The Luxe Life
Volt
September 2, 2010
I had an incredible evening on Wednesday. I received a last minute invitation from a favorite client to join her for dinner at VOLT in Frederick, Maryland. I always love a good meal, but I was especially excited about this venue because the head chef is Bryan Voltaggio of Top Chef fame. His dishes were so impressive during season 6 of Bravo’s acclaimed series that I couldn’t pass up the chance to sample them for myself. To say that our dinner was delicious is the understatement of the century. Seated at Table 21 (aka the chef’s table), we were presented and served a 21-course tasting menu, 5 bottles of wine and a front row view of the genius at work in the kitchen. By 11 o’clock we were nearly delirious from four hours of absolute gastronomic indulgence. Thanks go out to my client Donna, Chef Voltaggio and the fabulous staff at Volt. What a Wednesday!
Volt is located in the historic Houck mansion in the heart of historic Frederick. The building was originally home to the Houck sisters - six daughters of the wealthy, local financier Ezra Houck. The 8,000 SF structure was erected in the early 1890’s by the architectural firm J. A. Dempwolf.
Views of the foyer’s hostess stand and adjacent bar.
Chef Voltaggio, Sous Chef Graeme Ritchie and Beverage Director Neil Dundee oversee one of the evenings courses in the kitchen as Table 21 looks on.
L to R: Graeme Ritchie, Bryan Voltaggio and Neil Dundee
Bryan Voltaggio grew up in Frederick county and began cooking at an early age. He studied at the Culinary Institute of American in New York and worked as Sous Chef at Aureole in Manhattan and as Executive Chef at Charlie Palmer Steak DC. Voltaggio opened Volt in 2008 with business partner Hilda Staples.
Some of the most memorable dishes of the evening …
celeriac macaroon|foie gras
yellowfin tuna tartare |cilantro, jasmine rice, soy “air”, yuzu, avocado
The fourth course and one of my favorite plates of the night.
chilled yellow corn soup |cucumber chive salad, coconut
cherry glen farm ravioli |maitake mushroom, goat cheese
My other favorite dish. The combination of flavors was incredible.
tuscarora farm beets |arugula, goat cheese, balsamic
I love beet salad and almost always order it when dining out. Volt’s was delicious and beautiful
quartet of mignardises |white chocolate with sour cherry, almond macaroon with chocolate and cardamom, madeleine, and raspberry pâte de fruits
So full at this point, I was near tears. My boyfriend looked at me in disbelief when I nibbled each and every one of these desserts despite my distended tummy.
If your mouth is watering and you want to book a table at Volt - call now. They are already taking reservations for 2011 … and save your appetite!
Bon appétit!
Tricia
- VOLT -
228 NORTH MARKET STREET
FREDERICK, MD 21701
(301) 696-8658 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
www.voltrestaurant.com
* several photos courtesy of Volt’s website and www.kevineats.com *
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Heavens to Etsy
August 26, 2010
I’m not lacking for addictions – chocolate, shopping, horror movies, etc. But why not add another hang-up to my repertoire. Etsy has been a Huntley & Co. resource for a few years now, but lately I’ve become a little more obsessed. This online bazaar is like eBay in that it’s an emporium for clothing, furniture and knick knacks. The difference is that Etsy contributors are legitimate artists, craftsmen and shopkeepers – not some creepy dude in New Jersey trying to sell his collection of vintage Liberace records. So if you’re in the market for something hip, funky, unique or exquisite, Etsy will have what you’re looking for … and probably a few things you weren’t, but now can’t live without. Heaven!
Drawing on Panel
“SarahGiannobile”
If you want to start collecting art, Etsy should be your first stop. Young, fresh talent in every medium imaginable.
Vampire Glass
“Whitewash Sundries”
Sipping cocktails from this glass would definitely incite mischief.
Twiggy Leather Boots
“mykashoes”
Fall is coming - time for some new chic but comfy boots for running around town.
Love Coat
“ElfedUp”
… And some new sweaters. Laid back luxury at its best.
Vintage Ted Lapidus Sunglasses
“Vintage50sEyewear”
Glasses are a tricky thing to purchase online. But this glamorous pair may be worth the risk!
Vintage Malachite Brooch
“BayTreeGifts”
I’m going to buy this stunning brooch. I love malachite especially against a backdrop of gold.
