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A shopping spree in Frankfurt

This is a little summary about my last trip across the city of Frankfurt.

My first pit stop led me to one of my favorite ressources for furniture and other lifestyle accessoires.

Frick is a retail shop in the heart of the city selling from Vitra's and USM Haller's classics to such beautiful gems like these...


... "Bloom" by Raeder are wonderful aluminium tools for your gardening...


...or the "bo"-bag by Macharten wool felt with a metal grip and quintessentially artless!


Then I stroke off for the "Kleinmarkthalle". Here can you shop all and everything for the preparation of your dinner. Italian, Chinese, French, vegetables, fish, meat, cheese, wine... everything!!!

Kinya recently moved into the "Kleinmarkthalle". He's really not famous for the design of his webpage...but he's 'da man' when it comes to sharpen your sushi-knive. He has a Japanese master degree in that discipline. As far as I know, you can send him your knive from whereever you are at the moment and you'll get back a kind of Samurai-sword!

Walden helps to relief from all that strain... Thomas Klüber opened his new resto - with a huge terrace - and bar a few weeks ago and this friday his new club on the first floor will officially be opened to the public.

Here you should relax, have a cappuccino or a fresh salad and enjoy Frankfurt's hip people stroll along...

Walden
Kleiner Hirschgraben 7
60311 Frankfurt
+49 69 92882700

So long...

Rendezvous meter

Do you remember your last rendezvous? I mean the one at your house, when you were preparing that sequence of at least 5 courses and all the other nitty-gritty-steps you've planned to lead you two to your final "destination" at the end of that evening...

And how was real life? Yes...the "apéro" has been served after the 1st course... you were running out of your beloved italien espresso and ecreamery's ice-cream was still in your ice-box the morning after? O.K. if you succeeded...forget about a better planning...but if not...

no, no, no.. don't do it that way again!

If you plan your future candle-light-dinner with this new cute tool "the candle-light-dinner-candle"... every step will meticulous follow the other and you will be totally relaxed...and - I guess - successful!!!


Check out www.konstantinslawinski.com to meet your requirements for your next candle-light-dates...

Wimp!

Still drinking Stoli Razz? Or (even worse) Absolut Vanilla? OK, so you jumped onto the Vodka bandwagon because? What, low-carb? Clean taste (read: no taste)? No headache? Or just because you drink so much, you can't afford others to notice the smell?

In any case there is an abundance of freakishliy tasting fruit Vodka available. But now, Vodka returned home... Home to macho county, where the average (daytime) temp doesn't reach 5 Celcius and the sun was last seen - hmmm, when was the sun last seen...

Sputnik brings us (if you are in good old Europe that is) some flavors that are more representative of Vodka's origin: Horseradish, Rose Petal and Basil. And I have heard rumors of Dill and Coriander coming out soon as well...

So if you've had enough of the sweetness and the wimpyness, check into Sputnik and see whether you prevail...

Invite the boys, crank the tunes, bring out the caviar and never forget: the first toast goes to the host, and if I'm not mistaken, women don't show up in the list until 4th or 5th place... but ya'll knew that, didn't you?

Let us know whether you'd want to be able to get this amazing product in the US as well, and we'll see how far our reach is...

Architecture elevator

Today I wanna invite you to a remarkable elevator trip on architecture.

We start at the carparc - by Teresa Sapey - in a new building in Spains' capital Madrid...


Basement: Welcome to the lobby by John Pawson, resto by Christian Liaigre and bar by Marc Newson...

...1. floor: Zaha Hadid

...2. floor: Norman Forster

...3. floor: David Chipperfield

...4. floor: Eva Castro & Holger Kehne

...6. floor: Marc Newson

...7. floor: Ron Arad

...8. floor. Kathryn Findley

...9. floor: Richard Gluckmann

...10. floor: Arata Isozaki

...11. floor: Javier Marisacal & Fernando Salas

...12. floor: Jean Nouvel

...13. floor: Jean Nouvel

...facade: Jean Nouvel

There were mainly two reasons to invite you to this trip...

First - these increbible photos and many, many more of them - you'll find them at www.diephotodesigner.de. These guys are really fantastic for architecture photos. Thanx to the "photodesigner" for their marvellous work...

...and...yes, perhaps you've already read about Madrid's new 5-star hotel "Puerta America"... if not...this was your private presentation and recommandation for your next visit to the heart of Spain!

Viva España!

www.diephotodesigner.de
www.hotelpuertamerica.com

Soccermania

Vaguely 300 days are remaining for next years soccer world championship preparations!!!

I've been on the hunt to deliver the ultimate suggestion for your training ground. Here are two of the most exclusive football tables I could find.

