Tuesday, November 29, 2011

RBI 2nd Annual Holiday Open House http://ping.fm/DF9hD

RBI 2nd Annual Holiday Open House

 
 
 
 
 


Let's Party!
Join us for our second annual

Holiday Open House

December 8, 2011 6:00PM - 9:00PM

 
Take a break from the hectic Holiday Season for some down time with the team at Robin Bond Interiors! It will be a fun-filled evening of food demonstration, recipes, wine, giveaways, music and more!
This year's sweets will be a collection of cookie bars. The recipes will be provided like last year so you can make them at home. Chef Ryan will be demonstrating some amazing recipes. You don't want to miss this demonstration and sampling.

We are also excited to introduce you to our new Sommelier, Nathan T. Prater, CS CSW FWS Certified Sommelier/Certified Specialist of Wine/French Wine Scholar. He is joining the Wine, Dine & Design team as our wine expert. He will be at our open house to give you some wine tips, and then beginning in January he will take over the wine section of the newsletter. Nathan won second place in the Sommelier competition for the State of Texas. We are honored to work with him.

Many of you know our Studio Manager, Barbara Weems. What you may not know is that her husband, Blake, is a musician. He and the rest of The Statesman String Band are going to serenade us for part of the evening.

Robin Bond Interiors will also be accepting cash or check donations for Spicewood Helping Hands. Please be generous this giving season.

As you see, we have a jam-packed night of fun, entertainment and of course food and wine. We look forward to seeing you!

Blessings from the Bond Family and the Robin Bond Interiors Team for a safe and happy Holiday Season!

 





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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Trending: Snakeskin http://ping.fm/5Z7Ng

Trending: Snakeskin

Looks like snakeskin is going to be hot this fall. We have been seeing it all over the fashion runways, but have you ever thought about decorating your house with snakeskin? Here are some cool items we found:

Friday, November 18, 2011

Quest For Quality - TCS Designs http://ping.fm/Vv7K4

Quest For Quality - TCS Designs

When looking for the perfect custom furniture, go no further than TCS Designs. TCS Designs are experts in the leather business and bring a wealth of design and style to the furniture industry. They not only have incredible quality leather, but are more than happy to make any of their designs out of any fabric you send to them. They have hundreds of styles to choose from and the options are endless. TCS Designs is available to the trade only, so call our office today to get started!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Holiday Special From Images by Johnny Stevens http://ping.fm/3u2F5

Holiday Special From Images by Johnny Stevens

The Holidays are coming and you may not have a current family portrait for your Holiday Card. Luckily, Johnny Stevens is offerimg this cost effective way to get your portrait done. (Or it could just be a portrait of you and your pet lizard --- does not matter to him!)

Johnny will be set up to shoot family portraits every 20 minutes at Pease Park, at 24th and Lamar Blvd, in Austin on these days:

1) Sunday, Nov. 20, 11am – 4:30pm

2) Saturday Nov. 26, 11am – 4:30pm (He is offering this day as you may have family members in town for Thanksgiving, and you can include them!)

PRICE: $95.00!!

He’ll shoot several poses during your 20 minute time slot. Within 2 days, he will simply email you all the images or give you a CD. He will also offer custom printing on his Epson fine art printer, for any of you who want high quality prints done. Otherwise, you can take the images wherever you like to have them printed.

If you are interested, email or call Johnny Stevens now so he can get you scheduled. If you cannot make it and you would still like a beautiful portrait, Johnny will offer a discounted rate of $225.00 to come to you and set up and shoot in your home or in your back yard.

Happy Holidays!

Phone: 512-762-5621
Email: johnny@johnnystevens.com
http://johnnystevens.com/portrait/

Thursday, November 10, 2011

“The Magnificent 7” … Seven Wines to Pour with Thanksgiving http://ping.fm/99Ok7

“The Magnificent 7” … Seven Wines to Pour with Thanksgiving


Francois Montand Chardonnay blend Blanc de Blanc Brut Sparkling Wine Vins Mousseux France NV

