September 2011 - Oser Communications Group
Transcription
September 2011 - Oser Communications Group
MARKET WATCH: BUYERS GUIDE: SPECIAL FEATURE: COOKBOOKS SPICE JARS & RACKS HOME TEXTILES SEE PAGE 1 SEE PAGE 27 SEE PAGE 1 IN H O GI L SID FT ID E: GU AY ID E K ITCHENWARE NEWS & H o u s e w, a r e s R e v i e w S E RV I N G K I T C H E N WA R E VOLUME 17, NUMBER 9 H O U S E WA R E S A N D TA B L E T O P M A R K E T S SEPTEMBER 2011 Cookbooks Target Niches To Fit Consumers’ Wide-Ranging Interests by Joanne Friedrick If there is a cuisine, a chef or a diet that is making headlines, then there is likely a cookbook available or in the works. There is, however, still a niche for the generalist cookbook that was the prevalent style in decades past, but even that has taken on a modern sensibility so it will appeal to today’s cooks. With so many recipes available online at no cost to the consumer, the challenge for cookbook publishers is to create books that are relevant to the cooking public, said Adam Salomone, Associate Publisher for Harvard Common Press (HCP) in Boston. Continued on Page 26 2012 Home Textile Trends Go Organic with Color, Sustainability, Fair Trade by Theresa Grant Muted greens like sage, moss and olive, warm earth tones in soft yellows, golds, oranges and reds, and blues ranging from sky tones to deep navy are making their way into interior landscapes as designers debut their home accessories for 2012. And, while gray and brown are the new black, black itself continues to hold strong as an accent color. Many companies are incorporating sustainability factors into their textile production, seeking Fair Trade credentials and stepping up their commitment to providing living wages to workers in third world countries through organizations such as India’s Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), which helps lift women out of poverty while allowing them to simultaneously work part time and care for their families. Mitali Seth and her longtime design partner, Lovisa Shegill, whose careers in textiles span more than a decade, knew they wanted to “help Continued on Page 25 w w w . k i t c h e n w a r e n e w s . c o m { headlines } Kmart, Ramsay Team Up on Kitchen Collection in working with Kmart, I can guarantee each product is being offered at an accessible price.” Kmart has become the exclusive retailer for the new Gordon Ramsay Everyday kitchen collection. Ramsay, a Michelinstarred chef who has parlayed a fiery personality and culinary prowess into fame as a TV star, entrepreneur and restaurateur, is debuting the line in Kmart stores in fall. The line includes cookware, dinnerware, cooking utensils and small kitchen appliances. Ramsay was born in Scotland, but raised in England, where he earned a university degree in hotel management. His first wholly owned restaurant, Gordon Ramsay, established in London in 1998, was awarded three Michelin stars within three years of its launch. Since then Ramsay and his team launched some of London’s most high-profile restaurants, including Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s, Petrus and the Savoy Grill, and more recently maze and maze Grill, Plane Food at Heathrow T5, York & Albany and the Narrow in Limehouse. In 2003 Gordon launched his first international restaurant, Verre, in the Dubai Hilton Creek Hotel. Gordon Ramsay Holdings is now involved in a number of restaurants in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Dublin, Doha, Paris, Tuscany, Sardinia and Melbourne. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Gordon Ramsay on the Everyday line, allowing us to offer Kmart customers kitchen products made to his exacting standards as a professional chef,” said John Goodman, Executive Vice President of Apparel and Home for Sears Holdings. “Anyone who has watched (Ramsay) in action knows that he’ll accept nothing less than the best, which is exactly the caliber of home products we want to offer our customers.” Ramsay, who first made a name for himself in the United States on the culinary competition show Hell’s Kitchen and as the MasterChef judge with a take-no-prisoners style of critique, chose to collaborate with Kmart to help at-home cooks acquire the right tools to make a home-cooked meal. “Cooking is my passion,” said Ramsay. “It’s great to be able to provide quality products to everyone, from the novice to the advanced. Many of my fans have been seeking advice for some time on how to help transform their home cooking into more of a fine-dining experience. By developing this collection, I can make the right tools available to them and, Ramsay has also published a number of books including his autobiography, Humble Pie, which became a bestseller. His most recent cookbooks, Ramsay’s Best Menus and Christmas with Gordon, were published by Quadrille in September and November 2010, respectively. Fox Run Craftsmen Becomes Fox Run Brands With nine brands serving all classes of trade, Fox Run Craftsmen has rebranded itself as Fox Run Brands to better identify