Elevenforty's "Opus" is a thing of beauty, perfection and attention to detail that offers unequalled opportunities. Each table is hand crafted and constructed to order in etched glass, stainless steel and different woods - no two are alike. The heads of the players are 3-D build from photographs what leads to an incredible realism.

On the other hand - if you prefer the antique one - this might be your choice...

Brocantique offers a limited edition of these football tables from 1930. This replica in art deco-style shows patinized wood, silver polished kicker and bakelite bullet-grips.

Never mind which arena grasps your heart you will enjoy every moment of your prep during these next 300 days...


www.elevenforty.com
www.brocantique.de

No suitcase!?

It's been a few weeks now that I met Hartmut Esslinger and we talked about frogdesign's incredible project for HENK. Hartmut told me, that this project is all about the ultimate perfection for the sake of pain relief during your travels around the globe. The entire project is driven by a Dutch entrepreneur - his name is Henk - who originally invented the suitcase following his personal needs - and potentially desires...

There might be a little restriction to enjoy that new ease of traveling lite. The choice out of a set of carefully selected material combinations or your 100% customized suitcase will get you to an investment starting at 16.000 €. Wow!!! Orders will be taken from end of September on... so go ahead, spoil yourself it's for your health...

I'm not yet sure if I'll buy my personal "mojo"... but for some of us it might be essential to be able to identify Mr. Quintessential on the next transatlantic first class flight.

Be in the know! For more information follow the link to Henk's website. And please drop us a line, when you've discovered the first Henk in the real world... that is, before yours arrives...

www.henk.com

Noka-holic!

Single estate coffees? Been there!
Boutique Cabs? Done that!
Hand rolled cuban's? Seen them!

But the rarest cacao, sourced from exclusive plantations in Venezuela, Ecuador, Trinidad and Côte d'Ivoire?

That's what Noka is all about. Noka is dedicated to the resurrection of chocolate to its noblest form: Pure Single-Origin, Dark Chocolate, made with the rarest cacao.

Oh my gawwwd! We killed a 16 piece Grand Cru box in less than 30 minutes alongside a bottle of Perrier Jouët as recommended by the Noka experts, trying to understand the subtle differences between the different origins - and it was a d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s experience...

And best of all: None of that opulent colorful packging that seems to take over these day, put pure and simple: black and white! In fact if you get the Signature Collection, you'll get a gorgeous stainless steel box and all you'll have to do in the future is get the Encore boxes...

Smoove operator...

Some like it hot, and if you do, then you obviously like your spices freshly ground, and I would assume that you then already own a mortar and pestle... but if you nevertheless believe you need more than one for different usages and occasions, then you'll like this:



Probably the prettiest kitchen tool I have seen in a long time, this is a smooth as silk mortar, that feels soooooo goooood and is ideal for crushing those tender hand picked baby herbs in the most effective way possible. But it's not stopping in your kitchen, it is so pretty, it makes for an ideal presentation sur la table next to your Riedels and your Limoges plates with a nice handful of Fleur du Sel for individual crushing...

Currently not retailed anywhere, we were able to secure a couple of those beauties, so drop us an email if you are interested.

Pocket Time Machine...

My personal trainer will love me... I have probably doubled in size over the past days here in Europe... Riesling tasting in Frankfurt, Brunello in Hamburg, too many french new growths and a lot of Spaniards, invading my palate like a good Conquistador...


A Conquistador always sports some nifty knife action, so was I surprised to see the waiter dip his Laguiole into my glass, and my neighbors and his neighbors and so on...

Only after some intense negotiations was he willing to pass over his new Laguiole - interstingly equipped with a Clef-Du-Vin on an extra knife. Clef-Du-Vin you might ask? Well, mais oui... a small metal dipping stick, developed in France by master sommelier Franck Thomas and the equally famous enologist Laurent Zanon, the Clef du Vin's alloy - no information as to the actual combination, where is 007 when you need him - acts as a catalyst to speed up the oxidization process. The metals are precisely gauged so that dipping the tool into a glass of wine for one second will mimic the effect of a year's aging. Dipping it for two seconds simulates the effect of two year's cellaring, and so on.

Think pocket time machine... So thanks Q, but what is actually happening? The samples I have tasted across different regions and vintages, seemed not to have changed at all in their bouquet, but overly agressive Tannins were definitely tamed and improved the experience. Interestingly though there was a slight disconnect between the nose and the palate experience. I would have expected a much rounder, richer overall bouquet, because the wine was now roughly '10 years older' than before, but the nose remained pretty much the same...

Yes it's fun and interesting and it creates a good conversation and exteded wine consumption, as you will start comparing the effect on all different regions and vintages, but I prefer to be patient. Sometimes very patient, and to wander down into my cellar, gently caressing my bottles in expectation of the first time we come together...

Lux 11 - Berlin's newest hip hotel??

