One look at the facade of Japanese restaurant Tori-Tori and the word “homey” doesn’t even occupy a tiny sliver of your imagination. Dreamed up as a collaboration between Rojkind Arquitectos and Esrawe Studio the lattice type exterior looks like a futuristic type of plant, clinging to the outside of a wavy building. But inside, Tori-Tori, which specializes in sushi, trades in the future for a more classic vision of home, sporting natural wood flooring and simple, but elegant, table and chair designs that provide an entirely unique experience. Expertly hidden by a leafy surrounding wall, Tori-Tori is a futuristic and homey Japanese oasis in the middle of Mexico’s capitol.

Source: White Zine

 
The history of French-Vietnamese cuisine in New York is rather anonymous. True afficionadoes are quick to point out Indochine or Má Pêche, but the list quickly drops off after that. It’s easy to believe that there are still great ones out there, but in this day and age of Twitter and social networking most of us can agree that when something revelatory comes along, those in the know will make it common knowledge. Somehow, SoHo bistro Rouge et Blanc has managed to do just that, while simultaneously creating thoughtfully prepared pork belly Banh Mi, short rib-stuffed squid, and crispy duck confit, all of which is complimented by a brilliant Burgundy-skewed, all-French wine list. Rouge et Blanc’s strong suit is that it lends an inventive approach to an area that could use more competition and deviation from the norm.

Source: New York Times

It’s not often that one has space for a wine cellar in their dwelling, and if they are brewing their own vintage, it’s probably in a plastic bucket in the closet. But Dutch designer Sabine Marcelis is striving to bring the fermentation process out in the open with his new Housewine home-brew kit. Intentionally a beautiful design, the unit includes all of the necessary tools required to complete the process, most of them tucked safely away in the base. The unique design of the vessels does away with many of the bulkier and unattractive elements of wine production, such as the funnel, stirrer, and primary fermentation bin. The Housewine home-brew installation would provide an interesting and aesthetically pleasing element to any living room, and would most likely look even better after sampling the fruits of its labor.

Source: designboom

Peter Lombardi’s culinary path took him to Naples in the summer 0f 2009. It was there he learned how to create pizzas in traditional Napoli style under the tutelage of Enzo Coccia. Peter was well aware that the opportunity to master this art could spawn different perceptions of pizza stateside. His mission began in New Jersey. In July of 2011, Peter Lombardi opened the Lombardi Pizza Co. truck, and he caters events all throughout New Jersey. The menu offers beautiful and classic combinations and flavor profiles while using many homegrown, organic ingredients. There are devout followers of Peter’s interpretation of pizza, and he hopes to extend this appreciation for pizza with as many as he can. SwipeLife caught up with Peter Lombardi and Damon Toto to discuss their shared passion for this craft, and it turned out to be an amazing pizza party.

If you’d like to try these delicious, artisan pizzas, you can follow Peter and his crew on Facebook and Twitter @LombardiPizzaCo.

Videography by Rainier See.

Special thanks to:
Peter Lombardi & Family
Damon Toto & Family
CHIEF Barber Shop

 
Much like the Blues Brothers, the Compass Box Whiskey Company is on a mission. That mission is to create the world’s best blended Scotch whiskey. Located in Edinburgh, Scotland, Compass Box has unveiled its first release, Great King Street’s “Artist’s Blend.” According to the makers, five things set this whiskey apart from its competitors: great grain, more malt, better oak, a natural bottling process, and traditional strength. This blended whiskey aims to have a rich, fruity taste with hints of vanilla, spice, and toasty oak. The breakdown for “Artist’s Blend” is as follows: 51.4% Lowland Grain Whiskey, 23.2% Northern Highland Single Malt (malty/fruity), 17.7% Northern Highland Single Malt (grassy/perfumed), and 7.7% Speyside Single Malt.

You can purchase the whiskey on the Compass Box online shop for £25.00.

Source: The Gentleman’s Corner

This year’s fashion’s night out (FNO) was absolutely juiced up! Although a number of fashion houses send invites to celebrities, socialites, media reps and the like any fashionista can strut the night away and stop by many locations sans an invite. Fashion’s Night Out is really a shindig for everybody.

The streets of New York City were indeed the runway of style. Whether  Miranda Priestley (the devil wears prada) would give the nod or not, hundreds of locals and out-of-towners strutted their “stuff” as they pick up deals and bubblies throughout the night.

