We just received the PDF of the article about me and my work in the beautiful Elite Monde, a fashion and lifestyle magazine in Dubai. It is always an honor to get published, and it is especially exciting when getting recognized around the globe.
Cheers,
My sincere thanks to the fabulous Mary Jo Bowling and Houzz for the great article about my own humble abode. For details check out the story on Houzz.
Enjoy,
Oddly enough I often get asked if I am Irish, mostly because of my accent. But none of the Irish I know agree. I do love my chartreuse green though. Irish or not, I would like to wish you all a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
I case you are planning a list minute celebration here are some ideas for setting the table.
May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.
Irish Blessing
Cheers,
We have been a vendor of Vintage & Market Finds on One Kings Lane since last Spring and have sold hundreds of vintage and antique accessories, light fixtures, and table top items since then. A number of my colleagues have also had a one time Tastemaker Tag Sale, a great opportunity to get your hands on these amazing designers’ unique collections and finds.
This week Renaissance woman, bonne vivante, and my dear friend Candace Barnes is selling one-of-a-kind treasures from her personal collection gathered over many years. We all love and admire Candace for her many talents, exquisite taste and lighthearted spirit. Her interiors, whether at the San Francisco Decorator Showcase, the Marin Designers Showcase in Belvedere or at Veranda’s House of Windsor in Los Angeles, her understated yet beautifully detailed design is always memorable. If you have been to one of these designer showcase, her elegant showroom or her glamourous home you understand that this is a great opportunity to snatch up some stunning pieces for a great deal.
The Candace Barnes’ Tastemaker Tag Sale sale starts Thursday at 6:00pm PT. So set your alarm, as you won’t want to miss this! And if you get your hands on one her gems please do let me know.
Cheers,
“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Valentine’s Day!
Cheers,
]]>
After dipping their espresso spoons into San Francisco’s coffee culture with a small boutique in Bloomingdales Nespresso has gone full force with their first large boutique in California. The 7,400 square foot two-level space on Grant Street was designed by Italian architect Aldo Parisotto and Futurebrand Paris. The generous and open space with jewel-like pods in rainbow colors and stylish machines displayed like pieces of art exudes the kind of luxury that is both inviting and sensuous. Videos of Nespresso’s captivating commercials featuring Penelope Cruz and George Clooney play on large screens, and the product itself becomes video art along the staircase connecting the two levels.
For my complete article please visit SFLuxe.
Cheers,
]]>
I love gorgeous design and coffee table books, and my addiction is as serious as the one I have for shoes. Pumps or sandals, high heels, ballerinas, loafers or boots, is the kind of eye candy this girl lives for. I believe I chose my apartment over the other two available at the time because it had a larger walk-in closet that included built-in shoe shelves. How could I resist?! I know I am not alone in either passion. Most designers I know not only love fashion, but they also like me have an extensive collection of design and architecture books. It is always fun to browse a colleague’s library.
With my interview series “Tea With Claudia” I have had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with interior designers and architects who are not only some of the best in the country, but have also had a number of books published about their work. Among my illustrious guests John Saladino has “Monochrome”, “Style by Saladino” and “Villa” out, Bunny Williams authored “On Garden Style”, “An Affair with a House”, and “Bunny Williams’ Scrapbook for Living”, Jamie Drake got “Jamie Drake’s New American Glamour”, David Easton “Timeless Elegance: The Houses of David Easton” and Geoffrey Bradfield “Geoffrey Bradfield: Defining Millenium Modern”, “Geoffrey Bradfield Ex Arte” and “A 21st Century Palace”. Of course I own them all, and I would highly recommend you checking them out too.
My latest obsessions are “New Paris Style”, “David Hicks: A Life of Design” and “Fortuny Interiors”. Also look out for the upcoming “Luxurious Minimalism: Elegant Interiors” scheduled for March 5th, “Designers at Home: Personal Reflections on Stylish Living: Inside the Lives of Leading Tastemakers” by super lifestyle blogger Ronda Rice Carman, to be released on April 9th, “Shelton, Mindel & Associates: Architecture and Design”, going on sale April 16th, and “Michael S. Smith: Building Beauty: The Alchemy of Design” available on May 14th.
Happy reading! And pleas drop me a line to let my about your favorite design and architecture books.
Cheers,
]]>
I have happily lived in the United States for 29 years now, but I will always be a proud Austrian, and I consider myself extremely lucky to have grown up in one of the most beautiful places in the world. For someone as visual as me to have been surrounded by the amazing scenery of gorgeously detailed buildings enveloped by rolling green meadows, soft-flowing rivers and soaring waterfalls, stunning lakes, and breathtaking snow-topped mountains was an incredible treat, and it continues to be a source of inspiration for me.
Whether you are in the middle of the big city of Vienna or towns like Salzburg and Innsbruck and all the small villages that dot the countryside, the captivating architecture of various centuries always has a close connection to its gorgeous natural backdrop.
Chinese real estate developers were so captivated by the small village of Hallstatt at the Hallstätter See (Hallstatt Lake) in the Salzkammergut region, the lake district near Salzburg, that they attempted to replicate the picturesque hamlet in an area 60 miles northeast of Hongkong. They did a decent job recreating the façades of the buildings, but how could anyone achieve anything close to the original with its ancient history dating back to the 2nd century BC, natural lakeside charm, and the majestic mountains surrounding it?
I have the most wonderful childhood memories of the Austrian countryside, I was part of a hiking group and got to experience some of the most wonderful places around Salzburg. But every time I visit now I can’t get enough, wanting to explore all the other beautiful places Austria has to offer.
I cannot wait to visit in April and revisit all my favorite places! Have you been to Austria? I would love to hear your impressions. And if you are planning of going Salzburg any time soon check out my insider guide to Salzburg on THE ADRESS on tips for hotels, restaurants, shopping etc.
Cheers,
]]>
The Champagne is chilled, Apfel Strudel is ready, a quick little year-end cleaning, putting fresh sheets onto my bed, and I will get ready for this evening’s party held by fellow interior designers and hosts extraordinaire Gioi Tran and Vernon Applegate at their Applegate Tran studio on top of the San Francisco Design Center. Complete with full kitchen and a fabulous terrace this will be the perfect place to enjoy Gioi’s amazing cooking, lots of wine and Champagne and most of all the company of old and new friends. All I ever want to start any new year is to share it with people I enjoy.
As I reflect on 2012:
I am thankful for the people who love me despite my imperfections.
I am thankful for the new friends I have made.
I am thankful for what I know and what I still will learn.
I am thankful great food on my table and a nice roof over my head.
I am thankful for my senses and being able to create.
Bring on 2013; I am ready!
Prosit Neujahr!
]]>
Last week I moderated a panel on design and decor at the Boutique & Lifestyle Lodging Association’s (BLLA) one-day Conference on Food Trends in Boutique & Lifestyle Hotels at the Hotel Monaco here in San Francisco. I was honored to have been asked, especially considering the caliber of the panel.
