Main Dining Room, Hospitality Design, May/June 2008, Photo by Mathjis Wessing
Ella Dining Room and Bar is at the top of my list of restaurants in Sacramento. So I was not surprised, but very pleased to see it in the latest Hospitality Design magazine as the winner of their "Hospitality Debut" Award.
Bar and Lounge
The interiors are a great indicator of what you can expect from the superb menu: unpretentious, but extremely well done California dishes with a creativity that doesn't get so out there, you are scratching your head in confusion. It is all about the food, not the "foam". The farmhouse family style tables encourage mingling. The creative use of lighting, the sophisticated color palette of soft greys and beige's, the natural olive branches all converge to give one the relaxed, and comfortable atmosphere to enjoy wonderful food and company.
Owner, Randall Selland and his wife Nancy Zimmer, have been creating top notch food for many years in their original exhibition restaurant, The Kitchen. This is their latest baby....and it is growing into the hottest dining spot in the valley.
The architects are Sacramento natives: Darryl Chinn Architects. The interiors were done by UXUS, Amsterdam.
Private Dining Room
Just another reason to visit "Sactown". Come, sit and enjoy!
Photo by David Duncan Livingston
For those of you that have not yet caught on to the greatness that is Ken Fulk, I'd like to introduce you. My crush started back awhile when I noticed Mr. Fulk's work and couldn't help but post about it here (Almost a year ago to the DAY!). Well, he has been very busy since then. You may have seen his work in the latest House Beautiful and he also has a project that has recently graced the cover of California Homes magazine.
California Homes Magazine, April 2008, Photo by David Duncan Livingston
With his blend of custom furniture and antiques, Ken never fails to add originality and sophistication without a bit of stuffiness to his projects. For this project, after all of the initial planning and legwork, Ken was able to install everything: paint, finishes, furniture, art....the works, in a three week time frame while the clients were away on vacation in Africa. Wouldn't that be an amazing thing to come home to?! "Yes, darling, the elephants were fabulous, but I am glad to be home....oh, my! Look at this! So much better than those zebras !"
Photo by David Duncan Livingston
The combination of elements here at first glance seems somewhat formal until you realize the coffee table top is made from reclaimed wood planks, and that the firewood is stored in a rustic antique wheel barrow. I think they make the space so livable. You wouldn't be afraid to really relax here. The unique placement of the photography, artistic in itself, creates a great composition with all of the other elements. Wing back chair from Coup d'Etat Antiques. And that paint color! Wonderful.
Photos by David Duncan Livingston
1950's Capiz Shell light fixture in the stairwell is from Past Perfect in San Francisco. Zebra print carpet by Stark on the stair. Ken created this Dining table from and antique trestle base from House of Mann. Antique hooded chair is from Sarlo Wick. Dining chairs are by Milo Baughman and covered in Great Plains linen.
California Homes Magazine, April 2008, Photo by David Duncan Livingston
I appreciate the mix of high and low in the Family Room: Pottery Barn Sofa with a slipcover of linen velvet mixed with the Belgian coffee table also form Sarlo Wick. This stylish room says "comfort" and would be attainable for most of us. I like that.
Mr. Fulk has also been profiled in the latest House Beautiful magazine for his own getaway retreat in the Napa Valley:
House Beautiful, July 2008, Photo by Victoria Pearson
The entry gives a hint at the color scheme that runs throughout the compound.
House Beautiful July 2008, Photo by Victoria Pearson
He revamped a 1940's ranch house and out buildings into a grownup's dream of "camp". He used bluestone inside and out to unite the space and make it user friendly for his dogs, and anyone else who pays a visit. BTW, those are his dogs in the painting in the photo above. Ken has used the dining table as a "library" space and has piled it with books. I love a multiple use space.
House Beautiful July 2008, Photo by Victoria Pearson
Can you see the pipe ladder next to the fireplace? It leads to a sleeping loft. Fun! Dog andirons from LL Bean and another dog portrait. Dog heaven.
Photo by Victoria Pearson
This bedroom is in a tented cabin for guests who visit the property. It really is like camp...only so much better!
Photo by Victoria Pearson
I love the bed here modeled after an old Woody Station wagon. The stacking of the vintage Louis Vuitton suitcases on two wood blocks is just another example of Ken Fulk's ability to think in ways that make him wonderfully unique. Of course, this is the main reason he is one of my design crushes.
Photo by Victoria Pearson
Afternoon picnic in the barn. If this is camp, sign me up!
Photo by Victoria Pearson
I had to add this picture because the red chairs are from Chelsea Antiques in Petaluma where my Mom used to be a dealer. She has very kind memories of Mr. Ken Fulk, who, she said, came in quite often. Just one more reason to throw a little love Ken's way.
Last weekend we decided to hit the coast to get free of the smoke filled air brought on by the many recent wildfires in the Sacramento area. We took the dog, a picnic of roasted chicken sandwiches and fruit from the Sacramento Farmer's Market and hit the road.
Muir Beach in Marin County was our first destination. We love it because dogs are very welcome off leash, and Cooper was in dog heaven. After a good two hours of running him ragged and soaking up the sun, we settled in for a great picnic lunch.
If you are ever in the area, you have to stay at the Pelican Inn. Originally built in Surrey in 1673, it was dismantled and rebuilt at Muir Beach where it has been providing a touch of England for over 20 years. Be sure to check out their website for pictures of the authentic Tudor style rooms. If you are daytripping like we were, stop at the pub for an ale and a game of darts.
After a quick stop for ice cream, we did some shopping for antiques in one of my favorite towns, Mill Valley. I suggest Maison Reve if you get the chance:
They specialize in French antiques and garden accessories. So pretty!
Next stop: Sausalito on the San Francisco Bay
There is a beautiful town square, with a fountain guarded by these two handsome elephants. I had to take this for you Courtney!
Full of beautiful Victorian architecture....
And creative people.....
Sausalito is one of my favorite cities by the Bay. It was a glorious day....so to top off out trip we had to eat at one of my all time favorite seafood restaurants:
FISH is located right on the Marina in Sausalito and specializes in fresh fish. A very casual atmosphere, drinks are served in Mason Jars and you sit outside at picnic tables:
But do not let that fool you into thinking that the food is less than excellent. I had a white bean and tuna salad with Kalamata olives, red onions, carrots, celery, and lots of other goodies. And there was clam chowder all around. Here is a picture of the Portuguese Red Chowder, rich and spicy:
Be sure to check out their really clever website here. You will be very entertained.
So...we had a very good day by the Bay.
I am recharged and ready to do some more blogging about one of my many design crushes, so I hope you visit tomorrow!