the company and reflect its mission. The name change, which became effective in late July, reflects the company’s expansion in the past five years from a single brand business to a multi-brand one. “It is also the culmination of 40-plus years of housewares distribution experience combined with several successful entrepreneurs brands brought to market to fill a niche,” explained Sean Leonard, President. “This powerful platform has been well received by our retail partners, making us a leading multi-brand distribution solution. As we continue to enhance our product solutions for the housewares market, we are also expanding the platform to solve process issues in supply chain and fulfillment,” he said. New resources available to retailers include national sales managers, independent sales reps and an in-house sales team. Fox Run Brands is based in Ivyland, Pa., and also operates distribution facilities in Toronto and Shanghai. The business began as a cookie cutter manufacturer but has grown to include more than 3,000 products. Its brands include Ironwood Gourmet, KitchenArt, Nantucket Seafood, Guy Fieri, Outset, Kingsford, Doughmakers and Fun Run Culinary Tools. 2 Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 www.kitchenwarenews.com september 2011 contents 6 7 8 27 30 ONE ON ONE Richard Joseph PRODUCT REVIEW RETAILER PROFILE BUYERS GUIDE AD INDEX b a { shorts } d Jasper + Black Acquires Mayfair Lane, Relaunches Product Jasper + Black, a Minneapolis-based distributor of design-driven giftware, recently acquired Mayfair Lane, an Indianapolis manufacturer of products that stick to stainless steel, glass, tile and other smooth, nonporous surfaces. As part of the purchase, Jasper + Black has relaunched Mayfair Lane’s products under the Lulalu brand, including the new 360° Click Clip, a reusable message and photo holder. The clip can adhere to just about any surface, including stainless steel appliances, and when clicked c to open holds notes, pictures and more. The 2" 360° Click Clip is available in 12 colors. g “I’m excited by Jasper + Black’s acquisition of Mayfair Lane,” said Sue Russell, CEO and Founder of Mayfair Lane. “I admire the vision Jasper + Black has for Mayfair Lane and know this is a great step forward for both companies.” ON THE COVER Jasper + Black began shipping the new Lulalu 360° Click Clip, which is made in the United States, in July. Cooks Corner hosts Food Network Star for Demo, Meal Cooks Corner, a kitchenware store in Green Bay, Wis., was host to “Food Network Star” Season 7 finalist Jyll Everman. Spectators watched as Everman demonstrated three dishes she prepared on the Food Network’s reality TV series. She also delighted fans afterwards by signing Food Network Star recipe cards, taking pictures with them and discussing episodes of the show. Customers of Cooks Corner also took part in a chance to win a four-course meal for 10 presented by Everman. Winners John and Char Dunlap of Green Bay, along with eight of their friends, enjoyed a culinary experience tailored just for them. Everman prepared Spicy Shrimp and Parmesan Grits, Panzanella Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette, Garlic Roasted Chicken with Sweet Corn Succotash and White Chocolate and Summer Berry Bread. The meal was a reunion, of sorts, as John www.kitchenwarenews.com e f Dunlap was Everman’s math teacher at Green Bay Southwest High School. “Jyll was such great fun to have at the store,” said Pete Burback, owner of Cooks Corner. “She is so down to earth and has a contagious personality. She has a lot of talent, energy and enthusiasm for cooking. It was great to get to know her and her husband Tommy, her relatives, friends, and fans of the show that came to see her.” Everman, one of the finalists from the 15 competitors on this year’s Food Network Star, attended the Epicurean School of Culinary Arts and has worked in several high-end restaurants in various roles. A private chef for six years, she is the owner of Jyllicious Bites, a catering company devoted to gourmet finger foods. She also teaches monthly cooking classes throughout Southern California. Cooks Corner is a 23,000-square-foot kitchenware products store. The store is also home to the gourmet Fudge Shoppe and an in-store outlet center. a PRODYNE Spice Tower Carousel [tel] 800.822.4776 www.prodyne.com b FRIELING USA Zenker Ring Mold Creations [tel] 800.827.2582 www.frieling.com c VINAROZ COOKWARE Coated Cast Aluminum Cookware [tel] 323.585.3090 www.vinarozcookware.com d JOSEPH JOSEPH Stretch [tel] 516.248.1575 www.josephjoseph.com e EPIC PRODUCTS Epic Cheese Server [tel] 800.548.9791 www.epicproductsinc.com f g ALESSI Anna Gong Folding Cake Stand [tel] 212.431.1310 www.alessi.com LINDEN SWEDEN Click&Clean Garlic Press X [tel] 952.465.0052 www.lindensweden.com future features OCTOBER Tabletop Market Update Home & Kitchen Storage Small Electrics Buffet/Serveware Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 3 & KITCHENWARE NEWS Housewares Review w w w. k i t c h e n w a r e n