PRELUDE IN THE KNOW DECEMBER 2005
1. Bigger boutique
Built by architect Walter Cope in 1911, the lavish Rittenhouse Square Bed and Breakfast, in Philadelphia, is about to become bigger and better, thanks to an expansion plan that incorporates the buildings on either side of the historic property. The recently completed Phase One has added four bedrooms with luxurious Italian marble baths, a duplex Presidential Suite with two-story windows gracing the cathedral ceiling and the addition of two new common spaces—a tranquil drawing room and romantic café. Why stay at a huge hotel when you can bask in the luxury and personal attention offered at Philly’s premier boutique accommodation? www.rittenhousebb.com
2. Stylish supper
Supperclub is the brainchild of a group of Dutch pictorial artists who wanted to unite cutting-edge food, drink, music, interior design and performance under one roof. With existing locations in Amsterdam and Rome (in addition to upcoming projects in London and Singapore), the newly opened Supperclub SF in San Francisco continues the tradition of merging all things stylish under one roof, with an interior designed by the award-winning Concrete Architectural Associates, and an ever-evolving menu under the direction of chef Jerry McGinnis. Dinner lasts a minimum of three hours and promises a plethora of visual stimulation and special surprises. www.supperclubsf.com
3. Picasso pottery
Fans are undoubtedly familiar with his paintings and sculptures, but few realize that Picasso was prolific in the art of ceramics, creating as many as 3,500 works in his lifetime, most of which have not been available for public viewing. Combining his mastery with the brush and sculpture, he is said to have been passionate about pottery throughout the latter half of his life, putting particular emphasis on Spanish and Pre-Colombian themes. Art enthusiasts will be delighted, then, with the latest exhibition at the Pensacola Museum of Art, which is displaying such Picasso pieces from the once-private Bernie Bercuson collection. www.pensacolamuseumofart.org
4. Bespoke boards
If there is one sport where style is taken almost as seriously as athleticism, it must be snowboarding. And now, you can look even cooler while flying down the slope or showing off in the half pipe, thanks to Burton’s new Series 13 website. The snowboard manufacturer is offering riders more ways to customize their boards online than ever before, from choosing color schemes and stance patterns to adding messages or logos. Once you have devised a unique design, the board gets built by hand at the Burton factory then sent to your local dealer. Boards have never looked so good. www.series13.com