Here at Design Scouting, when we’re not thinking about design chances are we’re thinking about food, so today we interupt our regular design-casting for a culinary segment.

I’d heard major New-York-Foodie-Hype about Artichoke Basille pizza (328 E. 14th St., nr. First Ave) and being a staunch Grimaldi’s fan from my days of living literally across the street, I was intrigued. So, last night I bundled up (it was freezing here in the city) and went to 14th street and 1st avenue to scout it out. I’d heard horror stories about the line on the weekends, and figured if it was really bad I’d bail. But I only had to stand in line for about 15 minutes. I picked up a slice of their signature artichoke and spinach (which has been getting all the Chow.com raves) and a square Sicilian slice ($2.50 to $3.50). It is pretty awesome pizza — unpretentious, greasy, delicious, layered and profoundly satisfying. I liked the Sicilian the best (salty and almost fried) and Tim like the artichoke and spinach (creamy and unique favors). Neither approach the alchemy of the thin crust wonder that is a Grimaldi’s pepperoni pizza, but, if you’re walking by, and the line is short, jump in. It’s worth it.

Note: there is no place to sit, it’s really a take out place.

(Photo via nymag.com)

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How perfect are these chocolate bees from Burdicks?  We sent them to Mom for Mother’s Day and they were a big hit.

I’m a bit behind in my blogland reading, and slowly catching up, so I’m just now seeing this entry way over at Design*Sponge (from April!). It’s a DIY project too which is very cool. I’d like to do this in bright hunter green, maybe only on one wall so it isn’t overwhelming. I love the yellow accents here too. and the oval mirror. So stylish.

I’m reaching the bitter end of the term.  One more deadline this Friday and then I’m wrapping up for the summer!   We’re taking a week off before diving into summer work and I’m trying to figure out a relatively easy-to-get-to getaway weekend within driving distance (so… NY, CT, MA, VT, NH).  The bonus: Last Christmas Tim’s parents gave us three free nights at the bed and breakfast of our choice through bedandbreakfast.com, which offers some 6,000 bed and breakfasts as part of its network.  

New Yorkers:  What are your favorite get-aways?  Any suggestions upstate?

The place I really need recommendations for is Flordia — I’d love to go someplace relatively untouristy and beachy — the Keys?  I’ve never been, so have no idea what parts are more authentic than others.  Your suggestions are much appreciated!

Right now I’m considering: 
Squam Lake Inn, Holderness NH (Our wedding party stayed here (we were married in Holderness).
Veranda Inn, Nantucket MA (Looks cleanly designed and nice — I hate the chintz-grandma factor of b&bs)
A Little Inn on Plesant Bay, Orleans MA (We were lucky enough to go last summer with Tim’s family and it was just perfect. Doesn’t the Cape and beach sound nice?)
Adams Inn, Washington, DC (we have friends who we’d love to see in DC and I could go museum crazy)

Of course, NH will be on the cool side at the end of May, but Orleans could be nice.    Side note:  Is anyone else sort of drowning in random (but nice to have gift cards)? I’m in gift card overload (from our wedding, which was two years ago) and have made it my summer resolution to use them all up since I had a scary moment where I thought I’d lost what amounts to almost $2,000 of wedding gift related credit at a variety of stores by misplacing the whole stack.  This will not do. 

One of the funny things about living in NYC long enough is that you start living very compactly and truly appreciate anything that lets you get more storage out of your space. This post from Apartment Therapy LA made me envious — A secret laundry compartment, love it!

Today I’m presenting on the collection of Cassiano dal Pozzo, a 17th century collector who commissioned over 7,000 paintings of natural history (mushrooms (one shown above), citrus fruit, flowers) and the ancient world (roman ruins, antiquities).

Theme of the week seems to be cottages, so I’m just going with it.

Here’s one more via Tinyk:

I’m clearly longing for a green, light filled get away… Happy Thursday.

via Garden Rooms, via Purple Area

I’m playing catch up from being so busy — doing laundry, making lists, finally mailing some Etsy orders.  I’m also thinking about planting the terrace this weekend.  How much would I love a real backyard like this? via fun new Australian interiors blog The House that A-M Built, found via ABT.

Come on, let’s go!  I spied this lovely on Absolutely Beautiful Things, which always raises my spirits.  I particularly like the wisteria growing on the porch.  The house were I grew up had wisteria just like this.  I used to babysit three of the sweetest kids in the world who lived in a tiny cottage about the size of this one.

Today I’m presenting on this Delft tea caddy, and then, I’m so ready for the weekend!

I’m giving a presentation on this 1840’s painted table and I’m thrilled to have my first exhibition review run here!

I came across this tale of a woman who just couldn’t stop buying things via one of my favorite blogs, Yard Sale Bloodbath (yes, it is as good as it sounds).  The hoarding woman went on Oprah, who helped her organize her belongings and sell the rest.  The shot above is from the mammoth yardsale they had afterwards, where they made $13,000.   The story of what they found under the piles of stuff is horrifying (in two words: black mold)! 

I’m a container gardening nut — I spent the morning cleaning our terrace and getting ready to plant them for the summer.  I love the phrase “city gardens”.   I’ll be heading to NYC Grows (a urban gardening celebration) in Union Square tomorrow.

How delicious is this bouquet designed by Nicolette Camille? I love the light, the furniture, the beautiful green bowl. Discovered on charming new blog, Urban Flea.

(and Design*Sponge too!)