Bungalow, Home of Scout's Blog

Fashion and Style from Deb Johns, creator of the Scout Collection by Bungalow

Fresh Finds at the Farmers’ Market: Tomatoes July 6, 2011

Filed under: Local Flavor — Deb Johns @ 8:12 am

SUGGESTED PREP FOR TOMATOES:

A great way to use heirloom tomatoes is with couscous: we like mixing oven-roasted heirlooms with untouched, fresh-off-the-vine ones… first, grab your parchment paper to place onto your baking sheet; second, rinse and quarter or halve your heirlooms; third, sprinkle with your prep-blend of salt & pepper, a little sugar, and some olive oil; lastly, roast in a low heat oven, 250 for about 2 hours, then turn off the heat and leave overnight (in your oven).

Grab near-East couscous (preferably a roasted garlic flavor), but instead of water, puree your favorite tomato sauce and boil the couscous in the tomato sauce for the suggested time. Once the couscous is cooled and fluffed, add in your roasted heirlooms and, for color, some additional fresh-off-the-vine heirlooms, chiffonade of basil, a little more olive oil, and some grated parm. (Toasted pine nuts optional!) Serve your dish in Fishs Eddy’s Red Pasta Bowl, then spoon up couscous with the company’s Baguette serving spoon.

SUGGESTED PREP FOR YOUR LOOK: for a chic pair of overalls, look to Opening Ceremony’s collaboration with Pendleton, featured below is their ‘Boxy Overalls’, though don’t let the name fool you! they offer contemporary cuts in a rich red hue; pair the pair with The Row’s Roger tank in soft silk; if you arrive at the farmers’ market on a windier day, come ready with Tommy Hilfiger’s Over the Head Jacket, for rain or shine! stroll in Jane Norman’s Crochet Wedges, the perfect summertime statement; accessorize with a multicolored beaded cuff, we are mad for Antik Batik’s Soka Cuff.

 

Fresh Finds at the Farmers’ Market: Cauliflower July 5, 2011

Filed under: Local Flavor — Deb Johns @ 8:55 am

SUGGESTED PREP OF CAULIFLOWER: 

Our favorite way to prepare this fresh vegetable (to be served hot or cold) would be to roast it on high heat with some great seasoning: first, rinse the cauliflower then cut it into smaller pieces; second, spread it out over parchment paper that’s flattened onto your cooking sheet (and, for the latest in baking innovation, Sur la Table’s Silpat Baking Mat!); third, sprinkle the display with red pepper flakes, salt & pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil; fourth, pop into a 400-degree oven until it begins to brown. Take it out of the oven, toss it with a little parmesan, chiffonade of fresh basil or mint, a little more olive oil, and serve!

Additional toppings for this simple dish could include: toasted bread crumbs tossed in parm; toasted pine nuts; any fresh herbs from the garden.

SUGGESTED PREP OF CLOTHES: 

for the summertime visits to the farmers’ market, keep it casual yet chic in a pair of Rugby’s painted white denim overalls; for accessories, Matta’s Dupatta Emiri Scarf will be the perfect lightweight cover-up if there’s too much sun; Dansko’s Volley Canvas Clog maintains comfort and style while strolling for seasonal staples; finally, pair overalls with a fun tee, we love Splendid’s tie dye v-neck style above right!

 

Father’s Day Gifts: For Mr. Fix-It or the Grill Master June 17, 2011

Filed under: Lifestyle,Local Flavor — Deb Johns @ 8:15 am

FOR MR. FIX-IT: a dad who jumps off the couch at the change to change a lightbulb or fix a leaky faucet is a dad who will love any of the gift ideas below… think industrial lines and hues like black, white, and metallics: below left is Alice Supply Co.’s 19″ Metal Toolbox, the perfectly-sized carrying case for the key ingredients in Mr. Fix-It’s duties; a great idea for the clean slate of the white might be to write yours and your siblings’ “Happy Father’s Day!” kind of messages, this way he’ll look forward to each and every task with the added love and support of his kids; Muji makes a sleek black screwdriver set, great for a variety of indoor and outdoor issues that might all of a sudden need tweaking; eco-friendly company Resource Revival makes great tabletop pieces (and even more household items) out of recycled bike parts; we love the company’s Bike Chain Bowl, a cool and contemporary choice where your dad can chuck his keys and wallet at the end of a workday; store any of the below grilling items or fix-it pieces in Scout’s XYZ Deano, which has a flexible square shape that stands on its own, and the extra protection of a zip-top.

