Tui Lifestyle: Providing a modern touch

The concept of the Tui Lifestyle furnishings and accessories is to provide clients with a personalized look through their individualized lifestyle collections. Interior designer Tui Pranich and entrepreneur Jason Atkins have joined forces to combine essential furnishings and accessories with artwork and electronics to create a combination that’s unique to each lifestyle.

The power duo were charged with the task of furnishing units in one of Downtown’s swankiest the Marquis condos where they created the myPad model. It’s the perfect example of blending designer leather chairs, their unique Pebbles chandelier and 400-thread-count linens.

Their signature collections have names like Innovative, Innovative Premium and Innovative Signature; Sophisticated; Avenue; Marquis and even Glamorous and Sophisticated. What makes the Tui Lifestyle system unique is that they furnish the entire living space and have specific styles packaged together to make the decision as simple as possible.

The Tui Lifestyle Design Center is located at 3886 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 305-573-5411 www.tuilifestyle.com

The International Center of Photography

The International Center of Photography in Midtown Manhattan offers its visitors the best lesson in the history of photography one can get. Its collection includes works by Robert Capa, Gerda Taro, Mitch Epstein, photographically illustrated magazines, old photographic mediums, as well as pieces of American and European documentary photography from 1930’s up to 1960’s. The Center also has a database for those interested in research, or for curious minds. It currently has in display a solo show – ‘When , one of the most influential Beijing contemporary artists. His large scale color photographs are truly a memorable visual experience, which shouldn’t be missed.

Cafe Gitane

Every time I meet my girlfriends for dinner or brunch, I no longer have to give them the name of the restaurant, they simply show up at Cafe Gitane in the Jane Hotel, because it is not easy to find another spot just as good. We used to go to their location in Soho, however due to high popularity, there is always a long wait, so the Gitane in the Jane Hotel solved our problem: same delicious menu, but much bigger space and a lot more character. The space is very large, and it has the vibe of an old French restaurant, forgotten by time in the Jane Hotel. The stunning bar, the comfy old sofas, the wooden tables, and the big windows give a very unique feeling to the place. Try their famous avocado on toast, the eggs, or a French croissant with coffee. Delicious!

UNIQLO – a store for all of us!

Uniqlo is one of the main brands who introduced Japanese apparel to the USA. How? Simple style, great fabrics, colorful prints, affordable prices, mass production. I first discovered Uniqlo in Tokyo – their T-shirts with Manga prints were must-buy presets for my friends back in New York. So, I was thrilled when i found out they opened a location in Soho, and I have been a loyal customer ever since. Similar to the one in Japan, the New York store is huge, airy, and full of light. The service is great, and their merchandise is always neatly organized. Uniqlo sells hundreds of styles of T-shirts, tights, sweaters, jackets, blazers – they certainly have something for everyone. T-Shirts start at $12.90 and the prints are fashionable, colorful, and catchy. Tip: during fall and winter you can find cashmere sweaters for less than $100 – and that’s what I call a great deal!

Kiki de Montparnasse – Luxurious Eroticism

From the controversial name to the boudoir-like interior of the store, from the high-end lingerie, and the pleasure objects they sell, this might be world’s sexiest boutique.
Kiki de Montparnasse is the nickname of Alice Prin, a French model and artist who contributed to the liberation of Paris’ cultural life in the 1920s. Same as the muse who inspired the name of this store, Kiki de Montparnasse is for clients with no inhibitions, with confidence, and an exquisite taste for luxury. This place is unique in many ways – where else could you buy handcuffs and dildos polished with gold? The interior of the boutique reminds me of a luxurious French cabaret – one might expect courtesans to appear through the heavy red and black curtains of the changing rooms. Even if you can’t afford any of their pricey pieces of lingerie or fine erotic toys, just walking through the store is a great, sexy experience in itself.

