The Curate Project

Selective and Collective | Curating what we eat, drink, drive, wear and do.

About

Hey, I'm Brock, the founder of The Curate Project. I love paying close attention to the details, the little details, the smallest of details. I've always been that way. It doesn't really matter which arena, what I wear, drive, eat, drink, and do. It's the details that take it to 100. A friend once asked, "Do you ever take a day off?" in reference to my outfit. The truth, no. A detail missed is an opportunity lost. Even my pajamas are picked with purpose.With The Curate Project, my mission is to showcase the power of intentional choices. I’ll be sharing my own curated picks alongside the refined selections of the well-dressed and well-traveled. You’ll get a glimpse of what the foodies are savoring and how they're cooking it up. You'll see the cocktails the bartenders are crafting, and what they use to shake and stir it, all of the details that elevate everyday moments into something extraordinary.Here’s the question we should all be asking: If this item (I'm driving, sipping, wearing, insert verb) could talk behind my back... what would it say? Everything is a representation in some way. Together, they're telling a little story. Let it be a good one.

Welcome to The Curate Project,
BROCK ELLIOTT

CURATE STORIES

EAT | DRINK | DRIVE | WEAR | LIVE

CURATE STORIES

EAT | DRINK | DRIVE | WEAR | LIVE

Curated story coming soon...

CURATE STORIES

EAT | DRINK | DRIVE | WEAR | LIVE

Behind the Bar
A Night to Remember

Some nights, you throw on a tux, step behind the bar, and pour your heart into the glasses of sixty of your closest friends.

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CURATE STORIES

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Behind the Bar | A Night to Remember

Photos by Jonathan Martine @intjmartine

Some nights, you throw on a tux, step behind the bar, and pour your heart into the glasses of sixty of your closest friends. This past April, that’s exactly what Ohene, Mason, and I did. The result? A cocktail soirée that, months later, still feels enchanting.Setting the Scene
Picture a room lit just enough to let shadows dance across the walls. The space felt intimate, a modern speakeasy brought to life. Guests arrived in black tie, each one radiating elegance as they mingled and lingered into the late hours. The air carried an energy that was both refined and effortlessly fun—an atmosphere you wanted to savor.

The Bartenders’ VisionOhene, Mason, and I didn’t just host; we curated an experience. From the dress code to the drink menu, every detail was intentional. Behind the bar, we each brought two signature cocktails to the table, each one a reflection of our personalities:

Mason’s Creations: “Truth Serum” (Tequila, Gran Marnier, Orange Bitters, Activated Charcoal, Lemon Simple Syrup, Lime Juice) and “Revolver” (Bourbon, Coffee Liqueur, Orange Bitters, Burned Orange Peel). Bold, unapologetic, and unforgettable.

Ohene’s Creations: “Song of Solomon” (Gin, Lemon, Lemon Simple Syrup, Butterfly Pea Flowers) and “Verdant Remedy” (Chartreuse, Gin, Maraschino, Lemon, Smoked Rosemary). Poetic, vibrant, and full of life.

My Creations: “A Horse and a Donkey Make a Mule” (Bourbon, Lemon, Maple, Ginger Beer, Toasted Marshmallow) and “Espress Yo’ Self Martini” (Espresso, Vodka, Irish Cream, Amaretto). Playful, bold, and conversation-starting. And you know, of course I was making traditional martinis on the side too.These weren’t just drinks; they were stories in a glass—crafted to spark curiosity and invite connection.

The Night Unfolds
From the first pour to the last guest leaving, the night felt electric. Friends who hadn’t seen each other in a long while reconnected. Strangers became fast friends. Long time friends pushed on. Each cocktail, carefully designed, added its own layer to the evening’s narrative. And as hosts, the greatest reward was seeing how these moments unfolded naturally, without pretense or effort.

Why It Matters
At The Curate Project, we talk often about the significance of objects—clothing, furniture, heirlooms. But some of the most meaningful things we curate are experiences. This night was about more than just cocktails; it was about friendship, creativity, and the joy that comes from bringing people together in a way that feels purposeful.

Closing Thoughts
Looking back, this evening was a highlight of 2024, a moment we’ll carry with us long after the year ends. It reminded me that the best gatherings aren’t about extravagance; they’re about creating a space where people feel seen, connected, and inspired. And on that night in April, I’d say we succeeded.

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Zephyr Fedor
1986 VW Bus

Zephyr’s 1986 VW Microbus is a rolling tribute to his father’s dream and a symbol of adventure, freedom, and cherished family memories.

