Luxist http://www.luxist.com Luxist. http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.luxist.com/media/feedlogo.gif Luxist http://www.luxist.com prods@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Producers) support@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Web Support) en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. View our terms of service here: http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/ Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Stone Crab Season is Here ]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/16/stone-crab-season-is-here/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/16/stone-crab-season-is-here/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/16/stone-crab-season-is-here/#comments For those of you who have never tasted a stone crab it is well worth the splurge now that they are in season. A specialty food item, they are possibly pound for pound the most expensive shellfish sold in the United States.

Stone crabs are found in and around the water off the coast of Florida. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about about 40 percent of the states average 3.1 million pounds comes from the waters surrounding the Florida Keys. Harvesting stone crabs is a unique process. The claws are removed from a live animal and then the crab is returned to the ocean where it can re-grow its taken limb. There are strict rules placed on the harvesting of the crab claws which must be at least 2 3/4 inches in length, not to be removed from a female crab with eggs, and taken only between the dates of October 15 - May 15th each year. In theory, if both claws are regulation size it is legal to remove them but the crab will remain healthier and be able to regenerate its lost claw faster if only one is removed.

Another reason for the expense of this delicious crustacean is that they should be cooked before they are cooled or frozen. If not prepared in this method the claws will taste watery, mealy, be difficult to remove from the shell and in general not worth the hefty price tag. This is why you will only see pre-cooked stone crabs at your favorite gourmet grocer. Traditionally crab claws are served on a bed of ice with a mustard sauce.

If you aren't planning a trip to Florida any time soon but love shellfish you can have them delivered to your home from one of the areas most famous restaurants appropriately titled Joe's Stone Crab. They come in three sizes and can be purchased according to the number of diners you plan to serve. For a group of four people the crabs will cost you between $166.95 and $245.95, depending on their size, and and will be shipped overnight to your door any where in the continental United States.

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Stone Crab Season is Here originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> crabFloridagourmet foodGourmetFoodJoes Stone CrabJoesStoneCrabmustard sauceMustardSauceshellfishspecialty foodSpecialtyFoodStone CrabStone crab clawsStoneCrabStoneCrabClaws Deb West Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Crosby Street Hotel Now Open in NYC]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/16/crosby-street-hotel-now-open-in-nyc/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/16/crosby-street-hotel-now-open-in-nyc/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/16/crosby-street-hotel-now-open-in-nyc/#comments
Firmdale Hotels, privately owned by husband and wife team Tim and Kit Kemp, opened its first hotel in the United States this fall in New York City's SoHo. The Crosby Street Hotel is located in the heart of SoHo between Prince, Spring and Lafayette streets and is bringing the duo's famous luxurious European style and long standing reputation for world class personal service to this side of the Atlantic. Their London properties are consistently on the Conde Nast Traveller's hot list for both the US and UK.

The interiors of the hotel are designed by Kit Kemp who has been responsible for the luxury group's design since its inception. She recently won the Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year award and House & Garden Hotel Designer of the Year for her work on their Haymarket Hotel in London. She has brought her trademark quirky London style to the Crosby Street Hotel which was built from the ground up on the site of a vacant parking lot.

Inside guests will have their choice of 86 individually designed rooms and suites spread over 11 floors, each featuring floor-to-ceiling warehouse windows, a rarity in New York City. The hotel is also one of the most environmentally friendly hotels built in the United States and hopes to be one of the very first certified GOLD LEED hotels in New York. Guest rooms provide all the usual amenities found in a deluxe hotel including luxury linens, WiFi, flat screen tv and i-pod docking station. The public rooms of the hotel have there own unique features including:
  • The Crosby Bar which stretches an entire city block
  • A state of the art 99 seat screening room with orange leather Poltrona Frau chairs
  • A private courtyard garden
  • A personally selected art collection featuring a 10 foot high Juame Plensa sculpture, Peter Clark dog collage, mixed media pieces by Justine Smith and Jack Milroy, and oil paintings by Francois Bard

There is even a bespoke fragrance created for the hotel by acclaimed British perfumer Lyn Harris. The scent will be featured in all the hotel's toiletries free of charge to guests and available for purchase in the form of a scented candle.

Prices start at $525 a night but they are offering a special opening rate of $495 and up.