Intermix: Diversity and Style

Intermix is by far one of my favorite stores, given the variety of styles, designers, and the quality of the clothing that they sell. With locations in Manhattan’s most upscale areas, such as Soho, West Village and Upper East, Intermix not only sells high-end designers such as DVF or Chloe, but more affordable labels also (as long as the fashion world is buzzing about them). In Intermix you can dress from head to the toe, in other words, they have pretty much everything you can ask for – dresses, heels, bags. I also love the fact that they change their merchandise frequently. So, if you really like something decide quickly, it might not be on their shelves for too long

Put you best dress on, and try L’Artusi!

L’Artusi delivers an Italian food experience at its best, in a chic environment. What more can you ask for? Quite larger than an average West Village restaurant, L’Artusi looks spacious and glamourous. It is the kind of place where you can put on a pair of high heels, and your favorite cocktail dress and have dinner downtown, without feeling overdressed. The deco is chic, with dark walls, high ceilings, and a lot of marble.They have two floors, both just as crowded, but the place still feels cozy and intimate.
Their small dishes are heavenly, and the cheese bar is famous among cheese lovers. I love their scallops, the big selection of wines, and not to mention the desserts. L’Artusi can satisfy the taste of even the most critical New Yorkers.

Jimmy – views with style

Located on top of the James hotel in Soho, the first thing is going to strike you when you enter this upscale bar is the view of the city. With an almost 360 degrees view of downtown Manhattan, and Hudson river, The Jimmy will make you feel like you are on top of world. And for a even better experience of the view, you can go on their gorgeous terrace, which will certainly make this place even more popular, once the summer days are here. If you are planning to try it out, make sure you are dress to impress, and have your credit card ready, given that cocktails are not less than $18. But the views, the service, the music, and the crowd are not going to deceive you by any means.

Rubirosa – for a memorable slice of pizza

Unless you are in Italy, it is not easy to find a venue where you can have a perfect slice of pizza, in an welcoming environment. Fortunately for New Yorkers, there is Rubirosa , located on Mulberry between Prince and Spring Street. This little Italian restaurant is one of the coziest venues I know, and their pizza is one of the best I ate in New York so far. But don’t get distracted by the pizza only, because most of their dishes are simply delicious. And caution – no matter what you order from their menu, it is going to come in a large quantity. Being lunch or dinner time, Rubirosa is always crowded, and their staff always friendly. The gorgeous wooden bar, the wooden floors, and dimmed lights make the place look rustic and warm, reminding of a nineteen century farm in Italy’s countryside. But what makes Rubirosa truly memorable is certainly the food.

Neue Galerie

The art movement in Austria and Germany in the first half of the twentieth century influenced the course of art history for generations to come. Simply remember the master Gustav Klimt, Alfred Cubin or Grosz.
The Neue Gallery on Fifth Avenue and 86th Street, collects, preserve, and exhibits some of the most beautiful masterpiece of that period, including paintings, sculptures, or diverse decorative arts in a superb space. The gallery is in a Beaux-Arts mansion house, with a marble staircase which gives access to all the floors.
Visiting the museum is not only a pleasant visual experience, but a history lesson also. The German art for instance, emphasizes on significant events of the twentieth century.
And if you are overwhelmed by the beauty and wight of the art, take a break and have a tea and desserts in their gorgeous Cafe Sabarsky, and imagine yourself in Vienna in the 1900s.

Gagosian Gallery

Sometime we don’t even realize how fortunate we are to live in New York City and witness art history in the making. The Gagosian Gallery with a location on West 24 Street, and one on Madison and 76 Street, is perhaps one of the most influential factors in determining the course of contemporary art. The artists that hang on their walls today, might fill up the pages of history books tomorrow. Gagosian is not just another art gallery, Gagosian might be the most important gallery out there. They have the power to influence the art movement, determine prices, and make contemporary artist masters. Being an observer and a passionate art lover, I consider it a privilege to be able to walk into Gagosian and have a Murakami, Richard Prince, or Roy Lichtenstei in front of my eyes.