Sparkling wines are by far the most versatile wines regarding pairings. No need to spend much $$$ on French Champagne as this sparkler delivers much regarding taste and value. Frothy bubbles + defined, crisp acidity + bright citrus fruit flavors of green apple, fresh lemon, and a hint of pineapple = a wine that is meant for the start of a holiday meal. Do not let the term brut cause alarm … simply means “not sweet” … also, blanc de blanc is a labeling term to indicate the wine is produced only from the use of white grape varietals. If you are a “foodie”, the above is the “house” sparkling wine for restaurant Bouchon in Las Vegas which is owned by Thomas Keller of the French Laundry ($16).

suggested pairing: great as a “start” to the festivities and will greatly compliment the meal as a whole

Guy Saget 100% Sauvignon Blanc “La Petite Perriere” Loire Valley France 2008

The Saget family has been cultivating the vine in the Loire Valley since 1790. With an outstanding pedigree regarding production, the wines are of classic archetypal nature and express the varietal character of the grape. Sauvignon Blanc is referred to as a “universal” pairing wine given the grapes high acid level. The style of the above wine is defined by rich fruit flavors of pineapple, grapefruit, and tart gooseberry, with a “laser beam” of acidity and minerality ($15).

suggested pairing: due to the defined acid, will easily “stand up” to the traditional rich dishes of Thanksgiving

Weingut St. Urbans-Hof 100% Riesling Mosel Germany 2010

Riesling, like sparkling wine, is extremely versatile in the realm of food and wine pairings. While there is a “hint of sweet” in most German Riesling, there is also the balance of acid. Acid is “Mother Nature’s” gift to cuisine … acid tapers sweet, “cools” heat from spice, and “cuts” through rich sauces. Even the name of the wine pays “homage” to quality. St. Urbans = the patron saint of German wine makers, Hof = estate in German … the Weis family has owned vineyards for centuries in Germany. The above is simply amazing with crisp green/yellow apple, fresh lime, and ripe peach, plus crisp acidity backed by defined slate minerality ($18).

suggested pairing: will compliment the salty “bite” of ham, the moist texture of a beautifully cooked turkey, and all the trimmings!

Les Celliers de Ramatuelle L’ Opale dry rosé of Grenache Côtes de Provence AOP France 2010

Rosé is “sunshine trapped in a bottle”, however, is truly a misunderstood wine as the color of pink leads one to think sweet. For the L’ Opale, no need for “sweet pink panic” as the above is dry, crisp, fruit forward, and yes, has defined acidity. We take you to Provence with this wine where 85% percent of all production is dry rosé based on varying blends of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and even Cabernet Sauvignon. Great color … fresh “berry” fruit … bright acid … great wine ($14)!

suggested pairing: a great wine before “seconds” as the structure will recharge the palate

Henry Fessy 100% Gamay Château des Reyssiers Vineyard Régnié Cru Beaujolais AOP France 2009

The Gamay grape varietal has the perfume and bouquet of Pinot Noir, the rich plum, berry fruit of Merlot, and the aroma of fresh cut flowers. As an added plus, 2009 is a fantastic vintage for Beaujolais producing wines of great depth, concentration, and balance. With a wine history dating to 1888, the Fessy family is known for the production of fine quality Cru Beaujolais. Names such as St. Amour, Julienas, Brouilly, and with the above, Régnié. A great wine from a great vintage ($17)!

suggested pairing: honey baked or smoked ham, savory turkey, pork tenderloin, brisket, or beef tenderloin

Luccarelli 100% Primitivo Puglia IGT Apuglia region Italy 2010

Primitivo is the “cousin over the water” to our red Zinfandel. Defined by rich flavors of dark plum, raspberry, boysenberry, and blackberry, plus a hint of spice and earth, Primitivo delivers much in terms of flavor and texture. The Luccarelli is produced from 80 year old vines, with fruit that is hand picked, and void of any oak regarding fermentation and aging. This wine truly delivers regarding value… the “taste” of Italy in a glass ($15).

suggested pairing: same as for the Henry Fessy … is great with any type of protein!

