Delicious Space: Bar Crenn

Decor

The latest edition of our Delicious Space series is a seriously stunning new wine bar that I’m thrilled to report is in my own backyard. Bay Area readers, take note. Famed chef Dominque Crenn has just opened a new and seriously beautiful space in San Francisco’s Marina district. Situated next door to her two-Michelin starred flagship restaurant Altier Crenn, the small, intimate and lush Bar Crenn is intended to be a place to gather over classic French food, amazing wine and hopefully stimulating conversation. This isn’t your run of the mill pick up spot. Bar Crenn is meant to be like a home away from home for a wine and design enthusiast.

I have long admired Chef Crenn and my girl-crush only grew after I watched her on Chef’s Table (yet another show you must watch). While an amazing chef (best female chef in the world in 2016 in fact), Dominique goes beyond her dishes, taking a very creative approach to both her food and her restaurants. She is driven by her vision and the holistic experience she wants to create for her patrons. Bar Crenn is an awesome example of this.

When concepting her bar, Chef Crenn was inspired by 1920’s Paris – when the city was a cultural, literary and art epicenter. She wanted to recreate that salon-like environment where luminaries would gather and discuss the day’s pressing issues. When I first walked into Bar Crenn I could immediately image Gertrude Stein holding court in the corner. I would gladly wile away hours in this space.

Decorated by Dominique’s friend, Karan Brady, the room is shrouded in thick green velvet curtains, shielding the space from the street and giving the feel of the private club. Even the entrance is down a walkway off the sidewalk so you almost have to know its there to find it. Seating is limited to luxe settees and Louis VXI armchairs clustered around green marble-topped cocktail tables to further foster conversation. This is not a space where you pack shoulder to shoulder. This is where you come to sit, relax and enjoy. Everything in the room has a vintage patina like you stepped into the Nashville filter. Crystal stemware line the back bar and antique chandeliers dot the ceiling. Sheepskin topped stools line the bar. There’s a hint of femininity in the old world glamour, but it also doesn’t feel overly girly.

Bar Crenn’s menu centers around timeless french dishes that Dominique actually sourced directly from her directory of famous French chefs like Alain Ducasse and Guy Savoy. Must be nice. Plan to get a real education on French wines. Glass pours will range from $14-$50.

I was lucky enough to preview Bar Crenn and taste test its menu in conjugation with a special event hosted by American Express Platinum. Last year American Express launched their Global Dining Collection – exclusive partnerships with a team of Platinum Card Members’ favorite chefs from around the world – think José Andrés, Massimo Bottura, Stephanie Izard and Thomas Keller – to provide Card Members with exclusive access to one-of-a-kind dining experiences and events.

American Express hosted an exclusive dinner with Dominique at Bar Crenn the week before its grand opening and apparently they offer other events throughout the year. I’m going to add all the dishes I tasted to my Instagram story archive so you can see all the amazing bites we enjoyed. And I guess I better start paying better attention to my email to be sure I know when Platinum offers these crazy cool dinners. But I’m just thankful I can head down to Bar Crenn any old time.

Bar Crenn is an elevated, curated and thoughtful addition to the San Francisco food and bar scene. Dare I say this is a bar for grownups (yup, I’m officially SO old). You can make reservations for table seating up to a month in advance (apparently the first month sold out in the first 10 minutes reservations opened up online,) but they will also reserve half of their seats for nightly walk-ins. Reservations for the month of April will open up on March 20 at 11AM. I know I’m going to be clicking refresh to get myself a table.

BAR CRENN
3131 Fillmore Street
Open Tues – Sat 4:30pm – 12:00am

For our archive of Delicious Spaces – aka rurl prudy restaurants, CLICK HERE

original photography for apartment 34 by andrea posadas / portrait by jessica chou

The Best Design Shopping In Los Angeles

Gotta Getaway

If you’ve been following along on Instagram of late, you may have spied my recent sojourn to Southern California. It being one of only a handful of trips I’ve taken sans child, I was determined to indulge in my primary obsessions every single second; ie good design, good food and most importantly for this trip, major design shopping. Even though the Bay Area is a bastion of creativity, it is not the greatest spot for home decor shopping. In fact, it’s pretty bad (just sayin’). In contrast, Los Angeles is basically the west coast’s design mecca. Thankfully, Alaska Airlines now has the most trips up and down the west coast so I was able to hop a quick flight, grab a healthy snack in the Alaska terminal and head straight from LAX to design gems that stretch from Venice Beach to East LA. All in a couple hours. Definitely winning.

As I tippy toe ever closer to finishing up my house, I’ve moved into the treasure hunt phase. It’s the spot you get to once you have major things like beds, sofas and a rug or two in place. It’s simultaneously sweet as your home is pretty livable, and simultaneously crazy making because you know the design isn’t done yet. And it’s rurl hard to find the “perfect” piece. But this is the phase where you really inject your personality into your space. This is where you can differentiate from the run of the mill design clogging Pinterest these days. This is the time for the one of a kinds. The vintage, the found. The treasured. Thankfully, LA is awash in havens of antique, vintage and modern shops that offer pieces you can’t find elsewhere.

There is virtually any style at any price point to be found across LA, but I knew if I was visiting design mecca I had to start with the holy grail: Galerie Half.

Sprawled across a large and light filled showroom on Melrose Ave, Galerie Half houses a beautiful mix of European antiques, classic 20th century designs and the random, odd or rare primitive piece of furniture with derivations ranging from Japan to Africa.