Lillie’s Q

The decor is both urban and southern at the same time (no easy feat). The tables have bottles of sauces already on them ranging from smoky, hot smoky, one called carolina and one called ivory. The idea is to pour as much as you want on your meat and fill your mouth with saucy goodness. Lillie’s BBQ is beyond phenominal, and when your in Chicago, wishing you were even more down south, than stop on over at Lillie Q’s.

Inside Tip: Order the fried pickles! Enough said.

White House Black Market

The brand’s significant focus is on creating a comfortable, inviting, and hospitable atmosphere for customers. Seating is available in store with water available. During special events, food and refreshments and catering are occasionally offered. Customers who are members of WHBM’s loyalty program “Black Book” are entitled to 5% off upon achieving permanent member status. Other perks include catalogues, double discount days, and “Girls Night Out” where the store will close for a private party.

The Chicago Water Tower

Visit the Chicago Water Tower and enjoy the tangibility to American history. Originally built in 1869, this limestone building was named the first American water landmark. This historic building sits in the middle of downtown Chicago between a bunch of modern skyscrapers reminding natives and visitors alike of our rich history. The Chicago Water Tower also has a photo gallery that rotates exhibits throughout the year.

Historic Landmark: The Chicago Water Tower is among the only buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 due to its limestone construction.

Free Admission: Admission to the Water Tower Chicago photo gallery is always free!
INSIDER TIP: The photo gallery is a hidden gem within the Chicago Water Tower. Come on in and explore!

Grom with Ereka Vetrini

Grom is a high quality gelateria
The idea is to apply to the artisanal gelato production, a principle common to all the best restaurants in the world: the purchase of absolute top quality raw materials.
With this purpose in mind, at the end of 2002, Guido Martinetti and Federico Grom set out to search the best that agriculture has to offer, from the Langhe to Sicily and Central America. The standards are strict: only fresh seasonal fruit, coming from the best consortia in Italy and from our farm Mura Mura no colorings or artificial additives, Lurisia mountain water for the sorbets and high-quality whole milk for the creams, organic eggs and a selection of the best cocoas and coffees from central America.

In 2007, Grom opens its first shop abroad, in New York City, with lines of over 30 meters forming immediately. In the same year, we finally realize one of our most ambitious projects: the purchase of 8 hectares of land in Costigliole d’Asti to start our farm Mura Mura, where old cultivar varieties of peaches, apricots, pears, figs, strawberries and melons are planted. The goal is once again to obtain the best fruit possible, cultivated organically and in compliance with the times dictated by nature and the environment. In 2008, we open in Paris (with great reviews by Le Monde) and in 2009 we open the first store in Tokyo, Japan; at the same time, we start an important green project “Grom Loves World” Grom loves World motivated by the respect of the environment and the eco-sustainability…all plastic (spoons, retail and garbage bags) is therefore replaced by Materbi, an extraordinary material derived from corn starch and vegetable oils that is completely biodegradable, and all paper is replaced by Fsc certified paper, a prominent international entity caring for responsible forest management and the life conditions of the indigenous populations; all this complemented by eco-friendly waste management and the acquisitions of new low emission trucks for the logistic.

Hollywood Royalty Slumber Party: Sunset Marquis

 

If you are from Los Angeles or simply have been here before, you probably think you know all the best places to stay on Sunset Strip. But if you head off Sunset, you’ll find Sunset Marquis, where Hollywood royalty come to “get away from it all.”

This hotel, hidden by trees and fences, is definitely one of those places you either know about or have been before. With gorgeous rooms and five-star service, even if your last name doesn’t end in Lohan or Spears, you’ll still be treated like a star.

But Sunset Marquis is also just as fun as a watering hole one Saturday night or a quick place to grab a meal at Restaurant, the hotel’s eating establishment.

 

And for those wild Hollywood nights you have with your friends, Bar 1200 is the perfect night cap – just make sure your makeup and hair are still in tact. The likelihood of a celeb spotting is almost too high.

So whenever you want a quick getaway or a night out with the girls, follow the Sunset.

