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Chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson and team offer the perfect speakeasy restaurant experience hidden in plain sight on Laugavegur, Reykjavík's main shopping drag. Assuming you secure a reservation, strap in for a long, gracious, and perfectly proportioned meal. You'll arrive around 6pm and be wisked into a recreation of Vigfusson's grandmother's living room. Comfy mid-century Scandinavian furniture complement creative cocktails and you may strike up a conversation with some of your fellow adventurers, as we did. At some point, the bookcase pivots (literally) and you're escorted into an intimate kitchen with the staff pulling together each course surrounded by guests on three sides. Some 20 courses later, you'll stumble out into the night and find you're not all neither underfed nor overstuffed. A perfect night, from start to finish.
Sep 18, 2024
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My favorite restaurant / wine bar in Portland. Come for the perfect wine recs, stay for the absurdly good yellowtail toast.
Jan 25, 2024
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I know, I know, I know obvious! But hear me out, there is literally NOTHING better than sitting alone tipsy at one of the huge, round oyster bars with “a book” that acts as a shield of distraction while you eavesdrop on other people. One time I went and I watched three strangers meet, get hammered, and decide to have a threesome lol. Cheers! Everything here is good, but my personal fave is the caviar sandwich and a Campari spritz with olives. And you must (!) take a selfie on the red lips sofa in the bathroom! There’s a huge mirror in there just for that reason.
Jan 27, 2022
Mar 2, 2025
Top Recs from @The_Evangelist
The son of famed Adirondack designer Barbara Collum, prop master Douglas Collum was constantly pestered by his mother for a candle that looked like a branch which would adorn the homes she designed. Unable to fulfill her request, Collum finally turned to manufacturing a solution. This turned out to be extremely complicated because tree branches are never perfectly straight and there was no simple way to make a mold. Branches had to be soaked in water and straightened out before they could be cast. A decade of trial and error ultimately led to the long-burning Stick Candles which adorn the tables of those who enjoy organic forms. Are they pricey for candles? Sure. Will you see anything like them on someone else's table? Unlikely. (Collum's designs also make fantastic house warming gifts!)
Sep 27, 2024
A distinguished architect with a n'er do well son, Sir John Soanes was influential enough to arrange for an *act of parliament* to protect his home as a museum. Why? Because Soanes had traveled what the British considered the "ancient world", collecting antiquities for the purpose of training adult learners how to see and appreciate great art in all its forms. He packed his two interconnected homes - they'd be considered "brownstones" if they were in New York - creating a cabinet of curiosities on a grand scale. He even put yellow glass skylights to try to recreate the effect of "Mediterranean light" for those who might never be able to travel to the countries of origin whence he absconded with his treasures. The museum is a wonder on all levels and there's truly no other place like it.
Sep 18, 2024
Guy Beardsley, a British engineer at Rolls-Royce, found himself stymied during the pandemic and set about designing a pepper grinder that is an homage to one belonging to his grandparents. These grinders are gorgeously finished in deep hues, solid cast iron, and will grind like no other grinder you've ever held. These are truly the final solution to your search for the perfect grinder. Be forewarned, however, that at 2+ lbs each, they also double as free weights!
Sep 27, 2024