Handmade Walnut Table
“blackelm”
There are a bevy of talented furniture makers on Etsy. This one specializes in hand-crafted solid wood furniture and is based in my hometown of Minneapolis.
Bubble Chandelier
“jeanpelle”
Simple, clever and a steal compared to similar bubble-style pendant fixtures popular on the market right now.
Midcentury Espresso Set
“Abundancy”
I love warm metals - gold, brass, etc. So how fabulous would this coffee set look in my kitchen?
Hanging Tillandsia Terrariums
“VivaFlora”
Terrariums are so cool. Hang them from the ceiling, add a spindly plant and suddenly you have a living sculpture in your home.
These earrings are gorgeous!!! Vintage Lucite cabochons in a gold tone brass frame.
Vintage Red Faux Fur Hat
“june22”
I wish Americans still wore hats on a regular basis.
... and traveled with a sense of panache.
Vintage Crimson Skyway Luggage
“cheekyvintagecloset”
Large Leather Bin
“Gildem”
For those of us who love to organize with style. What a great tote for newspapers or kindling.
Custom Pet Portrait
“Mandawife”
I want to have my beloved Nina immortalized in a painting. But I would like it to be slightly unconventional and I don’t want to spend a fortune. Amanda Wolfe creates 8x10 gouaches based on a photo you supply for only $100.
Five Color Letterpress Card
“breadandbuttershop”
I love a good card. This one is graphic, witty and sentimental. The perfect send-off for that special someone.
Signing off and checking out [my Etsy shopping cart].
Tricia xo
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Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
August 20, 2010
I wish. It’s 1AM and going to bed soon just isn’t an option. It's been a rollercoaster ride of a week and I'm simply exhausted. Nothing too new for me really. I work a lot and by Friday all I want to do is crash. So while I dream of catching up on my sleep this weekend, I might as well imagine myself in one of the blissful bedrooms below. Sweet dreams!
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A fresh, fun bedroom by Elizabeth Dinkel Designs. The curvilinear headboard and sexy lamp with pink shade really pop against the green and blue traditional floral wallpaper.
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A subtle, romantic southern bedroom by Phoebe Howard.
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It’s no secret that I think Jeffrey Bilhuber is a true genius. He can do modern, traditional, urban, country, understated or ornate. Regardless of the genre, he imbues all his interiors with inventive wit.
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Sills Huniford rooms were always dramatic and original. Each space was a collection of unique, curated pieces against a backdrop of unexpected color or one-of-a-kind finishes. Case in point – this chartreuse lacquered bedroom in Bedford, NY.
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Before I launched Huntley & Co., I worked for the über talented José Solìs and Paul Sherrill at Solìs Betancourt. We always had a diverse range of projects, the one above being a softer version of modern for a hip, young professional couple.
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I adore Elizabeth Bailey's 2009 Hamptons Showhouse bedroom. It's that perfect kind of feminine. Sophisticated, not cutesy. And the color palette is gorgeous; the wall paint, bedhangings, linens, furniture and rug all play off of each other beautifully. But most of all, it's in a basement but you would never know. The designer incorporated several designer tricks and created a soft, warm environment that doesn't feel dark or oppressed. Nicely done Ms. Bailey! Photos c/o Habitually Chic.
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I’ve always been a big fan of Kelly Wearstler’s over-the-top, confident designs. But lately they’ve become a bit kooky. I miss Hillcrest Estate! However, I do think her beach house in Malibu is absolutely brilliant. The sculptural furniture and geometric prints are totally Wearstler, but the neutral palette - an atypical choice for the designer – gives the dynamic design room to breathe.
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Steven Gambrel’s website is one of those I have been frequenting lately. His rooms have a rich and dramatic authenticity about them. And I love this bedroom with the desk at the end of the bed. It almost looks like a footboard.
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There are bedrooms and then there are bedrooms. This sumptuous master bedroom and guest room belong to Gela Nash-Taylor (Juicy Couture) and John Taylor (Duran Duran) and can be found on their spectacular estate in Wiltshire, England. Photos c/o vogue.com.
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If I could pick a bedroom to sleep in tonight, this would be it. Stylish and warm with just enough color and a little bit of magic (pendant, mirror). West Hollywood’s EDDA is a new H&C bookmark.
Tricia … zzzzzzzzzzzz
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