e w s . c o m publisher’s note Greetings from the New York International Gift Fair! The opening day for most of the exhibit halls was greeted by rain, but that hasn’t dampened the spirits of the tens of thousands of vendors and buyers who are here to try to figure out what will be the hottest items on the market during this next holiday season. PUBLISHER Lee M. Oser EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL DIRECTOR EDITOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lorrie Baumann [email protected] Joanne Friedrick [email protected] [tel] 207.780.8656 Theresa Grant [email protected] Among those bidding for the buyers’ attention are Talisman Designs, which has announced the addition of three new lines of beechwood utensils with laser art etched permanently into the wood, and Wilshire Industries, which has brought an exciting line of Island Bamboo cutting boards. There’s a lot of talk about the resurging popularity of wood here at the show, and particularly about wood from sustainably managed forests. Bamboo plantations are said to reduce greenhouse gases by absorbing more carbon dioxide and producing more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees. CONTRIBUTING EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR Valerie Wilson [email protected] Among the other vendors discussing environmental consciousness is BottlesUp, which is showcasing reusable glass water bottles that blend the beauty and recyclability of glass with the absence of toxins that can leach into liquids from some plastic bottles. GRAPHIC DESIGNER Yasmine Brown [email protected] As we noticed at the International Home + Housewares Show earlier this year, bright colors are definitely back in the kitchen and dining rooms, and we’re seeing that here also. Mastrad’s here with a glowing line of silicone kitchen utensils in vibrant colors to coordinate with every kitchen color scheme from the Jane Jetson modern to the June Cleaver retro. Lindén Sweden’s display is equally colorful, with vibrant cutting boards, tumblers and stemware and a line of spice grinders that’s strong enough to grind flax seeds with a mechanism that’s guaranteed for 25 years. TRAFFIC MANAGER Selene Pinuelas [email protected] For the bedroom and the living room, the emphasis here at the gift fair is on the cozy and comfortable in warm earth tones and natural fabrics. Malpaca, for instance, is showing 100 percent natural sleeping pillows filled with U.S. alpaca fiber and covered with organic viscose bamboo fabric. There’s so much to see here that we’re going to be busy enjoying and writing about it all until the very end of the show. We know that if you couldn’t be here, you’re still going to want to wallow in the experience, so expect to see full coverage of the show in our next issue of Kitchenware News & Housewares Review. SUBSCRIBER SERVICES editor’s note SENIOR ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER For Christmas cookie baking, she would often turn to the cookbooks put out by the local gas and electric companies, which were used to promote use of kitchen appliances powered by the different energy suppliers. One of my all-time favorite cookies comes from the gas company’s booklet and I still make a batch every Christmas. Of course, as I grew older, I started compiling my own collection of cookbooks: several tomes by Julia Child, autographed copies from some of the chefs who have also developed specialty food or kitchenware lines, and 30 or more church, Junior League and regional cookbooks that I have picked during my travels. I also have several editions of the Betty Crocker cookbook, along with my mom’s old Settlement Cookbook, Fannie Farmer and others that fall into the generalist genre. Then there are the ethnic ones and books devoted to specific topics such as low-calorie, quick-and-easy, soups and stews and baking. With all the books I’ve acquired over the years, I find it difficult to think that there are some folks who would prefer to turn to the computer or an eReader to get their recipes, rather than from the pages of a book. In writing about cookbooks for this issue, I was pleased to hear that even though publishers are addressing the eBook trend, they aren’t abandoning print. With the demise of Borders and the general decline in independent bookstores, it may be up to the kitchenware retailing industry to bring the printed cookbook to the public. With so many interesting titles in the works and new cuisines to explore, it shouldn’t be difficult to find books that are just right for your store and your clientele. Kate Seymour [email protected] [tel] 520.721.1300 Lyle Sapp [email protected] [tel] 520.721.1300 Kitchenware News & Housewares Review is a publication of ELM Communications, a division of Oser Communications Group, Inc. 1877 N. Kolb Road Tucson, AZ 85715 www.oser.com PRESIDENT I can’t recall which of my dozens of cookbooks was my first, but I do know that I’ve always loved reading them. My mom only had a handful, but they were well worn and well used, with little splatters on the pages and notations in the margins regarding changes she made, usually on cooking time or temperature. 