Situated in Berlin’s pulsating and hip central district of Mitte, amidst all the creative and chic fashion shops, galleries, trendy media agencies and a myriad of culinary locations, the 72-room "Lux 11" has opened in July.

The hotel adresses a trendy audience from media to musicians.

The ground floor, with its up-to-the-minute video installations of the surrounding neighbourhood, is a vibrant place for guests and locals to hang out and meet up. The in-house beauty salon & spa allows for various degrees of styling before heading out into the fray.

From September on a roomy bustling hip restaurant and chill-out bar with Italian-Asian fusion cuisine will provide guests on the hop with fresh, fast, and healthy dishes. And true to Mitte’s pronounced café culture, the Lux 11 will also offer its own cosy café/lounge for whiling away the afternoon.


It's a vibrant and inviting space... will Lux 11 become the future place to stay for an authentic Berlin experience??? I'll check it out during my next visit to Berlin and let you know...

Lux 11
Rosa-Luxemburg-Str. 9-13
10178 Berlin
Phone +49 30 9362800
Fax +49 30 93628080

www.lux11.com
www.designhotels.com

Do you wanna party?

Do you remember these party rooms in the basement of your parent's house? As far as your enquiring eyes could see...oak, mahogany...bottles of whiskey, gin and vodka... and these superspecial mirrows advertising the latest spirits.

No, no, no... that's not the way we wanna party nowadays.

What you can explore here is a new mobile party-bar designed by two interior design students - Janette Merker and Kim Wang - coming from Berlin. The bar comes in two segments and can easily be installed in your apartment or on your roofgarden. The integrated bottle-container can be filled with ice to keep cool your Dracula Marsecco - do you remember???

For the time being our friend in Berlin have the advantage that Merker & Wang provide a service to lend out the bar for your happening. All the other party-people out there must buy the bar for something around 3.000 €.

...and don't forget to invite us to your next PARTYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!


www.merkerwang.de

Hmm...deliciousness for creative bookworms

I love books... and I love them most, if they are big and heavy, oversized, full of pictures, extraordinary,...

This one is really delicious! Just published the 2005 ADC yearbook - 600 pages and more than 2000 pictures - shows the peak performances of German advertiser and all winners of gold, silver and bronze medals of the annual Art director club's competition.

This year's 2005 edition - in a wild west aesthetics - comes with a real leather binding and Western embossment on the cover.

As this deliciousness is rapidly out of stock every year... I got mine and you'd better directly buy your candy here:




For more delicious books on graphic design, typography and advertising please visit

www.typografie.de

My favorite belts

For a long time I've been searching around for my favorite belts to go perfectly with all these vintage denims in the wardrobe.

Now my decision is made... Hollywood Trading Company (HTC) belts should be worn by inspiring people around the world. All HTC goods are made with low tech, artisan methods, rather than with the precise conformity of high tech, mass production.


Their different colors and applications can perfectly be arranged to combine all pieces of your entire vintage outfit.



You will find HTC in selected A-list stores in the big cities around the globe. For a store locator check out

www.htcamerica.com

River Kasematten

My friends in Hamburg took me to a new location to be in our hometown.

River Kasematten is a historical place in Hamburgs harbour facing the famous Blohm + Voss docks on the other side of the Elbe. After the second World War River Kasematten became a well known place for jazz freaks.

After its renovation and recent re-opening River Kasematten is the place to relax, lounge, eat and party in the city. Interiour designer Frank Theuerkauf was responsible to create the elegant atmosphere - a well-tempered mixture of materials and discreet colours - of that new restaurant and lounge.



Some of the lamps and furniture are custom-made, the clinker walls are beautifully restored and the restromms are decorated with golden mosaic tiling. On the huge open terrace a combination of teak and wicker furniture invite you to relax in the rising or declining sun.


The two owner Bahman und Behrous Moaiyeri do also run the resto "Turnhalle" in St. Georg district with great success.

I enjoyed lounging here!

River Kasematten
St. Pauli Fischmarkt 28 - 32
20359 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 30060190

www.river-kasematten.de

Ball games

Do you love ball games? Do you love the scent and touch of real leather? If so...this could be your new toy for next weekend's pleasure trip into the park.

Sonnenleder is a traditional German manufacturer and tannery for natural and highest-quality leather goods. These hand-stitched balls are just two examples of their wide collection of different sized balls. What makes the difference is their skill to treat and tan the leather in a way, that keeps all the natural characteristics of the product. And when you start using your new ball it will become unique and show it's own history. In the course of time sun, water and dust build patina on its surface that accomplishes it's perfection of ruggedness.