Gallery: Crosby Street Hotel

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Crosby Street Hotel Now Open in NYC originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Crosby Street HotelCrosbyStreetHotelFirmdale HotelsFirmdaleHotelsHaymarket HotelHaymarketHotelhotelLEEDnew york cityNewYorkCityPoltrona FrauPoltronaFrauSoHo Deb West Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[How to Have a Stress Free Thanksgiving, Dine Out]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/15/how-to-have-a-stress-free-thanksgiving-dine-out/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/15/how-to-have-a-stress-free-thanksgiving-dine-out/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/15/how-to-have-a-stress-free-thanksgiving-dine-out/#comments What is the best way to have a Thanksgiving spread that turns out looking like the glossy photographs in your favorite foodie magazine? I'm sure some readers are expecting a list, organizational techniques or special tips on how to create the perfect meal when you are working full time.

It seems that a better idea is to not slave over the stove, but take you and your family to the nearest upscale restaurant for the special meal. Eat, drink and relax, the turkey will be cooked to perfection. Handing the responsibility for a beautifully cooked Thanksgiving feast over to someone else might even make spending the day with your annoying cousins just that much more bearable.

Another bonus of not preparing your own Thanksgiving meal at home is that often the menu includes items for those at the table who really don't like turkey. It may be considered heresy, but there are many who, out of hunger, force down what is often a dry uninspired main course because that is the only option. There is often at least one vegetarian at every table who sits glumly while the rest of the guests are feasting.

For example, at Ken Aretsky's Patroon in New York City, pictured above, executive chef Bill Peet presents a family-style menu in the warm dining room of this midtown restaurant. In addition to the traditional free range turkey with all the old fashioned fixings (mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted Brussel sprouts and giblet gravy) you will find chateaubriand as well as Scottish salmon for the vegetarians in your group. The restaurant will charge $85 per adult and $45 per child for the meal. Whether you live in the tri-sate region, are in the area visiting family or to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade I can't think of a better way to make you meal truly stress free.

For those of you who live around the country and are watching the parade or the games on t.v., there are great Thanksgiving menu options at the Craft and Craftsteak restaurants, run by the award winning chef Tom Colicchio, located in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. (New York too!) The restaurants offer holiday prix fixe menus - everything is served family style, except the choice of main course.

Leave the turkey in the freezer, save it for a random winter weekend, and eat out!



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How to Have a Stress Free Thanksgiving, Dine Out originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cookingCraftCraftsteakfood and drinkFoodAndDrinkMacys Thanksgiving Day ParadeMacysThanksgivingDayParadePatroon RestaurantPatroonRestaurantstress reductionStressReductionThanksgivingturkey Deb West Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Most Expensive Bottle of Beer Fetches Over $16,000 At Auction ]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/14/most-expensive-bottle-of-beer-fetches-over-16-000-at-auction/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/14/most-expensive-bottle-of-beer-fetches-over-16-000-at-auction/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/14/most-expensive-bottle-of-beer-fetches-over-16-000-at-auction/#comments A bottle of beer rescued from the crash of the Hindenburg recently sold at auction for over $16,000 according to This is Wiltshire in the UK. This is significantly above the estimate placed on the bottle of $4,000 - $8,000. The airship crashed on May 6, 1937 over Lakehurst, New Jersey where the bottle and other memorabilia was found by fire Chief Leroy Smith at the scene of the disaster.

Apparently the fire chief found a total of six scorched bottles and a pitcher at the scene. He buried his treasures and then came back afterward to dig them up and hand them out as souvenirs to his colleagues. No one knows where the other bottles are located except for one, which chief Smith gave to the Lowenbrau brewery in 1977, where it remains today. He kept one bottle and the pitcher, which bears the logo of the Deutsche Zeppelin Reedrei airline that operated the Hindenburg. Both pieces are scorched and were sold with letters of provenance and an account of how the items were acquired.

Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge of the British auction house Henry Aldridge and Sons has been quoted as saying "It is the most valuable bottle of beer ever sold." Even though one can still see the contents of the Lowenbrau bottle, the remnants of the beer would be undrinkable. The auction house specializes in relics of disaster and has been the largest auctioneer of memorabilia from the Titanic.

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Most Expensive Bottle of Beer Fetches Over $16,000 At Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> beerHenry Aldridge and SonsHenryAldridgeAndSonsHindenburgHindenburg beerHindenburgBeerLowenbrauZeppelin Deb West Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Hold A House Party at Temple Guiting Manor in the Cotswolds ]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/14/hold-a-house-party-at-temple-guiting-manor-in-the-cotswolds/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/14/hold-a-house-party-at-temple-guiting-manor-in-the-cotswolds/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/14/hold-a-house-party-at-temple-guiting-manor-in-the-cotswolds/#comments Maybe you can't afford to buy a Luxist Estate of the Day, however you may enjoy living in in similar splendor for a week. In fact why not invite your friends and family to share a totally planned fun filled vacation, otherwise known as a House Party.

