O! What Fun!

We just got back from a very active evening of arts, culture and gastronomical bliss and boy did we have a big time. The night started with A Taste of T Living, an event sponsored by The New York Times Style Magazine in which many of New York's top chefs prepare samplings of their most popular entrees. This year's lineup included Dan Barber from Blue Hill, Daniel Humm from Eleven Madison and Eric Ripert from Le Bernadin to name a few, but our favorite was Rebecca Charles and her buttery Lobster Rolls from Pearl Oyster Bar- truly an edible slice of love! After feasting our way into a wonderfully, sickening high it was off to the opening party for Hearst Publishing's 2008 designer showcase entitled: Designer Visions at the Laurel. House Beautiful, O at Home, Town & Country and Veranda each designed an apartment in this eco-friendly development with the help from top design firms McAlpine Booth & Ferrier, Darryl Carter, Steven Miller Siegal, and Charlotte Moss. Even though we tend to have a spare, more modern approach, we completely appreciate beautiful design regardless of it's slant, and these 4 apartments represent amazingly beautiful design. This showcase is a must see for anyone living in the area. Of the four projects, we were especially taken with Darryl Carter's apartment done for O at Home. We've always admired his use of classical elements combined with a warm modern point of view (photos above from some of his other projects). But the real star of the evening, or should we say stars, were the girls from O at Home! Mainly southern, this charming group of gals had us smiling all night, making us feel right at home. There was one lovely lady in particular who really warmed our heart. We're not naming any names, but let's just say we can't wait to accompany her on a visit back to her hometown, Fuquay Varina (careful of the pronunciation...BL call me!) It was a great evening!

*Update: Sadly, we just found out O at Home is shutting down. We're so sorry to hear this news and will be thinking of the wonderful people who made up this beautiful magazine.