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Zephyr Fedor | 1986 VW Bus

Photos by Andrew Casebolt @17shotsin

The 1986 VW Microbus: A Timeless Classic with a Personal TouchThe 1986 VW Microbus is more than just a vehicle; it’s an enduring symbol of freedom, adventure, and a bygone era. With its distinctive design, practical features, and cultural significance, the Microbus has become a beloved icon among car enthusiasts and nostalgia seekers alike.Zephyr’s Journey: A Dream Realized
For some, the 1986 VW Microbus represents more than just a cool vintage car—it’s a vessel for fulfilling lifelong dreams. Zephyr’s story is a perfect example. Growing up in Texas, Zephyr listened to his dad talk about wanting to take a classic VW Microbus on a cross-country adventure. But life had other plans, and that dream remained unrealized.Years later, Zephyr finally acquired the iconic bus, not just as a nod to vintage style but as a way to bring his dad’s dream to life. The real magic began when they embarked on their journey from Texas to New York. Along the way, the Microbus became more than just transportation—it turned into a rolling tribute to freedom, adventure, and the bond between father and son.Zephyr’s Microbus, with its retro charm and distinctive split windows, isn’t just cool because it looks great—it’s cool because it embodies the spirit of exploration. It’s a vehicle that invites you to take your time, enjoy the ride, and make memories that last a lifetime. Zephyr even keeps his banjo tucked away inside, ready to strum a tune whenever the mood strikes, adding a soundtrack to their adventures.

What Makes the 1986 VW Microbus Special?The 1986 VW Microbus is instantly recognizable, thanks to its boxy shape, round headlights, and iconic VW logo. The split windows, a hallmark of earlier designs, give the bus its unique, vintage appeal. Inside, the simplicity of the dashboard, vinyl seats, and spacious rear area reflect the vehicle’s practical roots, designed for both comfort and utility.The Microbus’s rear-wheel drive and lightweight design make it surprisingly agile, and despite its modest horsepower, it offers a driving experience that’s both connected and enjoyable. It’s a car that requires you to be present, to savor each shift of the gear, and to appreciate the slower pace of life it encourages.Beyond its mechanical and design features, the Microbus holds a special place in popular culture. It’s a symbol of the 1960s and ’70s counterculture, often associated with freedom, peace, and a laid-back lifestyle. Whether cruising down a highway or parked at a campsite, the Microbus is a vehicle that turns heads and sparks conversations.

The Lasting Appeal of the VW MicrobusFor those like Zephyr, the 1986 VW Microbus is more than just a classic car—it’s a piece of history, a family heirloom, and a symbol of dreams fulfilled. It’s a vehicle that represents a connection to a different time, a slower, more deliberate way of life, and the joy of the open road.Whether you’re drawn to its vintage design, its cultural significance, or the stories it carries, the 1986 VW Microbus continues to captivate and inspire. It’s not just about getting from one place to another—it’s about the journey, the memories made, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.In a world that often feels rushed, the Microbus reminds us to slow down, take in the sights, and appreciate the ride. It’s a timeless classic that will always be cool, no matter how many miles it travels.

CURATE STORIES

EAT | DRINK | DRIVE | WEAR | LIVE

Curated story coming soon...

CURATE STORIES

EAT | DRINK | DRIVE | WEAR | LIVE

Curated story coming soon...

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the Program

Song of Solomon 1:15

“Look! You are beautiful, my beloved. Look! You are beautiful.”Gin, Lemon, Lemon Simple Syrup, Butterfly Pea Flowersby Ohene

Verdant Remedy

Caution fire works ahead.Chartreuse, Gin, Maraschino, Lemon, Smoked Rosemaryby Ohene

Revolver

This drink comes with a BANG!Bourbon, Coffee Liqueur, Orange Bitters, Burned Orange Peelby Mason

Truth Serum

The truth. The whole truth. Nothing but the truth.Tequilla, Gran Marnier, Orange Bitters, Activated Charcoal, Lemon Simple Syrup, Lime Juiceby Mason

Bespoke Martini

Crisp, clean, and tailored to perfection—because every detail matters.Gin, Dry Vermouth, Orange Bitters, Olive or Lemon Peel Garnish (It’s your choice that makes it bespoke)by Brock

The Curator's Negroni

Bold, balanced, and impeccably styled—just like the well-curated.Gin, Campari, Sweet Vermouth, Orangeby Brock

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