Descent Down the Rabbit Hole

The new wine bar “Syrah” in San Diego is a tricky place to find. You’ll have to work hard to find the entrance door by hunting for a golden knob on a wall thick with green hedges. And of course there’s a hidden camera where patrons inside can watch and laugh at the confused visitors who haven’t figured it out yet! Intrigue draws you down, like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. Inspired by the fable, this whimsical wine bar is interesting and really transports you to an usual setting with hanging umbrellas, grass walls, and barrel lanterns.

Interior Design: Michael Sorriano

And I can’t wait for the new Alice in Wonderland movie from Disney next year. Jonny Depp as the mad hatter? Genius…

“Fly-fly” lamp of the moment

I'm really loving the Fly-fly suspended light fixture by Foscarini.

Re-design of an Indian Icon

Built originally in 1903, Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel in Mumbai is home to the well known restaurant of Wasabi by Morimoto and it’s adjoining Harbour Bar. This fantastic recent re-design was done by Rockwell Group Europe, and is very successful in blending tradition with contemporary design, as well as Japanese (for the restaurant’s cuisine) and Indian (for it’s historic location) aesthetics. The Harbour Bar was the first establishment in all of India to acquire an official liquor license. The bar is carved from one giant solid piece of marble!

These red lacquer stairs wind up from the bar level up to Wasabi by Morimoto Restaurant on the upper level. I love the juxtaposition of the bright red, Japanese lacquer work against the dull black metal and glass elevator it wraps. A ceremonial room in the restaurant is dedicated for individuals to watch their sushi being made from one of India’s top chefs. Japanese forms with Indian architecture and art co-mingle to create a sophisticated setting in the restaurant.

And the Award Goes To…

Best Bar / Lounge – The Congo Room, L.A. by Belzberg Architects

Best Fine Dining – Corton, New York by Stephanie Goto

Best Hotel Boutique – Ace Hotel, New York by Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors

Best Resort Hotel – Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali by WOHA

Best Business Hotel – Park Hyatt, Shanghai by Tony Chi & Associates

Color of the year 2010

Pantone has named Turquoise 15-5519 as its color of the year for 2010. I’m not surprised, are you? You can find the complete article HERE.

Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas Opens

This is the second hotel to open at Las Vegas’ new City Centre (after Vdara Hotel earlier this week). It is interesting that this 47 storey hotel has no gaming on it’s direct premises. This is the new “luxury” in sin city….gaming free properties in the midst of it all around!