Architect Cass Calder Smith of CCS Architecture currently has a number of exciting projects in the pipeline with Hyatt and is a heavy hitter in local restaurant design, responsible for, among others, Lulu and Lulu Petite, Perbacco and Barbacco, La Mar and most recently 25 Lusk. I can’t wait to check it out the latter. Not only the design looks fabulous, but the menu by chef and partner Matthew Dolan reads pretty mouthwatering as well.
Architect and contractor Jim Zack of Zack | de Vito Architecture in addition to designing and building contemporary residences he has also been behind the design of some of the Bay Area’s most popular restaurants, such as Bacar, Globe, Orson and Tres Agaves. Their newest project Hecho, soon to open on Sutter and Kearny, is a concept restaurant by Chef Joseph Manzare featuring Sushi and Tequila. Typing all these restaurant names is making me hungry.
Bernard S. Otis, a consultant with Kamran and Company, is an award-winning veteran with over 60 years in the F&B industry who has worked with all the major casinos in Las Vegas and around the country, as well as the W Hotels. He has also catered to the culinary requirements of celebrities like Walt Disney, Gene Autry, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Jack Benny and the Hilton family. He is a popular speaker and the author of “Revenue Generation Through the Sale of Kumquats and Other Things”. Gotta love that title!
Stefan Mühle, the Regional Director for Portfolio Hotels, is one of the nation’s leading experts on greening the hospitality industry and a popular lecturer on the subject. I can’t seem to stop thinking about food, as I am fondly recalling having tea with Bunny Williams at Roots Restaurant at the Orchard Garden Hotel when Chef Jeramiah Wheeless prepared special off-the-menu organic treats for the occasion, including mini grilled cheese sandwiches and crostini with goat cheese, laced with a touch of Blackberry puree and Kalamata olive tapenade. Simply divine!
Lisa Neimeth, an accomplished artist with Masters Degrees in Social Work and Urban Planning, designs one-of-a-kind handmade tableware, which she sells through her company Lisa Neimeth and at places like the DeYoung Museum Shop, the Gardener and De Cordova Museum. She also creates custom tableware collections for restaurants like Woodward’s Garden and Station 1. Additionally she is a fellow blogger (big hug) and covers the subject of ceramics on Urban Chicken Coop Myths and Tales.
It was an absolute pleasure speaking with these experts about the role of design in boutique hotels and restaurants, new trends in hospitality design, eco design and more. Now some of you may wonder how I ended up moderating such a skilled hospitality panel. Of course I LOVE great food and well-designed hotels; but that certainly is not enough. Many of you may not know that I actually grew up in a family of hoteliers and got a degree in culinary arts and hotel management prior coming to the US, worked with the hospitality design firm Candra Scott & Anderson for a number of years, and in 2007 was appointed Creative Director for a new hotel chain in India. Most recently my firm also designed Mavelous, a coffee and wine bar here in San Francisco. So thankfully I knew a thing or two about the industry before delving into my first moderating gig. I had a great time, and the audience found the presentation most helpful and informative. Kudos to an excellent panel!
My sincere thanks to BLLA’s founder Frances Kiradjian for inviting me and to a most informative and engaging panel.
All photos by Adeeni Design Group.
Cheers,
I am looking forward to the upcoming Design Bloggers Conference in Los Angeles. Held at the Sofitel in Beverly Hills, it is the only conference specifically concentrating on the needs of Interior Design bloggers, and it is packed with panel discussions and presentations focusing on branding, media, business development and design trends.
I can’t wait to meet many of the fellow bloggers I have been following and learn more about the impact their blogs have had on their lives and businesses. So excited to be hanging out with my fellow Bay Area design bloggers Cristin Bisbee Priest of Simplified Bee and Scot Meacham Wood of The Adventures of Tartanscot.
Keep tuned for reports from LA, and to all you fellow bloggers please join us.
Cheers,
]]>
Children of Shelters, founded in 1995 to help children living in transition and in shelters, assists an estimated 4,000 homeless children. Their two annual holiday events, Jingle & Mingle and Santa Fest are their major benefits to finance programs such as back-to-school clothing, one-on-one tutoring, college and secondary school tuition assistance and more.
This year the Board of Directors, Lois Pavlow, Serena Fairchild Sheldon, Summer Tompkins Walker, Sarah R. Moore, Heidi Castelein, Alison Kiley, and Kate Sheridan Chung, along with their board members, organized their tenth Jingle & Mingle event. It brought together San Francisco’s society and design community to cheer the holidays and to raise money in them most creative of spirits.
Held at the historic Presidio Officers’ Club guests got to bid on some of the most creative and stunning holiday wreaths while enjoying wines and cocktails and tasting hors d’oeuvres from various San Francisco restaurants.
For my complete article please visit SFLuxe
Cheers,
]]>
Today we are celebrating the end of 2010; and once again these sorts of traditions remind me of how I used to celebrate them back home in Austria. As everywhere in the rest of the world it is a big hoopla in Austria too, with parties galore and fireworks everywhere. But we don’t call it New Year’s Eve, we call it Silvester.
When in 1582 the Gregorian Calendar changed the end of December from the 24th to the 31st Pope Silvester I († 12/31/335) became the patron saint of the day. His papacy took place during the early days of Christianity under Emperor Constantine I (272-337). Pope Silvester I was known for endless benevolence towards the poor. He ordained that the wealthy clergy should each support a certain number of those in need. During his pontificate many great basilicas were built, and he issued a few important ordinances. He reserved to bishops the right of consecrating the Holy Chrism, ordered priests to anoint with Chrism the heads of the newly baptized, settled the officiating dress of deacons as a dalmatic and a linen maniple, and forbade the consecration of the Sacrament of the Altar on anything but a linen corporal. He also decreed that the first and seventh days of the week should be called respectively the Lord’s Day and the Sabbath, and therefore confirmed the week days as we know them today.
Pope Silvester I was made Saint Silvester as the first holy pope who was not a martyr. The Roman Catholic Church bestowed him the day of his death on December 31st to honor him. His name comes from Silva, the forest, and so he became the patron of domestic animals and a good new year.
In Austria we have a number of traditions to start the new year. In addition to the customary fireworks and fire crackers we also and pour lead. The fire goes back to Germanic traditions, the fire crackers are a pagan tradition to scare away the evil winter spirits, and the pouring of lead is a Roman custom that serves as an oracle for the coming year. Pieces of lead get molten in a spoon and then poured into cold water, the lead freezing into bizarre shapes to be interpreted for the future.
We also have a number of symbols for good luck, which are created in many materials, most of which are edible. The chimney sweep (protection from fire), the pig (plenty of food), the four-leafed clover (good luck), the horseshoe (good luck), the lady bug (protection), and the Toadstool mushroom (pleasure) are made from chocolate or marzipan and given as gifts. The official drink of course is sparkling wine or Sekt, as it is called in German, denoting sparkling wines that are not Champagne. Unlike in the US they are very particular in Europe about not calling anything Champagne if it is not from the Champagne region.
At midnight the fireworks go off and the church bells ring; but one of my favorite traditions is to greet the new year with the Blue Danube Waltz (“An der schönen blauen Donau”) by Johann Strauss II. Whether at a party, watching TV, or viewing the fireworks from a mountain top while listening to the car radio radio, they will play this beautiful waltz that happily and smoothly sways everyone into the new year. Give it a listen as performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Georges Prêtre.
