2010 Salone de Mobile, Milan

Two clouds met me in Milan for the Salone de Mobile, one physical and one emotional. An ancient, Icelandic volcano blew its lid and snarled departures for many of the 330,000 attendees, myself included. The second, more palpable cloud resulted from the global economic crisis of the recent past. The furniture was characterized by a marked sobriety; less introductions and considerably less exuberance overall. Simplicity of form, material and color ruled the day. Stands were white-washed in tones of cream, grey and walnut with occasional highlights of turquoise, mustard and various shades of violet and lavender (remnants of last year’s color du jour). But even amidst the pall of R & D investment there were oases of luminous beauty and archetypal purity.

But the highlight of the week, by far, was an extraordinary meal of raw fish, fresh from the sea accompanied by a flute of Prosecco.

Regardless of what clouds blow in, you can always be inspired by the culinary delights of northern Italy!