1877 N. Kolb Road Tucson, Arizona 85715 [tel] 520.721.1300 [fax] 520.721.6300 KITCHENWARE/HOUSEWARES ADVERTISING ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Lee M. Oser, Publisher Rocelle Aragon [email protected] Lee M. Oser Periodicals postage paid at Tucson, AZ and additional mailing office. Kitchenware News & Housewares Review (USPS012-625) is published 12 times per year (Jan., Feb., March, April, May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec.) by Oser Communications Group, 1877 N. Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ, 85715 (520) 721.1300. Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material or prices quoted in newspaper. Contributors are responsible for proper release of proprietary classified information. ©2011 by Oser Communications Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher, is expressly prohibited. Back issues, when available, cost $8 each within the past 12 months. Back issue orders must be paid in advance by check. Kitchenware News & Housewares Review is distributed without charge in North America to qualified professionals in the retail and distribution channels of the upscale kitchenware and tabletop trade. For subscriber services, including subscription information, call (520) 721.1300. Printed in the USA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Kitchenware News & Housewares Review, 1877 N. Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85715. Joanne Friedrick, Editor [email protected] 4 Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 www.kitchenwarenews.com { headlines } A Southern Season Sold to Investment Funds A Southern Season, a specialty food and kitchenware retailer in Chapel Hill, N.C., was sold Aug. 1 to TC Capital Fund. TC Capital, headed by Clay Hamner, invested a significant amount of growth capital into the company. TC Capital Fund is a joint venture between two Chapel Hill investment funds—Carrboro Capital Corp. and Tryon Capital Ventures LLC. The founders of Carrboro Capital are Hamner, Betty Kenan and Phil Phillips and the founders of Tryon Capital are Pete Coker and Peter Reichard. “A core part of our mission has always been local ownership and operation,” said A Southern Season Founder Michael Barefoot. “That will not change. Ownership remains local in this new corporate structure…we will now be positioned to grow to the next level. “For most of A Southern Season’s history,” added Barefoot, “Clay has been a loyal customer and supporter of the philosophy and values of what we’re all about. As the company experienced the economic downturn in early 2009, like other businesses did, Hamner initiated discussions about helping the company grow. “We have stayed in close communication since, and finally, all the pieces came together. His long-respected local profile along with the other local investors was definitely a key part of our decision. They absolutely relate to this Chapel Hill institution on a very personal level and share our commitment to keeping A Southern Season something very, very special.” A Southern Season began as an 800-squarefoot storefront in December 1975 with Barefoot as its lone employee. In the 35-plus years since, the customer service-focused business, specializing in both North Carolina-produced and international culinary specialty foods, has grown to its current 60,000-square-foot emporium in University Mall and now has more than 300 employees. In addition to the Chapel Hill store, it boasts a national catalog and e-commerce business, a steady schedule of celebrity chefs in its cooking school, and the Weathervane restaurant. The store was recently ranked among America’s 25 Best Independent Stores in a book by George Whalin. “A Southern Season is a part of the fiber of Chapel Hill. It is also a well-established brand with loyal customers from throughout North Carolina and beyond,” said Hamner. “I have believed in this brand and vision for as long as I have been in Chapel Hill, and have watched the company grow from a oneman operation to a large retail store with great products and services, and a great management and employee team. I always enjoy being in the store and that is coming from a person who hates to shop. “We are pleased to join forces with the A Southern Season team and help the www.kitchenwarenews.com company continue to build upon its core tenants of educating about food and creating a one-of-a kind, entertaining shopping experience that exceeds customers’ expectations. We will re-invest significantly to grow the business, including enhancing the retail shopping experience, expanding existing product lines and bringing in new products to surprise and delight our customers, as well as expanding and enhancing our online shopping experience.” in the business, along with longtime partners Tim Manale and Briggs Wesche. Regarding the impact on his personal future