To start the new year in Austrian style each year I watch the New Year’s Concert in Vienna on PBS. Going back to 1939 and held at the opulent Golden Hall of the Vienna Musikverein each year a different prominent international conductor puts together a classical program, which always includes compositions from the Strauss family. The concert always has three encores, the first most often a fast Polka, the second the Blue Danube Waltz, and the third the Radetzky March, during which the audience is invited by the conductor to clap along. Now that is how I like to ring in the new year.
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year. May it be healthy and prosperous, and filled with love and laughter.
Prosit Neujahr!
Cheers,
]]>
It is Christmas Eve, and I would like to take this opportunity to share a little history about my favorite Christmas carol, and in my humble opinion also the most beautiful. “Silent Night” (or in German “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht”) was written by Joseph Franz Mohr (1792-1848), a poet and vicar in Wagrain, a mountain village south of Salzburg, and coincidentally the place I was born. On Christmas Eve of 1818 he presented a poem, which he had written two years earlier, to his friend Franz Xaver Gruber (1787-1863), a primary school teacher, organist and choir master in Oberndorf, another small town north of Salzburg, and he asked him to compose a melody for church service.
Gruber wrote the music within hours, and the the iconic carol had its world premiere that same night in the St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf. It was performed by its creators: Gruber sang the bass part and Mohr tenor, while accompanying them on the guitar. The song met with general approval by all in attendance, mostly shipping laborers, boat builders and their families.
These were difficult times around Salzburg, as the end of Napoleonic wars (1792-1815) and the creations of new borders decided at the Congress of Vienna (September 1814 – June 1815) caused the Principality of Salzburg to lose its status as an independent state and to secularize. The Duchy of Salzburg was divided; the larger portion became incorporated into the Austrian Empire, and the smaller part was delegated to Bavaria. The Salzach river became the border in parts, and Oberndorf lost its city center Laufen to Bavaria. An entire territory that had been united for centuries was now divided. Salzburg did not recover culturally nor economically until the end of the 19th century.
For centuries the transport of salt down the Salzach river had provided the basis for the local economy. But then the salt trade declined during the Napoleonic wars and never fully regained its importance. This caused a depression, with the shipping companies, boat builders and laborers facing unemployment and an uncertain future. It was during those challenging times that Mohr wrote the words to “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht”, which reflected a longing for peace and well-being.
It was also the beginning of the Biedermeier era (1815-1848) when in the repressive climate under Chancellor Prince Klemens Wenzel von Metternich the Austrian masses lived in poverty and the middle class had little freedom and turned to a more domestic lifestyle. As the home became an idyllic refuge it inspired a demand for beautiful furnishings and decorative objects, which created the refined and delicate style of Biedermeier design. And as the theater was the subject of much censorship dancing became the ‘opiate of the people’. Johann Strauss I, along with Joseph Lanner, popularized the waltz and set a foundation for his sons to carry on his musical dynasty into the early 20th century. It was the birth of the tradition of the ball in Austria. But the Biedermeier was also a time of technical innovation, with the invention of the steamship and steam railway, sewing machines and gas lighting.
Much changed during that time in life styles, design and innovations; but a small thing relating to Christmas should be noted as well. Although the tradition by certain guilds of decorating a tree with foods, such as apples, pears, gingerbread, and nuts for the poor dates back to the early 15th century, the Christmas tree, as we know it, did not come to Austria until 1814. Credit goes to Franziska “Fanny” von Arnstein, the wife of the Viennese banker Nathan Adam von Arnstein was the daughter of Daniel Itzig, a member of one of Berlin’s most influential Jewish families. Together with her husband she entertained the celebrities of the Vienna Congress, such as the Duke of Wellington, Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgod, and Karl August von Hardenberg. On Christmas of 1814 she introduced the custom of the decorated pine tree to Vienna’s society at one of their celebrations. After Henriette von Nassau-Weilburg, wife of Archduke Karl of Austria picked up the tradition it spread throughout all social classes. Although Fanny remained a loyal jew throughout her life and was buried in a Jewish cemetery, she was clearly encouraging greater integration and tolerance.
It took a while until “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht” reached everyone’s Christmas celebrations. But as we look back, the collaboration of two ordinary men almost 200 years ago, during very difficult times, resulted in a carol so sweet it has captured hearts all over the world. It has now been translated into over 130 languages and recorded by over 300 artists from the world of Classical music, Gospel, Jazz, Pop, R&B, and Country. I have never met anyone in the world who would not recognize its tender melody. Just listen to the magical voices of the Vienna Boys Choir singing \”Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht\”
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!
Cheers,
]]>
While most of Europe is covered in snow and temperatures have gone to unusual lows, even in the Southern parts, Mother Nature is creating chaos on the roads and in airports. As travelers are struggling I wanted take a moment to enjoy some of the beauty that gets laid out before us during Winter.
As artists we always get inspired by nature who as the supreme painter and sculptor creates some of the most incredible colors, patterns, shapes and formations. I remember how mesmerized I was as a child seeing the sun sparkling on a field of fresh snow, the crystal formations on glass, the amazing shapes of icicles,and the early sugary frost on leaves. While reflecting on my memories I am sitting at my desk in rainy San Francisco wanting to share some of the stunning beauty of Winter.
I would love to hear about your impressions of Winter.
Cheers,
In January of 2008 we formed Decorum along with three other interior design firms, Ashfield Hansen Design, Brian Dittmar Design and Sagrera Brazil Design. Being part of our design consortium has been simple “peer pleasure”, as described by Barbara Ashfield and David Hansen on their blog Design Squared. We all met while working on the committee for DIFFA’s Dining by Design and found a common bond in giving back to our community. In our monthly meetings we also discuss how to collectively support various charities. For the holidays we wanted to do a small creative project together and decided to collaborate for Jingle & Mingle, a benefit for Children of Shelters where wreaths from some of the Bay Area’s most noted designers and artists get auctioned off to raise money in support of the organization’s various programs for local homeless children. A very deserving organization and a stimulating concept, so we were in.
Since we are four firms we let the four seasons be our inspiration, each of us choosing one to represent a quarter of the final wreath. We agreed on square lacquered boxes for the base of each component, and chose a color to represent each season. From there each firm selected what their respective period embodied to them as a catalyst for the adornments of each box. We had no idea what the final results would be until we put the wreath together. Sagrera Brazil chose Winter and red as their base, which they covered in rock crystals. We got Spring and chartreuse (of course), which we embellished with pussy willow and reindeer moss. Brian Dittmar had Summer and turquoise, which was covered in candy. Ashfield Hansen ended up with Autumn and pumpkin, which they trimmed with star cinnamon.
It was a really fun collaboration, and we were very happy with the result. But apparently it was not enough for three of the firms who also created individual wreaths, which varied in style as greatly as our general design aesthetics.
We are delighted that all of our creations raised some money and now grace the homes of some generous bidders. Can’t wait for next year! Look out for my article about Jingle & Mingle on SFLuxe, coming soon.
All photos by Michael Bello for Adeeni Design Group.