Apart from balls Sonnenleder also manufactures different bags, pencil-cases and a lot more of beautiful accessories. For their whole show or information on their dealer-network please check out

www.sonnenleder.de

I personally use a Sonnenleder wash-bag since many years on all my trips and feel its quality every morning in my hands. Its color changed, the patina grew and it became a unique companion to me...

A beacon in the night...

Granted, I have lived here for a couple of years, but there are certain things I guess you don't come to fully appreciate until you move away. Today I had one of those incidents, when I stumbled into 'Der Leuchtfeuerladen' a tiny shop off the Reeperbahn, part of a much bigger project called 'Hamburger Leuchtfeuer' which roughly translates to Hamburg beacon, a non profit organisation devoted to aids patients and enhancing their quality of life.

The shop is located a block north of the Reeperbahn - yeah, yeah, yeah it's the red light district - but no red lights here, only a beautiful small store with whimsical products, all designed by local artists, with the profits supporting the Hospiz in the city. I chose beautiful linen napkins in stark white with beautiful traditional embroidered typography proclaiming 'bliss' or 'felicity' depending on how you want to translate it. But there are some more finds that would put a smile on your face and make you support the team of Hamburg Leuchtfeuer happily.



And if you are like me, live in Hamburg but don't know the place, go ahead, head out there and do some good, it might make you feel better and it will definitely be something to show off in your pad...




Der Leuchtfeuerladen
Seilerstrasse 36
St Pauli

The shop is open from 12 - 7, Monday thru Friday

I'ts raining, it's pouring...

... and Hamburg makes a definite point in making sure that it is NOT the rainiest city in Germany - which is usually considered the fact, but obviously only a misinformed would claim that. A couple of weeks ago I met with Babette Peters (design ambassador extraordinaire) here in Hamburg whilst the Design Days '05 were going on and she told me about a new line of souvenirs she was planning, that would part with the typical - oh isn't this just cute - type souvenir, that - not unlike every other tourist attraction - Hamburg seems to be famous for as well...

So today I saw the collection myself, and it really rocks! Clever ideas, beautifully executed, my favorite being the glass, where Hamburg simply makes the point that it is raining more in other cities... Website is launching soon, so I will let you know once the site is up where to go and get yourself a whimsical little hello from the prettiest city in Germany.

Bilbao - Basque enchantment

I visited Bilbao in 1998 and at these days the Guggenheim museum was the newest must-see in town. It was in February and Bilbao was all about carnival. We explored the ancient part of the city with its bars, restaurants, hip-locations and beautiful shops. Especially during the night this part of the town turned into a big partying melting pot. Crazy young people everywhere and from every part of the world were dancing in the streets and partying all night long.

To sum it up...this city was burning - uploaded with Basque spirit and really vital. Now I - we all - seem to have a new incitement to visit Bilbao again.

The "Grand Hotel Domine Bilbao" is a highlight for your next trip.


The hotel is facing its neighbour, the Guggenheim's and is - in a sense of design and architecture - infected by it. Its singularity consists in the application of a concept of integral design, of great, formal coherence, carried out by Javier Mariscal and Fernando Salas.

So for your next trip to the Basque capital add that piece of enchantment, well-being and luxury to the cultural significance of your visit.



www.hoteles-silken.com

Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
Alameda de Mazarredo, 61.
48009 BILBAO
Tel: +34 944 253 300
Fax: +34 944 253 301

Kitchen bomb

If your apartment in the city is bigger than the average 610 square feet the average apartment in NY seems to be, you might as well go somewhere else, all others read on, here's a solution for your kitchen.

Sound familiar? You try to turn on the light and instead launch the blender? Or do you store your 2 pots and 1 pan in the oven? Or do you not even own an oven but a Kitchen Aid table grill? And let me guess, the overall styling is more reminiscent of your mom's den than your Charles and Ray Eames' Lounge Chair?

Once again we simply turn to the italians to bring us a solution: Sheer Kitchen.
Or as I like to call it 'Da Bomb'... a peninsula style kitchen, two half spheres, the top is the ventialtor hood and the light fixture and the base is the home for the semi circular cooking area, a double sink and a bottle chiller. So whilst you are whipping up that asparagus risotto for tonights date, you might as well savour a glass of crisp Riesling from Austria, you know, cooking is so much more delightful with a little sip on the side...


Best of all: once dinner is over and the eve starts to get - how shall I put it - more relaxed... no need to take care of the dishes and clean up the mess, throw in a little James Bond style: press the secret button and magically lower the top sphere and voilá: everything disappears, so you can focus on further 'entertaining' and deal with the desaster in the morning when you are preparing for the petit dej in bed...

Cutting edge part 2

The samurai in me is still battling the engineer (see a couple posts further down) with a fairly uncertain outcome... but as a I was raving about the knives all evening long on Monday, I was given a little present today: another knive. Stop, don't klick away, it's not AVP here, different knives. VERY different knives:

Sugar coated knives. Well not really, but at first I thought I got a toy knife - did I bore everybody with my knife stories? Or was it the blood on the floor from my wounds?