 

 

 

 

 

FOR THE GRILL MASTER: get a grilling dad either the basics or the extras… either way, he’ll love having more spices to add to the rack or a new, clean brush to ‘start fresh’ at the end of his next grilling session: for sauces and spices, first, we love Demon Pig’s Backyard Grillers Special, a tripod of two different kinds of BBQ sauce and a sense-bursting spice rub to go with (we couldn’t resis the name); second is the Spicy Spepper Salt & Pepper 2-in-1 steak seasoning; for the master of the grill, offer up a new kind of outdoor grill, the Big Green Egg’s XL Egg, part of the company’s lineup that also includes grilling accessories and additions like extra racks that you can stack on top of one another! finally, what dad wouldn’t love another brush to replace an older, grimier one… we love Weber’s 18″ Grill Brush & Scraper. 

 

Capitol Fun in the Nation’s Capital: Dupont Circle June 3, 2011

Filed under: Lifestyle,Local Flavor,Travel Log — Deb Johns @ 7:10 am

WHERE TO STAY & EAT: Dupont Circle isn’t so much a shopping destination as it is the perfect strolling and DC-walking destination… this neighborhood is home to some very chic & quirky locals, so be sure to grab a seat on one of the park benches and stare, girlfriend, stare! stay at the Hotel Madera, another fab outpost from the Kimpton Hotel Group conveniently located near the Circle; next to its fantastic people-watching, Dupont also caters to a wide variety of appetities with its many restaurants that touch on many different cuisines… dine on ‘fast food’ at either the Shake Shack or BGR: the Burger Joint; for more of a sit-down vibe, indulge at either Bistro du Coin or the Tabard Inn (hint hint: make reservations a couple weeks ahead for the Tabard Inn, it will be so worth it!); for your smaller bites and your pastries, choose Teaism, Hello Cupcake, or the classic Krispy Kreme 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT TO SEE & DO: as you stroll the Circle and the streets of Dupont, you’ll quickly notice the number of great independently-owned, smaller shops… pop into Kramer Books for a quick read, a browse, or a perusal within aisles of books in plenty; stop over at Lucky Brand for great jeans and casual summer seperates; bring your stylish eye to Secondi, a vintage store with racks of fab clothes from years past; one of our personal Dupont favorites is the concept & homeware store Tabletop, which showcases fun, funny, and thoroughly chic products from some of the most creative designers (a can’t-miss!)

 

Capitol Fun in the Nation’s Capital: Georgetown June 2, 2011

Filed under: Lifestyle,Local Flavor,Travel Log — Deb Johns @ 7:21 am

WHERE TO STAY & EAT: stay at either luxury standby the Ritz-Carlton (below left) or the Four Seasons, both conveniently tucked into seperate outskirt boundaries of Georgetown, the be-all-end all for shopahaulics, window shoppers, fine and casual diners, and spectacular views of the Potomac River… grab coffee and confections at Baked & Wired (below right), Scout HQ’s cupcake staple… and, for on-the-go fare, don’t miss their cleverly named ‘Hippie Crack’, the perfect snack of granola and trail mix in an easily travellable pouch; for tasty savory meals, our picks are Pizzeria Paradiso, Cafe Leopold, which is just down and around the corner from Paradiso, and Bourbon Steak, located in the Four Seasons… each restaurant plays up a different genre of cooking, yet all will satisfy and prove a fun dining out experience for you and yours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT TO SEE & DO: as stated above, Georgetown is, to many, considered a fab and easy shopping destination since its M Street and Wisconsin Avenue are home to stores that meet each person’s style needs… on Wisconsin Ave., don’t miss ones with nationwide appeal, in particular, Zara, Madewell, and Ralph Lauren; on M St., start at its intersection with 35th and work your way down, stopping into CB2 for homeware, City Sports for sportswear, Relish for a great array of RTW (near Cafe Leopold in shopping drag Cady’s Alley), Cusp and Barneys Co-op for a wide selection of designers and their spring/summer collections, Hu’s Shoes & partner-store Hu’s Wear for day-to-night DC-chic options, and concept store M29 (located next door to the Four Seasons).