Fair warning, Galerie Half is not for the home decorating faint of heart. These are unique and often highly coveted pieces and they come with the price tags to match. I mean, this is where Diane Keaton and Ellen shop. But it doesn’t hurt to browse, right??

Thankfully, I had a guide for my sojourn through this design treasure trove. It can be really hard for a mere design hobbyist such as myself to decipher good deals from over-priced insanity, authenticity from knock-offs, and to know what must-have is truly worth the investment. Interior designer Lauren Nelson (who you’ve read about here and here) is the queen at unearthing that special something from the piles of stuff. Thankfully, we’re friends (perks of the job!) and she agreed to guide me through these unchartered waters. It came in especially handy when we got invited to stroll down the block from the main Galerie Half showroom and got to step into their (multiple!) warehouses. This was where many a gem were laying undiscovered. I was like a kid in the most expensive candy store on the planet. I was real happy.

The rub? You can’t really tap the LA design treasure trove like Galerie Half online. You only see the teeniest, tiniest fraction of shops’ inventories on their websites. How can I best explain it? It’s like looking at that picture of Disneyland and thinking it’s just the big castle, when in fact there’s an entire wonderland behind those walls. I realize this is the cruel.

But after experiencing it firsthand, I know I’m going to have to hop an Alaska Airlines flight to LA much more frequently. Shopping LA is not like a casual stroll in the park. It’s more like climbing design Everest and I’m determined to reach the top. I kinda fell in love with a giant 19th century french mirror at Galerie Half that would be absolutely perfect over the fireplace in our dining room. But I think I have to visit it again just to be sure.

I’ve taken the liberty to round up a few of the best design destinations I saw on this trip and listed them all out below. And be sure to pop over to Instagram today. I’ll be sharing some of the design-savvy spots to eat and stay in LA.

DESIGN SHOPPING DESTINATIONS IN LOS ANGELES

Galerie Half
6911 Melrose Ave
High end European antiques, mid-century designs, vintage art and lighting

Lawson Fenning
6824 Melrose Ave
A massive mid-century inspired store filled with both vintage finds and original Lawson Fenning designs. A great section of ceramics and accessories, also love their lighting selections.

Nickey Kehoe
7221 Beverly Blvd
A sweet showroom chocker clock full of everything from textiles and pillows,

Garde
7418 Beverly Blvd
Garde is a go-to for all the super in accessories. Think Quan ceramics, tabletop accessories,

Amsterdam Modern
134 Glendale Blvd
This massive warehouse is stacked floor to ceiling with amazing mid-century gems. But I love that most are European and many are designers you haven’t heard of before. You’ll definitely find a gem here.

Hammer & Spear
255 S Santa Fe Ave
Another downtown location, this menagerie offers a plethora of vintage furniture, quirky accessories and unique finds.

County LTD
1837 Hyperion Ave
I first discovered County Ltd at their West Coast Craft booth in San Francisco. They try to fly under the radar, but it turns out their store is jam packed with amazing vintage furniture finds, super cool lighting and kick ass accessories and art. Definitely worth a stop.

Night Palm
1724 Silver Lake Blvd
Also on the East side, this little jewel box of a showroom has a highly curated collection of vintage finds, cool large-scale artwork. You have to pop in because you just never know what kind of treasure you might find.

If you like this, be sure to check out our design travel guide to Portland, OR! What other cities would you like to see?

This post is in partnership with Alaska Airlines. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. thanks for supporting collaborations that have kept Apartment 34’s doors open

Learn to Mix the Perfect Cocktail with Dona Tomas

Decor

Today’s edition of Delicious Spaces might look a little familiar to a long-time Apt34 reader. I’ve been a major fangirl of brunch at Dona Tomas since my days of pregnancy cravings.

I’m also a fan of the simply chic decor in Dona Tomas’ dining room. Tucked next to Oakland’s Temescal Alley, Dona Tomas keeps things clean and classic. Creamy white walls are dotted with authentic Mexican tapestries and candelabra sconces. Gorgeous ironwork separates the dining room from the exterior patio. Vintage Mexican posters, jumbo grass pendants and floral tablecloths on outside tables are colorful touches. But this pared-back setting is the perfect way to let Dona Tomas’ food and cocktails shine.

And if you’re in the Bay Area, I have an extra special treat for you. Dona Tomas is offering their first cocktail class at the restaurant this weekend! The class will focus on three unique cocktails off their brunch menu: the Celorita, Bloody Maria, and Coco Mocha, described below. You’ll learn how to make each of three cocktails, from the mixes and syrups, where to find the ingredients and tools, how to measure, shake and stir, and get answers to any questions about tequila and mezcal.

Celorita —
habañero infused Vida mezcal, agave & lime, pineapple, cilantro, cucumber & celery

Bloody Maria —
Cimarron Blanco tequila, tomato juice, lime, horseradish, Worcestershire, hot sauce, salt and pepper

Coco Mocha —
Flor de Caña dark rum, chocolate liqueur, coconut milk, iced coffee, piloncillo-canela syrup

If you’re in the mood to spice up your cocktail skills, or a simply in the mood for a fun afternoon of great food and amazing drinks you should seriously consider taking this class. I’ve included all the details below.

