Chabrol

I've been absent on here for a bit.  Busy working on several different projects.  One of the most exciting ones is a new restaurant!   Meet Chabrol right in the heart of Yorkville, Toronto.  I have been lucky enough to style and brand this little gem.  While working with some elements that were left behind from a previous cafe, we worked to create a cozy little space with some Southern French charm. At only 20 seats, it's a petite boite packed with flavour!

photo credit: Toronto Life

We wanted to create a space and atmosphere that was classic with a hint of art deco. The Bally Blonde is one of my favourite vintage prints and I think she is just perfect looking over the room. Below is my branding... oh and a brass business card tray I couldn't resist. 

photo cred: Phil Babcock

photo cred: Phil Babcock

photo cred: Phil Babcock

photo cred: Phil Babcock

One of my favourite parts of the job, flower arranging. Right now I'm obsessed with Ranunculus:

Stop by and say Hello if you are in the neighbourhood!

Quirky Kitchen

This kitchen is quirky.  When I moved in my landlords assumed that they would have to buy a new stove for the tenant.  I imagine they were somewhat overjoyed to find out that I was really excited by the old Findlay model - four years later and it's still cooking with gas.  The layout of the kitchen isn't  the most convenient space to work in, but what it lacks in function it makes up for in cheerful charm.  I love the character of the old 50's cupboards and wouldn't trade them for the sleekness of any new model.  They just wouldn't work in here.   

White Whimsy

Last Tuesday I ventured to the Distillery District to join a group of around 400 other diners dressed in white for Toronto's first Diner En Blanc - a flash-mob picnic of sorts.  We received a text message informing us of the secret location an hour before the meeting time, loaded our picnic baskets with delights and furnishings for our table and set out to dine al fresco with a group of strangers.  It was a lovely evening.   La plume de ma tante was able to lend a few items to the occasion.  I was very proud of how the table and the food turned out. Seems the Toronto Star agreed.

Summer Scavenge

I've been lucky enough to run the roads a little this summer.  A couple of weekends ago I traveled to Port Elgin Ontario to visit with my dear friends Tom and Ali at Tom's childhood family cottage.  I was treated to numerous lake Huron swims, a canoe ride at sunset, the Keady Market, family feasts and a country road garage sale.  Above is a photograph taken by Ali on our way home from the sale (it wasn't much of a sale as everything had turned to "free" by the time we got there).  Ali suggested it might be nice to see me in action as I hunt down the trinkets and wares I collect and photograph.  I ended up taking away this lovely little serving bowl which we then filled with dark pickled beets for dinner.   

Ready for Service

Here's some of the things I like to collect on my Goodwill ventures:  Milk glass (always) I'll someday fill this entire shelf.  Fancy old martini glasses.  Gold rimmed shot glasses perfect for Akvavit.  Deep mauve mini-goblets and pastel coloured creamers, tea cups and saucers.