Friday, June 27, 2008

Bravo, David!

Our biggest congratulations to David Zebley, Director of Design at Portfolio, for receiving FIVE Design Excellence Awards this evening! What an incredible tribute to his knowledge, dedication and success in consistently achieving excellence in design.

Part of the Portfolio philosophy is that each individual on staff brings something totally unique to the group. As an integral part of the Portfolio story, David truly brings inspiration and soul to everything we do here.

Please join us in celebrating David and all winning designers!

To view the complete list of award recipients, please see the July/August 2008 issue of Kansas City Home Design Magazine.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Which came first...?

This Spring, we were so blessed to have our new Juniper trees serve as home to a momma bird and her four baby eggs. Over the course of several weeks, we were able to see the eggs hatch, watch the babies grow, and eventually fly away. It was so magical, and we shared our baby birds with all our friends and clients who stopped by the showroom. But, as families often do, momma bird also moved on from her home as she was now an “empty-nester”. We were definitely sad to see them go…

Well, over the past week, a new momma bird has moved in, and we couldn’t be more excited! She has done a little remodeling, and has definitely “feathered” her nest. When we came into the showroom on Tuesday, there were four eggs again! But how thrilled were we when, on Wednesday, there were five?!? And today, would you believe it, SIX! We are all hoping there will be lucky number seven tomorrow, but by now this little momma bird has got to be pretty exhausted…

The point of all this, really, is reflective of the changes we are going through here at Portfolio. With our clients, as many families grow and change, so do the needs of the design of their home…and we are so fortunate to have them look to us for inspiration. As well, Portfolio is also growing and evolving to meet our customer’s needs. This summer Portfolio is proud to introduce Studio PKH, a fabulous new division of Portfolio offering the same great design in an affordable price range.

For more information on Studio PKH, click here.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Portfolio Named One of KC's Top Companies by KCB Magazine

As a small company with eight employees, being selected by KCB Magazine as one of Kansas City’s Top Companies is a great compliment to what we call “The Portfolio experience”.

Following a cocktail reception at the downtown Kansas City art deco landmark, Hotel Phillips, KCB presented a brief program in which this year’s top companies were announced.

Recognized for our progressive work environment, contributions to Kansas City’s lifestyle, exceptional customer service, expansion beyond the local market to include international business, and involvement in community service, Portfolio is delighted to be among the Top 30 Companies in Kansas City!

Thanks to all our clients, friends, and colleagues for their generous support (and awesomeness!).

Saturday, June 14, 2008

BBQ Queens Take Over Portfolio's Kitchen

One of Kansas City’s own BBQ Queens, Karen Adler, spent the day at Portfolio cooking up delicious food from her newest book with fellow BBQ Queen, Judith Fertig: BBQ Bash. Karen shared tips and ways to “deck it out, change it up and raise a glass” to great summer dishes perfect to be cooked on the grill.

One of our favorite ideas Karen shared was for those of us who love Maytag blue cheese. One of the finest blue cheeses, Maytag can often cost a pretty penny for the small wedge you buy in the grocery store. But, did you know, a whole wheel of cheese for the company doesn’t cost much more? A 2-pound wheel is only $28.50! And, if you don’t need that much, two 8-ounce wedges is just $15.95. To purchase from the company, call 1-800-247-2458 or visit the Maytag website for their full catalog.

Among the fabulous dishes Karen prepared were asparagus rolled in prosciutto, cooked on the grill and then drizzled with balsamic vinegar and topped with shaved pecorino cheese; pecan-smoked goat cheese-stuffed peppadews, the perfect balance of smoke and spice and just the right size to pop into your mouth; blue cheese coleslaw made with grilled Napa cabbage and toasted pecans; and a fruit salad of peaches, pineapple and strawberries, drizzled with Muscat and amaretto.

Karen’s recipes from BBQ Bash delivered exactly what the book promised, “a be-all, end-all [BBQ] party guide” with recipes to be eaten at any occasion, from barefoot to black-tie. The book boasts 100 recipes for your grill or smoker, and can be purchased through the BBQ Queens website.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Portfolio Salutes Urban Times

Happy Anniversary, Urban Times!

Portfolio Kitchen & Home salutes ChristinaBoveri for truly being a maverick in Kansas City's urban livingexperience, not only by reporting it, but also defining it. Urban Times is a celebration of the best in urban design, focusing on the unique andcreative lifestyle of Kansas City's urbanites and bringing it to theforefront. More than a hip publication, each issue of Urban Times trulyillustrates the rhythm of our city.

Congratulations!

Stylishly yours,
Geri Higgins & Team Portfolio