What: Dona Tomas Mexican Brunch Cocktail Class
Where: Dona Tomas, 5004 Telegraph Ave, Oakland CA PHONE: 510-540-0522
When: Sunday, Feb 25th, 2pm
Cost: $30 per person
Details: Call to purchase your tickets! 510-450-0522

images for apartment 34 by aubrie pick

Where to Eat in Portland

Food + Travel

Did you catch yesterday’s post about my recent jaunt to Portland?? I was so inspired by all the gorgeous design I saw in just 36 hours in the city. In fact, I saw so much I saved all the beautiful (and delicious) places to eat in Portland for today’s post. Think of this an install of my Delicious Spaces series on overdrive.

Obviously, Portland is quite the food mecca – it’s virtually impossible to eat (or drink) poorly there. However, I am particularly fond of eating in places whose spaces also inspire. I visited some gorgeous spots during my stay, but I suspect they’re only a drop in the beautiful Portland restaurant bucket. Travel Portland, might you have me back just for a restaurant-focused visit? I’d gladly eat seven meals a day!

Without further ado, pretty and yummy spots to eat in Portland.

CAFFEINATE: COAVA COFFEE
1300 Southeast Grand Avenue
Open weekdays 6am – 6pm, weekends 7am to 6pm

Coava Coffee is a well known Portland-based coffee roaster with multiple locations in the city. However, their space on Grand Ave was formerly the original roastery that they’ve since turned into a cool industrial-style coffee house. While it offers a more typically Portland industrial vibe, I loved the beautiful wood-wrapped espresso bar.

Coava serves selections of hand poured coffee using their self-designed coffee cone filter – it was quite pretty – as well as espresso. If you’re headed to Spartan Shop (click here if you don’t know what I’m talking about), this is a great space to grab a yummy coffee either before or after your browsing session.

EAT: PROUD MARY
2012 NE Alberta St
open 7am – 4pm, kitchen closes at 3pm

As soon as I heard Proud Mary was an Australia-based cafe, I knew I had to check it out. I loved both the food and the coffee in Australia so much. The Flat White is a genius coffee invention. I would hop a plane back to Sydney for the perfect cup. Or now, just hop a plane back to Portland!

Proud Mary is in Northeast on well-known Alberta Street, but if you aren’t looking carefully you might miss her. She’s on a block with just a couple of other little shops, but she’s worth searching out. The space itself is light-filled thanks to a bevy of skylights. Polished concrete floors juxtapose Muuto pendants and simple picnic table-style seating. I sat at the bar and was able to watch the nonstop coffee making in action.

Proud Mary offers all-day breakfast, delicious lunch, specialty coffee (roasted in-house), specialty tea, fresh juice, smoothies, cakes, and pastries. You can order at the counter or sit and enjoy table service. There was many an Aussie working there when I visited and I totally felt that genuine, warm, fun and sometimes a little bit cheeky Australian vibe. I had the most amazing hot cake (below!) while there. It was stunning and definitely the most decadent (cream cheese is involved) yet beautiful pancake meal I’ve ever had. If you love breakfast food at any time of the day, I highly recommend this Proud Mary.

EAT: MILK GLASS MRKT
2150 N Killingsworth St
open 9am – 3pm daily

Milk Glass Mrkt is a darling gem of a lunch spot tucked into the Overlook neighborhood of North Portland. What started out as a food-truck years ago has turned into an order-at-the-counter cafe that serves amazingly delicious, fresh, seasonal dishes that put your sandwich-from-the-corner-store to shame.

TREAT: BLUE STAR DONUTS
921 NW 23rd Ave, among multiple locations
open 7:30am – 8pm, or until they run out

While I’m not typically a donut person, when I heard that Blue Star bills themselves as donuts for grownups, I was intrigued. Flavors include Meyer Lemon and Key Lime Curd, Orange Pistachio and Buttermilk Old Fashioned. Definitely more interesting then your grocery store variety. I appreciated that my donut was not a total sugar bomb, wasn’t overly fried or squishy. This donut definitely knew how to adult. With Blue Star locations dotted throughout Portland, I think I’d probably succumb to a donut craving more often than not.

EAT: MÅURICE
921 SW Oak Street
Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm

One of my favorite things about dining in Europe is enjoying a glass of wine with lunch. It’s a very typical habit. Scandanavian-inspired luncheonette Måurice in the West End of downtown Portland seemed like the perfect place to practice that lovely European tradition. With only a smattering of seats all painted a bright white, a mix of antique flatware and a lovingly handwritten daily menu, everything about Måurice is picture perfect.

Opened by well-known Portland pastry chef Kelly Murray, Måurice offers what’s called fika, the traditional Scandinavian coffee-break that often features beautiful baked goods starting at 10am. At lunch deliciously pretty light fare comes from the kitchen. While there I enjoyed everything from oysters and mussels to a gorgeous risotto and of course a few tasty desserts. I could have stayed all day. Well at least until they close at 3pm.

EAT: NOMAD.PDX
575 NE 24th Ave
open 5pm – 12am

Last but not least, I present you Nomad PDX. It’s rare that I have a dining experience that I know will stick with me for a long time. But the dinner I enjoyed at Nomad, a gorgeous yet unassuming space in Northeast Portland was truly special. Nomad features a multi-course tasting menu – which I know sounds super fancy. But Nomad’s genius is the delivery of sophisticated, truly creative dishes in a really accessible environment. There’s no need for fancy outfits or stuffy white tablecloths. This is modern elevated dining at its very best.