plans, Barefoot adds, “This is the first step in a slow transition away from work. After 36 years, I think that it’s about time. I will be fully engaged at A Southern Season for the next five years, after which I plan to reduce my involvement to pursue other challenges and interests which I have not been able to do as I was growing A Southern Season.” Barefoot will continue to play an active role In addition, the company is pleased to bring Larry Shaw on board as President. Shaw, an experienced executive and Chapel Hill resident, has worked with strong retail brands such as The Vermont Country Store and Nordstrom over the past 20 years. “With the addition of Shaw to the strong management team, and following the vision of the company’s founder, we are very pleased to join this great group of managers and store employees” added Tryon Capital’s Coker. “I am looking forward to joining this great local institution,” said Shaw, “and our A Southern Season team encourages all locals and visitors to come to the store and check out the exciting changes.” one one are very well merchandised and they are exciting stores to go into. We don’t find stores like Sur La Table in Europe. You typically don’t seem to find stores just focused on gourmet kitchenware. on by Joanne Friedrick Richard Joseph and his twin brother, Antony, are the team behind the creation of Joseph Joseph, a high-design kitchenware brand with headquarters in London. Recently Richard Joseph spoke with Kitchenware News about the company, which was named Tool and Gadgets Vendor of the Year by the Seattlebased specialty retail chain Sur La Table. Joseph Joseph was also ranked 28th in the prestigious 2011 International Track 100, The Sunday Times’ annual listing of Britain’s private companies with the fastest-growing international sales, measured over a two-year period. Q: How did Joseph Joseph come about? A: It was started in 2003 by me and my twin brother, Antony. We didn’t necessarily have a love of cooking, but we did have a love of product design. Richard Joseph Managing Director for Joseph Joseph We designed a number of products for the household, one of the first ones being a super-hygienic glass cutting board. From there, we gave shoppers a range of kitchenware products. It was a very ontrend area of the home to get involved in for three reasons: the theme of celebrity chefs; the recession, which has more people cooking at home; and the fact that the kitchen is becoming a more central entertaining space. Q: What is your design philosophy and how are we seeing that played out in your products? A: About four years ago, we really tried to understand our design philosophy, and came up with three ideals that are applied to every product. First, it has to be functional, useful and practical. Second, we try to make it colorful and fun; and third, it has to be well packaged so it can be given as a gift, whether the gift is for someone else or for yourself. Q: As an international brand, how do you address the needs and tastes of your different constituencies? A: We are currently selling our products in 69 countries. This year, the U.S. market will become our largest market worldwide. When doing business in so many countries, we like to think globally but also react locally. The United States and Japan are our two biggest markets, but they are very different in terms of which products work and so we have to make some changes. Our large square colander sells very well in the United States, but the small size of that same square colander sells better in Japan. Q: Your company was recently recognized by Sur La Table: What does that mean for your brand? A: Being honored by Sur La Table was a huge plus for us and a huge recognition. We are still a relatively small brand in the U.S. market, but we have invested heavily in the United States with a U.S. office and American employees. We did that because we want to offer a high level of customer service in the United States. To be recognized by Sur La Table is very important to us. The Sur La Table stores Q: Most people have few go-to items in their kitchen: What are yours? A: I’m definitely a keen cook, but mostly I love to entertain and cook en mass. I do use a lot of Joseph Joseph products because we find it’s a great way to test what will work. One of our biggest ranges is our chopping boards, and its great to have a good range to work with. So I like to have a great, multipurpose, well-made chopping board on hand. In fact, I think it’s essential to have four or five. And then the other basics are a square colander that fits easily in the sink and a couple of great knives. I also like to use our new Elevate utensils. They really seem to sum up our company and how we design products. They are very simple, but functional. They’re not over complicated, but they do the job. you’re not Q:When working, what would we find you doing? A: I’m an avid skier. I’m happy to work through the summer and save up time so I can head to the mountains in the winter. I’m also