Hawai'i- A Sense of Place

Mary Philpotts' design book

Guestroom Hawai'i Prince Hotel Waikiki

Luxury Suite Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel

Some of the more enduring- and iconic- images I remember from my days in Hawai'i are the interior designs by Mary Philpotts.  Whenever I need my “fix” of classic and timeless Hawai'i-style, I flip through the pages of Aunty Mary’s book “Hawai’i- A Sense of Place”.  Aunty Mary creates environments that are an artful blend of the outdoors, a simple and understated lifestyle, and an eclectic mix of old and new, Western and Eastern, and modern and traditional furnishings.  I was excited to hear that she just completed a “re-fresh” of the 521 guestrooms at the Hawai'i Prince Hotel Waikiki and the 96 luxury suites and oceanfront guestrooms at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel on the Big Island.

The early reviews are in from Waikiki and here’s the news from the coconut wireless:  “Spiffy and crisp, the multi-million dollar room renovation brings new sophistication with an island-vibe to this marina front gem. Mary Philpotts, in her signature style, provides a "sense of place" with her usual classy, understated touch.  Always a favorite, the hotel's welcoming staff, convenient location and spectacular views all remain unchanged...exactly what we hoped for!”

I look forward to visiting soon because I know Mary Philpotts’ designs are not to be missed.

With additional reporting by Margaret Kearns from Honolulu

California Dreamin'

Sunset at Laguna Beach. July 24

There's nothing much more quintessential to the California experience than watching the sun set over the Pacific.  (Well maybe reading a little Joan Didion once in a while is better.) I think it has a lot to do with the vastness of it all-  the ocean, the sky, and the sun as it becomes larger moving closer to the horizon. But most of all, I enjoy the colors from red hot orange to deep purple.   I saw a brilliant sunset this week at Laguna Beach complete with silhoutted palm trees on the horizon.  It doesn't get much more California than this and it was certainly not to be missed.

Chill Out

If you're looking to cool your heels- literally- from the sweltering desert heat this summer, drop by the Palm Springs Art Museum for a chill look at modern art from the 1960's and 70's.  The exhibit, Blast from the Past:  60's & 70's Geometric Abstractions, is culled from the museum's permanent collection and is a delightfully colorful showing of very contemporary prints, paintings and sculptures. What makes this show particularly fun in the blinding heat of summer is the imaginative use of bold graphics and smart, timeless and simple colors.  I'm particularly fond of the very linear Kenneth Noland and the three-dimensional piece by Jesus Rafael Soto.  It's a stop not to be missed on any Palm Springs visit.  Open through December.

Koolhaas Rock

CCTV HQ, Beijing, December 2010

CCTV HQ, Beijing, December 2010

Seattle Public Library, July 2011

Seattle Public Library, July 2011

Today’s NYT architectural review of Rem Koolhaas’ CCTV Headquarters in Beijing prompts this post.  I too was impressed with his work in China but just this week found his 2004 Seattle Public Library to be an even a more stunning piece.  Best of all- because it’s a library- it’s a very accessible building.  I took about three hours to marvel in it and you can, too.  It’s not to be missed on your next visit to Seattle. 

Melrose Market, Seattle

Sitka & Spruce

Smoked salmon

Almond garlic soup

Braised lamb belly with poached egg

The best “gift” that comes from traveling and exploring is finding the unexpected, and for me it’s a very special gift if it has to do with food.  This past weekend in Seattle I stumbled across Melrose Market, a collection of purveyors and small restaurants in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. There I found chef Matt Dillon’s Sitka & Spruce where the almond and garlic soup and smoked northwestern salmon made the finest dinner of the trip, and where I returned for the braised lamb belly and poached egg over fava beans and asparagus for breakfast two days later.  I also made a quick stop at Homegrown for oatmeal and a bacon and egg sandwich with Stumptown Roast coffee before heading off to the airport.  This marketplace is a must-see for foodies and not to be missed on your next visit to Seattle.

Taco Tuesdays. Viceroy Palm Springs-style

Citron at Viceroy Palm Springs

Viceroy Palm Springs lobby

Chipolte chicken tacos

One benefit- and perhaps the only one- of spending some time in the desert each summer is for the restaurant specials.  This year the Viceroy Palm Springs' Citron tops them all with "Taco Tuesdays". The restaurant's sous chefs rotate their favorite family taco recipes to create authentic Mexican fare from 6-8 pm.  The tacos are just $2 each and Mexican brews are $3.  It's the perfect way to end a hot summer day-  Viceroy style.