Nomads’ executive chef Ryan Fox knows his stuff. He trained for five years at Robuchon in Las Vegas. But Ryan diverts from all the traditional French recipes for dishes with a decidedly Asian influence. Every dish is conceptual, presented with artful expertise, but most importantly seriously delicious. I particularly loved a trio of duck, prepared and presented three ways, a dashi-based broth and a modern take on a tradition asian custard dish. The single shigoku oyster brought to me over a bed of smoking rocks was awe-inspiring. If I sound overly poetic – well, this type of meal deserves it. It’s truly that special.

Nomad also features Ash Bar – this really cool space tucked into a super an awesome cave-like room. The bar is now open seven days a week and serves bar bites like a stellar burger and lobster rolls. While you’ll probably want to save Nomad’s tasting menu for a special occasion – multi-course meals aren’t typically random Tuesday fare – I would gladly hit up the Ash bar any time the desire strikes for a really tasty cocktail and a super good meal.

I can’t remember the last time I ate better than my day and half in Portland. And I know I missed so many other amazing restaurants. I guess it just means I have to go back sooner rather than later.

Are there are Portland faves you care to share? I’d love for you to leave recommendations in the comments below. I’m always adding to my must-try-restaurant list. For all of Travel Portland’s recommended restaurants, CLICK HERE.

For the entire recap of my Portland trip, CLICK HERE.

For more travel ideas, CLICK HERE.

original photography for apartment 34 by Carly Diaz

This post is in partnership with Travel Portland. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations I’m super excited about and that have kept apartment 34’s doors open.

36 Hours in Portland, OR

Gotta Getaway

One of my primary new year’s goals is to travel more. You too? Having my jet-setting ways severely curtailed since my dive into mom-land has bummed me out a bit, but now that I have an almost-three year old, I’m determined to hit the road (sans baby!) in 2018.

That’s why I was thrilled when Travel Portland invited me to spend a little time in the fair Rose City. While my husband is originally from Portland and we are actually there quite often, it’s a rare occasion I get to explore Portland on my own. For my recent visit, I had just 36 hours, but I was determined to make the most of each and every beautifully solitary minute.

And I was on a very specific mission.

Portland is typically heralded for its outdoor activities, its craft beers, and its Portlandia-ness. But I headed to Portland to unearth design gems – places and spaces that make my little aesthete heart go pitter patter. And I am here to attest that there is plenty for modern design aficionados to appreciate in Portland. And I came home with proof! I crisscrossed the city, from its northeast to the south-west corners, cramming in as many beautiful finds as I could so you’re going to want to get ready to scroll. There’s a lot coming ‘atcha. You’re welcome!

SHOP: SPARTAN SHOP
@spartanshop
1210 SE Grand Ave

An overview of Portland design finds must start with Spartan Shop. It could actually end there too. This space is my mecca. I actually profiled Spartan in its first iteration a few years back; a cute space in Austin, TX. But since opening a reimagined version of itself in Portland in October 2017, Spartan has shed its lone-star state influence creating a bright white, light-filled corner store beautifully appointed with curated, refined yet really tactile and personal pieces.

Spartan carries designers I’ve long loved and coveted included Lambert & Fils, Mquan and Tina Frey among a litany of others. Ceramics are one of Spartan’s specialties, but from their tabletop accessories to art and jewelry, I wanted every single thing in the space. The dominant color palette is obviously in the Apartment 34 wheelhouse; black, white and all things neutral are laid out beautifully in the open, airy shop.

As owner Currie Person explained, the new iteration of Spartan is really “a vehicle for connectivity – connecting our clients to artists and designers that we are passionate about and building a relationship with our community through fundraisers, art shows, discussions and workshops.”

“Although Spartan Shop has been around for almost 10 years it has been a very gratifying experience to open this new space in Portland with ample room to represent furniture and lighting designers and to host larger scale art shows.”

If you love amazing taste and beautiful design get thyself to Spartan. Bring the card with the highest limit you have. It’s impossible to leave without an armful of goodies.

SHOP: PARACHUTE HOME
@parachuteportland
820 NW 23rd Ave

If you’ve read Apartment 34 for a while, then you’ve probably caught wind of my love affair with Parachute. Their bedding is heavenly and I’ve been obsessed with their new bath collection. So I won’t lie, I was a little peeved that Portland got one of only two Parachute stores in existence (the other one is in Venice Beach). But Parachute fits right into the picture-perfect Portland neighborhood known as Northwest. Think tree-lined streets, adorable craftsmen-style buildings turned into shops and darling cafes on every corner.

The Parachute space is beautifully appointed. Am I the only one who geeks on out on retail space design? So be it. But I was swooning over the custom oak and brass shelving, the stunning floors, the awesome lighting, oh and all the scrumptious Parachute pieces of course. It was so fun to actually be able to touch and feel their cozy quilts, their beautiful Italian-made table linens and their new line of super cute shower curtains. It only made me want more Parachute in my life.

SHOP: NORTH OF WEST
@shopnorthofwest
203 SW 9th Ave

Located in downtown Portland just off Burnside (a major marker for all Portlanders) is the cute corner shop, North of West. They bill themselves as a “design-driven mercantile.” I was immediately drawn in by the bright white walls, soaring windows filled with home goods and eye-catching textiles scaling the back wall. Upon entering, I was pleased to discover many favorites from Hawkins New York, Areaware and Herbivore skincare inside.