building a new house and trying to incorporate that Joseph Joseph design. Q: What is Joseph Joseph? the next step for A: We still feel we have a long way to go in the kitchen, so there are lots of products we can still design. But we are definitely exploring other areas of the home as well. Because we are about problem-solving product design, it can take us into other areas. We’re still focused on kitchenware, but we have some other ideas; I just can’t talk about them yet. Bodum Wins Australian Trademark Infringement Suit Bodum®, manufacturer of the original Chambord French Press Coffee Maker, won an Australian trademark infringement suit that protects the design of its iconic French press. Joining the ranks of products like the world-famous Coca-Cola bottle, the distinctive shape and features of the Chambord French press are now protected against copies in Australia. The court’s decision in the case of Peter Bodum AS v. DKSH Australia Ltd. is one of the first of its kind in Australia and a great milestone for Bodum, as the company protects its intellectual property worldwide. Thomas Perez, President of Bodum USA, Inc. said, “We are thrilled that 6 Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 our company has won such a significant court case in Australia. The Chambord is the original French Press and we are proud that its distinctive shape is considered to be in the same category as the Coca-Cola bottle. This case has set the precedent for us and will help us to further protect and distinguish our designs and products from cheap knock-offs and imitations.” In August, an Australia appeals court ruled that DKSH Australia Ltd., a unit of importerexporter DKSH Group, broke the Trade Practices Act by importing and selling a copy of the Bodum Chambord, overturning a trial judge’s decision. www.kitchenwarenews.com product review by Theresa Grant Bella Tavola Creme Brulee Torch During my years as a restaurant reviewer, the successful execution of creme brulee often was the final note in determining an establishment’s overall quality. If it was on the menu (or the special of the day), creme brulee was part of our review. My review partner and I liked our creme brulee unadulterated, with perhaps a drizzle of berry sauce, a sprig of mint, and an adorning berry or two. The desire to tinker with perfection always puzzled us—why would anyone want to make a s’mores version of creme brulee? I wouldn’t say I’m a veteran creme brulee chef, but I have my own standby recipe (from The Silver Palate Cookbook), so I was delighted when The Alison Group’s Wall Lenk division presented its Bella Tavola Deluxe Creme Brulee Kit for review. The kit contains a flame-adjustable culinary torch with a childproof locking device, a 1.5-ounce canister of butane fuel, four ceramic ramekins, a recipe and torch fueling instructions. My first challenge was filling the butanefueled torch. The instructions looked intimidating but, in fact, it was remarkably simple to load the butane. The butane canister provided with the set “latched” easily to the valve on the underside of the torch, and with the light application of pressure, the fueling began. The instructions said to keep fueling until the fuel started to spray—not something I was comfortable with. The grip of the torch became colder as it filled, so I estimated it to be full and ceased the operation before any evidence of overflow. I used the provided recipe for six servings, which was puzzling in light of the four provided ramekins. However, because I would be torching the dish at the office (and sharing the result with the staff ), I opted to use a 10" ceramic quiche dish, instead. I generally prefer a less eggy version of the classic dish—this recipe called for nine egg yolks to four cups of cream. I also used 1 teaspoon of vanilla instead of a vanilla bean. The texture of the bain-marie-baked creme brulee was wonderfully smooth and creamy. I let it cool to room temperature, refrigerated overnight, and transported it to the office in the morning. Office duties required me to let it sit a little too long at room temperature, so I stashed it in the freezer for about 15 minutes before adding the sugar for caramelizing and turning on the flame. I began the process with the flame set to the torch’s highest setting, but as I proceeded, the caramelized sugar was a little darker than I prefer. So I adjusted the lever to about halfway and continued. I estimate it took a The Bella Tavola Torch good 10 minutes to caramelize the delivers a consistent flam e. Photo by Tara Neal top of the 10" dish, so I did give my “torch hand” a couple of rest breaks temperature, I like the custard chilled along the way. Of course, using ramekins beneath the caramel crust. If I hadn’t had would require a much simpler and faster process. Operating the torch was easy and, staffers checking in every 30 seconds, I’d have stuck the finished dish in the fridge as one of our administrators commented, to set back up. For those looking to have “Not scary at all!” a