Mosst Excellent = Wayne's World Pizzeria & Frozen Dessert Cafe

Nanuet, N.Y. welcomes a new addition to the scene:  Wayne's World Pizzeria & Frozen Dessert Cafe where the world of choices are available.  'Awesome' Appetizers, 'Most Excellent' Entrees, 'Superior' Salads, 'Pizzalicious' Pizzas, and 'Rock on' Frozen Yogurt and IceCream; and if that's not enough, the chef can make anything you want even if its not on the menu! Love that kind of friendly service!

The colorful space and delicious menu are thoughtfully created by the Mack Family of Suffern, NY.  "Come Hungry, Leave Happy," is their motto. I was able to experience that as I enjoyed a wonderful tasting of pizza, pasta and chicken dishes where the ingredients prove to be tasty and flavorful! Love the VIP treatment before the opening!

I am a pizza snob and I have to say that the dough, sauce and cheese combo is outrageous. I especially loved the meatball pizza. Excellent spices. I may have to have the meatball hero next time!

Meatball pie!

Sausage and Bacon pie!

The Chicken Scarpariello is sweet and spicy. Yumm!

The Chicken in the Marsala was lightly coated and braised with Marsala wine and mushrooms. How good does that look?

Fresh Vegetables and Chicken!

 My favorite was the Fettucine Alfredo. Tasty, Creamy... Perfection!

Waynes World opens Memorial Day Weekend! Go check it out!

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Chef Michael Symon and BlueStar: Unleash your Inner Chef

Chef Michael Symon at ICE sponsored by BlueStar

(more pics of event below)

If you love to cook, BlueStar appliances is the right match for you. Made in the USA in their Reading, Pennsylvania factory since 1880, the brand showcases some cutting-edge appliances.  Their mantra "unleash your inner chef," tells it all.  The cooking products ( gas ranges, cooktops, wall ovens and hoods) are designed for the keen home chef who demands restaurant quality results in their own kitchens.  

36" Built-in refrigerator and 30" wall oven

Besides top notch performance, appliances are customizable. I'm loving this blue color which I saw at the Architectural Digest 2015  Home show but there are over 750 colors, finishes to choose from and infinite configuration possibilities. A clients dream who wants to customize their kitchen. 

36" Built-in refrigerator

I am obsessing over their new 36" Built-in refrigerator. It accommodates full size baking sheets into the refrigerator and freezer. I have not seen that before. Innovative thinking for someone who entertains a lot!

Chef Ryan Scott cooking  in BlueStar 30" wall oven featuring 12 cooking modes and a built in baking stone and Designer Eric Cohler

Renown NYC Interior Designer Eric Cohler popped into BlueStar's booth at the show while tasting some of Chef Ryan Scott's delicious Spring Pea Hummus with Rosemary and Sea Salt Crusted Bread. Eric announced BlueStar's first annual Kitchen Design competition to honor design professionals who incorporate BlueStar products into innovative, beautiful kitchens. Eric will be one of the judges. Very exciting!

Chef Michael Symon and Michele Alfano (me)

The best moment of the day was attending a special media event with Chef Michael Symon hosted by BlueStar at ICE (Institute of Culinary Eductaion) in NYC. It was fun, interactive and I was so happy to actually meet the Chef. He is as approachable and funny as he is on TV.  

Roasted 1/2 Chicken with Shaved asparagus Salad

At the event, Michael shared new spring entertaining recipes where he said he loves family style and breaking bread with people. I sat at a round table of people who I got to know and shared some amazing food like Spring Pea Crostini, Cavatellii with Lemon Butter and Sage  and Roasted 1/2 Chicken with Shaved asparagus Salad. 



Chef Michael Symon and Chef Ryan Scott




Chef Michael explained that when you make pasta your water should taste like the sea! A pinch of salt is not enough! I was shocked by how much salt he put in that boiling pot of water, no joke! He said his grandmother taught him that you should be flavoring the water and not the sauce. That's the difference between an OK cook and a great cook.

Cavatelli with Lemon Butter and Sage

(all images credit: BlueStar)

 

I loved the Cavatelli with Lemon Butter and Sage and its so easy to make.  


Here is the recipe - serves (2): 

Ingredients:

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups blanched cavatelli
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped or chiffonade sage
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 cup parmesan

Directions

• Place a large saute pan over medium heat and add butter.
• When the butter has melted add the cavatelli and shake out in to an even layer. Cook, stirring occasionally until starting to get golden brown and crispy
• Add the sage and season with salt and pepper.  Continue to cook until the sage and the pasta are crisp then then add the lemon juice. Stir to combine then remove from the heat and stir in the parmesan.
• Serve immediately.