Sophie Conran, the daughter of the renowned British design guru Terrance Conran, has teamed up with Temple Guiting Manor to help visitors plan a bespoke country house party. A perfect way to celebrate a holiday, special occasion or just enjoy time away with family and friends, a house party allows for a quieter more relaxing level of conspicuous consumption. Ideally, even though you may be the host or hostess, that role exists for you in name only. Renting a manor house somewhere in the British Isles is a stress free way to entertain as if you were in your own luxury home but with none of the ensuing hassles.

Temple Guiting Manor, which has been privately owned since the 15th century, has been restored to the highest standards. Architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner stated that it is "one of the finest, if not the very best of the small Cotswold Tudor houses." While the house which sleeps 10 is available on a self-catering basis why not let Sophie and her team cater to your every whim for a true break. Not only do they provide you with all the normal amenities of a fine hotel but there are countless experts in every category imaginable to inspire you and your guests. Sophie's philosophy is "If you want to make something, then learn it from the best".

Examples include:
  • Executive chef Alan Bird, of the ever popular celebrity frequented The Ivy, will hold a master class.
  • Jim Murray proclaimed by the BBC as the "world guru of whiskey" will educate you on the process of making whiskey.
  • Knitting and crochet lessons from Clare Ward and Sarah Coates
  • Flower design workshop with talked about florist Nikki Tibbles whose clients include Gucci, Chanel and Ralph Lauren
  • Simon Stocken a former national bridge and poker player will teach you all the tricks you need to excel at the games

Favorite country pursuits such as golf, gliding, fishing, clay pigeon game shooting are also available.

The bespoke house party tradition has been updated for the modern lifestyle, and it is a unique experience to be able to relax in a rural retreat in a spectacular setting where every whim and need is accommodated by the most talented in the business.

Gallery: Temple Guiting Manor


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Hold A House Party at Temple Guiting Manor in the Cotswolds originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> CotswoldsEnglandestate of the dayEstateOfTheDayhouse partyHousePartySophie ConranSophieConranTemple Guiting ManorTempleGuitingManorTerrance ConranTerranceConrantravelwintertravelwintertravel-pedia Deb West Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Most Expensive Christmas Ornament Valued At Over $130,000 ]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/11/most-expensive-christmas-ornament-valued-at-over-130-000/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/11/most-expensive-christmas-ornament-valued-at-over-130-000/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/11/most-expensive-christmas-ornament-valued-at-over-130-000/#comments In England, specifically Titchfield, Hampshire a small family jeweler has taken it upon themselves to create the most expensive Christmas ornament in the world.

According to Mark Hussey as reported in the Telegraph, a partner in Hallmark Jewellers he had a vision about making something special and had done some research into the priciest ornaments currently available. He had been working on the piece for almost a full year starting just after Boxing Day 2008, which is traditionally the day after Christmas. Even though they would love to find a buyer for the fabulous piece he did mention that he wouldn't mind finding this special ornament on his own tree come Christmas Eve.

The ornament itself is composed of 18 carat white gold and is studded with over one and half thousand diamonds. Two rings consisting of 188 red rubies surround the body of the ornament. It took over 130 hours just to set the gems in the piece. The National Association of Goldsmiths independently valued the bauble at 82,000 British pounds which depending on the exchange rate is just over $130,000. All of this hard work and expensive gemstones are not going unprotected. In something out of a James Bond movie the decorative ornament is encased in a special container framed in steel an 6mm thick laminated glass. If the alarm is triggered a internal signal will fill the shop with smoke.

Will the name Hallmark become associated with Christmas the way Faberge is permanently linked to gorgeously designed and bejeweled Easter eggs? Only time will tell, but if you'd like a very splashy ornament for your tree you know where to look.

