The Agenda: KazuNori, The Hideaway, and Freemark Abbey’s Big Revamp
Author:Lindsey ShookRestaurant Opening
The work of art that is KazuNori’s second L.A. location comes to Westwood courtesy of dream design team Marmol Radziner. The look and feel of this serene hand roll bar and restaurant reflect the quality, simplicity, and tradition of the chef’s process—which is on display at the u-shaped bar. Constructed of bleached eucalyptus wood, the 24-seat bar is anchored by a predominantly gray palette and framed by a bleached rustic white oak dropped ceiling. Plaster board-and-batten wood walls appear aged and weathered and a faded paint-stenciled floor evokes temporality. It’s a sight to be contemplated while savoring sips of sake and perfectly crafted sushi rolls.
When: Mon. – Thursday, 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Fri. – Sat., 11:30 a.m. – midnight; Sun., noon – 10 p.m.
Where: 1110 Gayley Ave., Los Angeles
Collection Launch
McGuire’s latest collection, which launched online in June and at its San Francisco showroom this month, introduces more than a dozen pieces by such distinguished designers as Barbara Barry, Laura Kirar, and Bill Sofield. Celebrating McGuire’s signature use of authentic natural materials to evoke relaxed luxury, nowhere is this more apparent than in Barry’s Ojai-inspired designs, which pay homage to her home there and reflect her understated style. Standouts include her dining chair with curved rattan seat back with square caning, open sides, and rawhide bindings on arms and legs.
When: June/July
Where: 2 Henry Adams St., Ste. 233, San Francisco
The Hideaway Lounge, Photo by McKenzie
Lodging
Anyone heading to Carmel’s wineries this summer should book themselves a stay at Plumpjack Group’s newly re-imagined 24-room boutique inn. The charming bed-and-breakfast just steps from downtown features a cozy lounge, which hosts daily wine receptions featuring pours from local vineyards. Guests can warm up with in-room fireplaces, custom Rumpl blankets, and plush robes. It’s even pet-friendly so Fido can cuddle up right alongside you.
When: Now accepting reservations
Where: Junipero St. and 8th Ave., Carmel
Exhibit
“Shortening: Making Irrational Rational”
Starting this weekend, Alcatraz will unveil its latest art installation featuring work from Nelson Saiers. With an emphasis on exhibits that provoke thought about freedom and incarceration, Alcatraz’s New Industries Building transforms from a historic site into a place for discussion about present-day issues. Saiers’ installation features the first 200 digits of the number Pi emblazoned on 100 NFL jerseys—the artist’s statement on the irrationally long prison sentences given for minor, nonviolent drug offenses and the need to shorten those terms.
When: Mon. 7/25 – Jan. 2017
Where: New Industries Building, Alcatraz Island, San Francisco
Freemark Abbey
Revamp
With a Cabernet legacy dating back to 1886, Freemark Abbey was due for an update. The grand reopening after a long renovation process comes just in time for the historic winery’s 130th anniversary. Fear not, the revamp preserves the century-old, hand-built stone estate while introducing modern updates, including dedicated space for Freemark Abbey’s unrivaled wine library and a refresh of the original tasting room. The expansive space is a study in contrasts: stone and steel, old and new, rough and smooth. A new six-foot wide skylight running nearly the entire length of the ridge line, specially designed steel trusses, and distressed Douglas Fir floors emphasizing the estate’s strong sense of history are just some of the standouts in the remarkable new space.
When: Tasting room open daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: 3022 Saint Helena Hwy. North, Saint Helena