OK, let's not go there, but this seemed really cool at first. This is a single pupose knife, sort of the idiot savant of knives... It's a tomato knife (duh, it's red...) that has a specific resin coating which resists the corrosion from the acid of a tomato. So besides the fact that it is freakin' sharp, it wont rust. But then again, all my other knives don't rust either and they are not candy colored... So I am a little unsure what to think of it, on the one hand it works really great (well yeah, it's brand new) on the other it looks a little odd, too toyish... Just another marketing idea? Well, in any case, I will update you once I've finished this pallet of tomatoes that just arrived... Oh and it seems to be a Williams Sonoma exclusive...

Home sweet home...

My oh my... I told you that traveling between the coasts basically means always missing out on the fun stuff because you are on the wrong side at the right time... Well this week was a particular case of bad luck.

Firstly I missed Valerie Garral spinning the discs at Glass on Wednesday - she does that every two weeks and it is always fabulous... So if you are tired of waiting in line at Marquee, because you don't seem to be the high roller you'd want to be, don't worry, go next door, enjoy a fun night without the drag... But this Wednesday was also the opening night for Home. Located - obviously - on 27th street (honestly, what is it with that neighborhood, 5 years ago basically nothing and today THE nightlife destination...) and does it get the right people together to kick it of... Ronnie Madra - whom you'll obviously all remember from GBH Friday at Lotus and Gypsy Tea, Pangea's Michael Ault, designer Steve Lewis (who brought us Spa, Marquee and Gypsy Tea - what happened at Marquee Steve?) and DJ, producer extraordinaire and recording artist Mark Ronson (still love that Nikka Costa album!!!)... With a little help from Susan Blond (publicist phenomenal) they brought the house down yesterday and I can't wait to get back to the city to see for myself, because first hand reports tell me it will be the place to chill for the remainder of the summer... and obviously fall and potentially winter... well maybe.

On Endorphine?

Endorfin is a German bicycle-manufacturer - but in a manner of speaking every piece is custom-made. Convoying this years Tour de France they began to deliver a limited edition of 101 cycles dedicated to this years 101st Tour.

The highlight is their frame - it is laminated with newspaper-reports about past Tours. A special lacquer coat ensures a long lasting durability. A carbon-saddle and handlebars, light-weight impellers, Dura-Ace,...every part complies highest standard.


Come along - to be one of the 101 lucky riders and enjoy your endorphin...

www.endorfinbikes.de

All about terry cloth

This is a story about our hometown "Hamburg" where Marcus and I met quite a few years ago, when we were still young so to speak ;-)

What attracted my attention today is the online-shop

www.shopfuerfrottier.de

that is all about terry cloth. If you thought in towels till this day - like I did - you're wrong! Just some more examples - you know I love pics - what they do with terry cloth...

hot water bottles...
toiletry bags...bibs...
and last but not least postcards...Check out
www.shopfuerfrottier.de
They do ship internationally

Lady Luck

I told you on Monday, that I've accompanied the fashionista's for a while.

For the moment and due to summer the only shoes you have to wear are all variations of sandals, havaianas, flipflops, espadrille and mule.

But what will be this autumn's "Lady Luck"? Here is my answer...

Go for the coolest boots in the world...but only think in the category of a custom made item!

"Back at the ranch" might become your resource. For all your custom-made questions you'll find them in Santa Fe, New Mexico but you also can shop online... I recommend a new belt for your sweet love!

Oh..one more point...be prepared to spent a fortune! Boots start at about 1.000 bucks and increase up to "Lady Luck" for $ 3.795.

In comparison the belt - coming for $ 795 - seems to be a real bargain ;-)
Nevertheless check out www.backattheranch.com and pay them a vist at your next stop in Santa Fe!

The battle for space

"The battle for space" is obviously a tender subject... simply due to the mass of architectural discussion about that. Smart - even moveable - houses are in the thread.

Here comes a project from the city, where all this must have been invented - NYC.

What I like about "smartspaceny" is the fact, that it doesn't look that "super-duper-everything-is-new-invented-style"! The interior design & furniture is quite conventional and the intelligence of the project is distilled to moving walls and floor-levels and things like the good old foldaway-bed.

So dear interior designers - check this out on your next trip to NYC!
www.smartspaceny.com

Flight zero zero niner, ready for take off...

Rule numero uno in transatlantic flight: Unless you fly first class, bring your own food!!!