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Most Expensive Christmas Ornament Valued At Over $130,000 originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Christmas ornamentschristmas shoppingChristmasOrnamentsChristmasShoppingdiamond studdeddiamondsDiamondStuddedHallmark JewellersHallmarkJewellers Deb West Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Zai Skis Filled with the Spirit and the Granite of the Swiss Mountains ]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/09/zai-skis-filled-with-the-spirit-and-the-granite-of-the-swiss-mou/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/09/zai-skis-filled-with-the-spirit-and-the-granite-of-the-swiss-mou/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/09/zai-skis-filled-with-the-spirit-and-the-granite-of-the-swiss-mou/#comments
When I first opened the Zai web site I was greeted by a poem written by Leo Tour "In the beginning was the mountain". I was sure that I was going to learn about a new bottled water from the purist of mountain springs or possibly even a zen retreat. I was in fact entering a kind of temple, a secular one, where the worshipers follow not a god, but snow and a the sport of skiing.

The word Zai means "tough" in the little know dialect of Sursilvan which is spoken in the mountains of Switzerland and specifically in the town of Disentis where the Zai skis are crafted. As seems fitting, the town lies below an ancient Benedictine monastery. The personal dream of Simon Jacomet, who insists that his skis be made by people who have skiing and the mountains in their heart and soul, the company produces some of the finest and most technologically innovative ski equipment on the slopes. The skis are produced in a small and tightly controlled production plant using state of the art machinery and assembled by hand.

All of the Spada skis are limited editions, only 111 pairs of each model are made. The newest innovation just out for this winter season is a special ski that uses a carbon-stone-technology with a rubber exterior. Zai was the first manufacturer in the world to use a stone core in their skis and is still trendsetting in their product development being the first to use a natural rubber surfacing. It is not just rhetoric that the skis are "of the mountain" as each pair has Grisons granite in the core of the ski. As with all carefully thought out designs the skis themselves are beautiful too, they will definitely not get lost in the pile on the ski racks outside the lodge at lunch.

Available in the United States exclusively at the high end winter sports retailer Gorsuch whose stores in all the nicest ski areas of Colorado, such as Beaver Creek, Vail and Aspen, sell the Zai Spada skis for $5,900.00 a pair.

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Zai Skis Filled with the Spirit and the Granite of the Swiss Mountains originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> AspenGorsuchskiingskisswitzerlandwinter travelWinterTravelwintertravel-pediaZai Deb West Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:04:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Hello Kitty Celebrates Turning 35 with Bling]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/07/hello-kitty-celebrates-turning-35-with-bling/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/07/hello-kitty-celebrates-turning-35-with-bling/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/07/hello-kitty-celebrates-turning-35-with-bling/#comments Hello Kitty is one of those unique brands that never seems to go out of style and manages to appeal just as much to 3 year olds and 13 year olds as it does to the 30 year old set. One way it stays hip and popular is pairing cute with sophistication, a combination that seems irresistible to fans. To celebrate the brand's 35th birthday this year Sanrio is putting out something for everyone; the young, the young at heart and those who view Hello Kitty as art.

For those in the teen or tween set there is the sparkly Hello Kitty music player. This electronic gadget is decorated with 300 Swarovski crystal elements and shaped in the traditional Hello Kitty face. A second option is the Limited Edition pendant set. Again this is a collaboration between the D. Swarovski Co. of Wattens, Austria and features five crystal studded pendants each accented with a different color to match your mood or your outfit. Although at a price of $6,000 for the set I'm not sure that this jewelry collection isn't more appropriate for some of the slightly more mature Hello Kitty fans.

Another collaboration launched to celebrate the 35th Anniversary is a Judith Leiber bag collection. The line includes a "Retro Kitty" curved oval clutch, the "Pink Tulip" airstream, new "Hobo" style with silver handle shown above which will retail for $3995. These items are definitely a nod to those customers who have been fans of the Hello Kitty brand since its inception 35 years ago.

For those more artistically inclined there is the Three Apples art exhibit in Los Angeles, California curated by Jamie Rivadeneira the owner of Japan L.A. at the Royal/T space. The event is free of charge and over 80 artists display their Hello Kitty inspired pieces through November 15, 2009. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the art will benefit Sanrio's charitable partner LA Works a non-profit organization that promotes community volunteerism.

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Hello Kitty Celebrates Turning 35 with Bling originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> hello kittyHelloKittyJapan LAJapanLaLA WorksLaWorksRoyalTSanrioswarovskiswarovski crystalsSwarovskiCrystals Deb West Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Yankees Win! Celebrate with Autographed 2009 World Series Baseballs]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/05/yankees-win-celebrate-with-autographed-2009-world-series-baseba/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/05/yankees-win-celebrate-with-autographed-2009-world-series-baseba/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/05/yankees-win-celebrate-with-autographed-2009-world-series-baseba/#comments
Yankee fan or not, I think we'd all like to pitch the first ball of the World Series, or get the double play at second base, or even be the bat boy for the big game. Part of the American consciousness centers around baseball and every fan, from the little league team players to the old timers who remember when the Dodgers played in Brooklyn, was tuned into the great spectacle that was the World Series.

