Maximiliano!

This past weekend, Scott and I visited the newest restaurant to open up on York in Highland Park, Maximiliano. It's just east of the York, HP's great gastropub and is on a stretch of street not particular hipster-ified or trendy.  Started by Andre Guerrero the mind behind Max in Sherman Oaks and the insanely popular Oinkster in Eagle Rock, Maximiliano claims to be "kinda old school Italian".  I would say, it does the job.

Saturday was the second day it was open. It took a bit of convincing to get Scott to go since restaurants usually have a lot of kinks to iron out in their first week. Maximiliano, though, had a laid back vibe. Our waiter was chill and recommended some great beers and even had Scott sample them gratis.  We started with a porcini muschroom rissoto, and baked fennel and moved on to the Bianca-Verde pizza with preserved lemon. All were delicous and served piping hot (Scott's only comment was that the crust on the pizza could have been thinner).  For dessert we had the olive oil ice cream with sea salt carmel which was surprisingly smooth and subtle (we were a bit skeptical after a mishap with some parmesan ice cream I'd tried to make a few years back, but this was delicious).

 There was a nice variety of patrons - families, hipsters etc. The decor was simple but well thought out - graphic, slightly industrial.  And the menu was similarly refined - classic, easy to read and well priced.  I always love seeing new restaurant concepts come into my neighborhood.  Can't wait to see the back patio when they have it completed and bring the babe there for family meals once he is restaurant-ready.

Tagalicious

How cool is this graffiti that I saw on the back of a building in Highland Park next to Sunbeam Vintage?

Weekend Treasures

With the hubby off visiting his side of the family, I took the weekend as an opportunity to do a little hunting for vintage treasures.

First stop on Saturday was Lawson-Fenning on Melrose. They have such beautiful stuff. I found this wonderful chaise / daybed.  I think a two-armed version of this would work perfectly in our living room. Too bad it's about four or five times what I'm willing to pay at this moment, so the hunt continues.  Great inspiration nonetheless.

Next up was a quick stop at the Grove for some unexpected clothing finds from Anthropologie and Forever 21.  Who ever said that you can only buy maternity clothes when your preggers?  Maybe a few pairs of pants, jeans and tanks from the maternity section, but otherwise I prefer buying flowy tops and dresses that I know I'll wear post-baby.

After the Grove was a stop at 45 Three Modern Vintage on Fairfax.  This is one of my favorite vintage-modern spots. Staci sources one-of-a-kind pieces that are so well priced. No wonder Secrets from a Stylist's Emily Henderson frequents this shop.  I didn't walk out with anything, but check out this great pendant I found for just $150. Very tempting (as well as that cool wood and brass etagere in the background)

Saturday night I spent some time perusing Craigslist and found out about this awesome mid-century furniture and accessory warehouse in Highland Park, Sunbeam Vintage.  The 3000 square foot space opened its doors last fall, and there are truly some amazing finds at bargain prices.  And it's right around the corner from our house so I think I'll be making regular stop-ins. 

I got this rad dresser (slash changing table) for the baby's room.  The IKEA one that I had on my original concept board ended up being really cheap looking and too low for comfortable baby changing. This is just the right height, and with dovetail joinery, it's a piece that we will keep for a long time.  And the white / wood combination is just what I was looking for.  Score!

I also found this fun hanging pendant lamp for the guest room perhaps.