 

Capitol Fun in the Nation’s Capital: U St. Corridor June 1, 2011

Filed under: Lifestyle,Local Flavor,Travel Log — Deb Johns @ 8:07 am

WHERE TO STAY & EAT: stay nearby at the Dupont Circle Hotel (below left), brought to by luxury hotel standy the Doyle Collection; chow down in a cool and casual atmosphere at Birch & Barley; or try out your downtown vibe with Busboys & Poets; if you miss either of these cuisines, don’t fret, but be sure not to miss Ben’s Chilli Bowl… nothing is more ‘DC’ than this iconic establishment!   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT TO SEE & DO: because you can never adapt to the pace of a city’s ‘downtown’, grab Scout’s Uptown Girl in Capitol Fun, which conveniently zips across the top; for some fab U Street Corridor shopping, stop into Miss Pixie’s (above right) for antiques and chic flea market finds; take walks through Good Wood, Pulp, and Home Rule, all of which feature cool concepts and tons of knick-knacks! because you’re staying a walk away from your hotel, find extra time for strolling… while we make some store suggestions here, the U St. Corridor’s home to plenty of smaller stores tucked away on our city streets, so keep your stylish eyes peeled!

 

Capitol Fun in the Nation’s Capital: Goodie Bag in the Convention Center May 31, 2011

Filed under: Lifestyle,Local Flavor,Travel Log — Deb Johns @ 8:32 am

WHERE TO STAY & EAT: stay at the Helix, a Kimpton Hotel (below left), a fun & hip atmosphere where you can yet relax and sip coffee or tea in your downtime; eat at a variety of cuisine options, we love ZolaCorduroy, and Matchbox!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT TO DO & SEE: take along Scout’s Goodie Bag and be sure to check out two Convention Center keepers, Chinatown and the International Spy Museum (above right)… Yo Deb readers & DC tourists, there are tons of other museums in this area to  visit, so do a little research and have a lineup for you and your family planned!

 

Capitol Fun in the Nation’s Capital: Bagette on the Cathedral Close May 31, 2011

Filed under: Lifestyle,Local Flavor,Travel Log — Deb Johns @ 8:31 am

WHERE TO STAY & EAT: stay at the Georgetown Inn (below left) for nearby comfort & convenience; about 10 blocks up from your hotel on main neighborhood street Wisconsin Avenue, eat at Cafe Deluxe, Cactus Cantina, 2 Amy’s Pizza, or Something Sweet, all located in the neighborhood of Cleveland Park… further into this ‘hood, dine at Ripple and Ardeo + Bardeo, both on Connecticut Avenue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT TO SEE & DO: the main attraction around the Cathedral Close is the namesake building itself, the Washington National Cathedral (above right)… take a walk around this Gothic creation, or a garden tour outside on its grounds; then, take along Scout’s Bagette bag and visit the new outposts of some of our favorite Cathedral Close/Cleveland Park ‘icons’, namely Sullivan’s Toy Store (which recently relocated to 4200 Wisconsin Ave.), the Kellogg Collection (which recently relocated to 5215 Wisconsin Ave.), and Dalton Brody, at 3412 Idaho Ave.; nearby the restaurant Ripple, also on Connecticut Avenue is some great DC shopping… one store that comes to mind for cool & contemporary knick-knacks & gifts is Wake Up Little Suzie; also don’t miss the National Zoo a couple blocks away!