But the pleasant surprise was the collection of in-house designed kids clothes. Think super cute prints and totally current colors. I loved the geometric prints and this really fun pineapple and lemon printed sweatshirt. They just didn’t have that in Carter’s size, but they do offer sizes that go from infant up to pieces for 4-5-year-olds. I had to restrain myself from leaving with an entirely new wardrobe for my kiddo.

STAY: HI-LO HOTEL
@hi_lo_hotel
320 SW Stark St

When looking for the perfect place to stay in Portland I had three criteria, good central location, totally gorgeous and totally gorgeous. Enter the Hi-Lo Hotel. A boutique hotel, but part of the Marriott family, this spot was a perfect landing place for my day of adventures. Located in the heart of downtown, I could walk just about anywhere (downtown Portland is highly walkable because everything is only a few blocks away).

The lobby features soaring ceilings, concrete walls, exposed beams, and coffers, which offer a nod to Portland’s industrial roots. But when they’re paired with brass lighting, curved sofas and hits of millennial pink, the space takes on a much more elevated refined vibe. I loved it.

While one side of the lobby features a seating area (and piano open for any takers), the other side offers a great bar area, more seating and most importantly yummy cocktails.

Rooms at the Hi-Lo continued that modern feel but keep things from being too stark by using lots of texture and pops of color. I loved the continuation of the exposed concrete walls in the rooms, the Pendleton blanket-clad pillows, and nubby rugs. Oversized windows let in tons of natural light – always a preference when I travel. Bench seating offered a little spot to relax (for five minutes!) because I was back out and about time and again. But I loved the Hi-Lo because I could drop in, charge my phone, do a quick outfit change and then head back out to discover my next find.

RELAX: GOLDEN HOUR
@goldenhourpdx
410 SE Ash St

While I could easily spend hours shopping in Portland (I didn’t make it to Alder & Co, School House Electric, Beam & Anchor and so many others) I stumbled upon what I initially thought was a little spa tucked into the city’s Central Eastside neighborhood (not far from Spartan in fact).

But upon entry, I learned that Golden Hour is in fact, a nurturing space and shop to practice regular self-care utilizing acupuncture and other Asian modalities of wellness. And bonus: it’s simply stunning. Owner Janet Jay has created a calm respite from your everyday stress in a beautiful, inviting environment.

Janet learned about Chinese herbs and traditional wellness practices when she was a little girl by accompanying her great uncle to an herbal shop in New York’s Chinatown. Janet procures her herbs from that same shop today. Western medicine as really emphasized solving problems after something goes wrong, but Janet’s hope is that ideas of health in modern society will be altered. No longer will wellness be a reaction, but a daily act of self-love. Acupuncture benefits are cumulative, the more often you go, the better you will feel!

I would certainly feel better just by being in this space frequently. It’s decorated with objects and vintage items Janet has collected over years of living in New York, Japan and now Portland. The entry features a cabinet filled with the antique tins and boxes in which Janet’s great uncle and grandmother held their traditional remedies. Every detail in this space is spot on. You feel your blood pressure lowering just by being there. An acupuncture treatment on your lunch break is merely an added bonus.

Janet’s motto is Self Love is Radical. I couldn’t agree more.

GATHER: TENDUE
@tendue.co
2505 SE 11th Ave Suite 255

Being a stylist and…do I still call myself a blogger…content creator…editor…I digress. Regardless of title, my job requires that I don’t just know where to shop, eat or stay in a city. I also like to know what the creative community is up to and where you can possibly pull off beautiful events or photo shoots. Enter Tendue.

Tendue is a visually inspiring setting, uniquely designed to optimize the event experience for mid-sized groups and photographers. The blend of Parisian-inspired textures and tones eloquently pairs with this historic warehouse to create a space that’s both inviting and interesting. It’s the perfect setting for hosting small and workshops, team meetings, photo shoots or most anything else. You can see their entire list of upcoming public events right here.

But what I really love about Tendue is how refreshing it feels. There is no industrial chic. Nothing is reclaimed or repurposed. It totally bucks the stereotypes of Portland design. More impressively, the team behind Tendue hand painted the patterned floors, added all the detailing to the walls and sourced all the beautiful pieces at your disposal should you decide to have an event there. I’m already plotting an excuse to come back and throw a party.

I was able to see so many stunning spots in Portland that I had to break this recap into two parts. While I covered things to see, places to shop and where to stay today, you’ll need to come back tomorrow to see all the design savvy places to eat in Portland! For now you can check out Travel Portland’s entire list of chic places to shop right here.

For our entire travel archive, CLICK HERE.

original photography for apartment 34 by Carly Diaz

New Series: Delicious Spaces

Food + Travel

As 2018 gets ramped up, I’ve avoided a standard list of resolutions again this year (confused: check out this post), but I do have a 2018 to-do list. On the tippy top is to get out and about more. Since this is Apt34’s 10th anniversary, I really want to focus on the making the most of every moment this year. And most moments I’m thinking about food. That includes exploring restaurants, bars, coffee shops in San Francisco and the Bay Area, but also beyond. There are so many good spots that need to be seen and experienced so I thought instead of simply screen shotting Instagrams, I would share my finds here. I’m going to call this series Delicious Spaces – any and every space I want to both dine and simply hang out this year.

First on my list requires a return to New York, but that’s just fine with me. Sel Rrose is a raw bar on the Lower East Side. You don’t have to sell me hard on oysters and champagne but when you put them in such a gorgeous setting I’m ready to book a ticket. The restaurant, on the corner of Delancey and Bowery, juxtaposes a rough industrial vibe with softer edges like custom wallpaper designed by Candice Kaye.

