Local Favorite: La Colombe

Name: La Colombe
Location: Chicago, IL

La Colombe is a coffee roaster that started in Philadelphia and now has locations in Manhattan, Philadelphia, and Chicago. Their newest location in Chicago is one of my personal favorites for grabbing a perfectly poured cappuccino and catching up with friends.

The space features slate blue and fire red subway tiles contrasted by exposed beams, polished organic wood furniture hand crafted by Octo Studios in Philadelphia. For an added bonus, I recommend stopping by on a day they are roasting. Roasting happens right in the shop and adds a heavenly aroma and wonderful visual to the experience.

Images © Kaper Design

Husk

Name: Husk
Location: Charleston, SC

Husk is another Bon Appetit Magazine top restaurant for 2011. The first image truly expresses the feeling of the space, "Historic Roots Modern Disposition". Located in a very classic, plantation style Charleston structure, the restaurant focuses heavily on local farms and sustainability. (I highly encourage everyone to take a look at their website, it is highly interactive and showcases the seasonal products they are using and the farms they are getting them from.) I adore the logo and branding of Husk and love that it continues the idea of fork to fork from the moment you walk through the doors.

Image 1,3-5@ Husk

Image 2@ Flickr

Sparkle Cupcakery

Name: Sparkle Cupcakery
Location: Sydney, Australia
Designer: Borrell Design

Here is a little dose of sweetness to get you to the weekend. Sparkle Cupcakery, located in Sydney, has the most amazing retail location! The monotone color palate, high contrast and reflective surfaces is bright, energizing and extremely chic. The cupcakes don't too look bad themselves, though!

Image 1,4,5© Borrell Design

Image 2&3 © Sparkle Cupcakery

Talula's Garden

Name: Talula's Garden
Location: Philadelphia, PA

I adore this rustic and charming spot located in the heart of downtown Philly! Recently named as one of the  best new restaurants for 2011 by Bon Appetit, I can see how this gem would easily win them over. The food is kept simple and fresh and all of the dishes are inspired by the farm and the garden. What truly won me over though, was the relaxed and intimate environment produced by the use of natural, raw-edged wood paired with concrete and lush vegetation. The mix produces a organic feel and the mis-matched chairs and strung lights add to casual and friendly environment. Despite your style preferences, the best restaurants and dining experiences truly are those where the food compliments the environment and the environment matches the food.

P.S.- Check out the stunning herringbone floors located on the interior of the space.

Images 1-3 © Talula's Garden

Image 4 © Hey lady!

Image 5 © Phillydesign

The Walrus and the Carpenter

Name: The Walrus and the Carpenter

Location: Seattle, WA

Seattle is one of those places that I've wanted to get to forever. For whatever reason though, I just never make it up there, no matter how close I am. After seeing images from The walrus and the Carpenter, a new oyster bar, I may need to make a point of getting over there sooner rather than later.

The restaurants name came from the Lewis Carroll poem and much like the poem, the space evokes a sense of happiness, warmth and light-heartedness. The distressed wood floors and reclaimed materials add to the casual warmth of the space, while the painted metal stools, light fixture and custom zinc bar add a bit of whimsy and fun into the space. Set beautiful and plentiful oysters in this settings and you have the perfect neighborhood spot.

All photos ©The Walrus and the Carpenter

RN74

Name: RN74
Location: San Francisco, CA
Designer: AvroKO

Named after the Route National 74, which runs through the 'Burgundy wine region of France' this San Francisco restaurant (opened in 2009) was styled after a french train station. The most direct nod to this is the vintage arrival/departure board, which features the nightly wine selection and prices.
Having watched this space get built from the ground up, I appreciate the design knowing its location and proximity to the new (& former) Transbay Terminal. The urban simplicity and almost rustic elegance of the space allows the guest to experience a wonderful meal in an environment that truly represents the diversity of the Burgundy area.

 Image 1 © sfgate.com

Image 2&3 © RN74

The Smile

Name: The Smile
Location: NYC, NY

Located in Noho, what I love about this space is it's contrast to it's environment. Designed as part coffee shop/ part general store, it has a rustic charm to it with a slight urban, industrial feel. It looks like a great place t grab a cup of coffee on a chilly winter morning.

All photos © New york Magazine