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AUGUST | PAGE 14 | 2014 John Varvatos, Galleria I, 713.589.7145, johnvarvatos.com Scavolini Houston, 5353 W. Alabama, 713.965.0100, houston.scavolinistore.net I talian cabinetmaker Scavolini has arrived in Houston, reminding us that organization is always alluring. Showroom owners Carlos and Aidsa Arce sensed a local need for high- quality cabinetry that could be precisely ordered; Carlos spoke with Scavolini's North American CEO, Francesco Farina, and traveled to Italy with his wife to visit the Scavolini factory, then brought what they found to their West Alabama space. The Pesaro-based brand has created kitchen cabinetry since its founding by brothers Valter and Elvino Scavolini in 1961. Now the brand offers similarly made case pieces for living spaces and bathrooms as well — in all, 30 distinct collections developed in collaboration with design greats, including the team at Diesel. How does one purchase cabinetry and custom casing? Simply select a style and submit measurements, and it will be skillfully installed a few weeks later. Bells and whistles include mechanized drawers that silently retract with a nudge and internal movements that lower shelves for those unable to reach certain heights. Scavolini also stocks kitchen appliances from Bertazzoni — sought-after ranges, ovens and cooktops that incorporate the exacting technical standards of the region near Bologna where Bertazzoni is headquartered (Maserati, Lamborghini, Ferrari and Ducati factories are nearby), as well as the epicurean appreciation of neighboring Parma. But that's not all: Fine and exotic stone for countertops is also available, ranging from petrified wood and red jasper to classic quartz and Prexury. To all of this, we say, "Grazie mille!" Seth Vaughan I LOVE ROCK N' ROLL T here's a new man in town — and quite an accomplished one at that. John Varvatos is known for transforming men's undergarments with his creation of the boxer brief while at Calvin Klein in the early '90s; collaborating with Chrysler on a limited-edition eponymous model 300; and hobnobbing with the likes of Iggy Pop, KISS and, most recently, Ringo Starr (all campaign poster boys). The menswear designer opens his first Texas storefront in Galleria I, transforming the space into a gentleman's lair. A blackened steel entry leads into handsome modernist interiors with exposed-brick walls, vintage oriental rugs layered over dark plank-wood floors and a very enlightened installation of light bulbs from back in the day. The 2,300-square-foot boîte stocks Varvatos' namesake collection of rocker jeans, jackets, tees, trousers, iconic vests and shirts, as well as his Star USA casual sportswear. Among our top picks: limited-edition watches by Swiss precision timekeeper Ernst Benz, Converse by John Varvatos footwear (a classic since 2001) and all manner of signature fragrances and rock- influenced jewelry. We also love the collectible portraits and performance photographs, all limited edition, which add a studly Rolling Stone vibe to your walls. Megan Pruitt Winder Cacao & Cardamom, 5000 Westheimer Road in Centre at Post Oak, 877.222.0567, cacaoandcardamom.com CHOCOLATE HEAVEN M ove over, Charlie. You have competition for that golden ticket to the chocolate factory. Meet Annie Rupani, the 25-year-old artisan chocolatier who made a detour on her path from college to law school to try her hand at creating diminutive chocolates subtly sweetened and tinged with exotic spices and infusions ranging from floral-toned Szechuan pepper to guava tamarind fillings. What started as a hobby suddenly consumed the former Miss Pakistan 2010 beauty and became her obsession, as she worked side by side with a noted chocolatier to learn the tricks of the trade and make her own mark with flavors she showcases in her gleaming new shop, Cacao & Cardamom. Working with Valrhona and Cacao-Barry couverture chocolates, she handcrafts the thin, crisp, glossy shells and envelops them in a riot of vivid hues, from lime to violet. Then she takes to the Hobart mixer to whip up gorgeous ganache fillings such as coconut curry and salty macadamia, complex caramels and flavors she calls more commonplace including balsamic peanut butter and jelly and chamomile vanilla. Have a taste for hot chocolate? Try her decadent three-ounce sipping form, which is like liquid ganache ($3.25), or a slightly less rich eight-ounce drinking chocolate ($4.50). Those who can't decide between hot or cold chocolate should splurge on the hot chocolate float topped with a scoop of gelato ($7). Besides the handmade chocolates (about 15 varieties made daily for $2.25 each; four- to 16-piece boxes, $10 to $44), you can take a virtual tour around the globe by tasting any of the 100 obscure gourmet chocolate bars made in far-flung countries such as Slovenia, Grenada and Vietnam, as well as those you might expect (Italy, the UK, Brazil, Spain and Guatemala), each crafted by chocolate-minded folk like Rupani who share a zeal and strive to make the very best. Laurann Claridge EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE Just four short years ago, Bernie's Burger Bus drove onto the Houston food truck scene, where it continues to deliver some of the best burgers you'll find anywhere in the city. Chef and owner Justin Turner retrofitted a retired yellow school bus into a rolling kitchen and named it after his beloved uncle Bernie, whose visage is now emblazoned on the side of three school-bus food trucks as well as the first bricks-and-mortar Bernie's burger joint in Bellaire. Turner continues his grade-school theme by outfitting his eatery with vintage school lockers, composition-notebook-covered menus and old desks that serve as two-tops. He has kept his burger offerings creatively crave worthy, including favorites such as the Principal (a classic cheeseburger with all the fixings, $9) and the Kindergartners (two mini burgers with blue cheese, crispy bacon and tipsy onions, as well as the perfect ratio of beef to bun, $8.75). Most of the old- school cooking is done in a showcase kitchen encased in the shell of a yellow school bus — freshly grinding certified Angus beef daily (including grass-fed beef for a $2 per burger up-charge), hand-cutting fries ($3.50 to $9.75) and making his own condiments, from ketchup to mustard to chipotle aïoli, which are also available at Whole Foods Market. While his prices are steep, these aren't ordinary burgers, fries, shakes and malts. Collaborators include local vendors such as Slow Dough, Fluff Bake Bar and Houston Dairy Maids, making Bernie's a splurge-worthy indulgence. (Wondering if there are more bus stops in the works? Yes, indeed: Turner's next BBB eatery is already in the planning stages.) Laurann Claridge Bernie's Burger Bus, 5407 Bellaire Blvd., 281.386.2447, berniesburgerbus.com MEET YOU AT THE BUS STOP John Varvatos Fall 2014 Annie Rupani Justin Turner MAX BURKHALTER MAGGIE CHEATHAM