Sons of the Prophet
I recently went and saw Sons of the Prophet, by Stephen Karam at the Laura Pels Theater.
It is a comedy/drama that takes place in the Pennsylvania back country, having to deal with family, a closeted guy, a neurotic lady, and a dead father. There were some really good performances and some very funny moments. If you love theater, this is one to see.
Dinner Party at My Home
I don’t know if you all know this, but I am computer-illiterate and not a full advocate of it, though I know it is needed. I had a dinner party two nights ago, and in planning my menu I went through my 45 cookbooks looking for a recipe for filet mignon…but I wasn’t able to find one (even if there was one somewhere). I sat down with Matthew, and he was able to quickly Google seven recipes with six different sauces, and a recipe for snap peas – which made the menu a snap! The meal turned out wonderfully. Here’s a picture of the table setting.
When I have one of my very rare dinner parties I like to really mix people who may have something in common but are not friends – it is always good to have someone sitting at either side of you, who have similar interests (and always split the couples). Also, be very free with the liquor.
Here are links to the filet mignon roast and sugar snap pea recipes:
Filet Mignon Roast with Horseradish
Do you any of you out there have any suggestions for making a dinner party successful?
Man and Boy: What Theater is All About
As most of you know, I am a theater buff. For anybody that’s coming to New York and wants to see a serious play, they must make a point to see Man and Boy starring Frank Langella. It is what theater is all about. It is wonderful to see an actor do his craft in such a magnificent way.
Relatively Speaking: Three One-Act Comedies
I recently went to see Relatively Speaking, a show that is made up of three one-act comedies by Ethan Coen, Elaine May and Woody Allen and directed by John Tuturro.
All three were very different and reflective of their personalities and style. Ethan Coen’s storyline matches his typical movie-making style, which is quirky. Elaine May’s dealt with female neurosis and a totally self-absorbed woman played by Marlo Thomas. Finally, Woody Allen was at his best recreating the silent-era routine of slamming doors, with eight characters playing off each other.
SFERRA Celebrates 120th Anniversary ‘In Bed With’ Designers
Last night Savoir Beds and SFERRA hosted “In Bed” With Malcolm James Kutner, Amanda Nizbet, Rob Passal, Susanna Salk and myself. I participated in creating a bed setting to celebrate the brand. They had done a series of interviews “In Bed With…” and I had the pleasure of getting into bed with Ronda Carman who authors the “All the Best” blog. You can see the video in my previous post about “In Bed”. It was a fun evening, really good hors d’oeuvres, especially their fried macaroni and cheese bites (fried is always good). A good time was had by all!
My Palm Beach Project – See the “After” Video on CNN en Espanol!
Please view the “after” segment of my Palm Beach project. What do you think of the results? Check out my previous post of the “before” segment if you missed it!
More Photos of the French Chateau!
Happy Halloween!
Since many of you wanted to see more photos of my friend Tim’s French chateau, I created a photo album for you to see the beautiful place. You will have to wait for the Veranda magazine article to come out to see more interior photos of his chateau. I’ll keep you posted!
Ask Vicente: Student Seeking Advice
Posted by Vicente in Ask Vicente on October 27, 2011
Name: Sofia Mendonca
Country: Portugal
First Question:
I’m finding it a bit difficult to get samples from suppliers because I’m a student so I’ve been presenting myself as a young designer since I’ve started to help some friends on a big project. But I feel pretentious and fake while doing it even though I always maintain a professional approach and act like I know what I want. Is there a more honest way for students to get samples? Or should I just change my own perception of how to get what I need?
Second Question:
In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes young designers make?
Vicente Responds:
In response to your first question, I suggest you approach design firms and ask for samples you don’t want. Are you young and a designer? If so, you are not being “fake” or “pretentious”. You can return the samples after you use them. If you like the fabrics, you’ll use them in the future. You are laying the groundwork for your career in interior design.
As for your second question, I’d say the most common mistakes made by young designers is not being professional or giving away your expertise for free.
My Palm Beach Project – See the “Before” Video on CNN en Espanol!
Posted by Vicente in In the news, Video on October 25, 2011
This morning the “before” video segment of my Palm Beach project aired on Café CNN. Click the video below to view the show. The “after” segment airs tomorrow morning (October 26) at 8:57 a.m. on Café CNN and will also be streamed online. I’ll post the “after” video for you all to see after the segment airs!
Enjoy!
Café CNN \”Before\” Segment in Palm Beach, FL
Food, Friends and Fun at a Parisian Chateau
When I was invited to visit my friend Tim and stay in his chateau in Paris, I was absolutely delighted. I had been there once before after it had been refurbished. This time I was prepared for the experience having visited once before. I was told it would be a casual weekend ending with a balloon ride or a scavenger hunt. He had invited me and 19 other guests…it was more than spectacular.
Tim was a wonderful host who showed great kindness and generosity. He had an excellent chef who prepared delicious meals, and his home was filled with flowers, candy, and many, many drinks. Every day he featured a different martini!
The main area of house was hung with chandeliers, and in the evenings we enjoyed BBQs. I had a memorable time and was happy to be sharing Tim with a great group of guests.