The menu features a revolving variety of daily fresh oysters, full raw bar and a selection of seasonal and well-constructed French inflected plates. The bar offers a French-focused cocktail list, featuring guest favorite, the effervescent house prosecco, alongside an array of premium spirits, natural wines and select beers on tap.

Sel Rrose offers a daily oyster happy hour from 4:00pm. to 7:00pm, ideal for a cozy winter evenings in the city. So if you’re in New York, go and have a drink on me and tag your instagram #deliciousspaces. I’ll be tracking and reposting favorites!

images courtesy of sel rrose

check out more of my favorite spots in the Bay and beyond RIGHT HERE

Wanderlusting: Where to Travel in 2018

Gotta Getaway

Everyone out there having a marvelous time being home, pajama-clad and uber lazy?? I know I am. I don’t think I’ve ever done so many loads of laundry #momlife. But the best part about this quiet time of year? Dreaming about what can do with the next one! I’m feeling very optimistic about 2018. I mean, things can only go up from here right!? We better hope so. But 2018 is Apartment 34’s 10th anniversary and I plan to make the most of it! (more to come on that) On the tippity-top of my new year to-dos? Travel. I never left the country in 2017 and that makes mama very sad. I’m not sure where I should travel in 2018. Mexico? Europe? Somewhere really off the beaten path? Thankfully, one of my favorite jet-setters, Megan McCarty has been keeping notes on all her travels – and places on her wishlist. Now I’m taking notes too.

Everywhere, anywhere. That’s where you should go in 2018. You don’t need me to tell you strolling new streets and eating foreign cuisines molds us into more inspired, understanding people, but I’ll remind you anyway. Plus, a little escapism these days doesn’t do us any harm. Neither does going somewhere where the wifi is spotty or spend your hard-earned money in a city that is recovering from (insert disaster here).

Below are eight stand-out spots for the design lovers among us. Ready? Set? Pack those bags.

Copenhagen, Denmark

With everything we’ve endured this past year, we’re all overdue for a little peace and calm. Modern-day Danes are known for topping the list of happiest folks, and for good reason. Copenhagen is like Amsterdam’s more mature sister, packed with charm, architecture, culture, parks, canals, history and some of the most peaceful people on earth. What’s not to like?

For your stay, consider booking a room at the Nobis Hotel or Sanders Hotel, both perfectly polished. I’m also partial to THEKRANE, an industrial coal crane that’s been converted into a luxury two-person retreat. The one-room masterpiece includes panoramic views of Copenhagen and sleek all-black decor, in homage to coal, of course.

There aren’t enough meals in the day to visit all of Copenhagen’s sleek restaurants, but here are a few stand-outs: Restaurant Barr, 108, Geist, Vakst, Amass and Relae. The name says it all for Nebbiolo Winebar, and Ved Stranden and Apollo Bar are worth a sip too. For a morning jolt of coffee, consider a stop at Atelier September. Then work off all those glasses of nebbiolo with a winding wandering through Rundetaarn, the oldest functioning observatory in Europe.

For daily Copenhagen inspiration, follow my friend Ruben Hughes. His feed alone will, well, feed your need to hop on a flight.

Big Sur, California
Following last spring’s crippling mudslides, Big Sur is back in business! No matter which part of Cali you’re coming from, the drive to Big Sur is one of those getting there is half the fun cliches. If you haven’t been, you’ll wonder what took you so long to get there. If you have, it’s time to to revisit. Take the scenic route via State Route 1, otherwise really, what’s the point?

As for where to stay, your options are limited, in a way that allows for easy decision making. There’s the Ventana Big Sur, which recently reopened under new ownership. The renovation added the new Sur House restaurant, glamping cabins and an on-site art gallery. You could also make a major splurge and stay at Post Ranch Inn, a long-time fave of Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler, which sits atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific. Even just getting a drink in the dining room is worth it.

But first, fuel up with breakfast at Big Sur Bakery, then walk through the pink sand at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. After that you’ll deserve a drink at Nepenthe, which has a view that may or may not leave you speechless, with an emphasis on the may. Walk off the liquid calories with a hike through McWay Waterfall Trail or Ewoldsen Trail, then dine at Post Ranch Inn. For a magical night under the stars, reserve a spot at Esalen Institute – you know, where Don from Mad Men is meditating in the series finale – to take a dip in the hot springs or melt into a message. (The 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. public bathing at Esalen would provide you with good dinner party stories for years to come, I’m sure.)

Just beware: you’ll likely lose cell service throughout your time in Big Sur. (Hallelujah – no what-did-he-do-now news alerts!) And be sure to hit up an ATM and fill up on gas before you get into Big Sur proper; state parks often require a cash entrance fee and don’t pay Big Sur gas prices unless you have to.

Montana
Need I remind you: the glaciers are melting. Make it a point to visit any/every National Park this year, but my top pick goes to Glacier, the most beautiful place in America, in my humble and stubborn Taurus option.

Lake McDonald Lodge – a from-another-time resort, built in 1913, packed with history and taxidermy – can serve as a homebase if camping isn’t your thing. Another option if you’re outdoorsy-ish, but still like to shower: Under Canvas, a luxury glamping site just a few miles outside of the park proper, provides tents with ensuite bathrooms, queen-size beds and wood stoves. Under Canvas has glamping sites throughout various National Parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Moab and more.