Lucky me, I was sent home from the event with a copy of his new cook book 5 in 5. Yep, 5 ingredients to make some awesome meals at home to share with your family. He signed in the inside cover saying "Live to cook." Loving food as I do, not a problem!

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MoD must Have: Geometric Carpet Connections

MoD Must Haves

stylish, tactile, novel 

for carpet lovers

Innovative, super fun and stylish rugs for children, tweens and college students are finally here! kinder Ground is a modular carpet system where you can curate your own patterns! The company mantra is whimsy shouldn't exclude sophistication.  

Besides being soft to the touch and highly durable,  the hip geometric shapes paired with vibrant colors and patterns make a wow statement. Each pattern from carpet to carpet seamlessly match. This is good design! 

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Seven Minimalist Spaces to Inspire

I enjoy looking at other design blogs and Modernize has caught my eye. It is a new home design, decorating and remodeling website and today Jane Blanchard

of Modernize is my guest today. She will be showcasing seven minimalist rooms to inspire.

Minimalism

Minimalism began appearing in art and design in the U.S. in the 60s and 70s, but it's “less is more” motto still permeates design today. Minimalist design requires that each aspect of a design contributes to the overall function and aesthetic. All other components are stripped away. All that is needed, nothing more or less. Minimalist design usually maintains a minimal color palette and uses white space to emphasize design features. Minimal design is sometimes referred to as modern, although a modern room is not necessarily minimal. Minimalist design is easier defined than implemented; standing in stark contrast to many design techniques. Perhaps the best way to appreciate this design aesthetic to peruse some fantastic minimalist rooms.

Minimal, But Not Cold

Contemporary Living Room by Sydney Interior Designers & Decorators D'Cruz Design Group Sydney Interior Designers

Minimalist design can tend to come off as uninviting or cold. Using a variety of textures and contrasting materials, this room is both inviting and visually interesting.

Get The Look:

Twiggy Floor Lamp; Lightology $2,433

Pure Function

Contemporary Kitchen by Kansas City Design-Build Firms Hufft Projects

In accordance with the tenets of minimalism, all unnecessary components have been eliminated from the design of this kitchen, including the cupboard hardware. The wall-sized storage, allows for all kitchen items to be stored away from view, creating a sleek, clean minimal aesthetic, without sacrificing any function.

Get The Look:

Stools; Smart Furniture $818 (Set of Two)

White On White on White

Modern Living Room by San Francisco Architects & Building Designers John Maniscalco Architecture

White is a minimalist’s favorite color. The white furniture in this living room creates a bright, clean look. I personally love how this living room has no TV. Although, with the view out that wall-sized window, there is no need for a television.

Get The Look:

Abby White Side Table; $200

Curves

Modern Living Room by Parker Interior Designers & Decorators Designer Premier

Without the use of significant decor or an extensive color palette, how is one to create intrigue? This room features curves throughout the design. The rounded curve of the arm chairs, the circular mirror above the fireplace, and the round side table add visual interest, in a cohesive manner.

Get The Look:

Leather Barcelona Couch with Straps; YLiving $10,221

Minimal Serenity

Modern Bedroom by Philadelphia General Contractors Hanson General Contracting, Inc.

A minimal bedroom doesn't have to be stark. It only takes a few details to create an inviting minimal bedroom, such as the soft textured rug and a base full of fresh, white lilies.

Get The Look:

Tolomeo Micro Floor Lamp; Lumens.com $580

Angle Interest

Modern Living Room by San Francisco Architects & Building Designers John Maniscalco Architecture

Besides the floor-to-ceiling windows, the furniture in this room provides the primary focal point with interesting angles and materials.

Get The Look:

Lounge Chair; Fritz Hanson $5,020

Dramatic in Charcoal

Contemporary Living Room by Ottawa Architects & Building Designers Design First Interiors

White may be the minimalist's go-to color, but this slate/charcoal-themed is true to minimalist style, while creating an inviting living room. The charcoal-colored limestone gas fireplace creates an amazing focal piece. The monochromatic furnishings accentuate the beauty of the fireplace.

