Bottega Louie

Louis XIV for the XXI Century

Opening its doors to the patrons of downtown Los Angeles last summer, Bottega Louie is exemplary of palatial contemporary design.

Essentially a white box, this restaurant and gourmet market give a rather stark first impression. Upon closer inspection, the Carrera marble floors, the brass window casings, the ivory subway tiles stretching twenty feet to the handsome crown molding of tray ceilings, it becomes apparent that the foundation of the space is not a bland white box, but a thoughtful confectionary. The icing, furnishings and fixtures that are the perfect ratio of sleekness and grandeur. Warm oak and black leather upholstery ground the airy atmosphere and brass (quite cleverly) is used across the spectrum from humble hardware to regal millwork.

Three years in the making, the attention to detail in its interior is certainly inspiring. The true success of the space, however, lies not in the details exactly, but in exquisite editing skills of the designer.

Paulo Navone

I found Mr. Navone's Taste collection on Yatzer. Amazingly each piece of Reichenbach china is handmade to order. Unfortunately a minimum order of 20 is required. A singular success unavailable for singular purchase.

YSL

There's a new piece in your place setting.

Yvonne Lee Shultz

The fragile weapon

hand-painted in the style of classic tableware motifs

lies next to your coffee and cake

asking to be picked up.

Its coolness and comfortable grip

increase the qualms of the user

leaving him in a quandery

between the pleasure of luxury and violence.

Senape

This little crock of sweet Bavarian mustard was hidden among the banality that is the condiment isle of Valu Market. A locally owned grocer that i patronize in multiple definitions.