Crow’s Nest, Montauk

I recently read an article in Domino magazine about Sean MacPherson, a hotelier with properties in Manhattan, Los Angeles, and Montauk.

I recently read an article in Domino magazine about Sean MacPherson, a hotelier with properties in Manhattan, Los Angeles, and Montauk.  When one of the ladies in my office announced she’d be visiting Montauk, it reminded me of the article and of MacPherson’s restaurant there — The Crow’s Nest — and I suggested she make it one of her stops.  It reminds me of the Montauk of years past, before the area became more upscale.

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My dad always spent a lot of time in Montauk over the years.  The Crows Nest is one of those places that just exudes a casual summer vibe.  It’s a little gem of a place that makes you feel like it’s ok to walk in with bare feet and sand between your toes.  The decor is approachable, not overly decorated or precious.  Everywhere you look are lots of authentic things that give the restaurant a bohemian chic feel, all of if perfectly showcased by the surroundings and the incredible view.  I’m often drawn to this kind of raw simplicity.

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Dining at The Crow’s Nest is quite a treat.  The menu features fresh, local fare prepared with beautiful simplicity, letting the ingredients shine.  Seafood is the star of the menu, but you can also enjoy grass fed beef, lamb, and plenty of vegetarian options.  They have the greatest margaritas!

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To see the full menu or learn more about the Crow’s Nest, visit their website.

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laV Restaurant and Wine Bar, Austin, TX

Located in Austin, Texas, laV Restaurant and Wine Bar is a beautiful place.

Located in Austin, Texas, laV Restaurant and Wine Bar is a beautiful place.  Designed by McAlpine Tankersley Architecture and interior designer Susan Ferrier, laV epitomizes the concept of sophisticated dining.

laV Austin TX 8Owners Ralph and Lisa Eads had a vision for laV centered around the idea of creating distinct rooms within the restaurant — casual outdoor dining, energetic wine bar, sophisticated lounge, welcoming dining room, and an elegant private wine room.  The overall atmosphere is warm and captivating.

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The architecture and the grand scale of LaV are beautiful but intimate, like a home.  I love the tufting and the height of the banquettes.  The haziness to murals creates a European flair, but mixed with an industrial vibe.  The atmosphere is so sultry — I feel like I could stay there for hours.  I love how they mix traditional lanterns with clusters of glass globes for a kind of yin and yang effect that works so well.   There’s such a calming palette with tones of moss and taupe.  It reminds me of wanting to be home.

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You can learn more about laV on their website or find them on Facebook.

Meyer Davis Studio

I really identify with the true quality of design shown by Meyer Davis Studio and appreciate how they take time for details.

Founded in 1999 by Will Meyer and Gray Davis, the New York City based firm Meyer Davis Studio has established itself at the forefront of luxury design for home, retail, hospitality, and office.  Using “space, form, texture, and light, they develop a visual experience that seeks to compel and inspire.”

West Village
West Village
Beach House 3
Beach House
Taconic House Meyer Davis
Taconic House
East 63rd Street Townhouse
East 63rd Street Townhouse
Tennessee Farmhouse
Tennessee Farmhouse

Prominent projects include the design of hotels such as 1 South Beach Hotel in Miami, Four Seasons, the Ritz Carlton, and W Hotels.  Their work on Paramount Hotel in New York City was also recognized by Boutique Design’s 2014 Gold Key Awards.  Their restaurant designs have been widely recognized by various award groups, making them highly sought after by some of the world’s leading restaurateurs.  Meyer Davis also designed Oscar de la Renta’s worldwide boutiques.

Corsair
Corsair
Oscar de la Renta London
Oscar de la Renta London
St. Cecilia
St. Cecilia
W Hotel Lakeshore
W Hotel Lakeshore

I really identify with the true quality of design shown by Meyer Davis Studio and appreciate how they take time for details.  I love design that is simple and streamlined, but also crave more decorative, well appointed items.  So many of their projects are just perfection to me.

West Village
West Village
Tennessee Farm House
Tennessee Farmhouse
Beach House
Beach House
Beach House
Beach House
Tennessee Farmhouse Meyer Davis
Tennessee Farmhouse

You can see more Meyer Davis projects on their website.  They are also on Facebook.

Cafe Clover

I recently took my team to lunch at Cafe Clover, a quaint restaurant in West Village, to see Steven Gambrel’s design and enjoy some down time and good food.

I have always been a big fan of designer and creative genius Steven Gambrel.  I recently took my team to lunch at Cafe Clover, a quaint restaurant in West Village, to see Gambrel’s design in person and enjoy some down time and good food.

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The interior blend of robins egg blue, iconic black, greige and white encompass the space with fabulous lighting fixtures throughout.  The walls look amazing, featuring custom millwork inset with smokey antique mirrors with eglomise bordered detail.  The curved upholstered banquette has a rolled detail at the back rest.  There’s an echo of the bordered concept on the table tops which is also reflected in the ceiling.   I love the play on geometric shapes – rectangular, square, and even circular in the oversized ceiling sculpture.  Check out how the stunning bar!

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From our table, we had a perfect view of the entire space.  All of the doors and windows were open, making this great connection between the inside and out.

It’s nice to explore and appreciate places right in your own back yard.  I’m so drawn to the idea of learning from interesting design and being inspired by what I see.  What beautiful places are near your home?