Jan Showers: The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton

The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton in Dallas is a new luxury high-rise designed by Robert A. M. Stern Architects. To ‘wow’ prospective buyers, The Ritz-Carlton employed world-class designers Jan Showers, Carleton Varney and Laura Hunt to create jaw-droppings spaces.

The 13th floor residence, a very spacious luxury home, has been transformed by Jan. Known for fashioning rooms that fuse different eras, she is a master at accessorizing. From vintage bar carts and 1970’s Gucci frames, to beautiful Murano glass chandeliers, Jan’s designs exemplify glamor.

While in Dallas I had an opportunity to view the space with Jan before it opened to the public. It was a beautiful, sunny late afternoon when I took the photos. Colorful glass and beautiful mirrors sparkled in every room.

Jan has graciously offered a personalized, signed copy of her book Glamorous Rooms to one All the Best reader. To be entered in the drawing, simply leave a comment telling me which type of accessories you collect or what you love most in the photos. Tomorrow I will have a profile on Jan.















Photos by Ronda Carman

Dallas in Review

Even though I grew up in Texas, I have spent very little time in Dallas. Perhaps it was the ‘pretend’ Houston versus Dallas rivalry, but in truth the geographical distance (240 miles) is the most likely reason.

Making up for lost time I spent a wonderful four days in Dallas last month. Although my main reason for going to the Big D was to host a SFEERA event at Michelle Nussbaumer’s wonderful store Ceylon et Cie, several Dallasites pulled out all the stops—thank you!

On our first night in Dallas Jan Showers arranged for dinner at Fearing’s at The Ritz-Carlton. Named “Restaurant of the Year” and “Table of the Year” by Esquire Magazine in 2007 and number one in Hotel Dining in the U.S. by Zagat in 2009, Fearing’s has received accolades from The New York Times, Newsweek, Food and Wine, Texas Monthly, and Modern Luxury. Long known as the “Father of Southwestern Cuisine” iconic chef Dean Fearing did not disappoint! Dean’s tortilla soup is sublime.


Fearing's is a short walk from The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton; a new luxury high-rise designed by Robert A. M. Stern Architects. Before dinner, Jan unveiled a 2,490-square-foot masterpiece that she designed for The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton (in her ‘traditional with a glamorous edge’ style). I will have photos tomorrow, plus a tour of her store and a profile later this week.

The next evening was our SFEERA party hosted by Michelle Nussbaumer. Michelle’s 10,000-square-foot antiques emporium Ceylon et Cie, brims with one-of-a-kind vintage finds. Truly, I would spy something new every time I turned around—my kind of place! The day before our party Michelle was in Houston speaking at the Decorative Center. In true Michelle fashion, she convinced Carolyn Englefield (Veranda Editor At Large) to come back to Dallas for the festivities.


The next afternoon Jennifer Pickens, author of Christmas at the White House, hosted a tea at her beautiful University Park home. Jennifer is a most gracious hostess and I loved hearing her stories about conversations with Letitia Baldrige. Jennifer is now working on another book—pets and the White House. I can’t wait for this one.

A huge thank you to everyone who came to Ceylon et Cie for the SFEERA event and to all who played host—you are all the best. You can see more photos from the event here.














Photos by Jason Wynn

Dallas

This week I will be recapping my trip to Dallas, complete with photos from our SFERRA party at Michelle Nussbaumer's wonderful store Ceylon et Cie. I will also profile Jan Showers and have a photo tour of her beautiful showroom. Be sure to check back tomorrow.

Soup on Sunday: Chilled Mango and Cucumber

By Scottish standards we are having a heat wave this weekend. It was so nice to wakeup with the windows open and the smell of lilacs drifting into the bedroom this morning. In an effort to not heat up the kitchen, I thought I would concoct a chilled soup to serve with our grilled salmon this evening. I found this recipe on Epicurious, but added a few ingredients of my own. I plan to let it chill all day so that the flavors really have a chance to marry! Enjoy your Sunday.

2 mangoes, peeled and pitted
2 seedless cucumbers, peeled
½ vegetable stock
1-2 jalapeño, seeded and minced
3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, or to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Sea salt to taste
crème fraiche and chives to garnish (optional)

Finely chop 1 mango and 1 cucumber and set aside. Coarsely chop remaining mango and cucumber and purée with 1/2 cup vegetable stock in a blender until almost smooth. Transfer to a bowl and stir in finely chopped mango and cucumber, jalapeño, onion, lime juice and salt to taste. Refrigerate until cold (about 2 hours).