Cheers,
Countless San Francisco designers are busily working away on their proposals for the San Francisco Decorator Showcase, which are due today at noon. Next week we will hear who will be the few lucky ones who get redesign the fabulous mansion on 2950 Vallejo Street. Meanwhile Damion Matthews, publisher of SFLuxe, was most intrigued by the history of the house, and one previous resident in particular. Yesterday he published a fascinating article on SFLuxe, which describes the life of Princess Stephanie von Hohenlohe, née Stephany Julienne Richter. She was a Hungarian commoner of partial Jewish decent who after an affair with the son in law of Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria married the German prince Friedrich Franz von Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingsfürst and later became a confidante of Adolf Hitler. In 1939 she followed her lover Captain Fritz Wiedemann to San Francisco where he took the post of the German Consul, and for a couple of years they lived at 2950 Vallejo Street, along with the Consul’s wife and children. I already see the movie in my head. Who should play her? For all the juicy details read Damion’s article.
The part of the story captivated me in particular was that Adolf Hitler gave Princess Stephanie a palace in Salzburg after the Nazis had confiscated it from Max Reinhardt who was also of Jewish ancestry, and is best known as the founder of the world-renowned Salzburg Festivals. While Reinhardt was away in Hollywood the estate was turned over by Hermann Göring to Princess Stephanie who was given the assignment of transforming it into a guest house for prominent artists of the Reich, and to serve as a reception facility to Hitler’s Berghof home near Salzburg in Berchtesgaden, right across the German border in Bavaria. Thankfully the property was later returned to the Reinhardt estate.
Schloss Leopoldskron (Leopoldskron Palace) holds many wonderful memories for me and it is probably familiar to most Americans as one of the main locations for the 1965 film “The Sound of Music”. I admired it often from across the lake when walking my German Shephard Jascha, and I was always captivated by its graceful beauty. I was so proud that this small gem, small compared to other grand palaces in Vienna, graced the Austrian one thousand Schilling bill for the longest time, which was the highest denomination of Austrian currency before the Euro.
The charming Rococo palace also has an interesting history. Prince Archbishop Leopold Anton Eleutherius von Firmian (1679-1744) originally commissioned Leopoldskron, named after himself, in 1736 after enriching himself through expelling over 22,000 Protestants from Salzburg. He also built the Klessheim Palace to accommodate his family. Coincidentally that is the headquarters of the culinary and hotel management school I graduated from. To design his dream palace the prince archbishop hired architect Pater Bernard Stuart, a Scottish Benedictine monk from the St. Jakob monastery in Regensburg, Bavaria, and a Professor of Mathematics at Salzburg University. After the prince archbishop’s death Leopoldskron was passed on to his nephew Count Franz Laktanz von Firmian who was one of the early patrons of Leopold Mozart and his son Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and a great connoisseur of art. In his life time he amassed a collection of over 749 paintings, 548 drawings, and 43 etchings, which included works by Albrecht Dürer, Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens and the count himself.
In 1837 Georg Zierer, the owner of a local shooting gallery, acquired Leopoldskron. He clearly had little taste and culture, and he stripped the palace of most of its interior decorations, selling the valuable collection of paintings and sculptures for 4 Gulden a piece, which was a negligible amount at the time. Even into the 20th century pieces from the Firmian estate could be found at at Salzburg’s flea markets. Until Max Reinhardt bought it in 1918 Leopoldskron had a number of different owners including a banker and two waiters who wanted to turn it into a hotel. But the most noted proprietor during that period was King Ludwig of Bavaria who lived there briefly around 1848.
Max Reinhardt invested large amounts of money to restore Leopoldskron to its original splendor and to accommodate stage productions and social events, such as the balls during the Salzburg Festivals. After the unfortunate Nazi ownership and its return to the Reinhardt estate, Max Reinhardt’s widow Helene Thimig offered it in 1946 to Clemens Heller, an Austrian student at Harvard University. While still a doctoral candidate at Harvard he got together with two other students and founded the “Marshall Plan of the Mind”, promoting intellectual exchange among Europeans and Americans to alleviate rifts created by World War II. Denied funds by Harvard University, but thanks to Helene Thimig, he eventually found a permanent home for the Salzburg Seminar, which was later transformed into a global forum. The Salzburg Global Seminar is an American non profit organization that holds symposiums on economics and politics for business future leaders from around the world.
In 1959 the organization purchased Leopoldskron and in 1973 the adjacent Meirhof, the farm which was part of the original Firmian estate. Thanks to the care of the Salzburg Global Seminar the palace has enjoyed continuous renovations and has been the venue for many splendid social gatherings for everyone to enjoy. From events to concerts and weddings, more than 270 years after its inception Schloss Leopoldskron still invites visitors from all over the world to experience the magic of my little palace from sweet princess childhood memories.
I am imagining what it looks like right now dusted in snow. Hmm, perhaps I should throw a party there next time I visit home. No, how about a Waltz ball? Anyone care to join me?
Cheers,
There are certain things one never gets tired of; and being surrounded by some of the most exquisite antiques is one of those things. The San Francisco Fall Antiques Show is the place for just that.
It returned for the 29th time to much fanfare, as always. Michele Goss chaired this year’s preview gala benefitting Enterprise for High School Students. She was joined by committee chairs Rosemary Baker, Peter Getty, Jenna and Bryan Hunt, Letitia and Michael Kim, Laura King Pfaff, Alison Gelb Pincus, Cathy and Mike Podell, Mary and Bill Poland, John Traina, and Suzanne Tucker.
Award-winning fashion designer and San Francisco native Derek Lam served as the honorary chair and drew in even more of the fashionable set for the evening. Despite an important play-off game by the San Francisco Giants opening night had a most generous turnout being one of the most popular social events of the season.
For my complete article please visit SFLuxe
Cheers,
I have the fondest childhood memories of Advent back in Austria. It was the time when we counted the days until Christmas Eve by opening a new window in the Advent calendar each morning and by lighting a new candle on the Advent wreath every Sunday. We were kids; so the hustle and bustle of shopping eluded us for the most part, and so it always felt like a peaceful time as well. We got excited about the first dusting of snow, took evening walks bundled up, and looked forward to the holidays, which meant time off from school, getting presents, and starting a new year with celebrations that allowed us to stay up beyond midnight. It was a time full of anticipation and quiet pondering.
Austrian are predominantly catholic, so traditions are closely tied to the catholic faith. Advent, coming from the Latin Adventus meaning arrival, is meant to be a period of reflection, prayer and conversion in anticipation of the coming of Christ. It begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends sundown on Christmas Eve. And believe me for us children it was all about counting the days until we would get those presents. The Advent calendar and Advent wreaths were therefore much cherished. The Advent calendar apparently did not come into use until the 1800s, and prior to that families drew a chalk line for each day to mark the weeks until Christmas. But the history of the Advent wreath of evergreens can be traced back as a symbol in northern Europe long before the arrival of Christianity, and it was not used as a Christian custom until the 16th century. Before that the circle symbolized the eternal cycle of the seasons, while the evergreen and lighted candles signified the persistence of life during winter.