On your way to Glacier, make extended pit stops in Bozeman and Missoula. Both cities are incredibly cool, packed with intelligent folks who live life right. In Bozeman, grab breakfast at The Western Cafe, “the last best cafe.” Just don’t dally, as they close every day at 2:00 p.m. Then pop over to Heyday to browse goods by local artisans and stroll Main Street for the countless antique stores. If you find a perfect pair of cowboys boots in an 8.5, send them my way; I’ll Venmo you.

While we’re at it, let’s all take a minute to donate to the National Park Foundation. The glaciers.

Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is at the tippy top of my my-god-Megan, book the damn ticket already list.

My friend David Coggins – a quick-witted writer who you should follow on all the things immediately (here’s his Instagram and Twitter) – ventures to Japan annually and can rattle off recommendations like a local. He suggests staying at Shiki Juraku, a hotel made up of a series of traditional row houses. Bonus: it’s near the Raku Museum and allows for walks around neighborhoods away from the crowds at the temples.

Add Nishiki Market, the iconic covered food market, to your to do list, and make a point to wander Teramachi Dori, an old street scattered with stunning 200-year-old stores that sell paper, ceramics, books, ink brushes and green tea. (All my favorite things, really.) For drinks and entertainment, make your way to Gion, the historic area where, if you’re lucky, you could spot a maiko – a geisha in training.

If you’re lucky enough to nab one of its six seats, make a stop at Bunkyu Bar. It’s small and dark and sometimes people smoke inside. Tell the bartender Nao that David says hi.

Marfa, Texas
Sure, sure, you know the Prada Marfa installation. But the tiny town of about 2,000 residents, in the middle of the middle of nowhere, which has nearly reached mythic status, is now a haven for art and design and get-me-the-hell-out-of-society lovers alike.

The hotel options range from kitschy and retro to modern and Dwell magazine-y. If you’re opting for the historic route, book the Hotel Paisano, where Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and James Dean stayed while filmed Giant in 1956. For a more modern take, just down the block is Hotel Saint George, a sparse space with white-washed walls.

Warning: Marfa is not easy to get to. Via plane, the closest airport is El Paso, which provides the shortest drive to town – just under three hours. Cell service is sketchy, at best, so map out your stops before you leave the comfort of wifi. Marfa is still the type of place where the shops open only when the owners feel like it. But if the owners of Wrong Marfa, a design gallery and store, feel like opening when you’re there, go.

Montreal + Quebec City
Paris, always. Montreal, also always. For the Francophile, Montreal is Paris Part II. The city has that certain je ne sais quoi, if you will, with its winding cobblestone streets (especially in Old Montreal), traditional bistros and overall air of elegance. Montreal melts all sorts of cultures – not only French, but also Italian, Chinese and Caribbean – into a cool, progressive, art-focused city with Canadian kindness and European flair.

Take in the view at Mount Royal, a mini mountain in the middle of Montreal, and pay the admission fee for Notre-Dame Basilica. It’s worth it. Then down a dozen oysters at Bouillon Bilk’s minimalist space and venture down the street to the restaurant’s sister wine bar, Cadet. To fulfill your need to purchase something impractical to fly home with, gawk at the gorgeous lamps and light fixtures at Lambert & Fils.

If time allows, take a day-trip to Quebec City, if only to wander the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac and gasp at the Montmorency Falls. It’s particularly magical in winter, especially if you pump tough midwestern blood like I do, and a trip down the sledding hill in front of the Frontenac is worth the couple bucks and wind-whipped cheeks.

Also, somewhere in Montreal is Moroccan man named Jawad. I’ll tell you that story another time.

Mexico City, Mexico
Following a 7.1 magnitude earthquake last fall, during which the citizens’ resilience and humanity shone through, Mexico City is ready for visitors once again. An epicenter for edgy art and architecture, the megacity was named the 2018 World Design Capital – the first time a city in the Americas has earned that distinction – and will host events throughout the year tied to its “socially responsible design” theme.

Book a stay at Condesa DF, which feels modern yet warm and welcoming. Though your museum options are extensive, make a point to visit Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo, which is exactly what it sounds like. Then browse Studio Roca, an upscale design store, for home decor items and pieces of furniture you’ll gleefully tell everyone I got that in Mexico City.

As for food, there’s no going wrong. Even the street food is a delight. One notable spot: the famed Pujol restaurant, which recently reopened in a new location with a light-drenched interior and tasting menu featuring some of superstar chef Enrique Olvera’s most legendary dishes. Most excitedly, the new location also includes a taco bar. Count me in. And count on me never leaving.

Go. Frida and Diego would want you to.

Todos Santos, Mexico
There’s one main reason people are now exploring Todos Santos, a tiny town of about 5,000 residents down the dirt roads in Mexico’s Baja California Sur: famed Texan hotelier and all-around cool as hell woman Liz Lambert is to thank.

We’d follow Lambert wherever she goes too. Last year she opened Hotel San Cristobal, an easy-on-the-eyes oceanside hotel spotlighting all made in Mexico details: bedspreads woven in a small village outside of Oaxaca by a mother and son team, palm-woven wood and chairs from a company in Guadalajara. “Every chair, every textile,” says Lambert in an enlightening interview with Standard Hotels. “There’s nothing here that wasn’t created by people of Mexico.”

Imagine sipping a mezcal margarita by the turquoise-tiled pool in your custom kimono robe that was waiting in the room upon your arrival. Enough said? Enough said.