The closest most of us will ever get to being a part of history is watching from the stands munching on our peanuts or Cracker Jack popcorn. There is hope, while we may never take the field, we can own a piece of history. A lucky few will catch a foul ball at a World Series game but the rest of us will have to purchase one from Steiner Sports.

Steiner Sports has a Derek Jeter Autographed 2009 World Series Baseball for sale. In September of 2009 Jeter collected his 2,722 breaking the long standing record held by Lou Gehrig for 70 years. This accomplishment just added one more accolade to the resume of this former Rookie of the Year and current captain of the team. The baseball is hand signed and comes with a certificate of authenticity for $500.

If A-Rod is more your style you can pick up an autographed 2009 World Series Ball that is the first of its kind. While A-Rod has already hit more than 550 home runs and played in more than 10 All-Star games it is Alex Rodriguez's first trip to the World Series. Therefore creating a unique opportunity for the serious collector, available for $400 with a Steiner Sports Certificate of Authenticity.

A signed ball is a very cool piece of history to own, just don't let the dog get hold of it!

For those of you who wish the old stadium was still around and think there has never been and will never be players like the greats of times past you can indulge in collectors items as well. There is a hand signed Mitchell and Ness 1956 Mickey Mantle Yankees home Jersey signed by the great himself offered for $7,500.

The ultimate combination of old and new can also be had, one can sit in front of the flat screen in the living room in a pair of seats from the original Yankee Stadium signed but current Yankees stars. Derek Jeter/Mariano Rivera/Jorge Posada/Andy Pettite have jointly signed a pair of seats form the old stadium. This limited edition series of 96 is being offered for $1,900 a pair. Just think next year you could have the best Yankees seats in the house, your house!

Gallery: More from the World Series and Steiner Sports

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Yankees Win! Celebrate with Autographed 2009 World Series Baseballs originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 2009 world series champs2009WorldSeriesChampsA-Rodautographed baseballAutographedBaseballbaseballDerek JeterDerekJeterMickey MantleMickeyMantlesports celebritiesSportsCelebritiesWorld SeriesWorldSeriesYankees Deb West Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Spike Lee to Sign "Design for Obama" at Taschen Store New York]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/spike-lee-to-sign-design-for-obama-at-taschen-store-new-york/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/spike-lee-to-sign-design-for-obama-at-taschen-store-new-york/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/spike-lee-to-sign-design-for-obama-at-taschen-store-new-york/#comments
It is hard to believe that it is already the first anniversary of Barack Obama's election as the first African-American President of the United States. In honor of this historic occasion Taschen books New York is holding a book signing to celebrate the publication of Design for Obama. Posters for Change: A Grassroots Anthology. Taschen a publishing house originally started in Cologne, Germany 1980 by 18 year-old Benedikt Taschen, who found himself with a huge collection of comic books, has become renowned for being the premier international publisher of stunning art books.

Unbeknown to many, hundreds of artists and designers supported Obama's campaign in an unusual way, with their talent at DesignforObama.org founded by one of the books editors Aaron Perry-Zucker. This web-site built upon the concept of volunteerism during a history making campaign provided an online forum where artworks could be uploaded and downloaded for free.

Filmaker Spike Lee and Aaron Perry-Zucker chose the best of the submissions and have compiled them into a book commemorating the 44th President and the artistic creativity that helped him win the historic election last fall. In addition to curating the artwork in the book, Lee, Perry-Zucker and design historian Steven Heller wrote essays to complement this collection of over 200 pro-Obama posters designed by everybody from renowned graphic artists to those who practice their art on the streets of our cities.

If you want to have your copy personally signed by the editors head to Taschen's New York SoHo location where the editors including Spike Lee will be on hand on November 4th, 2009 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

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Spike Lee to Sign "Design for Obama" at Taschen Store New York originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> booksbookstoreelectiongraphic artistsGraphicArtistsObamapostersSpike LeeSpikeLee Deb West Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[What's in a Name: Understanding the Classifications of Bottled Water ]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/whats-in-a-name-understanding-the-classifications-of-bottled-w/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/whats-in-a-name-understanding-the-classifications-of-bottled-w/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/whats-in-a-name-understanding-the-classifications-of-bottled-w/#comments There has been a proliferation of bottled waters on store shelves and in restaurants. There are differences, whether you can taste them or not, and the industry is tightly regulated by both the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) and the IBWA (International Bottled Water Association).