Religious or not, those four weeks before Christmas always made us children reflect somehow. Perhaps it was the cold weather, the short days, the scent of incense, the lights at the “Christkindlmarkt” (Christmas market). Somehow it was peaceful. But it was also the time to prepare for most anticipated event, the arrival of the “Christkindl” (the Christ child) who would bestow us lots of presents. We spent time with our families, singing carols, playing games, baking Christmas cookies, which included the typical hazelnut crescents and “Linzer” cookies, and creating star-shaped ornaments for the tree from straw and string.
But every year this quiet time got interrupted early on by two major events, one most feared and the other one most treasured. December 5th is “Krampustag” (Krampus day) in Austria, and I remember being very afraid when I was really little. Krampus is a demon-like creature often represented by the devil himself who is believed to accompany St. Nicholas during his visits to children, warning and punishing them if they had been bad. Originating in Austria and Hungary the myth also reached northern Italy, Croatia, Slovakia and Slovenia. Krampys carries chains and bells to announce his arrival, birch branches to dispense punishment and a basket to take the really bad children away. In a tradition where Christianity blended with old German Pagan rituals young men still get elaborately dressed up as devils and roam the streets frightening women and children. Each tries to outshine the other in size and fierceness. Large heads with glowing eyes and multiple cow or goat horns top fur-covered bodies. With tied birch branches in hand they scare the daylight out of small children and even the adults who go out to see them, as they cannot recognize who is under the masks. Let’s just say that it is important to not only dress warm, but to also have some padding around the hips and the behind, perhaps expecting a bit of bullying or retaliation from the past.
Now the following day, December 6th, provided an entirely different experience. It is when we celebrated “Sankt Nikolaus” (St. Nicholas) who came bearing gifts for the children, mostly chocolates, nuts, apples and citrus fruits, the treasures of Winter. In Austria Santa still arrives early, as it is the “Christkindl” (Christ child) who customarily brings the presents on Christmas. This is who we addressed our letter to, not Santa. Promulgated by Martin Luther to discourage the figure of St. Nicholas during the 16th-17th century Protestants changed the gift bringer to the Christ child and the date from December 6th to Christmas Eve. This tradition was adopted by the Catholics in the 19th century, but has in recent years been facing increasing competition from Santa Claus. Times are changing in Austria too, and these traditions remain stronger in rural areas, as many other customs.
As Krampus day and St. Nicholas day approach I wonder if children in Austria today are still filled with the same sense of awe and excitement we experienced. According to the Austrian Independent good old Saint Nick is not fading in popularity. Now where do I find that chocolate St. Nicholas? I would love to hear about your fondest memories of the month of December.
Cheers,
]]>
I certainly don’t see myself hosting a TV show any time soon. I am more the director type, preferring pulling the strings behind the scenes. But I am sure our senior designer Michael Bello would be great as a TV host on HGTV, as he is not only a talented designer but also thoroughly entertains all of us on a daily basis. But what we do without him for weeks on end? And God forbid he would actually win; we would lose him entirely and would have to turn on the TV to see him. We can’t have that, so ADG politely declined the invitation to attend an upcoming audition for HGTV’s Design Star.
But one of you may be just perfect to survive a reality design show and end up having us watch you on the small screen for years to come. Auditions are held throughout next months, and for Bay Area designers on Saturday, December 11th at the Westin Hotel in San Francisco. Producers are looking for:
Extensive design knowledge
Personality that pops
Passion for design
Lots of energy and enthusiasm
A clear and unique design perspective
But since I have watched the show, late at night after all the chores were done and thanks to TIVO, I think I should add the following:
Capable of using power tools
Skillful with a paint brush and roller
Able to design on the fly and with minuscule budgets
Good at getting along with others
Diplomatic while having a strong vision
Clever and inventive
Looking good on camera
The gift of the gab
If you are ready go check out your closest audition location, and if you make it on the show we at ADG will be your biggest cheerleaders. Good luck colleagues!
Cheers,
]]>
Hailing from Austria Thanksgiving here in America has only been an adult tradition from. Although I don’t have the same childhood memories of family getting together I have been blessed with kind friends who included me and often a few other “orphans” in their own family traditions. I have brought dishes, helped set up, but I have never hosted Thanksgiving myself. So something to put on the calendar for next year perhaps? But this year I will still be heading to a friend’s house for the usual treats. I will be bringing four different Austrian-style salads and caviar. Perhaps not traditional for a good old-fashioned Thanksgiving, but why not?
Speaking of traditions, Austria does have a similar celebration called “Erntedankfest”, loosely translated as “harvest thanksgiving festival”. Also commemorated in Germany and Switzerland, in Austria it takes place on a Sunday during Autumn right after the harvest, generally in October. But compared to the American Thanksgiving it is more a communal event rather than one celebrated at home. Because of Austria’s large farming communities this is a big celebration, which begins in church with a sermon and blessing of selections from the abundance of the harvest and most importantly the harvest crown (“Erntekrone”). This is followed by a procession and the presentation of the crown to the harvest queen (“Erntekönigin”). The harvest crown did not become a status symbol for farmers until the 1930s, and it is bestowed by the church as a reward for the hard work during harvest.
This tradition of giving thanks can coincide with the “Almabtrieb” (literally: drive from the mountain pastures) if the snow in the mountains comes later. The cows return from their high alpine pastures and are led down into the stables in the valley for winter. It may be surprising to know that about 500,000 cows in Austria take this journey every year, compared to 50,000 in Germany. And if there were no accidents during the Sumer the cows travel through towns and villages with elaborate decorations .
After that there is of course lots eating, drinking and dancing, surely similar in spirit to many harvest celebrations around the world. Usually everyone ends up at the “Wirtshaus”, the local pub, for some beer, Schnaps and hearty food. Popular dishes consumed represent the local bounty of Autumn and include pumpkin soup, roast pork, duck, goose, lamb and of course game, which is in season during this time of the year.
I like the communal aspect of the Austrian “Erntedankfest”, which brings people together to share our traditions. But now I am heading out to celebrate the American tradition of gathering family around a big meal.
Cheers,
Many times I come across incredibly talented people who produce captivating works of art, stunning jewelry, unique furnishings, gorgeous textiles etc. I am so impressed by what they do, but often I am surprised that they are not as well known as they should be. Do their admirers keep them a secret, not wanting to share them? But I want the world to know about these wonderful artists! So I thought I would share their craft with you all.
Let’s start with Kevin Randolph, one of those awesome individuals who have been following their passion from a very young age. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Kevin always enjoyed taking things apart. That used to get him into serious trouble until he got older and learned how to put things back together. And these days Kevin is very good at putting the oddest things together. He started out building bicycles from parts and made his first lamp at the age of twelve. Clearly a sign of what was to come!
Kevin moved to San Francisco in 1980, and after working as a builder for many years he founded his company Reuse Lighting, which has been a source for interior designers, galleries, and restaurateurs who are looking for unusual one-of-a-kind lighting. Kevin’s work is utterly inventive, made from predominantly salvaged parts. He loves working with glass and metal most and often includes magnifying glasses and mirror; but he has also incorporated more unusual materials such as bones, bamboo, starfish, coral, and even a gun.