I was invited to join the Dockers® brand, GQ, and Bloomingdale’s in toasting celebrated designer Alexander Wang on his winning GQ’s Best New Menswear Designer in America award.

Wang’s resulting contribution to the collaboratively designed GQ Best New Menswear Designers in America Dockers® Collection was fully revealed and went on sale during  night of FNO, along with interpretations of the iconic khaki look developed by his fellow nominees:  Patrik Ervell, Miller’s Oath, Michael Bastian, Riviera Club, and Warriors of Radness. The work of each of these six nominated designers comprises this limited-edition, highly collectible collection.

Although this was the highlight of my night, the party went on and on. Honestly, one has to sit down a couple of days before to map out and create a timeline for night. From soho, madison avenue, meatpacking district, fifth avenue, upper west side to even Williamsburg DJs were spinning HOT beats and swags were being given away as deals were offered to all shoppers. Kudos to Anna Wintour for making this annual event a fashion runway to all walks of life. I had a fabulous time… And yes, I was sporting some prada that night!

Kevin “Saer” Leong’s Spring/Summer 2012 Origami collection fashion show debut showcased his heritage, talent and personality. The quick-witted and young Asian-American hip-hop icon is a second generation designer. Amidst the pressure of having this first show for spring-summer 2012 run smoothly Kevin remained calm and carried on a cool vibe as he chats with the models, staff, friends and of course his parents and sister before the show started.

As the Samsung Experience spot at the Time Warner Building-Columbus Circle, NYC got flooded with the hip-hop socialites and fashionistas, Hennessy managed to drench us with three signature cocktails. DJ Cassidy provided current beat that I even caught myself doing a “head bounce”. The seats are aligned and the faux grass was in place making it the runway for the flawless models to strut their stuff. Kevin started the show with grateful endearments to those people who have supported him through the years- to Russel Simmons, his family and friends like us to name a few. The light dims , DJ Cassidy turns up the volume as the models went off.

The Fashion show debut featured a technology-enhanced, unisex Spring/ Summer 2012 collection. Although kevin designs mainly for men, female models were mostly used to play with the runway’s sexuality. Fabrication such as DuPont™ Tyvek® and shredded U.S. currency act as insulation for stand out pieces like the “Origami Money Vest” – filled with approximately $1,000 worth of U.S. currency. The green grasshopper logo represents the ORIGAMI support for green living through sustainable fabrics. I must say that the collection is really something that you would on the streets – whether you’re in New York City, London or Hong Kong.

Tyvek®, a sponsor for the debut fashion show, donated the recyclable material to be incorporated on and off the runway in a custom Galaxy Tab 10.1 case commissioned by Samsung.

It was indeed a bouncy night of comfort luxury. The Swarovski crystals around kevin’s neck did give it away. Amidst this luxury, Kevin stays humble and true to himself. Kevin, thank you for the personal backstage access and for being a swipelife fan!

For more grasshopping visit http://foldyourpaper.com

The Famous Grouse celebrate the best when it comes to Scottish whiskies by uncovering their limited edition blend. While the content is a fine, dark gold whiskey, its ceramic container is made by Wade, a legend when it comes to ceramic making. Famed artist Rodger McPhail adds color to the container by placing his paint art as part of the package. Without a doubt, this limited edition brings the best in one fine product.

Visit: The Famous Grouse

To accompany their world famous beer, Heineken recently released a new barrel called the Beertender’s Black Edition. The special edition product is built with a silver handle to accentuate the products well-crafted physique. Four LED screens decorate the barrel which show the user when the beer is at its best. The beertender runs for $587 on Heinken’s website. Best used with the Heinken’s own, the dispenser is by far the classiest keg we’ve seen this year.

The new gadget mixes high fashion style with a sleek black finish to make this Heniken product more than worth the price.

Source: Alambic Magazine

Kickstand Brooklyn coffee takes cold-brewed joe to the next level in terms of presentation. First, they offer their coffee selections brewed right on their cart, which is something that can catch passerby’s attention. At the same time, presentation counts as they also sell their original coffee concentrate in small bottles instead of traditional containers. The people behind this business designed both the cart and bottles. They go around on bikes to share this not-your-typical coffee within New York for any occasion.

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Read the rest of this post with more images at: Kickstand Brooklyn Coffee