Cozinha das Flores Delights in Porto, and Other News

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Cozinha das Flores Delights in Porto

Nestled within a 16th-century building in Porto’s picturesque Largo de São Domingos, Cozinha das Flores mesmerizes with its rustic charm. Designed by the renowned Space Copenhagen, the restaurant features a striking centerpiece—a ceramic mural envisioned by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Álvaro Siza, who hails from the Portuguese city. His work portrays his conception of Porto through joyful moments, cultural unity, and a melange of emotions. Crafted meticulously by ceramic tile company Viúva Lamego, the mural’s sketched black figures stand out against the earthly green and burnt orange tiles adorning the walls. 

Space Copenhagen wove those hues throughout, with material choices—stone, marble, brass, and oak—that harmonize effortlessly and exude natural warmth. The palette pays homage to the building’s rich history and nods to the culinary delights served within. Under the guidance of master chef Nuno Mendes, who garnered acclaim helming celebrity watering hole Chiltern Firehouse in London, Cozinha das Flores toasts the gastronomic wonders, wines, and culture of northern Portugal. Under his hand, turnip natas are transformed into a savory wonder of creamy turnip custard topped with caviar; giant squid noodles are garnished with white beans and code tripe stew. Pair them with wine by the glass from sommelier Gabriel Monteiro, who sources from Portuguese producers, or wash it down at Flôr, the adjoining 12-seat bar helmed by mixologist Tatiana Cardoso. —Ryan Waddoups

Heritage quilters of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, are bringing their work to the blockchain.

The skilled quilters of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, known for their ancestral handcrafting traditions, have embarked on a collaboration with generative artist Anna Lucia and Arsnl’s NFT platform. Titled Generations, the project melds the digital and physical worlds, blending the quilters’ creations with Lucia’s algorithmically generated NFTs inspired by their work. Through this alliance, artists from diverse backgrounds discover surprising connections and share their work, resulting in a harmonious fusion of heritage and modernity. The NFTs will be available for purchase alongside six Gee’s Bend quilts, with a portion of the profits benefiting the quilters and the Alabama Freedom Quilting Bee Cooperative.

Yayoi Kusama’s latest exhibition at David Zwirner is drawing Instagram-hungry crowds.

Yayoi Kusama’s new exhibition at David Zwirner in New York City is turning out to be a major event, drawing crowds of people from all over the world. The exhibition features a variety of Kusama’s iconic works, including colossal pumpkins, towering flowers, trippy paintings, and the highly anticipated Infinity Room—a mirrored space that hasn’t been showcased in the city since 2021. The show is predictably drawing long lines stretching from the gallery’s entrance on 19th Street to 11th Avenue. Visitors seem unfazed, raving about the exhibition as “a dream come true” and “a must-see for any fan of Kusama’s work.”

A new survey finds that 82 percent of Americans want to work from home part-time.

The return-to-office trend is stalling as many employees are reluctant to return to the office full-time. A recent survey by Gartner found that 82 percent of employees want to work from home at least part-time. There are many reasons why employees are reluctant to return to the office, including the cost of commuting, the desire for flexibility, and the need to take care of children or other family members. The average American worker spends $2,000 per year on commuting costs, and many find it difficult to balance work and childcare when commutes are involved. According to experts, companies that want to attract and retain top talent should offer a hybrid model that gives employees the flexibility to work from home sometimes. A recent study by Stanford University found that companies offering a hybrid model have a 65 percent lower turnover rate than companies that do not.

Factory International, an OMA-designed cultural hub in Manchester, opens in October.

Factory International, a new performance venue in Manchester designed by OMA, will open in October. The venue aims to break down barriers between audience and performer, and to provide flexible space for productions from ballet and theatre to music. The building is inspired by warehouses and industrial buildings, and features a large round window that connects the backstage area to the performance hall. The architects worked closely with the Manchester International Festival to create a space that feels both innovative and functional.

New York City is considering legislation aimed at reducing nighttime light pollution. 

New York City is considering a new law that would require many privately owned commercial buildings to reduce lighting at night. The proposal is aimed at reducing bird deaths, which can occur when birds fly into brightly lit buildings. A study conducted in Chicago found that turning off half of the lights in a building can reduce bird collisions by six to 11 times depending on the time of year. The bill would allow for exceptions for landmark buildings or those that need to keep lights on for security reasons. If passed, the law would be a first in the nation.

Seeking a digital detox and healthier habits, Gen Z is moving away from smartphones.

Gen Z is embracing the nostalgic charm of flip phones, moving away from smartphones in a growing trend of digital detox and privacy concerns. This revival of old-school devices reflects a longing for an idealized past, evoking positive memories and emotions. Nostalgia marketing plays a significant role in this trend, as brands tap into consumers’ desire to reconnect with simpler times. With excessive screen time causing sleep disruption, anxiety, and reduced social connectivity, people are turning to flip phones to limit their exposure to digital noise and build healthier relationships with technology, while still retaining the benefits of social media offered by smartphones.

Today’s attractive distractions:

Andrew McIntosh’s paintings show run-down stores in the Scottish hills.

Just about every famous woman is being referred to as “mother” online.

Creatives share their advice on how to navigate the industry as introverts.

Vitra drops limited-edition Eames chairs that show Saul Steinberg’s cat.