Boundary Road Preview

There are few word combinations that invariably steal my appetite and, frequently, my foodie heart: Rustic, Simple, Uncomplicated, Passionate, Exceptional Quality is one of them. So it’s safe to say that Boundary Road had me at hello when owners Karlos Leopold and Brad Walker uttered those words in our conversation about the upcoming American bistro scheduled to open late January/early February on H Street NE. Chef Brad Walker also has Cashion’s Eat Place, the first restaurant in DC I fell in love with, on his pedigree, along with other favorites – Proof, Central, Fiola. A peek at their winter menu reveals exciting offerings like Quark and Black Pepper Pierogi, Foie Gras Torchon PBJ, Uruguayan Bresaola, and a Brick Chicken entrée with mushroom fricassee, farro and Brussels sprouts.

The interior space features a dramatic 2-story dining room with a beautifully rustic piece of artwork that serves as a statement chandelier repurposed from an antique metal spring mattress shell created by artist James Kerns of Corehaus DC, that I had marveled at months previously at the Submerge Art Exhibit. The perimeter walls of exposed brick are bolstered by reclaimed antique wooden beams and a long welcoming bar lines the sidewall. All the way in the back is the partially open kitchen and a short counter where they hope to feature a small chef’s table sometime in the future. Karlos, Brad and friends designed the interiors themselves, an early testament to their uncomplicated yet eclectic taste. 

Here are a few preview pictures we took of Boundary Road during construction. We have our fingers crossed that their permits process goes swiftly, I haven’t been this excited for a restaurant opening in quite a while….

General manager Karlos Leopold and chef Brad Walker, owners of Boundary Road:

A rustic/industrial steel girder chandelier hangs across from the bar:

A closeup shot of the bar surface, with great dovetail detailing:

We were happy to see this James Kerns piece from Submerge DC end up in the perfect place:

Tom Ford’s New Mexico ranch by Tadao Ando

On Christmas Day give yourself the pleasure of viewing the riding complex of Tom Ford’s New Mexico ranch architected by amazing minimalist architect Tadao Ando. Want.

Photography by Guido Mocafico:

Trunk Magazine

Like many visual people, I used to be a magazine junkie. Many of the quiet moments of my late teens and early twenties were spent in a Barnes & Noble with a warm drink and an enormous stack of magazines. Now I get most of my visual inspiration from blogs. But occasionally, I encounter a magazine that truly justifies its paper existence: Trunk Magazine has such beautiful photography that a computer screen doesn’t do it justice.

Founded by the former photo and creative directors of Travel + Leisure and the former executive editor of Surface magazine, they self-funded and published the first issue. The founder’s note in the magazine ends with the statement “The world, though not perfect, is a fascinating place, and very much worth experiencing.” This passion is continually evident in the magazine. The fashion spreads have mission statements from the stylists!

I’m clearly smitten, and could go on and on. I have not even discussed the thoughtful writing. But this story is best told with pictures:

A photo from a story on life around active volcanoes in Indonesia:

One of the most inspired photo sequences in recent memory, Anna Skladmann photographs the world of Moscow’s youngest elite:

A tribute to 40’s fashion, one of two great fashion spreads:

The other fashion spread, inspired by Jane Birkin & Serge Gainsbourg. I originally bought the magazine just because of this picture:

Segments of the stylist mission statements from each fashion spread. The passion is palpable:

We will be ordering a subscription. Find out more about Trunk at www.trunkmag.com.

1111 Lincoln Road - A Parking Garage as Art

Unbelievable as it sounds (and trust me it gets even better), the most important new architectural landmark in Miami Beach is a parking garage. Designed by one of the leading architecture firms in the world, Herzog & de Meuron, the structure is humble compared to some of their most famous commissions: The Tate Modern and Beijing National Stadium (aka the birdcage).

The brainchild of developer Robert Wennett, the parking structure can also be rented for events - marriages have taken place there. On the fifth floor is Alchemist, the best clothing store in Miami, occupying one of the most amazing retail spaces anywhere. And one more thing, the developer built himself an apartment on the roof. You would struggle to find a more versatile, imaginative and dramatic solution to seemingly mundane usage requirements.

Visiting and photographing 1111 Lincoln Road was one of the most enjoyable moments of my Miami trip:

The gentle movement of vines in the breeze, growing from the railing of the apartment above:

The genius of using common building materials as art:

Alchemist, a must-visit store if you are in Miami Beach, like a fashion monastery:

The many setbacks and ceiling height changes:

The views of Miami Beach and beyond are spectacular:

Hints of the residence above:

Even the lighting embedded in the ceiling is artfully installed:

The stairs to the developer’s residence above: