Design+Eats = ABC Cocina

This week, we take a look at ABC Cocina - the sequel to ABC Kitchen by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The space was designed and built by Paulette Cole, Amy Ilias, and ABC Carpet & Home's senior creative team. Exposed brick walls, chandeliers & rings of delicate light decorate the walls, thin glass bulbs hang effortlessly in the bar with simple designed bar stools that sit against a concrete bar top. The design is simple and rustic yet still maintains a modern edge. The food is Latin influenced with fresh interpretations of chipotle chicken tacos, patatas bravas & mezcal cured salmon and everything delicious in between. ABC Cocina is the place to go in New York City, not only to experience the design, but the food and cocktails simply amaze.

Travel Tuesday: Coqui Coqui Tulum

Surrounded by jungle and sea, Coqui Coqui Tulum is a chic boutique hotel located in Tulum, Mexico. The design combines rusticity with style, evoking the nearby ruins of Tulum while bringing in breezy ocean air into the bedrooms with views of the shimmering Caribbean. With the never ending coconut trees and white sandy beaches, nothing else but nature’s resources are the inspiration behind the Coqui Coqui experience. Images via

House Tour: Riding the Waves

These past few days I've been wondering what it would be like to live by the coast. I had no specific idea in my mind just that I wanted to see the ocean and long stretches of sand. This issue of Elle Decor just blew my mind ... what could be better than having all of the above(sea and sand) and being perched on top of a cliff with unobstructed panoramic views of the ocean. This house is set 12 feet away from the cliff's edge and is described as "floating on the sea's waves" ... take a look. Images via

Watermelon Cooler!

Using our inspired Watermelon Infusion from last week...We created a Watermelon Cooler, with home-made Watermelon Vodka, Fresh Basil, with just a touch of St. Germain..(it's my favorite little ingredient to use!) Something simple and refreshing to get you through these hot days of summer...have fun!

the Watermelon Cooler, a Fresh+Twist Original Cocktail

WATERMELON COOLER

2 oz Watermelon Infused Vodka

1/2 oz St.Germain

2-3 leaves Fresh Basil

1/2 oz Fresh Lime

1/2 oz Simply Syrup

In a mixing glass, Add Fresh Basil. Muddle it by lightly pressing the leaves using a muddler. Add Vodka, St.Germain, Lime & Simple Syrup. Add Ice and shake. Pour all ingredients into a collins glass and garnish with a piece of watermelon and a basil leaf. Enjoy!

Travel Tuesday: Mysticism in the Gulf of Oman

The Chedi Muscat is situated on a spectacular beachfront in the gulf of Oman. The resort exudes mysticism and luxury where Philippe Stark meets Lawrence of Arabia.The resort features traditional Omani architecture with pointed arches, timber pergolas and timber horizontal ‘Brizole'. Interiors are simple yet elegant with bursts of vibrant hues and stylish furnishings ... take a peak!

House Tour: Miranda Residence by Oitoemponto

Today we are featuring the apartment of Artur Miranda and Jacques Bec located in Porto, Portugal. The design duo behind the Portuguese based firm Oitoemponto, feature their trademark blend of sleek and flowing lines with rich color, texture and pops of gold against glossy black and white backdrops. Images via

Watermelon Infused!

This week we try another infusion! It’s a fun way to spruce up your at-home cocktails by using fresh fruit and herbs to add a bit of complexity to your vodka, tequila, rum or any favorite spirit of your choice. This month we feature some easy infusion ideas to try for your next weekend! This week: WATERMELON! And next we use our infusion to make a inspired infused cocktail...!

Watermelon Infusion!

Using a Mason Jar (check out the Fresh+Twist Mason Jar Post) or any container with a air tight seal, cut up fresh Pineapple and place in jar. Add your favorite spirit: Vodka, Tequila, Rum are my favorites…Cover tightly with a lid & shake a few times to mix ingredients. Store your infusion in a cool, dark place and shake it 3-5 times a day for the duration of the infusion. On average the ingredients should stay in the liquor for 3-5 days. Once the infusion time is finished & the flavor is just perfect, fine strain the spirit into another clean jar or bottle. Store the finished infusion in the fridge or room temperature is ok too. Mix the infusion with soda or simply drink as is over ice for a perfect home infusion!

Trending Thursday: Styling Bookcases

A bookcase can add a lot of style to you living space if put together carefully. One of the most common mistakes are over stuffing them with books, a little breathing room goes a long way here ... mixing it up with textures, pictures,objects make the books appear even more interesting. Changing around the way the books are stacked can bring in that fun and relax feel ... take a look at a few ideas below.

Summer Nibble

This is a great snack with cocktails - light, healthy and nutritious. These peppers are generally mild but once in a while you might get a kicker ...via Love & Lemons

Travel Tuesday: St Regis Mauritius

The first St Regis in Africa on the southwest coast of Mauritius' Morne peninsula. The architecture is Balinese meets Colonial with an easy indoor-outdoor transition. The most spectacular feature of this resort is it's breathtaking views of the ocean and the Morne peak rising behind it. Take a look ...