Kevin has been called on by designers such as Will Wick for whom he created amongst other things a wreath for Battersea, which was auctioned off at Jingle & Mingle, a charity event that benefits the Children of Shelters. His work is showcased at Paxton Gate and The Perish Trust. You can also see some of his lights in The Perish Trust’s co-founder Kelly Ishikawa’s apartment featured in the premiere issue of the newly launched magazine Anthology.
I had the pleasure of working with Kevin on a green residential design project and on Mavelous, a coffee & wine bar that just opened on Market Street. We had a great time collaborating although I challenged him to move a little out of his usually more rustic comfort zone. The owners were so pleased that they asked him to also make a custom siphon holder and Chemex stand for their special coffee makers. But Mavelous is not the only public place where you can see this artist’s lights in action. A number of San Francisco restaurants, such as Flour & Water, Bar Crudo, Taco Bar, and community spaces such as Plaza Adelente, employed his talents for unique lighting.
Kevin Randolph is someone with a wide open mind and an amazing vision where he twists what seems odd or ordinary into something magical. I can’t wait to work with him again!
Cheers,
Dining by Design is almost here, and we are in high gear putting the last minute touches on our table for Poggenpohl, “A Celebration of Life” to honor Dining by Design’s ten year anniversary in San Francisco. We dedicated our design to the tireless staff at the Positive Health Program.
Come and join us for this magical event! Also participating are Gensler, HOK, Ralph Lauren, Restoration Hardware, Candace Barnes, Steven Miller and Paul Benson, IFDA, and Brayton Hughes. Check out An-Minh Le’s preview in the San Francisco Chronicle today.
Tickets for the Table Hop & Taste are still available online.
DIFFA’S DINING BY DESIGN
Galleria at the San Francisco Design Center, 101 Henry Adams
TABLE HOP & TASTE
November 17th from 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Tickets: $ 100.00
GALA DINNER
November 18th from6:30pm to 11:00pm
Tickets: $ 500.00
Proceeds go to DIFFA and the Positive Health Program at San Francisco’s General Hospital.
Hoping to see you there.
Cheers,
]]>
I am not sure how Grant Gibson finds the time to keep up with everything, but from his blog I learned last week that a new magazine has launched. After so much “death” in the world of publishing it is so refreshing to witness new life, and Anthology gives us hope for the come-back of print. I agree with Grant, we must support the print publications, and I placed my subscription order immediately. I cannot wait to get my hands on the premier issue, which promises to be quite engaging with stories about the fabulous Perish Trust, a home in Lousiana, how San Francisco foodies entertain, and Grant’s first article.
The most exciting thing about Anthology is that the people behind it are right here in San Francisco. With a healthy dose of chuzpah Anh-Minh Le and Meg Mateo Ilasco founded the quarterly shelter magazine, which takes a narrative approach to subjects such as home décor, travel, design, entertaining and culture.
Editor in Chief Anh-Minh is best known for her writing for Apartment Therapy and the San Francisco Chronicle, which includes the popular “Stylemaker Spotlight”, featuring local tastemakers in the world of design. I had the honor of being included in the series last year. No worries fans, Anh-Minh will continue to do the column. In addition to being an accomplished writer Creative Director Meg is also an award-winning graphic designer and illustrator, as well as a designer of home accessories. With this talented and passionate duo Anthology is sure to become a big hit.
Congratulations ladies on Anthology’s debut!
Cheers,
]]>
I am delighted SFLuxe thinks that MA•Velous coffee and wine bar is indeed mahvelous. I had such a wonderful time collaborating with owners Phillip and Lean Ma on creating the concept for Mavelous and designing the interiors. We are all so pleased with the results and all the wonderful feedback. Come join us for a cup of the best coffee in town, brewed in six different ways.
For more about Mavelous and the opening party please visit SFLuxe.
Cheers,
Lead by Michael Boodro, Elle Decor’s new Editor in Chief, the magazine will hold its first inaugural designer showcase in San Francisco. In partnership with the Junior League and its 16th annual home tour the showhouse will open to the public this weekend through the end of the month.
The historic 4,500-square-foot home has gone through impressive renovations by sustainable builder and developer Regina Callan who also brought us last year’s Metropolitan Home Showcase. Designers, handpicked by Elle Decor’s senior staff include Erin Martin, Palmer Weiss, Steven Volpe, Gary Spain, Will Wick, Kendall Wilkinson, Suzanne Tucker, Jay Jeffers, Elizabeth Martin, Grant K. Gibson and Surface Design, Inc. The event will be sent on its maiden voyage this week ith a private by-invitation-only gala on Thursday.
For a little taste of what you will see here are the designer’s sketches for their rooms.
Since the showcase will only be open on weekends plan right away and make sure not to miss it.
Weekends November 6th through November 21st
10:00am through 4:00pm
Admisssion $ 30.00 benefitting the San Francisco Junior League
For tickets please visit the Junior League.
Hoping to see you there.
Cheers,
Just as Zesty Meyers predicted a year ago SF20, the San Francisco 20th Century Art and Design Show, is on its way to become the West Coast’s preeminent modernism show. Judging from the turnout at the opening night gala that benefitted the SFMOMA SF20 is catching on quickly. Honorary Chairs Carla Emil and Rich Silverstein, event co-chairs Katie Schwab, Allison Speer and Stanlee Gatti and Designer Forum Chair Douglas Durkin drew serious collectors from all over, supporters of SFMOMA, most interiors designers I know, and all generations of the social set.
For my complete article please visit SFLuxe
Cheers,
I recently had the pleasure of holding one of my table top seminars at Gump’s. The audience was comprised of forty ladies from the “National Smart Set”, an African American social organization, which was started at Howard University in 1937. Along with Sigma Pi PHi (Boule) they held their annual national conference in San Francisco this year, with a long weekend packed full with events. Gump’s held two of them, a perfume presentation about the creation of their signature scent Baroque Pearl by Gary McNatton of Through Smoke Creative, and mine about setting creative tables.
Gary, known for his award-winning design of fine fragrances, home products and packaging has worked with the GAP, Banana Repuplic, Old Navy, Mottura and CMA. He shared the story of how the Baroque Pearl perfume was created and let each guest experience how the different notes made up the final scent. To everyone’s delight he shared that Gump’s home collection scent won the prestigious Fifi Award in 2008, beating out fragrance power houses such as Prada and Marc Jacobs, and that their new signature scent Baroque Pearl was a semi-finalist this year. I am not surprised, as Gump’s holds a very special place in San Francisco as one of the luxury purveyors who always does everything to perfection.
My presentation following Gary’s was about setting a proper dinner table and then how to break the rules in imaginative ways. I took guests through the process of arranging formal and casual table settings, showed them how to use color and details, and gave examples and ideas on creative approaches to special occasions, seasons and holidays. I placed an emphasis on mixing it up and adding antique, vintage, one-of-a-kind objects to the table for variety and interest. The ensuing Q & A was followed by hands-on interaction with the ladies in arranging crystal, china, and flatware in more unexpected ways.
Here are some of the suggestions I gave to the ladies:
Use your fine china, crystal and silver, and not only for holidays.