Any places you’ve visited lately that you’ve loved? Any hidden gems out there? Amazing hotels? I’d love more tips.

For our entire travel archive, CLICK HERE

images in order of appearance via style me pretty / copenhagen tower / nobis hotel / atelier september / finn beals / finn beals / montana / kyoto shiki juraku / Marfa Prada / lambert & fils / Mexico City Condesa DF / Mexico City Condesa DF 2 / Mexico City Pujol /todos santos cristobal

What To Do if You’re in Seattle this Weekend

Gotta Getaway

While I live in San Francisco and love it so, my hometown will always be Seattle. But most of my Seattle visits are dominated by the dash between all our family and friends, rather than exploring the swiftly changing city itself. But last week I was able to carve out time to wander through some of my favorite Seattle neighborhoods, making some killer discoveries along the way. I’ve picked a quick highlight reel to share with you. You will definitely want to mark these down if you’re headed to my beloved Emerald City any time soon.

Sea Wolf Bakers may be tucked into an unassuming building in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood and it may have a pared back industrial vibe (which I’m totally into), but when you step through the door and catch a whiff of the freshly baked bread, or break into a perfectly flakey croissant, you’re going to want to spend a lot of time here. I certainly left rather reluctantly. Sea Wolf offers a variety of rustic loaves, classic baguettes and the best seeded rye bread I’ve had since I was an exchange student living in Germany. I’d gladly while away a Sunday morning with a newspaper, apple tart and bottomless cup of coffee here. You can watch the bakers make everything right in front of you as you chill.

Sea Wolf Bakers – 3621 Stone Way N, Seattle

Thankfully, when it came to grabbing a good meal, I didn’t have to look far from our hotel. I just had to go down to the lobby. The Palladian houses both the Penny Royal bar and Shaker + Spear restaurant. The restaurant’s brunch was recently named the best in Washington. I can attest, the lemon ricotta blueberry pancake is incredible. Plus I can only love on a restaurant that features copper bar stools and cement tile work. Yummy food and yummy design should always go hand in hand.

Penny Royal & Shaker + Spear 2000 2nd Ave, Seattle

Of course, I couldn’t just eat my way through Seattle – though I would gladly take that challenge anytime – I had to get in a little retail therapy too. Especially when I heard that one of my favorite Seattle boutiques, Moorea Seal, had recently expanded to a new downtown space. Well, I certainly wasn’t disappointed when I made the trek down First Ave. The new store is just gorge. Soaring windows open onto a wide open spot that features crazy high ceilings, a sweet sitting area, kickass dressing rooms and plenty of space for an expanded collection of apparel, shoes, jewelry, bags and home goods. Virtually every single detail in the store is shoppable – even the light fixtures or the seats in the dressing room which you can score at The Mine. It’s a wonderfully dangerous spot to shop!

Moorea Seal 1012 1st Ave, Suite 150 Seattle

Now of course there are a myriad of spots on my Seattle must-visit list that I didn’t get to. Mainstays like Totokaelo or Oddfellows. Favorite coffee spots like Fuel, Cafe Victorla or Cafe Ladro. Of course it seems new restaurants are popping up every two seconds. Guess that’s why you’ve just always gotta make time for home. It just might surprise you.

Do you have any Seattle favorites that I need to know about?? I’d love to hear about them.

For our entire travel archive, CLICK HERE.

photography for apartment 34 by belathée

A Pretty Place to Rest Your Head

Gotta Getaway

If you’re looking for a character-filled place to stay the next time you visit Seattle, look no further. After spending the past week exploring the ever-changing Emerald City, I want to share some of my favorite new discoveries with you (more to come later this week), but I had to start with the Palladian, my favorite boutique hotel. On a cold Seattle afternoon – it was 36 degrees and snowing friends – there was nothing I wanted more than to spend my kid-free afternoon relaxing in a Palladian claw-footed tub!

The Palladian is a perfect mix of modern, vintage and Seattle quirk that sometimes I think only a local can truly appreciate.. Each of the 97 rooms in the boutique hotel were designed with the comforts of home in mind – it’s all just much cooler looking. For example, the custom platform beds feature massive reclaimed wood headboards with brass rivets and inset shelving that house a collection of classic books and old-school manual clocks. The rooms are dotted with vintage city maps and works by local artists, while crazy cool throw pillows featuring famous faces adorn the beds (You might get to snuggle David Bowie, David Haselhoff and Bill Murray too. I got Bob Dylan during this stay). The suites feature tufted sofas and oversized macrame art in a separate seating area – giving you plenty of space in which to lounge.

Of course I’m obsessed with the marble and brass bathroom.

The Palladian makes a statement the moment you walk in the door. The lobby has a speakeasy vibe with leather banquettes, velvet upholstery and more brass every which way. A vintage fireplace surround and curated collection of antique books and accessories create a homey feel. One of my favorite details are the Seattle icons dotted throughout the lobby including “portraits” of Bill Gates, Dr. Fraiser Crane, Dave Mathews and Jimi Hendrix.

If you’re looking for a spot to cozy up, even if it’s just in the bar, you definitely need to stop by the Palladian the next time you’re in Seattle. Later this week I’ll share a few more of my new Seattle discoveries. It’s amazing how many new things seem to pop up every time I head into town!

For our entire archive of great escapes, CLICK HERE.

original photography for apartment 34 by belathée

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