Wurstküche Exotic Sausage Grill

by Brian Fichtner

Located just blocks from Little Tokyo, in downtown LA's Arts District, the exotic sausage grill and beer hall Wurstküche is raising the bar on comfort food with a menu that includes classics such as bratwurst and hot Italian, a variety of gourmet sausages filled with spices, cheeses and herbs, and exotic options such as alligator and rattlesnake.

Grilled to a steamy perfection and ready to burst, the gents there serve the sausages on a fresh roll with a choice of toppings and mustards.

After a requisite order of one of the more than two dozen German and Belgian beers on tap, patrons adjourn to a sleek but cozy communal-style dining hall to await their food order, which, if placed correctly, should include a side of Wurstküche's double-dipped Belgian fries.

Since Wurstküche doubles as a beer hall (replete with lively indie music), once the meal is finished, it's recommended that guests linger for a couple more beers while the food settles.

Following a delicious weekday lunch at Wurstküche, I took a moment to email partner and designer Joseph Pitruzzelli some questions about the establishment.

Where did the idea for Wurstküche come from?
For the most part, it was one of my favorite meals that I could cook...and mine and my partner's mutual love for the natural combination. The idea was also shaped by different city guidelines and battles that delayed our full spirits program. (It's about to come online and we have an incredible mixologist heading up the bar program.) And [we wanted to] be exotic, exciting and take a new approach to doing it. I lived in San Francisco and saw the potential in the symbiotic relationship between Rosemunds and the Toranado (a great Belgian beer bar), which lent inspiration to creating a new experience that could be appreciated by old German grandparents, baby toting parents and hipsters alike.

When creating the menu, what kind of factors influenced the choice of sausages and beers?

Interview continues with more images after the jump.

Kerry Miller: Passive Aggressive Notes

by Karen Day

Print is not dead and, compliments of Kerry Miller's collection of passive aggressive notes via the Internet, the fine examples of the physical interpersonal communication going on around us are free for our enjoyment.

In the same spirit as Post Secret and the NamelessleTTer Project, Passive Aggressive Notes chronicles the various ways we convey frustrations with roommates, soul mates, coworkers and others in that polite but not-so-polite manner.

A collection of the forthright notes that Miller assembled over the past few years are now on display at London's Kessels Kramer Outlet, a double-functioning gallery and innovative communication solutions agency—the perfect venue for such loquacious fodder.

Miller uses the term "passive" loosely. Some of the submissions are downright nasty while some actually play to the tactful route, but almost all are thoughts and concerns we've all experienced, making this exhibit painstakingly amusing.

For more passive aggressive notes, check out Miller's website or book, "Your Mother Doesn't Work Here: Painfully Polite and Hilariously Hostile Writings," available from Amazon.

Passive Aggressive Notes
4-30 June 2009
Kessels Kramer Outlet
42 Hoxton Square
London N1 6PB map
tel. +44 20 7033 7680

Bewley's x Orla Kiely Tea Caddy

by Karen Day

In its second limited-edition run, Orla Kiely's tea caddy for iconic Irish tea company Bewley's provides a fresh take on usually unremarkable tins.

Founded in 1840, Bewley's is a classic among those living in Dublin, Kiely included. As a student she became fond of their cafe, and today her signature "Scribble Stem" print wraps around the tin, adding a touch of color to any kitchen or offering a stylish alternative for reuse.

The tin is available for purchase online, for €15.

via Lovely Package

Skate Study House Furniture Collection: The Waste is The Best

by Mike Giles

The second offering from the concept furniture line Skate Study House, made 100% of throwaway materials, including excess skateboard cutouts of laminated wood, is an homage to waste.

Created by Pierre Andre Senizergues in collaboration with designer Gil Le Bon De LaPointe, the Skate Study House collection is a modern-day takes its inspiration from the famous Los Angeles-based Case Study House project that debuted in 1945 and ran through 1966. By recreating some of the widely praised furniture installations from the era with new and recycled skateboard decks and accessories, Skate Study House brings together the hugely popular influence of the action sports world with mid-century modern design.

The first Skate Study House, debuted in 2008 at Colette and not only appeals to skateboard enthusiasts like Tony Hawk, Rob Dyrdek and more, but has also won over the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, showing that smart design can be fashionable, green and edgy all at the same time.

For their latest installment, inspired by Senizergues' creative vision and designed with Le Bon De LaPointe, "The Waste is The Best" adds an organic twist to the Skate Study House collection. Using non-renewable resources that have a minimum impact on the environment, the designers constructed the furniture out of leftover skateboard frames. Premiering once again at Colette tomorrow, the new pieces feature a “Cobble Chair," “Spine Table” and “Space Shelves,” lend a few more substantial pieces to the line.

For more information please visit Skate Study House.

The Waste is the Best
Colette
213 rue Saint-Honoré
75001 Paris, France map
+01 55 35 33 90

See another image after the jump.

"F%#k Cancer We Love Justin" Benefit Art Auction

by Bailee Wolfson

"F%#k Cancer We Love Justin" is an art auction with a purpose. All of the proceeds will go directly to artist Justin Van Hoy and family, who for the second time in his young life is battling cancer. Our friends at Poketo Studios are holding the silent auction and participating artists are donating some of their finest pieces towards the cause (including Shepard Fairey's piece, pictured at right). Over 40 generous artists have joined forces to raise money for Justin and while word of the auction spreads, more artists are joining daily.

This auction will give hope to Justin's family and encourage him to keep on fighting his battle with Leukemia. Both as Swindle's Art Director and the man behind various works for artists and brands such as Roger Gastman, Obey, Cobra Snake and more, Justin's creative talent has entranced many. The event is open to all in support of Justin and to provide him with not just the funds, but the inspiration he needs to fight his cancer.

The event will be held at Poketo Studios, a hub for work of top international artists and founded by Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, and complimentary food and drink will be provided.

For more information visit Poketo, where you can also donate online.

Poketo Studios
5 June 2009, 7-10 pm
510 South Hewitt Street, #506 (5th Floor)
Los Angeles, CA 90013 map