If you want to make it more informal mix in color and vintage items. Add more humble natural materials, such as horn, bone and wood.
Bread & butter plates are a perfect way to add a splash of color to a place setting. Generally they are more ornate than the other plates. They don’t need to match, simply coordinate.
Mix clear crystal with color glasses. Different shapes, sizes and hues can make a formal table more interesting and approachable.
Finger bowls are a great way to add color, texture and shape. They can be any material as long as they hold water.
Small bowls make perfect salt cellars and can add a colorful and ornate touch to each place setting. Also, salt and paper shakers come in many unique designs, looking more like sculptural objects than utilitarian. Having a few sets on a long table avoid having to ask for either.
Vintage flatware can be an interesting addition. Antique fish sets, for example, are very decorative and can generally be found for a song compared to other utensils, as they are sadly under-appreciated.
Keep centerpieces low, so that guests can see one another across the table.
Centerpieces do not need to be made of flowers. All sorts of sculptural objects can set a different mood. Some may be found around the house.
Flowers do not necessarily need to be in the center. Small arrangements can be placed with each place setting. All sorts of small containers can serve as vases.
You can get a lot of boom for your buck from napkins. If the right color and pattern is not available you can simply have fabric made into inexpensive napkins by the neighborhood seamstress. Keep in mind to choose fabric that feels good on your lips. (Non-absorbant and polyester napkins are a big pet peeve of mine.)
Napkin rings can be made from all sorts of materials and objects. For example, for a ladies luncheon inexpensive pearls can be wrapped around a rolled or folded napkin, or vintage brooches could be used, which are then then given as gifts to the guests. Also gorgeous ribbons can provide an instant splash of color.
I feel it is important to experiment and have fun, because there is very little that one can do wrong. First and foremost entertaining is really about the company. Selecting guests who will enjoy one another and making them feel welcome will set the mood more than the most gorgeous table. I was so lucky to be in such charming company that morning. A shout out to the ladies of the National Smart Set!
All photos by Christine Marie McDonald for Adeeni Design Group.
Cheers,
I just recently returned from Europe, happily flying first class in both directions, on United Airlines and Lufthansa respectively. Of course no matter what class of service everyone on the plane wants to get there on time, comfortably and safely. But when flying first class travelers expectations rise significantly. I have have often had conversations with friends about how US airlines fair against European ones, and have been called a Euro snob at times. So I thought I would pay closer attention this time, as I had the opportunity to fly on two different airlines during the same trip.
I started out in the United First International Lounge in San Francisco prior to my flight to Frankfurt on United. Once we arrived in Frankfurt my friend Alain (on his way to Burgundy) and I were turned away at Lufthansa’s First Class Lounge in Pier A. After getting checked in, shortly after making our way to the showers we were told that they had made a mistake in giving us access. Really?! Apparently were ineligible due to having arrived on a first class flight on United, not Lufthansa. We were sent to the business lounge, where I was denied access once again for the same reasons and because my connecting flight to Salzburg was on Austrian Arrows (part of Austrian Airlines) in coach, which was all that was available despite my whole trip having been booked in First Class. Alain however was allowed in because he continued on to Paris on Lufthansa in first class. Wasn’t I flying “the friendly skies”? I certainly did not have that problem during my last visit to Frankfurt’s airport. So much for the Star Alliance! Both United Airlines and Austrian Airlines are members, the latter also having recently purchased by Lufthansa. Perplexed, but too tired to argue, and noticing that a line had formed behind me, I had to forego the most coveted shower after a nauseating jog from terminal to terminal to get to the lounge. Forced to hike back through Frankfurt International’s endless tunnel to my departure gate, I was quite frustrated to arrive in Salzburg a sweaty mess, of course exaggerated from our run to the lounges. I barely dared to open my arms to hug my family.
I may have acquiesced at the time, but I had to look into this. So I sent an email to Lufthansa’s customer service department. The response I received did not provide clear answers. From that it appeared that only a boarding pass in first class for the next flight would be eligible. So why did Alain get denied? Plus a little R&R and a shower are more needed on arrival or stop-over than prior to departure home. I have not heard back to my second inquiry into further details.
Thankfully I was luckier on my return where my Lufthansa boarding pass gave me access to the First Class Lounge in Pier B. My return connection was through Los Angeles where I waited for my flight to San Francisco in the United First International Lounge.
Let’s compare by starting with the flights:
AIRCRAFT
UA: Boing 747, two levels, first class in front on lower lever
LH: Airbus 340-600, one level, first class in front
FIRST CLASS CABIN
UA: 16 roomy leather seats that turn into comfortable flat beds connecting with level foot rests, lots of storage space for a big purse and amenities, generously sized TV screens with limited selection of lesser-known movies, dacron pillows with cotton pillow cases
LH: 8 wide fabric seats that go entirely flat, adjustable headrests, no storage for a bag, only small compartments for amenities, small pop-up TV screens with a very good selection of new and popular movies, feather/down pillows with cotton pillow cases
On United I found the seats more comfortable, felt more private and enjoyed the generous storage and larger TV screen. But I preferred Lufthansa’s selection of movies and the feather/down pillows. So when it comes to aircraft I may be comparing apples and oranges.
SERVICE
UA: two female flight attendants, professional and courteous.
LH: two female flight attendants and a very attentive male purser who all made sure each first class passenger had an enjoyable experience without being overbearing, professional and attentive.
I felt that Lufthansa’s service was far superior to that of United. The flight attendants on Lufthansa were more observant, charming and quite caring when my stomach was in knots after overindulging a bit during lunch in the lounge.
FOOD
UA: menu designed by United Corporate Chef Gerry Gulli with featured selections by culinary innovator Chef Charlie Trotter; first course: crispy jumbo lump crab cake with braised endive, goat cheese and tomato confit, curry lentil soup, fresh seasonal greens with plum tomatoes, cucumbers and seasoned croutons with a choice of creamy garlic or balsamic vinaigrette, main course: herb marinated salmon with yukon gold garlic mashed potatoes with truffle oil and a carrot green bean sauté, or wild mushroom lasagna with toasted pine nuts and arugula pesto, or grilled filet mignon with green peppercorn sauce, oven-roasted potatoes and sautéed summer squash medley, or saté spiced chicken with Jasmine rice, herbed asparagus and carrot sauté, dessert: Edy’s grand ice cream with a choice of sundae toppings of hot fudge or caramel and whipped cream or a selection of cheeses to include Maple Blue, La Cabrie, and San Joaquin Gold; breakfast was chive scrambled eggs with turkey sausage and breakfast potatoes and fresh fruit plate with muesli.
