Majahuitas, Mexico

Last week I took a short “summer” vacation, since I will be busy training to be an elementary school teacher this summer :)

Thanks to Groupon Getaways (I’m obsessed), I discovered what might be actual heaven on earth — Majahuitas Resort near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

I could go on for days about this tiny cove of paradise, but I think it would be best if you just went there yourself. Check out the reviews on TripAdvisor for some in-depth descriptions and recommendations. My five-star review is forthcoming!

Since this is a design blog, I wanted to share one of my favorite parts of the resort — the dedication to craftsmanship. The attention to detail was apparent in everything from the fruit plating, to the intricate tiling, to the bracelets sold on the side of the street. I encountered so many beautifully crafted items made by artisans who have spent their lives perfecting their trades.

I wanted to take a little piece of everything home with me, but settled on a bracelet instead. The nautical blue-and-white stripes and beautiful handiwork will always remind me of my time in Majahuitas.

Tags | food, jewelry, travel

Deep Ellum Brewing Company

Here is a company that gets it. Deep Ellum Brewing Company is a local Dallas brewery that opened just a few short months ago, although you’d never know it. The cult-like following and 10,000+ Facebook fans this small start-up has attained must mean they’re doing something right. I’d argue that they’re doing just about everything right. From brand to bottle, the DEBC mission clearly resonates with the Dallas community — “to bring good beer to the people.”

From the Deep Ellum Brewing Company’s blog:
A “brand” is more than a logo. It’s an extension of you — your heart, your spirit, your sweat, your tears. The hard work that goes into every part of what you do for a living. DEBC’s “brand” was born out of passion for beer, a deep rooted connection to Deep Ellum and the city of Dallas, and the unconventional guerilla way of making and distributing beer.  It’s not just one idea, it’s a combination of souls coming together for a common purpose.

The creative minds behind DEBC’s brand, Caliber Creative, recently received recognition for their work with DEBC — a Gold ADDY® Award at the AAF Dallas 2012 ADDYs. See their branding, collateral, and other DEBC designs here.

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If you’re in the Dallas area, head over to The Common Table tomorrow (Thursday) night to try two of Deep Ellum Brewing Company’s IPAs. From their Facebook page: Thursday we’ll be tapping Deep Ellum Brewing Company Dreamcrusher Imperial IPA AND a Cask of the the normal (although there’s nothing normal about it) IPA dry-hopped with Citra. Looking very forward to this one — first time the IPA has ever been in a cask & we got to special order it with Citra Hops, one of our favorites. 5PMish tapping for both… See ya then!

Tags | branding, Dallas, drink

New in Town

Opening a restaurant is tough. I worked in the industry for many years and saw firsthand how difficult it is to build, manage, and maintain a brand — because that’s essentially what it is.  That’s why not only having a great concept, but branding it well, is so important from the very beginning. If you’re the new guy in town, but you look and act like you’ve been there forever, you’re automatically “in” with the locals. Image is everything. (Good food doesn’t hurt either.)

The Union Bear is a new restaurant/microbrewery that opened last week right down the street from me. While I haven’t been yet, it’s high on my to-eat list for a few reasons:

1. You can bring in a beer recipe and they’ll brew it. Service: CHECK.

2. Most everything is locally-sourced. Plus, house-made butter.  Food: CHECK.

3. Dallas-based illustrator Kyle Steed nailed it. The laid-back design style is just right for this neighborhood spot. Image: CHECK.

I really commend the guys behind The Union Bear for having their concept so pulled-together at this point in the game. I’m excited to try it out and will be sure to report back.

 

Images: UrbanDaddy | The Union Bear

 

Tags | branding, Dallas, drink, food, restaurant