11 from ’11: The Best of Ruthie Bird

Tags

2011, Blackbird, Cameron Mitchell, Coffee, Decor, Design, Eyeglasses, Fashion's Night Out, FNO 2011, Food, James Vincent McMorrow, John, Josh Garrels, Little Talks, Manhattan, Mexicue, Music, NYC, Of Monsters and Men, Roman & Williams, Stumptown Coffee, The Best of 2011, Uniqlo, Warby Parker

Okay, have you tried to compile a top-11 list for 2011? It’s near impossible-at least for me. 2011 has been a great year of newness, exploration, and growth. But the most important thing I learned is that it’s not the stuff that’s in your life but WHO’s in your life that counts. Something like, the quantity of life isn’t as important as the quality of life. Love well and you’ll live well, and that usually means that to love others well, you must be the one to initiate.

With that tidbit in mind, I’ll just give a you a Ruthie Bird run down-a top 11 of 2011-complete with your favorite posts (at least, what my site stats tell me are your fav’s) from RB’s launch in August ’til now.

1. Of Monsters and Men:
2. Stumptown Coffee:
   
3. Cameron Mitchell Music:
4. Josh Garrels Music:
5. Warby Parker, Eyeglasses:
6. Mexicue:
7. John Derian, Dry Goods:
8. James Vincent McMorrow:*Ruthie Bird’s two cents* If I had my way, JVM would be in the #1 spot, but I’m listening to the people right now. JVM’s voice is perfect. Give him a listen, please?
9. Uniqlo Cubes:
10. Roman & Williams Buildings and Interiors:
11. Recap: FNO 11:

What were your favorite things about 2011?

Roman & Williams Buildings and Interiors, NYC

Tags

Architecture, Buildings, Celebrity Interiors, Chelsea, Decorators, Design, Gwyneth Paltrow, Interiors, John Dory Oyster Bar, Meatpacking District, NYC, Roman & Williams, Stumptown Coffee, The 18th Floor Club, The Ace Hotel, The Breslin, The Royalton Hotel, The Standard Grill, The Standard Hotel, The Willow Hotel, Tribeca

Roman & Williams is my favorite design team, hands down.

Hollywood set designers-turned interior decorating duo, Roman & Williams have taken over the trendy NYC restaurant, hotel, and home scene. They are responsible for decorating and designing the Ace Hotel, Stumptown Coffee, the John Dory Oyster Bar, and the Breslin all at 29th and Broadaway, The Standard Hotel, The Standard Grill, and The 18th Floor Club by the High Line in the Meatpacking District/Chelsea, The Royalton Hotel, The Willow Hotel, Gwyneth Paltrow’s home, and countless other residential and commercial projects. Take a glimpse at a few of their projects to see the interesting lines, organic textures, rich colors, unexpected objects, and cozy ambiance they bring to each space.

Stumptown Coffee, NYC

Tags

Ace Hotel, Coffee, NYC, Roman & Williams, Stumptown

It’s a ritual.

The first thing I do when I fly into NYC and the last thing I do before I catch a cab back to the airport is to go on a pilgrimage to the Ace Hotel. This reservior of hope and peace amidst the concrete jungle is renown for it’s coffee and ambiance (thanks to Stumptown and Roman & Williams). There’s a method to my madness: Stumptown Coffee just so happens to be my favorite coffee shop in midtown (convenient, since I live in midtown) and Roman & Williams happens to be one of my favorite design teams. Pair the two and you’ve got a golden duo sure to please everyone-and especially me.

Lines of people extend far out the door to laud the perfect cup of coffee and talented baristas, so brace yourself for a long wait. Don’t worry, the coffee is worth it. Go before 9AM and the wait is only a few minutes, but good luck afterwards.  Waiting in the lobby of the Ace is no big deal, the taxidermy animals are more than happy to keep you company.

Don’t forget to visit Opening Ceremony & No. 8A to pick up the perfect accessories for the perfect city day.

Price– Typical. You’ll pay $2 for a perfect cup of coffee and $3.50 for a cappuccino equivalent of Michelangelo’s David.

WiFi– Yes, just ask the front desk for the password

Payment– CASH ONLY

Food– Doughnut Plant doughnuts, various pastries from Balthazar, and additional food is available from servers in the lobby of the hotel if you’re not keen on visiting the Breslin for lunch or dinner.

Tips– DO: try the Chemex coffee or the Cortado (just order it). DON’T: hog space in the lobby if you aren’t going to buy anything. The place gets incredibly crowded. Be respectful of others.

Hours-6AM to 8PM, everyday

How do I get there? Take the NR to 28th st and you’re right there. Or, take the NQR, BDFM to 34th St. Harold Square and walk south on Broadway five blocks. The Ace hotel is between B-way and 5th.

Did you know? Stumptown Coffee Roasters has a tasting room located on 219 Van Browne St at Commerce St in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

For more information, visit Stumptown’s website. Need directions?