Gastronomic Portugal: Sal Marim

I am a confessed salt-aholic and do indulge in exotic varieties. So, imagine my delight on being invited to salt flats that are hand-farmed the same way it was done back when the ancients ruled the area. Owner Jorge Filipe Raiado (aka George), an accomplished gentleman-historian, is totally gung-ho about creating his products. According to him, his methods provide a purer sodium content, thereby keeping a singular taste of SALT and nothing else. Local chefs, one a Michelin, agree. George makes sure to maintain a delicate balance of fresh and salt waters, monitors wind direction, temperature and humidity—all factors in the final product. What results are super flaky white crystals. You only need a pinch to get your fix. Sal Marim offers many varieties of salt. The Flor de Sal is unadulterated, Aromatic has added parsley and oregano, Azeitona has added olives and chilis, Pimentao has added garlic, sweet paprika and bay leaf, Limao has added capers and lemon. The salt comes packaged in another of the Algarve’s products, a natural cork, which keep the humidity at bay. The item I am most excited about is a brick of salt rock, called Sal de Tethys. I will be experimenting with cooking on this salty rock on my stove in NYC...so excited to literally have a piece of Portugal in my kitchen. You can purchase the salt at this link. Meantime, check out more photos from Portugal.

Gastronomic Portugal: Dom Petiscos

Rupert and Andrew are regulars at this spot, and I can totally see why. The location is spectacular—on the edge of the Guadiana River—and our timing perfect to witness the rising of an extra-large, full, orange moon over the coast of Spain (I will always remember that sight!). The menu was simple, featuring the fresh “catch of the day,” beef, chicken, and what I ordered, the “Secretos” Iberian Pork Filet. It was cooked to perfection: juicy, and lightly charred. Everything is cooked on an old-fashioned, picturesque grill which you pass on entering the restaurant (see photo below), whose hot temperatures create the perfect environment for grilling. To top off the fantastic food, our bottle of wine only cost 5 euros!  See more about Dom Petiscos at this link, The Portugal News.

Gastronomic Portugal: Amore Vero

Amore Vero (True Love) owner Sara Lopes claimed the restaurant’s name was specifically about the love of food—but once you met this creative husband and wife team, you could tell that the two chefs had a special connection. Appropriately, their food was thoroughly composed with TLC. Sara’s eye as a pastry chef and cake designer combines beautifully with Ricardo’s surprising ingredients and combinations. The Tasting Menu we sampled was over-the-top: a beautifully plated, sexy Italian dinner. It’s so wonderful to travel and meet like-minded people who are just looking for ways to “wow” guests and share the love. Photos below reveal the wondrous dishes we sampled. This restaurant is located in the quaint, medieval town of Tavira, also known as the “Mini Venice” of Portugal, due to the fact that houses come right down to the river that runs through the center of town. I took lots of photos of this picturesque spot, which can be seen at this link.

New York Design Week: WantedDesign and ICFF Highlights

So much amazing design, so little time! ICFF has morphed into a total city design diversion. There is no way you can see everything, but I managed to squeeze in a few days to view the latest offerings of the international design world. See my favorites below...

WantedDesign took over the Tunnel space. Modko, who make the best cat litter box presented their newest designs on lightboxes.

Quebec designer Tat Chao (left) super-glues glasses and pedestal bowls together to create one-of-a-kind table bases and candlestick holders.

The Effeti Showroom had me salivating over its streamlined space...the cabinetry and accoutrement were quite special. From left to right: The yellow inside the cabinets can be custom applied in any color; tools fit beautifully inside; architect Kelly Solon show us how the corner shelf pulls out. If you are doing your kitchen over, head to the showroom to see the indoor grill and wall of hideaway surprises.

My favorite countertop material, Caesarstone showed off its latest colors.

Raison Pure NYC presented a funky tea party diplay. GOLD tea cup by Will Kang.

Britto Charette Home’s animated porcelain vessels with GOLD interiors caught my eye.

GOLD edged porcelain dishes by Daniel Levy have a zen-like quality.

gt2p GOLD vases from Chile, the Royal Mahuida collection.

Tom Dixon’s Eclectic collection uses marble and brass elements.

Glamour exudes at THG Paris fixtures that pair with Christofle and Baccarat brands.

Raimond Puts’ magical lights at Moooi.

Garden without having to stoop! These planters from Hurbz would work well on a terrace or backyard. They can be anchored to a wall, and have a clever drainage system.

Oxidized maple creates an elegant sideboard. The wood is silky to the touch. Tod Von Mertens hand makes this and some lovely matching dining room tables.

Gorgeous gaming: love this white ping pong table from RS Barcelona.

Cowhide and leather make for an elegant backgammon board by Gilles Caffier. For serious players!

Tibetano creates beautiful carpets using cowhide assembled in classic patterns. Lovely to touch. I would like to see these as a table runner, perhaps under glass.

More cowhide, brightly colored from Britto Charette Home.

This was my absolute favorite item. From Wiener Silver Manufactur, this tray can switch out its center, depending on your mood. Designed by Marco Dessi.

New York Design Week @ Dune: Close Encounters

Dune kicked off the week with an exhibit by photographer Jean-Marc Bellaiche in their showroom on Wooster Street. Jean-Marc created beautiful abstract photos of architecture in Manhattan with super saturated colors. The photos are taken with an amazing eye and are only minimally enhanced. See more on the website or at Dune.

 Artist Jean-Marc Bellaiche poses in front of his photo, "Bar Code."

 photo, "On the Edge" had beautiful blue tones that caught my eye as soon as I entered the space.

 photo, "Infinite Sunset"

photo, "Complex Lines"