Speaking of Africa

Karen Blixen's (AKA Isak Dinesen) House in Kenya and Ostriches in Tanzania --pictures taken by my dad. Keeping my fingers crossed that I will have a reason soon-ish to visit Africa © Buesing

MLB

Martyn Lawrence-Bullard has really moved into the spotlight, as he is one of the five designers featured on Bravo's latest reality show. But if you care about interior design you had probably heard of him before. My first encounter with his work was an Elle Decor feature which showcased vegan realtor Chris Cotazzo's Malibu Hills home. Africa inspired the decor of the house and makes the ranch feel like an updated version of Karen Blixen's house near Nairobi. What struck me the most, is that the house looked warm and like one would enjoy living in it.
I have seen a lot of houses in New York, and the style trends colder here than West.

Anyway, reality shows are not really my thing, but Million Dollar Decorator certainly is good company on the treadmill.

Re - ...

My little helper (Where's Rudi? ;) & detail of a better organized closet. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Spending the week re-organizing and sorting. You can re-cycle your textiles at the Farmer Markets throughout the city. Find locations and how to re-cycle, compost and swap at: www.grownyc.org. Sweet.

Terri

NPR is giving away tickets for Aza's new movie Terri, starring John C. Reilly: www.wnyc.org.

More Sky & More Food

Gorgeous NYC sunset and clouds. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

The weather in New York has been beautiful and we've been doing a lot of walking, seeing many beautiful sunsets and cloud patterns.



Chocolate Souffle; Grilled Artichokes & Organic Wine. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

And we recently ate at Quartino on Bleecker which serves organic Italian food and has lots of Vegetarian options.
Especially the appetizers were delicious. The entrees were solid and I loved the chocolate souffle - which is well worth the wait (they make it fresh on the spot).

Eataly

Toasted sourdough with incredibly smooth Stracciatella cheese and roasted tomatoes. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Behind the curve here, but we finally ate at Eataly. We arrived with a ravenous appetite after a long walk and Mr.Batali delivered again. Eataly is pricey, however the food is fresh, tasty and well presented. I like an open kitchen and seeing my food being prepared and the Cararra marble bar felt nice and looked pretty.
My Italian husband confirmed that the food & presentation was true to Italian tradition. The 2007 Valle Reale Montepulciano we drank with our meal was also nice: smooth and full bodied.
So if you want to treat yourself, get some inspiration or you have the pockets to eat at Eataly, go for it! Mangia!

NYC Mojo

When the (public) music above and underground stops, it might be time to move. Footage by Nina Buesing Corvallo

They say New York is about money and always has been. This town is about money, but not just about money. What makes it great, is that is also about culture and creativity and change. It is about people interacting with each other, living close and with one another and exchanging ideas and compromising.
But I agree that New York is teetering on the brink. Yes, the city is very safe and I am grateful for it, but I do miss the vibe of the old New York. I know, there is no point in nostalgia, but I am worried about New York's Mojo.
If finance is the heart of New York, than art is its soul. And I think you have to have soul to be (and remain) great.

(photographs)

courtesy Penelope Umbrico/Aperture

One of the best teachers I ever had was Penelope Umbrico. Popular with everyone, she brings a unique view point to art and sees value in all her students interests and obsessions.
Aperture just released the monograph titled Penlope Umbrico (photographs). An anthology of her work exploring consumerism and the (visual) culture connected to it.