Indulgences July/August 2010

Bar Scene
Buddha-Bar DC already has a loyal following since its opening in May. The Pan-Asian restaurant designed by DWA of Paris and Washington-based Gensler features opulent interiors and tattoo murals by Tanuja Bora. Buddha-Bar serves a wide selection of sake and wine to complement dishes such as Wagyu tenderloin with truffle wasabi butter and Thai-style red curry shrimp. 455 Massachusetts Avenue, NW; 202-337-5555. www.buddhabardc.com

Tropical Escape
The Omphoy Ocean Resort is a new, 134-room boutique hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. Owner and interior designer Leslie Schlesinger infused the beachfront property with a tranquil vibe that centers on the movement of water and a modern Asian aesthetic. The property features a spa and an al fresco dining terrace (pictured), where guests enjoy the cuisine of award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein. Summer rates from $219. www.omphoy.com

Luxe Down Under
Melbourne’s Prince Hotel features cool, minimalist interiors, with sculptural designer seating and spa-like baths (left) in every one of its 40 guest rooms, along with MP3 compatibility and Bose Wave radios. The property wins high marks for its Circa restaurant; the chef cultivates his own herbs and vegetables on a rooftop terrace. After hours, guests flock to Mink, the hotel’s underground vodka bar. Rates from $212; www.luxehotels.com

Sweet Tooth
The cupcake craze has hit Chevy Chase with the recent opening of Frosting. Michelle Snow runs the shop with her mother, Ann, and husband, Todd. In addition to delectable cupcakes (above), Frosting features a morning menu with breakfast breads and other treats, plus freshly brewed Illy coffee and espresso. One Wisconsin Circle, Chevy Chase, MD; 301-539-9201.
www.frostingacupcakery.com

Top Flight Wine Bar
The Tasting Room in Chevy Chase (above) is a new outpost of John Kent Cooke’s Boxwood Winery (joining another Tasting Room in Reston). Designed by architect Hugh Newell Jacobsen, the wine bar spotlights Boxwood’s production along with select wines from Europe. Guests can  sample and buy bottles of wine and enjoy cheese plates and charcuterie. The Tasting Room features live music on Wednesdays and Fridays.
5330A Western Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD; 301-664-9494;
www.thetastingroomwinebar.com

Friendly Skies
Celebrity chef Michel Richard of DC’s Citronelle (center) is partnering with all-business-class airline OpenSkies to launch its newest route, between Washington Dulles and Paris. Through the end of July, Richard’s lavish cuisine is on offer to passengers between those cities. www.flyopenskies.com

A Game-Changer
The Wrap 310 (above) from Vuzix Corporation has the look and feel of normal sunglasses—yet offers the latest in portable video eyewear technology. With twin high-resolution video displays, it simulates a 55-inch screen at 10 feet away. It’s compatible with portable DVD, Blu-Ray and media players, iPod and iPhone models, PCs and laptops, and offers composite video output and an optional VGA cable adaptor. The Wrap 310 retails for $249.95. www.vuzix.com

**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home designs and coverage of luxury living.  Wonderful visuals of luxury getaways and dining options are combined with inspired decor to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing luxury to life in home interiors and beyond.