 

London: Our Favorite Places to Eat March 25, 2011

Filed under: Local Flavor,Travel Log — Deb Johns @ 6:45 am

Gone are the days of sub-par pub food in London. It is fast becoming a destination for well conceived eateries from across the globe. Here are some of our favorites:

restaurant in london englandorganic restaurant in london


 

 

 

 

Villandry, at 170 Great Portland Street 44 020 7631 3131 features continental fare in the midst of a white-washed food market.

Ottolenghi, at 63 Ledbury Road, 44 020 7727 1121, is a Mediterranean gourmet market with some eat-in and lots of take-away options… Ina Garten recently featured this on her London special! and be sure to check out the gargantuan meringue cookies in a variety of flavors.

Rose Bakery, located on the top floor of the Dover Street Market, at 1718 Dover Street (its sister bakery is in Paris), featuring Commes de Garcon clothing & homewares, and healthy yet somehow decadent food, 44 020 7491 8460.

Arbutus is a memorable dining experience, before or after theatre, located at 6364 Frith Street, 44 020 7734 4545.

Carluccios, an eat-in or take-away featuring modern Italian food with a variety of locations… our favorite is at 1 Old Brompton Road, 44 020 7581 8101.

if you have a hankering for cupcakes away from home, the Hummingbird Bakery fills the bill, located at 47 Old Brompton Road in South Kensington, 44 020 7584 0055.

Daylesford Organic, located in the Westbourne Grove area—a stone’s throw from our favorite Paul Smith outpost!—the food is “crunchy London”, delicious and healthy, with a refreshingly spare farmer’s market inside, at 208-212 Westbourne Grove, 44 020 7313 8060.

Fifteen London, Jamie Oliver’s restaurant, at 15 Westland Place, where the restaurateur/chef employs young chefs with trying upbringings… you’re served delicious food and a wonderful experience.

bakery and takeout restaurant in londonrestaurant in england

 

Milan: Our Favorite Places to Eat March 23, 2011

Filed under: Local Flavor,Travel Log — Deb Johns @ 7:25 am

outdoor eatery for lunch in milanristorante drawings from artists

 

MILAN’S GOOD EATS: An iconic restaurant for lunch or dinner filled with cartoon images from ages gone by (drawn by starving artists in exchange for meals), Bagutta Ristorante at 14 Via Bagutta, 39 02 76002767… don’t miss the profiteroles!; Obika, a refreshingly contemporary mozzarella bar located on the rooftop of Rinascente Department Store, near the Duomo, with outposts in other cities, 7 Piano La Rinascente, Via Santa Radegonda 1, Piazza Duomo, 39 02 8852453… don’t miss the amazing rooftop view—especially dramatic at night!; 10 Corso Como Café, an open air eatery located at the infamous Corso Como concept store, an ideal spot for tea or a light meal, 39 02 29013581… a bonus here is watching fashion ‘victims’ from across the globe saunter in and out of the shop; Ristorante a Santa Lucia, traditional Italian eatery with a warm, inviting atmosphere and a tasty menu. Conveniently located on a side street off of Corso Victorio Emmanuel, near the Duomo, filled with Italian families and stylish foreigners, at Via S. Pietro all’Orto 3, 39 02 76023155; Princi is a stand-up eatery featuring the best focaccia pizza you can imagine… cut with scissors in a size to your liking, located throughout Milan, our favorites are at Largo La Foppa, 39 02 6599013, OR, Piazza XXV Aprile 5, 39 02 29060832. Also on the hit parade is the newly conceived Maison Moschino, a hotel designed to pay tribute to the irreverent style of Moschino, featuring a number of restaurants and an all-white palette, located at Viale Monte Grappa 12, 39 02 29009658.

mozzarella restaurant in italymilan hotel restaurant

 

 
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