Show 560, January 13, 2024: Alexis Readinger, Founder, Preen – Architecture and Interiors Firm Part One

Alexis Readinger of Preen

Preen is an award-winning, international architecture and Interiors firm founded by Alexis Readinger with twenty years of experience specializing in hospitality design. Preen offers everything needed to build a project down to the matchbook.” They are based in a historic building in Los Angeles’ Chinatown. Projects in their expansive portfolio include Pine & Crane in the South Park neighborhood of Downtown Los Angeles, the Howlin’ Ray’s in Pasadena (in the fondly-remembered Adohr Milk Farm building) and Piccalilli in Culver City. Preen has also designed a few of the distinctive establishments in Chinatown’s Far West Plaza. A current, high-profile effort in development is acclaimed Chef Tim Hollingsworth’s Otium Las Vegas in the Waldorf Astoria in the Aria Campus (the former Mandarin Oriental hotel.)

Alexis Readinger, Founder – “I believe in the idea of whole wellness and in creating a life that is deep in abundance for self, for community and for the planet. I’ve spent over two decades in the world of hospitality, this place of great generosity. Coming from this perspective, my commitment is to create conscious spaces that inspire humanity within the human animal experience. My calling is to create space that invites connection to the infinite.”

“A Texas native, Alexis holds a Masters in Architecture from UCLA and a Bachelors from Vanderbilt University. She is a LEED certified Green Building Advisor and a member of the AIA. Alexis serves on the board of the Chinatown Business Improvement District (BID), the Chung King Road Association, and the Travel Experience and Trends Council at the Urban Land Institute (ULI). She stands for just and joyful business.”

Preen’s founder, Alexis Readinger, is our guest to explore the mysterious world of restaurant design.

Show 172, May 21, 2016: Executive Chef Carrie Nahabedian, NAHA and Brindille, Chicago Continues…

Carrie NahabedianChef Carrie Nahabedian is one of the pillars of dining in Chicago. After departing her position as Executive Chef of the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, Carrie Nahabedian returned to her native Chicago to open NAHA in 2000, which garnered her a James Beard Award and four consecutive Michelin stars. Chef Nahabedian continues with us.

Brindille (Chef Carrie’s latest venture), named “Best New Restaurant in 2013” by Chicago Tribune, offers a glimpse into refined Parisian cuisine and atmosphere from the team that brought you NAHA. It’s Dinner, only.

In 2015 Brindille was awarded the James Beard Award for outstanding Restaurant Design (for an establishment under 75 seats.) It’s all of 30 seats.

For all restaurant information, go to their website.