1200 Alta Loma Road

West Hollywood, California 90069

310.657.1333

http://www.sunsetmarquis.com/

Let Out Your Inner Pinup Girl at Dollhouse Bettie

Every woman has a saucy siren lurking somewhere within her, waiting to be coaxed out. And nothing helps a woman understand the power of her own sensuality than slipping on a sexy bra or lacy negligee. That’s where Dollhouse Bettie comes in. This vintage lingerie store is located on Haight Street and carries everything from vintage nightgowns to retro-inspired pieces as well as garter belts, stockings and vintage accessories.

The store not only pays homage to the bygone era of the pinup girl but it also encourages women of all sizes to embrace their femininity. Whether you’re just window shopping or looking for something to surprise your special someone – Dollhouse Bettie can help you out.

The store is as intimate as its apparel with fun vintage-inspired decorations. The staff is more than willing to help you out whether it’s figuring out what size you need or to dis.

Dollhouse Bettie is located at 1641 Haight Street.

MatrixFillmore: A Posh Lounge in the Marina

Put on your LBD (little black dress) and head down to MatrixFillmore for a girl’s night out on the town. With a giant dance floor and bartenders who keep the drinks flowing, the MatrixFillmore is upscale but not

There’s a big dance floor with a DJ spinning tunes all night and there are also tables with bottle service around the edges. The crowd is diverse with people from all walks of life coming together for a good time.

One of the standout features of the lounge is the fireplace that separates the dancefloor. Cozy up with a new friend on one of the couches. The waitresses are quick and attentive and will be sure to get you whatever drinks you need for the night.

As far as what to wear goes – dress to impress. You never know who you might meet or bump into while you’re out getting d

MatrixFillmore is located at 3138 Fillmore Street.

Jazid: Icon of live music on South Beach

Surviving in the same location on South Beach is unto itself a testament to longevity and Jazid can proudly boast they’ve done it for 14 years. It’s all about the live music experience at Jazid, something the area is not necessarily known for.

They don’t pigeonhole themselves into one genre here either, anything goes. The list of live performers screams diversity. Feneiva plays on Tuesdays, performing in both English and Spanish and blending salsa, reggae and acoustic. Afro Kumbe on Wednesdays is made up of members of Miami’s favorite Latin fusion band Locos por Juana who are lighting up the festival and nightlife scene all over Miami. On Fridays Kulcha Shok Muzik frees up the stage for reggae bands, a different one each week.

They don’t skimp on the drink specials here either, kamikazes one night and aguardiente, the drink of choice in many Latin American countries, another.

Jazid is located at 1342 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. 305-673-9372. www.jazid.net

Lou’s Beer Garden: Hideaway hangout

Knowing the hidden spots when visiting a city is always a fun adventure, it feels less touristy that way and makes you feel like an insider.

Lou’s Beer Garden in Miami Beach fits that description perfectly after all, it’s  not even visible from the street since it’s in the courtyard of a small hotel on Harding Avenue. Sure, it’s described as a Gastropub but it’s so much more than this. It’s an experience and definitely falls into an outdoor, poolside, lounge category, if there is such a thing.

It’s what makes Lou’s unique. They bill themselves as a throwback to the Miami Beach of another era and serve up craft beers, both bottled and on tap, as well as wines. Brewskies though, are the main attraction here. The decor features a sit-down bar with cool red lighting as well as patio seating surrounding the pool.

Lou’s Beer Garden is located at 7337 Harding Ave., Miami Beach, FL 305-704-7879. Web site: www.lousbeergarden.com

HistoryMiami CityTour: A lesson on the Magic City

Miami may be a young city but there’s still a rich history to be learned and that’s what the HistoryMiami CityTour provides for out-of-towners who want to learn about the place called “The Magic City.”

