is on my wish list. A blue cocktail, generously served at the Artemide showroom party, and Gandia Blasco’s blue light display on the rooftop at the Gansevoort Hotel. Click on this link to see more event photos.

abc Kitchen: seasonal and sensational

Every New Yorker’s curiosity is always picqued when they see an established restaurant close in thier neighborhood—rumors fly as to what is coming. When I heard Jean Georges Vongerichten was opening a place where the old Lucy’s was, naturally I was anticipating great things. Now that abc Kitchen is open, I am delighted to have such a find, so close by. I was totally impressed at the freshness and quality of the ingredients in all the dishes I sampled. There were so many items on the menu that sounded good I couldn’t decide and had to ask the bartender for some suggestions. He recommended the ramp toasts, which would only be in season for a short time. Out came two pieces of bread, with ramp butter and goat cheese with small pink onions on top. Not what I expected—better—light, healthy, full of flavor. I also had the pea shoot salad, which, again, was extraordinary, and ended my meal with the burger (photo), which was presented beautifully with circles of jalapeño on top of the bun. About the design, well, I like the approach, but I think it could use a little more warmth. I kept getting the feeling that I was in a place that was unfinished, and the tarnished mirrors seemed a bit sad. Loved the dainty place settings, though. See more pictures of the restaurant and food from my visit here.

Exhibit: Drawing on Drawing PART TWO

If you missed Part One of this exhibit, don’t fret—you can still see more artists’ drawings this Friday night, May 21st. Deep Space New York will be hosting another fantastic show at 220 East 17th Street, 1G, from 7 to 9pm. Luckily, the weather will be perfect again, so art collectors and afficianados will be able to enjoy the garden and refreshing white sangria, while deciding on which piece they have to have. Featured artists: Eric Brown, Vincent Como, Matt Mullican, Jim Nolan, Deirdre O'Connell, Lucy Pullen, Sean Ryan, Kelly Wilson. Curated by Rory Donaldson and Erica Mercado.

Exhibit: Drawing on Drawing

I always find that drawings tell a lot about how an artist thinks. So, whenever there is an exhibit that includes drawings, I feel like I am getting the inside view. You can do just that, this Friday, at Deep Space New York, which is hosting a 2-part exhibit featuring only drawings. Come and view the works of  Eric Brown, Shane Caffrey, Vincent Como, Bruce Conner, Rory Donaldson, Jay Ivcevich, Jason Bailer Losh, Gary Petersen, Heidi Pollard, Sean Ryan, and Andy Warhol—while enjoying the adjoining garden and refreshments at 220 East 17th Street, 1G, from 7 to 9pm. Part 2 takes place on May 21st, from 7 to 9pm and features artists Eric Brown, Vincent Como, Matt Mullican, Jim Nolan, Deirdre O'Connell, Lucy Pullen, Sean Ryan, Kelly Wilson. Curated by Rory Donaldson and Erica Mercado. See you there!

Kentucky Derby-a-thon!

I can’t think of a better way to spend the afternoon, than nibbling on Daniel Humm and Co.’s’ tasty southern treats, drinking vast amounts of bourbon and champagne, and getting to wear a big, bright orange hat with flowers on it. All this in honor of the Kentucky Derby, which occurred on May 1st at Eleven Madison Park. Danny Meyer (seen in the background at the left tip of my hat) was on hand, as were about 300 other revelers, foodies, chefs and actual Kentuckians. I could not help but take photo after photo of the fantastic food and costumes about. See this link for more of what happened that day. Photo above shows me displaying my favorite bite served: a pea puree lollipop, with flash fried peas on the outside—perfectly beautiful, surprising, and tasty. No wonder ChefDaniel Humm just won Best NYC Chef 2010 from James Beard. Not to mention Sous Chef James Kent will be representing the U.S. at the upcoming Bocuse d'Or. Great year for 11Mad, they deserve it!

SPRING bounty

Spring is definitely in the air! April was full of pretty views and the new tastes of the season. Even in Vermont, where I was visiting my friend Vera, there were signs of the season. Photo above shows the freshly picked ramps and sorrel from Vera's garden, which she turned into a tasty sauce for our fish dinner. There was fresh asparagus in my salad, and fiddlehead ferns on gnocchi. See more photos here of places visited and sights seen...