Bogle Petite Sirah Port Quick Ranch Clarksburg AVA California 2007

This is truly a hidden gem … a wine that is completely “off the radar”. I have been using this wine for several years as a dessert pairing or after dinner “sipper” due to the reasonable cost, great packaging, and outstanding taste. Given the small production of only 3,000 cases, plus the limited availability, you would be remiss to pass on the opportunity to try this amazing California Port. The defined flavors and elevated alcohol is the product of the process known as fortification (addition of pure grape spirit to a fermenting liquid = stopped fermentation + the retention of natural grape sugar). Yes, this wine is concentrated, however, has a balance of flavor that tastes of fresh red and black fruits dipped in milk chocolate ($20).

suggested pairing: any empty wine glass or as a liquid dessert

For this project, we tasted over 136 wines before selecting the above. Only 5% made the cut! Rest easy that you will not find better wines at a better price. You can purchase all seven wines, “pick & choose”, or replenish your cellar. We will gladly offer a 10% discount on a case purchase (yes, a mixed case is fine!). Also, keep in mind that each wine drinks and tastes at a level far above the stated cost, what we refer to as “$-Taste-Value-Per-Dollar$”. Please allow us to assist you regarding your wine needs for the upcoming holidays. As well, these wines will be on display starting 11/01/11 and available to taste, for free, on each Friday during the month of November at GOOD2GO from 4:45 – 8:00 pm. If Friday does not work, simply stop in and we will be happy to let you taste.

Always, good wine tastes good, but good food paired with good wine tastes great!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Ten Links to Luxury - Lighting http://ping.fm/tb1wb

Ten Links to Luxury - Lighting

As we talked about in our November Newsletter, one of the most under-utilized design tools is lighting. It is also one of the elements of design that makes the most impact, second to color. So here are some of our favorite lamps. All of these items can be purchased through our firm.

Jordan Lamp $230

Bubble Table Lamp $680

Perth Pendant $590

Otter Purple Luster Lamp $830

Caviar Adjustable Cluster $3375

Osborne Green/Beige Swirl Glass Lamp $500

Driftwood Table Lamp $350

Eclipse Wall Sconce $500

Hepburn Table Lamp $300

Renaissance Table Lamp $ 425

Monday, November 7, 2011

Friday, November 4, 2011

Style Search - Mudworks Pottery http://ping.fm/35QWO

Style Search - Mudworks Pottery

Mudworks Pottery has create custom hand thrown or hand built stoneware pottery made with love, to be cherished for generations. They are driven by their desire to provide functional pottery of such quality that each piece is viewed as a work of art, to be used on a daily basis.

Mudworks Pottery is located in Boerne, Texas and is the private studio of clay artist Sherri Jo Adams.

Sherri Jo began her pottery by taking classes from two established potters and then continuing to study independently. Since that time Sherri Jo has won awards in juried competitions, and recognized in regional magazines. She teaches beginning to advanced wheel lessons for adults, works on numerous custom orders, and makes her work available through galleries and art festivals.

Sherri Jo’s inspiration comes from her faith and the works of all artists’, no matter what the medium. She enjoys creating forms that can be used and shared among family and friends for generations. She wants her art to be recognized for the love and hope she has for life, and her belief in traditions.

"Pottery making is one of the most ancient arts, and I have always been intrigued by the process and techniques, which are still very much the same. I am mostly inspired by early utilitarian American folk pottery that uses simple shapes and forms. When I work with the earth’s substance, clay, I am able to become an integral part of this world. So, by creating useful pots with my hands for others to enjoy, I am expressing my thanks to God for blessing me with this talent.”

www.mudworkspottery.com/



Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Lemongrass Creative Concepts http://ping.fm/ER67D

Lemongrass Creative Concepts

LemonGrass Creative Concepts is an Austin based small business specializing in scrumptious miniature desserts and treats. They have the perfect sweets to complement and enhance your special occasion. Their unique selection of signature treats and the attention to details will add that extra element that will make your event unforgettable.

They feature hand-made desserts and edible party favors you won't find anywhere else. Their products are made with the finest ingredients and wherever possible, always trying to use local and fair-trade products. They offer couture dessert tables services appropriate for weddings, birthdays, holiday parties or any other social or corporate event.

LemonGrass Creative Concepts specializes in made from scratch gourmet miniatures desserts with a vast variety of products and baked goods such as handcrafted cookies, chocolates truffles, mousses, cheesecakes, and cupcakes including their signature tropical flavored cakelettes, pie pops and lemongrass cupcakes.

Visit their website :http://www.lemongrassconcepts.com/