Tours are done by boat, coach, bike or on foot and feature some of the city’s most historic and iconic spots. Dr. Paul George, a professor at Miami leads tours of The City of Miami Cemetery, where Julia Tuttle, one of Miami’s most legendary pioneers, is buried as well as historic Little Havana homes , among several others. While long-time Miami resident Frank W. Schena leads the eco-history tours of  The Redland Farm, Cape Florida Lighthouse and Miami Beach Boardwalk.

The boat tours go to Elliot Key and Boca Chita while another goes to Stiltsville where seven homes are built on stilts in the middle of Biscayne Bay. This one’s a sight to behold.

Departure spot depends on which tour. HistoryMiami is located at 101 W. Flagler St. and it’s best to call or visit their site to find the departure location.

The Next Best Thing to Being in Greece – Zorba’s Café

Looking forward to your next vacation? Take a breather at Zorba’s Café.

With its scenic photographs, exotic bouzouki music, and the blue-white café reminiscent of Santorini, Zorba’s is the place for your temporary escape to Greece. As you indulge in a delicious souvlaki wrapped in pita bread or feast on other Greek homemade specialties, relax in the simple and homey atmosphere of this family owned café.  Other than the allure of Zorba’s energetic staff and its original recipes that were passed down over four generation, Zorba’s outdoor sidewalk patio is a great place to lounge as you imagine your secret getaway to the Aegean Sea.

Insider tip: Before you visit, go on Facebook and friend “Zorba’s Greek Restaurant” to learn about special deals and events like “Kids eat free!” or belly dance shows.

Zorba1

The DRB: Small place, lots of brews

With a non-descript look and a cool red sign The Democratic Republic of Beer, or as it’s better known and as its namesake sign states, DRB, is a small, intimate bar with a huge menu of brewskies and it’s the perfect haunt for insomniacs with a closing time of 5 a.m.

Sure, there’s a food menu here but serious beer aficionados aren’t coming here for the eats, it’s all about sampling a cold one, or a few perhaps after all, there are 500 beers here from more than 60 nations. Belgium, England, Germany and the U.S. lead the pack with huge selections (there are more than three dozen in each category). They do monthly beer tours here, focusing on a specific country and so far have included Russia, Ethiopia, Costa Rica and Thailand.

The Democratic Republic of Beer is located at 255 NE 14 St., Miami, FL

A Whole New Way to Soak In The Sun: Santa Monica Place

Looking to spend your day shopping? What about a nice glass of wine with an ocean view? Well, if you think you have to pick one or the other, you clearly haven’t visited Santa Monica Place yet.

This new shopping and dining compound is the newest addition to the Santa Monica area, offering everything under the sun, and more.

Let’s talk retail: Santa Monica Place is quickly becoming known for their amazing shops, that include Kitson, Bloomingdales and high-end boutiques such as Tory Burch.

And just when you made the rounds and worked up an appetite, don’t expect your average mall food court (even though they do have that). You can also head right to the top and visit a number of fabulous restaurants, including Sonoma Wine Garden, a restaurant that has quickly become popular for their cheese plates, pizza and selection of wine.

So drop those bags, grab a glass of wine and put your feet up as you soak in the sun – Sonoma’s patio has a breathtaking view of the water.

Welcome to paradise – we mean Santa Monica.

395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica, CA 90401
http://www.santamonicaplace.com/

Runyon Canyon: The Hottest Place To Break A Sweat

In the land of kickboxing, yoga and Pilates, you can find one of the best workouts in Los Angeles that actually comes with a view.

Runyon Canyon has become a celebrity hotspot and weekend go-to for the true workout enthusiast. After you grab your Evian and leash up your dog, prepare to be quite literally “wowed” by the gorgeous views surrounding you at each possible direction.

Runyon is truly unlike any hiking trail of its kind. Filled with beautiful people in an equally beautiful setting, this is the type of place that is the perfect escape, first date or Saturday ritual.

But be warned: the sun’s shining rays can get easily mistaken with the packs of running bleach blonds and blinding white teeth.

This canyon is officially the chicest place to run-yon.

2000 N Fuller Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Neighborhood: Hollywood