LH: the airline is celebrating its 10th anniversary of the Star Chefs Program, which has included highly-decorated chefs from the international gourmet scene; first course: caviar with traditional garnishes, marinated jumbo shrimp with diced Mango (Tam Kok Kong), duck specialties and lentil salad (David Boulud), Nashi pear with honey mustard sauce, goat cheese and caramelized walnuts (Jin Jie Zhang “JinR”), Lollo Rosso, Frisée and Lamb’s lettuces with carrot and cucumber and a choice of balsamic or yogurt dill dressing. soup with Romaine lettuce and ginger (Cornelia Poletto), main course: braised veal cheeks with Tahiti vanilla and checkpea mousseline, flamed raspberries and broccoli (Sven Elverfeld), or tuna steak with soy sprouts, sesame and mashed Wasabi (Reto Mathis), or “Südtiroler Schlutzkrapfen” a Tyrolian-style pasta filled with Quark and spinach dressed with a light Gorgonzola sauce and sauteed spring onions (Karl Baumgartner/Norbert Niederkofler), or roast pigeon in nut crust with Quinoa, dates and mint (Anne-Sophie Pic), dessert: a selection of cheeses, including Rahmberg, Gorgonzola, Brie, Reblochon and ashed goat cheese with fig mustard sauce, walnut chutney and grapes, or French white coffee parfait with candied Clementines (Gérard Rabayey) or “Kaiserschmarrn” an Austrian pancake with berry compote and vanilla ice cream (Martin Sieberer). Also served throughout the flight were a selection of canapés, biscuits and fresh fruit. The meal comes with a single rose place into a vase built into the front of the seat arm.
Overall I found the food on both airlines of the highest quality for plane service, but felt that Lufthansa was slightly superior. The overcooked filet on United and the generous portion of caviar on Lufthansa may have had something to do with my assessment.
BEVERAGES:
UA: “Henriot Burt Millésimé” 1996 Champagne, Saget Domaine de la Pierrière 2007 Sancerre, Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay 2006 Sonoma Coast for white wine and Girardin Santeay Villages “Vielles Vignes” 2007 Burgundy, Chateau Simard 2006 Saint Émilion Bordeaux, Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Alexander Valley for red and Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 2003 for dessert, spirits included Absolut Vodka, Tanqueray Gin, Bacardi Rum, Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, Chivas Regal Premium Scotch Whiskey, Jim Beam Black Bourbon Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Canadian Club Reserve Whiskey, Dewar’s White Label Blended Scotch Whiskey, Disaronno Amaretto, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Kahlúa, Courvasier V.S.O.P. Fine Champagne Cognac, for beer Miller Genuine Draft and Miller Light, and for non-alcoholic beverages assorted soft drinks, mineral and still water, apple, orange and tomato juices, tonic water, milk, tea and Starbuck’s coffee.
LH: world champion sommelier Markus Del Monego supports Lufthansa with Vinothek Discoveries and puts together a new selection of wines every two months, Kinley tonic water, bitter lemon and ginger ale, Coca Cola, various juices and sodas, Jacobs Arabica coffee, a generous selection of liquor including Fernet Branca, often appreciated after an indulgent meal.
ON BOARD AMENITY KIT
UA: a tan canvas case containing socks, sleeping mask, facial tissue, ear plugs, Scope, Purell, Crest toothpaste and toothbrush, Murad Soothing Skin and Lip Care and Pomegranate Body Lotion.
LH: waffle slippers in a waffle bag, socks, a very soft Polo shirt (used to come with pants) in its own bag, a colorful printed Bogner case holding a sleeping mask, headphone covers, earplugs, a brush/comb combo, Pearls & Dents medicinal toothpaste and toothbrush, La Mer Rich Moisturizing Cream and Perfection Lip Balm. On my last trip the cosmetics had come from Clarins.
Lufthansa had a little bit more to offer with a more stylish appearance. But I am curious about the S/M sizing, definitely not based on a woman.
LOUNGES
UA: I was able to visit both first class lounges in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Both have all the basics all first class lounges have to offer, a business center and work carrels, Wi-Fi internet access, newspapers and magazines, and telephones with complimentary local phone calls and data ports. Showers are part of the arrival suite only. They offer light snacks and hors d’oeuvres, coffee, tea, soft drinks and juices as well as beer, wine and a small assortment of liquor. The food selection is pretty basic, bagels and cream cheese, Camenbert and Cheddar cheeses with dried apricots, Sushi, cold grilled chicken skewers, some sort of dip and Danish, apples, bananas and packaged cereal. For Champagne they offered Veuve Clicquot.
Staffing was minimal to include the front desk staff and and attendant checking on the food and cleaning up after travelers. But I have to point out the most wonderful and charming Japanese lady at LAX who made my stay there absolutely enjoyable. In the end it is often about the people more than decor and amenities.
LH: The first class lounges in Frankfurt were designed by the German architectural firm Hollins + Radoske. Do & Co a gourmet entertainment company from Vienna, Austria runs them and supplies onboard catering for Lufthansa and a number of others including Austrian Airlines, Air France, British Airways and Cathay Pacific. They are known for their exceptional quality and service, and they also own Demel, one of Vienna’s most famous cafés and patisseries (with additional locations in Salzburg and New York), a number of restaurants and a hotel in Vienna. Let’s just say they know their stuff!
Frankfurt has three first class lounges, one at terminal A, one at Terminal B, and one being its own entire first class terminal. Each are equipped with showers and bathtubs, relaxing rooms, office units with computers with internet access, dataports for laptops, W-LAN facilities, TVs, copy and fax machines, credit card phones offering free local calls, German and international magazines and newspapers. The lounge in Pier B also has a spa by Babor Each has a full bar, a cigar room and a full-service restaurant with generous cold, hot and dessert buffets for those in a hurry, and table-side a la carte service for those with a longer lay-over. I was able to take advantage of the later personally attended to by the Chef de Cuisine who made each of my dishes to order and served them personally. The selection was unbelievably generous with cold choices to include Salmon Tartare, shrimp cocktails, salads, a variety of cheeses and cold cuts including Iberico ham carved fresh off the bone, three different soups, and a number of entrees such as steak and salad, Wiener Schnitzel, veal Gulasch and a variety of dishes from the Wok. Desserts included chocolate cake, a tart, apple strudel with vanilla and chocolate sauces and assorted petit fours and truffles. Beverages included a fast assortment of liquor and soft drinks, a number of different beers and fine wines. Does this explain my squeezy stomach later on my flight? What do you do when the chef keeps bringing stuff? This certainly was not a light lunch.
The lounges also provide limo service to the plane, to avoid all additional security check points and that dreaded tunnel.
Staffing was generous: two at the front desk, one supervisor, two waitresses in the restaurant, one in the lounge area, one bar tender, one bathroom attendant.
As far as lounges go, there is no comparison. Lufthansa surpasses United by far when it comes to design, amenities and services. Frankly United could use a little updating, and I officially offer my services for redesigning United’s first class lounges. Some of the nicest features of the Lufthansa first class lounges are the full bathrooms, some with tub and shower, and the full-service restaurant, and I am sure the sleeping rooms are fantastic for some travelers. My favorite service is the real kind of priority boarding where your personal assistant will get you shortly before the flight leaves and escorts you downstairs to your own personal car and driver that will take you directly to the plane, bypassing all security lines.
You know what I think. I would love to hear your experiences.
Cheers,
It was a pleasure talking design with Cristin Bisbee Priest of Simplified Bee, the popular blog that is a great resource for anyone who wants to organize their spaces in interesting and aesthetic ways. We chatted about style, color, favorite designers, trends and more. Check it out; I would love to hear what you thought about our chat.
For the complete interview please visit Simplified Bee.
Cheers,