Even though I live in the middle of nowhere, I am beyond blessed to have a world class restaurant a short  20 minute drive from my home. It is called Ariel's, and the owners, Lee and Richard, have become close friends to me and my family.

The atmosphere in Ariel’s is very reminiscent of old-style European eateries. The chef and maitre d’ live upstairs with their beautiful children and the Catahoola dog. The pristine setting on the pond (with a floating bridge) is primo, but it cannot hold a candle to the food itself.

With a serious emphasis on fresh, local food (long before it became so popular) and exceptional, affordable wines, Richard and Lee have set the bar so high that very, very few restauranteurs can achieve it consistently.

Lee can be glimpsed as you walk through the door working in her small but efficient kitchen.  She prepares all the food.  Richard is the wine and spirits expert, having had his own radio program called The Wine Guy.  

Last night I went to a fabulous Farmers’ Dinner at Ariel’s honoring the local farmers and cheesemakers that supply their restaurant.  I had the total pleasure of sitting with Craig and Angela Russell from Brotherly Farm (who raise beef and pork) and Allison Hooper (founder of Vermont Butter and Cheese).

I feel so fortunate to be a part of the remarkable food revolution that is taking place. Richard has also taught me how to forage mushrooms…and the chanterelles are out right now!

 

Who would ever think that having a clothes line would become a rare and coveted thing? The clothes dryer is a textile killer. The last 5 minutes overheats the fibers and causes them to deteriorate. If you have the opportunity, never dry anything 100% unless you don’t care about the lifespan.

You can also purchase a drying rack. I use one from Best of New England. It is collapsible and you can take it outside on a sunny day. I hang up everything---even T-shirts! It is better for the environment and better for the life of any fabric or textile.

And clothelines are making a comeback - even in Manhattan.

My twin girls will tell you that I have a personal credo regarding interior decorating and they will quote me on cue:

"All you need is one good rug!!".

I met Susan Gomersall of Kea Kilim over 20 years ago.  My entire tribal rug collection has been purchased from her over these years. I would not think of buying one somewhere else. In the early days, I could not afford them and would have to make payments over time.  I adore living with these rugs in my home; sometimes changing them out for the season; dark ones in winter and light ones in summer. My collection brings me a deep satisfaction and sense of well- being. I know that each and every one was handmade and often dream about the creator.  In my dining room, I layer them, one over the other, Bedouin style.

Each one is unique.  Each one was woven with an individual vision, although the cultural and stylistic traditions are very apparent.

Rugs are a currency.  Given the state of the investment world, I can tell you that my rug collection has appreciated for more consistently than any stock or bond.  Imagine that you actually live with these beauties at hand in your home while they appreciate in value every year. How can you beat that?

Susan is British but left England in 1971. She was studying ancient stone carvings in the Middle East. Living with Kurdish nomads, she never returned home. Instead she traveled throughout Asia buying and trading rugs for the next 15 years. Let's cut to the chase: she's an expert with a passion that is evident the moment she begins to speak on the subject.

Her partner in life and crime is Azy Schecter. They met around 2001 and went into business together. Azy is a contemporary rug designer and works with architects and designers on private and corporate projects. Her water color drawings of new designs are collectible in and of themselves.

The combination of these two women, as well as the combination of old and new, is unbeatable and totally unique in this world.  Their store on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn is the best of the best; I cannot visit there without sticking around for hours, many times leaving with a new rug.

Unlike most rug galleries, you will not feel in the least bit intimidated. Both women are generous of heart and spirit and take great pleasure in introducing you to their world.

The shop is primarily a “home store” with an emphasis on tabletop and textiles. However, much can be found that transcends that description. Whatever strikes Sue King’s fancy, ends up being given space in her Sacramento Street domain.

Celebrating her 30th anniversary this year, her long experience and keen eye are unmatched in the retail world. She personally travels the world and chooses the crème de la crème for her San Francisco customers. As much as I travel, which includes trade shows everywhere, I always find things I have never seen when I visit her shop. Why? Because she has developed personal relationships with creative folk from all walks of the design world who work exclusively for her. You will find glass, china and flatware that is completely unique to her. But you will also find Fortuny lighting, enameled lava table in brilliant colors from France, handmade one of a kind jewelry pieces, the best in room fragrances, body products, lavish and pertinent books, unique furniture pieces, the list is endless. I love the place! Sue is almost always there unless away drumming up new ideas. Something of a legend, she runs a tight ship and has an extremely knowledgeable staff. Naturally, designers are very attracted to her space.

Oh! one more thing. Her gift wrapping is the BEST. Beautiful thick paper with rich satin ribbon and always perfect colors. Her eye for color is impeccable.

I like to explain my interests in life as a search for the genuine article. A quest for authenticity.  This passion for the “real deal” has contributed to  Anichini’s reputation as having the best of the best, with an emphasis on hand crafted traditional textiles.

Having said that, my quest extends beyond textiles into many areas. One of them is food and food production.  I am a member of the Slow Food movement. Carlo Petrini, it’s founder, is a personal hero. His revelation in 1986 was the spark that launched a new awareness of food around the world; how we grow, prepare and share it. I have often suggested that Anichini could be defined as part of a Slow Textiles movement; in opposition and contrast to chemically produced disposable textiles.

Like food, there are many “endangered species” of textile production that we seek out and support. I live in Vermont where there are many people who share these ideals. This past weekend I visited the local Norwich farmers market which was overflowing with beautiful fresh food, all produced within a small radius of the market. Marketplaces are the same the world over; they are the epicenter of the community. Wherever I travel, I always try to visit the local market to experience what is unique to that place.