And as I will be heading over to good old europe come the end of the week, I wanted to stock up on goods to bring on board. You know: Fiji water, Evian brumatisateur, Bliss Lemon and Sage hand lotion, PSP, etc... Especially those wonderful eye masks I saw at Flight 001 the other day. I know they've been around for a while, but I finally remembered to buy them in advance (I usually remembered ON the airplane, duh...), so they came in today and they are so sweeeeet... Silent communication with the flight attendants... So, no more worries about getting an abrupt 'excuse me sir, dinner?' - ahem let me think... NO! As you can clearly indicate what your preference is... I for my part know which one I'll be wearing...

Sayonara, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Cutting edge!

Traveling from the east coast to the west coast on a regular basis not just implies that you've got a pretty long commute, but also results in usually being on the wrong side for the fun events all the time... So coming back to the bay area for an extended time (granted a week is not usually considered extended but for me it is) required some serious indemnification cooking from my side to keep the crowd pleased...

So, make a list, check it twice, head out to the ferry building, fresh produce, great meat, wonderful bread - sorry no Ciao Bella today (still had some phenomenal dolcé from e-creamery, see below) and why not buy some little kichen utensils? You know, they can be considered gadgets...

I was entertaining the thought of having my Wüsthoff go head to head in 'THE BATTLE OF THE BLADES' with a japanese knife for a while now, but never got around buying one, so today was the day: Shun Pro Deba, VG10 Stainless steel, Pekka wood grip was the weapon of choice. And what a weapon it is...

German precision vs. Japanese tradition - let's go to the leaderboard:

Looks: as much as I love my Wüsthoffs, sorry but you just can't compete against a centuries old tradition...
Weight/feel: much closer score. The Wüsthoff has more of a 'molded' grip, so it feels better - or it feels like you have more control - so with a very slight margin, precision prevails...
Sharpness: Tie. The Wüsthoffs were just sharpened by a master, so they are crisp... but no matter what I put them through: slightly soft Tomatoes, Cucumber and Ginger julienne, classic brunoise, deboning Lamb, Sage chiffonade, paper thin Yellowfin, they both performed flawlessly.
Care: Yes I know, I shouldn't, but I do throw my knives into the dishwasher, but if I'd plan doing that with my Shun, I was told to rather give money to charity than to buy this knife, as it won't make me happy. So precision outscores tradition again...

Overall result: I feel a little bit like a samurai with the Shun and an engineer with the Wüsthoff, so depending on how you feel like, get either one. Oh - and get a box of water resistant Band Aids as well...

Hard stuff

Hey man...are you really that rugged individualist that you claim to be?

You bear exceptional temperatures, undergo violent accelerations or withstand dangerous pressures?

Probably you are - or sometimes just want to feel like - a jet pilot, an extreme diver, astronaut or a bomb disposal expert.

Here is my suggestion for your newest must-have to underline your mission - and I personally would love it on ladies wrists too...

Bell & Ross "BR 01" is their latest edition and your cutting-edge tool.


By the way... doesn't it fit close to your new "momoMOTO"-helmet? Do you remember?

www.bellross.com

A double what?

Yeah, I like a hot doppio after dinner, and a café con leche around 10ish, but why ruin an absolutely impeccable - potentially colombian - coffee bean, freshly ground to the perfect grade, pressed through an italian coffee maker with the utmost pressure into a preheated tiny cup with skim milk? Or even worse: with soy? Allright, I won't go there, freedom of choice and all, but call me traditional or even backwards, I like coffee the way the southern europeans do it, and they are pretty much the inventors of the stuff we generally buy at either of the ubiquitous coffee joints...

So how about tea? Chinese Ooolong? Japanese Sencha? Anybody? Allright, be patient, you'll love it (especially after you understand how healthy it is), it's also pretty much the closest you can get to the qualities that wine portaits - unfortunately not just in flavor, bouquet, aroma, color, but also in price - and as with wine, you need the proper container - shall I dare say cup - to enjoy it...

So was I delighted today when I got my Phases of the Moon Tea Set... Oh yeah! It is manufactured by one of the few remaining american potteries, Heath Ceramics in Sausalito and everything is done by hand... My tea set was a collaboration between Heath and Christina Kim from Dosa and is pretty much the most sensual piece of stoneware I have ever touched. Phases of the Moon obviously because it comes in different shades - representing - you know - the moon phases. Every piece is different and the way the glaze softly reflects the light and the silken sheen it emits - aah, sheer bliss. At least for somebody who really appreciates tea and prefers it without a double shot of caramel...

So I will start boiling some water now, and will enjoy a nice cup of Bai Hao Oolong out of my new cups... All you others, continue to enjoy a decaf double whatever with extra blah blah blah, fine, but one thing is for sure, I will have the prettier cup.

www.heathceramics.com

Fashionista's in Germany unite!

What started with Bread & Butter in Barcelona, continued in Berlin has now come the high brow fashion event cpd in Duesseldorf. The fashion junkies are travelling through Europe again, sort of preparing for the fall shows.