Just before serving, stir in cilantro and top with crème fraiche and chives.

Serves 4 as a starter

Beautiful photo by Romulo Yanes

Shopping on Saturday: Duane Antiques

When I was last in New York, I had the pleasure of meeting Bruce Glickman and Wilson Henley, owners of Duane Antiques. Located in the heart of Tribeca, Duane Antiques is a highly sought out destination and resource for interior designers, architects and stylists.

Specializing in decorative mid-century modern design, Duane Antiques regularly presents pieces by many of the periods’ leading designers, including Karl Springer, James Mont and Tommi Parzinger.

Bruce and Wilson also offer their discerning clients Duane Modern. A furniture collection of over 25 original pieces, including sofas, slipper chairs, tables and buffets. Every item in the Duane Modern line is handcrafted locally in the Northeast using the highest quality materials.

176 Duane Street
New York, NY 10013
(212) 625-8066

Technical Difficulties

It will be a day or two before I can post again! My MacBook Air (with photos that I need) is at the genius bar. Hopefully I will be back up and running by Friday.

Joe Nye Flair

With one glance at our bookshelves, you would guess that I am of the opinion that one can ever have too many books on entertaining. While the basics tend to remain the same, individual interpretation of an intimate gathering is what creates memorable moments in our life.

I recently had the pleasure of spending a few hours with L.A. based interior designer and party planner Joe Nye to talk about his new book Flair (Rizzoli). After years of offering advice to both clients and friends on how to create smashing get-togethers, Joe decided to commit his ideas and advice to paper.

Flair is divided into three sections—flowers, paper and table settings. Beautiful photographs—a breezy beach cocktail gathering, a casual red, white, and blue patriotic sit-down, and an elegant black-and-white supper—bring the book to life. A shopping resource completes this charming guide for those who relish the joy of entertaining. Only 8 x 8 in size, it is the perfect book to have on hand this summer; whether you find yourself entertaining or being entertained by others.

Profile: Frank Ponterio

Prior to meeting Frank Ponterio last month in Venice, we had spoken by phone and email on several occasions. Just as I was instantly drawn to his work after seeing photos, I was instantly drawn to Frank after meeting him in person. Both friendly and grounded, with a great eye for design, Frank is easy to like.

It’s these admired traits that have proven to be an appealing combination for many. Several loyal clients have collaborated with Frank on multiple projects, including second homes, private offices and vacation residences.

His respect for historical influences, infused with modern day elegance, is at the heart of every design. “Individuality is very important to me and each project is met with an appreciation for artistry, authenticity and personalized style,” says Frank. “My goal is to help our clients live exceptionally well. I work to ensure that each project is grounded in great design and, most importantly, individualism.”

Staying true to his love of historical preservation, Frank owns a home designed by the late architect David Adler. In addition, his firm has received recognition for preservation efforts as well as multiple ASID-IL Design Excellence Awards in various categories from historic restoration to residential design. Since 2001, Frank Ponterio Interior Design has also participated in the prestigious Lake Forest Showcase House, benefiting the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago.

How would you describe your personal style?
Casual elegance. Not being afraid to live comfortably in beautiful surroundings.

What inspires your creativity and designs?
Travel, personalities and love for architecture and design. I'm inspired by great design and great personalities—both help me to look at things in new ways. It's about raising the bar and making it personal.

Mostly I'm inspired by people—great clients, great architects, artists and the people I get to work with - our collaboration always leads to classically inspired, modern designs that "just fit."

What is your most prized possession?
My home, designed by David Adler.

What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?
My wife, Becky, and daughter, Isabella.

Who are your style icons?
David Adler, Jean-Michel Frank, Ralph Lauren and Axel Vervoordt.

Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
Mario Batali! He's all about family, fun, and being the absolute best at his craft...plus I assume he would cook for the meetings, yum!

What books are currently on your bedside table?
Stacks and stacks of shelter magazines.

What is your favorite luxury in life?
Time.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Being at my family farm with my wife, daughter and the dogs.

Past or present who has most influenced your direction in life?
Definitely, my father.

Profile by Ronda Carman

Recipes for Parties

With Memorial Day fast approaching and the school term coming to an end, I am counting the days until summer. For me, summer is all about fun, friends, family, travel and entertaining. With that in mind, should you need even the slightest spark of entertaining inspiration in the coming months, you must get yourself a copy of Recipes for Parties. Fashion executive Michael Leva (Creative Director for J. Jill) and textile designer Nancy Parker know what it takes to entertain with style in a short amount of time.