The FDA determined standards of identity to help classify the different types of bottled water. A basic summary of the classifications follow:
  • Spring water which comes from a natural underground source and from which the water flows to the surface of the earth.
  • Purified water where the water has been produced by a process that is defined by the United States. These processes can include but are not limited to distilling and reverse osmosis.
  • Mineral water which is described by having naturally occurring dissolved solids (minerals and trace elements) at the minimum rate of 250 parts per million. This means the minerals or other solids can not be added later.
  • Sparkling water is allowed to have carbon dioxide added or other treatment to retain the same level of carbonation it had at the original source.
  • Artesian water which is water taken from a specific height above an aquifer.
  • Well water which is self explanatory, just like our backyards it is water that comes from a hole drilled or bored in the ground.
Soda water, seltzer and tonic water are classified as soft drinks and are regulated differently.

If you think that the different brands of bottled water taste differently it is not your imagination run amok. While many of us are influenced by the design of the bottle itself, if you listen to your taste buds carefully, you might learn to discern which of the bottled waters you prefer and why.

According to industry experts, the mineral content, both amount and types as well as PH, and the level of carbonation effect the taste of a given brand of bottled water. High TDS (total dissolved solids) in mineral water as well as the amount of specific minerals such as salt, may also effect ones perception of the taste. Obviously the size of the bubbles in carbonated water influences the way it feels in your mouth, just as it does in champagne.

Speaking of champagne, a fun idea is to conduct your own bottled water tasting. Look for waters from different regions, aquifers, rain water, mineral waters and even tap water for comparison. The best part is that there is no right or wrong just what you prefer!

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What's in a Name: Understanding the Classifications of Bottled Water originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bottled waterBottledWaterFDAIBWAmineral waterMineralWatersparkling waterSparklingWater Deb West Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Phillies Win Game One: Get Your Team Memorabilia Now]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/29/phillies-win-game-one-get-your-team-memorabilia-now/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/29/phillies-win-game-one-get-your-team-memorabilia-now/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/29/phillies-win-game-one-get-your-team-memorabilia-now/#comments phillies memorabilia

While the New York Yankees might be thought of as favored to win the 2009 World Series, we can all use a healthy reminder that the Philadelphia Phillies mean business. After all they are the 2008 defending champs, talented and hungry for the title too. The Game 1 win might be a sign of things to come.

Already the Phillies are ahead of the game compared to the prior match up between these two teams. The last time these two teams met in the World Series, in fact the only other time, was in 1950 when the Yankees swept the Phillies 4-0. That was when the Yankee dynasty was in full throttle and their triumph over the Phillies was just the second win in what would be a streak of 5 consecutive World Series titles.

If you need a physical reminder of the success experienced by last year's Phillies team just check out the collectors' items and memorabilia offered for sale by Steiner Sports. A signed photograph of the team celebrating their 2008 victory is a great image of the joy the whole city experienced. This was the first major championship win for any Philadelphia team in any sport for over 30 years. The 16" x 20" 2008 team signed photograph has 20 signatures from the 2008 championship team. A limited edition of 100 retails for $2,500 each.

Ryan Howard, the National League MVP, hit two doubles an drove in the final run of the first game of the series. I bet some little league player would love a chance to swing an autographed bat in the privacy of their own backyard. Howard has signed a black game model bat that can be picked up from Steiner Sports for $700.

Given the bat is black, some lucky fan might even be able to win the argument that it qualifies as home decor and hang it in the living room as an elegant piece of art.

Gallery: More Phillies Memorabilia

Ryan Howard bat

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Phillies Win Game One: Get Your Team Memorabilia Now originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> autographedbaseballmemorabiliaNew York YankeesNewYorkYankeesPhiladelphia PhilliesPhiladelphiaPhilliesworld seriesWorldSeries Deb West Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Didn't Get World Series Tickets? How About Buying the Ticket Booth!]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/28/didnt-get-world-series-tickets-how-about-buying-the-ticket-boo/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/28/didnt-get-world-series-tickets-how-about-buying-the-ticket-boo/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/28/didnt-get-world-series-tickets-how-about-buying-the-ticket-boo/#comments ticket booth Disappointed you didn't get tickets to the first game of the World Series this evening? Well, here's your chance to own a piece of history.