Yesterday evening Jades - Germany's hippest address for fashion and style - threw their annual evangelists get together in Duesseldorf's RIVA.

The ladies were in the house! Showing off their loudest dresses and the latest in jeans couture - it felt like the denim section at Barney's: Chip&Pepper to the left, True Religion to the right, The Great China Wall straight ahead. And can you say bling? Needless to say - that really seems to be the must-have 2005 in fashion by now. The go-go's were heating-up the crowd... and at least one of them has been driving a formula one car only a few hours earlier ;-)

The decoration was thai-wat-like (a special temple from Thailand - but I'm sure you all knew that), the fingerfood corresponding and D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S! Not the usual, spring roll here, pad thai there kinda stuff, but teeny weeny green veggie curry amouse bouches, fragrant and spicy baby rice paper rolls, sour and intense Tom Kah in spoons and the most delectable caramelized baby bananas I have had (well actually I had them twice) in a long time.

Ugh...you like snakes? Voila...

...and it was the offical launch of Dracula's Prosecco - we told you about it a couple days ago - that got an amazing reception, everybody loved the 'juice', be it for novelty factor or taste...

It was still hoppin' when I left at 2A to seek out another new venue in the old part of town, but let's keep that for later. All told - it has been a fun event and I am looking forward to the next one, wondering whether anybody in Munich, Berlin or Hamburg would be able to keep up with Jades!?

SHLINGGGGG

OK, I must admit, I suck at hitting a tiny white ball 500 yards down meticulously groomed lawns into a tiny hole, but nevertheless was out with the gang this weekend.

So I got the old stand bag out of the garage, and headed out to the links with the boys. I said it earlier, it was hot here this week end, and whereas hot can be very nice, at the beach or in the pool, a nice Cuba Libre in hand, hot on the fairway is not necessarily my idea of fun. Especially not when you are lugging around 13 clubs, three dozen balls (I said I suck...) and the largest bottle of Fiji available.

Here is the problem: My old bag... off an on and off and on and off and on and it was not funny. So I spent the afternoon looking for a new bag, and I believe I have found it...

Ogio - the prime golfbag (and other bags) brand has apparently done it again, they invented the Shling... No more fiddling getting into these straps, but one easy lifting motion, that's it, life could be so easy...

But: There is a waiting list!!! It has been announced for last year, and they are still not done with it... so: Dear engineers/designers/researchers/CEO/whoever at Ogio, pleeeease, figure out what to do and launch the bag... I'll review it, use and promise to take lessons, but please save my back...

The ice man cometh...

Hmm, Hmm, Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

I'm so sorry Ben & Jerry's, but your days are over (well, at least for me...). It was hot in the bay area this week end and I was invited to an ice cream tasting... Hmm, ice cream tasting? I was not really excited, but was I in for a surprise...

Ever had artisinal dolcé? Well, neither had I, but from now on ecreamery is on the top of my shopping list.

Honeydew, Cinnamon, Jasmine, Spiced Cocoa Nut... Need I say more?

And what's best of all: you can blend your own! Well not really you, the guys at ecreamery will do the job for you, and within the blink of an eye ship it out to you... So go ahead, challenge those tastebuds and say good bye to good old B&J... As much as I still love those irreverent product names... Sorry guys!

www.ecreamery.com and start indulging...

Oh, you might want to order that new home trainer you've been contemplating about as well while you're at it...

Another reason for that beach house...

No matter whether you plan a beachparty for your friends, you want to re-equip your terrace or you're da man and own an equivalent summer residence... ..if you love it the cool and clean way - like I do... simply flush everything down the drain and restart at Gandia Blasco.


WARNING! This is absolutely addictive...

...for your terrace...


...for romance...


...for the beach...


...for your Mini Cooper!


www.gandiablasco.com

Wearable drama

Yeah, yeah, yeah... T-shirts have been around for ever and the surge in 'designer' T's has been going on for a while as well, but I'm getting bored quickly, so why not escape the 'let-me-see-how-weird-the-graphics-can-get' trend and show off your smarts?

If you do feel like it (finally!), then you should see what www.sharpastoast.com could provide to support that feeling... Cute as a button site, witty and smart! If I may bring you a Mr Toast gospel:

This is not a T-Shirt.

This is logic.
This is magic.
This is the language of self, far more expressive than words.
This is a feeling. It dissolves and inflames; it melts and excites.
This is the sense by which we distinguish ourselves.
This is how we determine our place and dimension.
This is eloquent speech, persuasive and commanding.
This is creation. This is inspiration.
This is not a T-shirt.
This is wearable drama.