Michael and Nancy are both ‘home cooks’ determined that every party can and should be both effortless and utterly fabulous. I especially love the “Cheats” section with helpful hints for those pressed for time. The Moroccan rooftop buffet with a recipe for doctoring up store bought olives and a Tomato Salad with Preserved Lemons and Chive Blossoms sounds so yummy.

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Michael in New York. Amy Fine Collins and Wendy Goodman hosted Michael’s book launch at Bergdorf Goodman, followed by a fun and lively dinner. Once you meet Michael in person, it is easy to see his fun-loving nature stamped in the pages of this book.

If you need further evidence, click on Tory Burch’s blog for more tips and Michael's favorite recipe—his mom’s fettuccine with minted tomato sauce.

Famed photographer Pieter Estersohn is responsible for the beautiful imagery.

Hello

Sorry for the silence. I've been traveling and working on a few exciting projects. I have several new profiles to post over the next few weeks including Amy Lau, Frank Ponterio, Barry Dixon, Kristen McGinnis, Jayne Michaels, Joan Michaels and a very exciting online collaboration with the enviable Diane Dorrans Saeks.
All the best,
Ronda

All the Best + La Cienega Design Quarter

UPDATE:
I am so sorry to have missed this event. My taxi overheated on the way to the airport and I ended up missing my flight. After waiting standby and finally getting on another flight, we had to de-board the plane due to a hydraulic leak. I ended up spending the night at the airport. Since then, I have learned from a friend that Mercury was in retrograde and she insists that I should not be surprised by my misadventures. Again my sincerest apologies to everyone for missing the event - but I am sure from the people involved that it was fantastic!


You are invited to La Cienega Design Quarter: LA DOLCE VITA
The Sweet life of design with color in the home, film and fashion

Friday, May 7th 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM — Cocktails to follow

Pat McGann
746 N La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90069

Please RSVP to daniel@patmcganngallery.com

Media Moderator:
Ronda Carman, Founder — All the Best Blog

Panel Participants:
Wanda Jelmini, Creative Director, Missoni Home
Irene Neuwirth, Jewelry Designer
Marc Friedland, President, Creative Intelligence

Free Shuttle and Valet Service

Soup on Sunday: Michael Leva's Spring Green Minestrone with Pistou

For today’s Soup on Sunday, not only do I have a wonderful recipe to share, but also a fabulous book to recommend.

The uber talented Michael Leva, J. Jill senior vice president of design, has authored his first entertaining book, Recipes for Parties, with friend and textile genius Nancy Parker. I was thrilled when Michael recently sent me his grandmother’s minestrone recipe. Michael fondly recalls that even though his grandmother was Italian she used the French pronunciation of pistou over pesto given her “northern patrician” upbringing.

Michael is so wonderful that he even prepared and photographed the soup yesterday for this blog post! Thank you Michael. I am so honored that I will be a guest at Michael’s book launch and celebratory dinner in New York later this week. I will follow up on the book with more photos after the party. Enjoy the soup!

4 qts. water
1 1/2 lbs. chicken parts (preferably white and dark meat with bones in)
1 1/2 lbs. sliced prosciutto
(for a quick soup, substitute good quality free range chicken broth)

2 cups each potato and celery in 1/4" dice
3 small zucchini, sliced in 1/8" rounds
1 1/2 cups finely sliced leeks thoroughly washed
1/2 lb. each white and green asparagus sliced into 1/2 bias pieces
1 cup freshly shelled and peeled fava beans
1 cup freshly shelled or frozen peas
3 cups finely shredded savoy cabbage
1/2 cup orzo cooked al dente
sea sat and fresh ground white pepper
1 cup basil pistou (pesto), preferably homemade

In large soup pot combine water, chicken and prosciutto; set on high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours. Strain stock and set aside; discard prosciutto and chicken bones; reserve cooked chicken for another use.

Return stock to pot and bring to a boil. Add potatoes and reduce heat, cover and simmer for 8 minutes. Remove cover; add celery, zucchini, and leeks, simmer uncovered for 5 min. Stir in asparagus, favas, peas and cabbage and cook uncovered 5 minutes more. Add cooked orzo and salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and spoon in a dollop of pesto. Serve immediately.

Serves 6