Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Tuesday Inspiration: Patrick Dunne, The Epicurean Collector


Southern Accents
Patrick Dunne is the owner and proprietor of Lucallus, a culinary antiques shop in New Orleans, as well as Breaux Bridge, Louisiana.

Although I have yet to visit his shop, I'm still very much inspired by his love of epicurean old things and also his philosophy. He writes with great intelligence and wit about history, antiques and all things culinary.

Coastal Chic
As an antique dealer, decorator and cultural analyst, Patrick Dunne has a lot to say about the art of fine dining and embracing objects from the past: "The dining table is the last retreat of the old values and more human scale of the past."

Southern Accents
He also says this: "The use and reuse of old things can be functional as well as beautiful.
People often think a kitchen has to be new and up to date, but food preparation is really an ancient process."

Southern Accents
In his own kitchen are a collection of copper pots, which he uses daily.
"I'm into using. I'm not much into display."

Coastal Chic
He designed this kitchen for a client who was looking to capture the light and color of Provence. Because Mr. Dunne also owns a house in Lyon, France, he has a feel and intimate knowledge for Mediterranean style and is a genius when it comes to color.
This is also where he scours the area for antiques to sell in his shops.

Southern Accents
In his own dining room, the walls are painted a pale pink so as to flatter his guests.
"I think that at the table there should always be a little drama, a touch of showmanship and lots of people."
"The carnival spirit should always inform."

Can you see why I'm so inspired?
Oh how I would love to visit his shop for inspiration, come home and create a tablescape, a 'la Patrick Dunne style!

Starting with beautiful, fine linen napkins...

...gorgeous sterling napkin rings.

Fabulous antique china and silverware...

...beautiful crystal too.

For now, I'll just have to be content with his book, The Epicurean Collector until I am able to visit New Orleans! You can order it here.

I leave you with another quote from Mr. Dunne:
"Like all history, the story of how we eat is really just another part of the long tale about being human, one necessarily full of vast communications and contradictions."

I'm joining Marty for Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life.
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24 comments:

Claudia Fabiana said...

Gorgeous. I would love to visit his store some day soon.

thanks for sharing

A Toile Tale said...

Delores --
You MUST go to his store. You will never, ever want to leave. He gives the shop the same flair and style that he projects and all of his teasures are sooo special that you think that if you don't buy them NOW, you'll never see them again. Serious peril for me.
Linda @ A Toile Tale

Kathysue said...

Beautiful inspiration!! Kathysue

Michele Smith said...

Beautiful inspiration. I will have to check it out whenever I pass through LA again. I may just buy his book too. Thank you!

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Your blog is very inspiring. I love Mr. Dunne's style and how he uses the southern accents of silver and vintage things. Can't wait to see more of your great photos.

Love,Jody
rootedinthyme.blogspot.com
thymeforhome.blogspot.com

Marsha said...

I love New Orleans and I hope you get a chance to visit--soon! It's funny, but as I clicked on your post and started to scroll down, I hadn't even gotten to Mr. Dunne's legs and I was thinking....he's in New Orleans!!

Sarah said...

Delores, Mr. Dunne's book has been in my library for many years. It's full of wonderful inspiration and your post has me pulling it off the shelf for a reread this evening. ;-)

La Vie Quotidienne said...

I have heard of this gentleman before, but didn't know about the book. Thank you.

Love the floor...it is just like mine!

Karena said...

Delores I have heard so many great things about Mr Dunne and his style. Thank you so much for sharing!

xoxo
Karena

Art by Karena

French-Kissed said...

I have been a fan of Mr. Dunne's since discovering him in a magazine and then having the good fortune to meet him and visit with him a couple of years ago. I did a post about my experience here http://french-kissed.com/archives/1926
By all means, the next time you are in New Orleans, do stop by his amazing shop (photos in my post). I hope you get as lucky as I was..if he is in residence, he will welcome you as an old friend. And the book is fabulous!

under spanish moss said...

We are such huge fans of fine cuisine and never have had the opportunity to visit the culinary genous! He is now on our to do list! Love all the room especially the bees skep!

Have a terrific tuesday!

XO,
Renee and Angela

Southerncook said...

Wow, what a great and most interesting post. I know of Patrick Dunne but have never visited his shop in NO nor do I have his book. I think I NEED his book ASAP. Visiting his shop is on my to do list the next time we are in NO. Thanks for such inspiring reading.

Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

quintessence said...

Wonderful post!! I have long been fascinated by Lucallus and Mr. Dunne as well. I have, unfortunately, never been to New Orleans, but when I do go, his shop is definitely at the top of my list!!

The enchanted home said...

Wow this book looks like a winner! Definietly one I would love to get my hands on.....New Orleans is such an incredible and inspirational city and southern style is bar none!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh my, I so need to order his book. I love his style and he is so right, dining should be an experience. I agree, being able to browse his shop would be a total delight. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

NanaDiana said...

Oh How Gorgeous! I would love to see that place...even better- I would love to dine in that pink dining room! xo Diana

Victoria said...

Hi, Delores, Another beautiful post. I looked at Mr. Dunne's website and he has lovely things. I want those Sheffield meat domes. I think I need a meat dome collection.

Today's surprise: the package you received from France was meant for me and I just received yours. Talk about a small world. I will send yours to you tomorrow.
Best,
Victoria

Linda said...

Delores, I too, have long admired Mr. Dunne. What a wonderful post you have put up about him. Thank you.

La Dolfina said...

I'd never heard of him but now I love him! Thanks for the introduction!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Dolores,
I have actually visited his shop in Breaux Bridge several times. It's about a 30 minute drive from home. You would absolultely be in heaven. I've bought a few things from there. Thanks for reminding me...I need to revist...soon.
Lynette in South Louisiana
(P.S. I still haven't decided on a sofa fabric..decisions..decisions..)

Becca Bertotti said...

What gorgeous pictures ... I'd love to visit his store, although I'm afraid I might not want to leave! Thanks for sharing!

tableandtop.com said...

Great inspiration! Love the photos!!

'Please visit our new website www.tableandtop.com'

Mariette's Back to Basics said...

Dearest Delores,

LOVED this post and especially because it connects with my favorite magazine Southern Accents. Too bad it no longer exists...
Did you know I used the photo from Southern Accents for my August 11 post? Look http://bit.ly/qeFnlf
That is the cover of The Epicurian Collector!
I ordered the book right away, no wonder I held on to that picture for so long. Thanks for bringing this to my attention!
Love to you,

Mariette

Tanya Anurag said...

What beautiful stuff. Thanks for sharing.

We have a link-up party going on - Tea Time Thursdays @ Kreative Korner. I would really appreciate if you'd link up some of your awesome posts there. Hope to see you at the party.

http://tanyaanurag.blogspot.com/2011/08/tea-time-thursdays-3-and-features.html

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