New York-based Steiner Sports is offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to own a piece of history: a Yankee Stadium Ticket Booth. The price of the booth is $20,000.

The ticket booth is just one of many iconic and cherished items from the original Yankee Stadium, a landmark that is regarded as one of the most significant monuments in sports history. Yankees-Steiner Collectibles, which is a division of Steiner Sports, is the exclusive provider of game-used memorabilia from the original and current Yankee Stadium.

Steiner Sports offers many other collectibles for purchase including the seats where Reggie Jackson's monstrous home runs landed as well as the sod where Yankees legends stood to say their final goodbyes to their beloved Stadium.

The company also has an array of autographed sports memorabilia signed by the likes of Hank Aaron, Joe Namath, Muhammad Ali and Derek Jeter, among others.

The ticket booth is not available for purchase through the web; interested buyers should call Steiner Sports directly at (800) 759-SCORE or (914) 307-1000. Other memorabilia from Yankee Stadium are also available via a public sale and at auction by visiting Steiner Sports' website.

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Didn't Get World Series Tickets? How About Buying the Ticket Booth! originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> memorabiliaticket boothTicketBoothticketsWorld SeriesWorldSeriesYankeesYankeeStadium Deb West Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Look like Lady Gaga with a Mask by Kiki de Montparnasse ]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/28/look-like-lady-gaga-with-a-mask-by-kiki-de-montparnasse/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/28/look-like-lady-gaga-with-a-mask-by-kiki-de-montparnasse/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/28/look-like-lady-gaga-with-a-mask-by-kiki-de-montparnasse/#comments Lady Gaga knows a good mask when she sees one. On the packaging for her "Poker Face; Remixes" album, Lady Gaga is seen wearing a Kiki de Montparnasse original.

The masks are handcrafted in Venice Italy exclusively for Kiki de Montparnasse, a high-end designer of intimate apparel and accessories with flagship boutiques in Los Angeles and New York.

The masks are the perfect accessory to wear to spark ones imagination. The mask are formed in all various shapes to suit all different moods. Wearing one of these masks to an elegant Halloween party would certainly create a statement.

Traditionally, masks have been worn in Venice during the annual celebration of Carnival. They have also been used for the purpose of concealing a person's true identity, and not so that you could egg the neighbor's house or trick-or-treat for candy. Historically, masks were used by members of Venetian society enabling them to step outside the confines of their accepted roles, whether to perpetrate an illicit act, such as gambling, or something more personal like a clandestine romantic encounter.

Kiki de Montparnasse masks are made in the time-honored manner by the same craftsmen who created the pieces for Stanley Kubrick's film, "Eyes Wide Shut" . The collection offers an exquisite range of masks, including classic demi-masks, full face styles with a modern elegance, simple lines and bold metallic finishes. There are also masks fringed in silk or topped with feathers and animal masks including butterflies, kittens and unicorns. The masks are finished with either a lustrous silk ribbon or a hand-carved wooden handle for classic masquerade appeal.

If you don't have a party to attend these masks can be worn to inspire an elegant romantic fantasy in the privacy of your own boudoir. Prices range from $175 to $550. Meow!

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Look like Lady Gaga with a Mask by Kiki de Montparnasse originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> boudoireyes wide shutEyesWideShuthalloweenkiki de montparnasseKikiDeMontparnasselady gagalady gaga fashionLadyGagaLadyGagaFashionlingeriemasksstanley kubrickStanleyKubrick Deb West Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Le Bernardin Launches Wine Club]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/27/le-bernardin-launches-wine-club/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/27/le-bernardin-launches-wine-club/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/27/le-bernardin-launches-wine-club/#comments

Eric Ripert, the chef/owner of the New York restaurant Le Bernardin, along with his wine director Aldo Sohm, has introduced the Avec Eric Perfect Pairings wine club.

Ripert is the host of a new show for PBS, Avec Eric, in which he explores his own vision of why we cook and where he finds his inspiration. Sohm, who oversees Le Bernardin's wine collection of over 15,000 bottles, recently received the 2009 James Beard Award for "Outstanding Wine Service" and was named "Best Sommelier in the World" in 2008 by the Worldwide Sommelier Association. Sohm is the first representative from America to win this title. Le Bernardin holds three stars from the Michelin Guide ,and has maintained its four-star rating from The New York Times for over 20 years.