Hicube container

Dear Ladies,

we always monitor you carrying a lot of lady-gadgets in your huge handbags. To meet your and our interests, we suggest to buy one of these chic ACME made bags. "The Tote" comes in wonderful colors and patterns and will benefit our Apple powerbooks as a safe place to be!!

Is it a deal?

www.acmemade.com

cocoon's 1st anniversary

This weekend cocoon club in Frankfurt is celebrating it's 1st anniversary. Congratulations to Sven Fäth and his team.

It's Frankfurt's No. 1 destination for acts from the international techno- and tech-house scene.

Check out cocoon's agenda for upcoming events...

Some impressions...from the maestro himself...and his audience

Upfront to your visit check out www.cocoon.net for the opening hours. Ups - you are not that techno-dance-freak??

O.K. Why not kicking off your evening at one of cocoon's two restos "micro" or "silk" enjoying a tasteful sensation of Euro-Asian fusion cuisine.

Boulderado no more...

The hotel Boulderado - I have been told - is the place to stay in Boulder. Charm, location, style... People!!! What have you been taking??? Unless you subscribe to Laura Ashley and the style that comes with that, the place is nothing for you. I had to turn out the lights when I walked into the room...

But there is hope! I did not experience it myself yet - with the exception of the bar and the free wireless - but since a few month's there is the St Julien Hotel & Spa: nature meets nurture and simplicity meets style.

Located smack dab in the middle of downtown Boulder, it is not really as sight from the outside - then again, how would you know when you are inside - but the interior is a stunner. And the best is the view of the Flatiron Mountains.

Go for yourself, get a room and indulge in this wonderfully done, elegant hotel in Boulder. Oh, and say good bye to the Boulderado...

St Julien, 900 Walnut St, Boulder, Colorado, 720 - 406 9696, www.stjulien.com

A gem in Boulder

I had a quick stop in Boulder yesterday, where I met with Josh Spear - he is always so much fun to hang out with - anyway, looking for something light (it was 105 degrees at 8P!!!) we headed to The Kitchen. And was I amazed... I know Boulder as the college town it usually is, but this time round was very different: the city was empty - with the exception of the neverending tourists that go through the city - so The Kitchen was wonderful place for a calm evening.

All organic ingredients, wonderfully attentive service, great wine list, unusual combinations. I had wonderful Sardines, crisp - not the softish kinda stuff you usually get, perfect balance between salty and tangy, followed by an amazing Niman Ranch Veal Chop on Red Wagon Chard and a wonderful port reduction. Great balance in flavors and textures. Josh had amazing King Salmon on beet vinaigrette with mashed potatoes and fava beans, also a great combination.

The place itself is a sight to see, clean and simple, bistro-like - simple wood tables in front, a little more style towards the rear. Nice open ceilings, lot's of white and dark wood, tile in front (that looks as if the place has been 'round for ages) beautiful hardwood floor in the back. A very inviting ambiance, not over the top at all.

Best of all, during the day you can walk in, pop out your laptop and enjoy the free wireless hotspot they offer. Oh, and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner...

Keep up the great food! I'll definitely be back...

The Kitchen, 1039 Pearl St, Boulder, Colorado, 303 - 544 5973, www.thekitchencafe.com

Branded brands

Have you already recognized the trend of "branding brands"?

In our previous post "Traditional brand meets high tech" we featured the co-work of momodesign and Motorola.

Here is another example...and I adore this one!!!

"Mini wears Bisazza"

It's not only because my first car was a Mini and my actual is one...Nope...coming out of the furniture and interior design world I know, that Bisazza's showrooms and exhibition stands are a must-visit at every upcoming opportunity!

Bisazza leads the world in creating the most innovative glass mosaic products. The collaboration with Mini expresses the link between cars and interior design, created to seduce and satisfy the different tastes of the masculine and feminine sensibilities.

Wanna see them live? Click here for the next tour dates in Stockholm, London and Misano Adriatico (Italy).

One & Only

The promise is of fabulous places and memorable moments. The assurance is of high standards in every detail at all the resorts. Every little thing has been thought of for us to relax into rich hospitality.

...so far their promise.

One & Only resorts is a group of seven unique and nonpareil places around the world.

Recently opened their newest resort "Reethi Rah" in the Maldives. This chic all-villa resort is offering a level of style and sophistication unsurpassed in the Maldives.

Set on one of the largest islands in North Male' Atoll, adorned with endless white sand coves and turquoise bays, all villas have direct access to the lagoon and an unprecedented degree of privacy.

I'll leave you alone with these incredible impressions...








I wanted to explore more. On their website you can request a wonderful broschure. They return a high-quality hardcover booklet offering beautiful insights into the resorts at the Bahamas, Mexico, Mauritius and Dubai.

I've been delighted finding mine this morning in my letter-box...

www.oneandonlyresorts.com