Get The Look:

Eames Lounge Chairs; Room & Board; $899

For more design tip and tricks on Modernize, 

check out their WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, TWITTER, PINTEREST

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BLOG TOUR CALI AT WEST EDGE DESIGN FAIR 2014

Santa Monica Barker Hangar -West Edge Design Fair

On Modenus Blog Tour Cali we celebrated West coast design at the West Edge Design fair, located at the Santa Monica Barker Hangar. West Edge was one of the Tour's sponsors so it was great to connect at the October fest party! Here's who puts the Design fair all together.  The fair had a progressive vibe with more than 150 inspiring exhibitors displaying contemporary furniture, lighting, accessories, kitchen and bath products and outdoor furnishings. At night the Hangar transformed into a night clubby feel with edgy music and celebs abound like Ty Pennington, Martyn Lawrence Bullard and Kathryn Ireland. Even got a pic with Kathryn!! So much fun!

Fave highlights:

David Trubridge

Caba- Bark and mirror

Elish Warlop

DXV by American Standard

Kelly Lamb - metal inlays

 Forbes and Lomax - invisible light switch

Jennair - black interior

Some of my lighting faves were Elish Warlop, Pelle's blown glass orbs, wood patterned fixtures by David Trubridge and mini rain sculptures by Blackbody. Furniture faves were Moore + Friesel's wood beauty and Kelly Lamb's geometric metal inlays. Accessory fave was the invisible light switch by Forbes and Lomax, SunValley bronze hardware and organic bark material by Caba. Kitchen fave was Jennair with the black refrigerator interior.  Bath fave was DXV by American Standard's mix of styles. Wall covering fave was Black Crow Studio's beautiful watercolor inspired textile and pillows. And much more....

Check out the slideshow and see what the show is all about:

(some images included by Chasen West)

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Modern Botanical Innovations

Vase & Leuchte by Dua Shop

The 2014 market has some really cool modern botanical treasures to define and enhance our spaces, walls, and furniture with greenery. On the popular blog Spacesculpt, I guest posted today an article called "Five Clever ways to Style your Home with Plants." The products range from the beautiful Woolly Pockets living walls to Danielle Trofe's organic planters made out of mushrooms. These innovative greenery products promote style, warmth, and wellness for our homes.

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Designer Spotlight: Apryl Miller, inhabitable art

Apryl Miller was not an artist when she decided to craft an expressive home for her family. She always knew she was creative but it wasnt until she began to work on her apartment that her creative juices starting flowing, more like pouring out of her! Growing up in a DIY family, she embraces the new , the different and out-of-the-box thinking; though she adds,"my version of it is - there is no box." Apryl has changed the way we think about living...she ultimately has made a world unto itself with bright colors, intricate patterns, imperfect furniture that is strictly made by her....nothing is store bought. There is a lot of emotion in her work and her apartment is basically an inhabitable art installation in the heart of New York City. 

I am so happy to share an interview with Apryl Miller today.........

SIGNATURE STYLE

Dense patterns and bold colors. The more the better.

Detail-Master Bath tile floor

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
I put as many colors and patterns together as I possibly can and I never think of matching, but, rather, of juxtaposing and cacophony.  The more wrong my combinations seem, the more right they are, as a harmony rises to the surface from my mixtures.

Master Bath

BIGGEST DESIGN IMPACT

The melding of my visual work with my writing.  They come together now, instead of being separate expressions.

There Where and The How Left you and your Silence, 2012

GOALS SET TO BECOME AN EXPERT AT ART INSTALLATIONS

I never set any goals to become an expert, I work intuitively and I just let my wellspring flow.

Master Bath

LESSONS LEARNED ON THE HYPERALLERGIC APARTMENT

Someone once said to me, "It's not that you think outside the box, but with you, there is no box."

Detail-Master Bath tile floor

MOST IMPACTFUL SPACE THAT INSPIRES YOU

I am a church goer, so I am always moved by the presence of God, that is inherent in religious buildings.  Stepping inside my master bath always uplifts me, as it is the embodiment of what I call the home as a heart thumping, breathing entity.

A Daughters Curtained Stage With A Bed Tucked Underneath.

BEST DESIGN ADVICE YOU FOLLOW WHEN YOU ARE UNDER THE GUN

Finding oneself a deer in the headlights yields magical results.

My Studio Bathroom Sink

MANTRA YOU HAVE BEEN LIVING BY LATELY

God is in the details. And. I have nothing to lose.

 Table Leg Views In The Kitchen

MANY THANKS, Apryl!!

You can connect with Apryl Miller on her

WEBSITE & BLOG

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