In an interesting twist, the wines were picked with specific recipes from the chef in mind. Each month, Ripert and Sohm choose two bottles of wine for their members with the intention of pairing them with recipes inspired by his new series. The members will receive the recipes, as well as the wines, in addition to detailed tasting notes written by Sohm. Members also gain access to monthly online videos of the duo explaining each pairing. The wines are a mixed selection of reds, whites and sparkling chosen to complement the proposed dishes.

Ripert feels strongly that great food does not need to be complicated or intimidating for the home chef. Each show starts out with a trip to a vineyard, farm or four-star kitchen but finishes with the chef in his home kitchen demonstrating recipes for the home cook and enjoying the perfect glass of wine to accompany his meal. A Votre Sante!

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Le Bernardin Launches Wine Club originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Eric RipertEricRipertfine diningFineDiningfood-awardsle bernardinLeBernardinMichelin GuidesMichelinGuidespbswine Deb West Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Custom Made Boots for Women by Anna Lunna, On-Line Luxury at its Finest]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/26/custom-made-boots-for-women-by-anna-lunna-on-line-luxury-at-its/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/26/custom-made-boots-for-women-by-anna-lunna-on-line-luxury-at-its/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/26/custom-made-boots-for-women-by-anna-lunna-on-line-luxury-at-its/#comments Master leather craftsmen in Argentina can satisfy your cravings for fashion, quality, comfort and originality with custom boots. Clients can choose the style and leather to suit their taste and custom measurements ensure a beautiful fit and happy feet. There is also a truly bespoke option where one can design their own boot to exact specifications, including special details such as buttons made of precious metals. The end result being a one-of-a kind haute couture pair. If you can dream it, they can make it.

Anna Lunna offers women the opportunity to enjoy boots that truly reflect her personal sense of style. The company offers clients their choice of 16 styles, 5 different heel heights, 10 different heel styles and 17 leather colors from which to create the perfect boot for day or night, ranging from a casual day look to a dressier evening look. Once you order your boots the company will rush you an Anna Lunna 8 Point Fit Measurement Kit so that the boots will fit your feet to perfection. The finishing touch is your boots will arrive in about 6 weeks with your name personally engraved inside.

All this individuality comes at a cost with ankle boots retailing at $4,500 and knee high boots retailing at $5,000. While you are spoiling your feet in customized luxury you can take comfort in the fact that the brand is committed to giving back to the community. They claim to do this not only by employing third generation bootsmiths, thereby keeping their craft alive, but by contributing 10% of the proceeds of every boot sold to WORTH, a program that empowers impoverished women around the world.

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Custom Made Boots for Women by Anna Lunna, On-Line Luxury at its Finest originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> anna lunnaAnnaLunnabootscustom madeCustomMadeleathershoes Deb West Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Celebrate the 2009 World Series with Steuben Crystal Baseball Bats]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/26/celebrate-the-2009-world-series-with-steuben-crystal-baseball-ba/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/26/celebrate-the-2009-world-series-with-steuben-crystal-baseball-ba/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/26/celebrate-the-2009-world-series-with-steuben-crystal-baseball-ba/#comments
Calling all Yankees and Phillies fans, check this out.

For the baseball enthusiast who is also a discerning collector Steuben adds a classic twist on memorabilia with their Major League Baseball Collection. The new Steuben design features a regulation size bat made of the finest pure crystal. This is the same design used for the Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player award presented by Chevrolet, and given to Carl Crawford of the Tampa Bay Rays this year.

Both the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies bats are engraved with the teams logos. Even if your team didn't make it to the World Series this year, don't despair! The complete collection includes bats for each and every team in the American and National leagues. The regulation-size bats are retailing for $6,650 a 30% discount off the regular price of $9,500. The collection includes smaller bats as well as other pieces for the collector who wants a high quality engraved item at a lower price.

What might seem to be an unusual partnership is really a unique match between two American classics. All the pieces in the MLB collection are handcrafted by Steuben in their Corning, NY factory. Each piece is made by skilled artisans, carefully inspected and signed with a diamond-tipped pen. Any piece that is discovered to have imperfections is destroyed as there is no second best for Steuben or Major League Baseball.

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Celebrate the 2009 World Series with Steuben Crystal Baseball Bats originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> baseballcrystalPhilliesSteubenWorld SeriesWorldSeriesYankees Deb West Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:01:00 EST Luxist