bit of entertainment at the table, though, torching chilled, individual ramekins The smell of carmelized sugar brought many people to the kitchen to investigate, wouldn’t take long enough for the custard to get warm. and the end result was a beautiful, golden caramel crust. Overall, I think the Bella Tavola Deluxe Creme Brulee Kit makes a wonderful The end product, divided into 12 tasting gift, especially for someone who might be portions, garnered rave reviews, especially a bit intimidated about making such a among those who’d never tried creme classic dish. The kit and instructions brulee before. The one, less-than-fabulous provide everything necessary for even a comment was that the custard itself was too warm, the cause of which is debatable. novice to confidently deliver a showstopping dessert. It may have been because I started with the dish too warm, the length of time it took The Bella Tavola Deluxe Creme Brulee to caramelize the larger dish, or perhaps Kit retails for $37.99. The Culinary Torch, the caramelization process itself, on a such a shallow dish, heated the custard beneath. Model No. 2070, is available separately for $29.99. While some didn’t have any issue with the Hearthware Files Lawsuit Over Possible Copyright, Trademark Infringement confused consumers into thinking that the Super Wave is part of Hearthware’s NuWave line. Consumers have called us with their complaints about the Super Wave and expressed actual confusion,” he said. infringement, false association/designation of origin, false advertising, unfair competition and deceptive trade practices. First introduced in the United States in 2002, the NuWave Pro Infrared Oven® is a patented energy-efficient countertop oven that combines conduction, convection and infrared heat. Hearthware invests millions per year in TV exposure to support direct and retail sales and was named the No. 1 infomercial in the housewares industry in 2010 by Jordan Whitney. More than 2 million NuWave Ovens have been sold. Hearthware Inc., the Libertyville, Ill.based maker of the NuWave® Oven, has filed a federal lawsuit against E. Mishan & Sons Inc. over its sale of The Sharper Image Super Wave Oven. Filed on Aug. 2 in Chicago’s Northern District of Illinois, the complaint alleges violation of federal and state laws including copyright infringement, trademark “The NuWave Oven is an extremely successful and popular brand and we will not tolerate trademark or copyright infringements,” said Lewis T. Steadman Jr., General Counsel for Hearthware. “It is apparent that E. Mishan & Sons Inc. has Gourmet Giveaway at NYIGF’s Gourmet Housewares Show Thanks to all of the contributors and participants in Kitchenware News & Housewares Review and Gourmet News Gourmet Giveaway buyers’ promotion at the New York International Gift Fair. Buyers at the show entered a drawing to win a package of products contributed by Gourmet Housewares Show exhibitors. Entry forms were distributed at the registration area, and the drawing was held on Thursday, Aug. 18. Winners were notified by mail. ( We’ll announce the winners in our October issue.) Participants and their contributions, each valued at a minimum of $50, included: Fire Wire/Inno-Labs, www.kitchenwarenews.com two Bottles Up, two Drink Flair, two Fire Wire, a Beef Marinating Kit and a Garlic Marinating Kit Hannah’s Delights, Gourmet cookies and candies Hutzler Co./Gourmac, Pro-Line Onion Saver, Pro-Line Tomato Saver, Pro-Line Lemon Saver, Pro-Line Lime Saver, ProLine Garlic Saver, Egg Scramblers (white and brown), Frozen Diamonds Ice Tray and Berry Box Phildelphia Museum of Art, Owl Oil and Vinegar Set Recipe Relish, two Recipe Nests Tea Beyond, a Juliet Blooming Tea Set, including one teapot and two teacups with saucers and one Tea Beyond Blooming Tea Assorted Collection. Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 7 retailer profile by Joanne Friedrick Sierra Trading Post It’s a fact of doing business that suppliers will have excess inventory from time to time. But if the company wants to maintain the integrity of its brands, it may be leery of certain closeout or discount models. That’s where retailer Sierra Trading Post comes in. Sierra Trading, which has been in business for 25 years, specializing in selling excess stock and closeouts for high-end manufacturers while maintaining the high standards associated with the brands. Jeremiah Mackmiller, General Merchandise Manager for Cheyenne, Wyo.-based Sierra Trading, said the founder of the company recognized a niche for a retailer to sell quality closeouts. The company’s roots are as a catalog retailer, but in its lifespan it has expanded to the Internet, which now accounts for about 80 percent of sales, and to four bricksand-mortar stores in Nevada, Wyoming and Idaho. But the stores, said Mackmiller, account for just 5 percent of sales. Sierra Trading still mails about 30 million catalogs each year, he says, and home and gift is the focus of one of the six major themes. Others are dedicated to special deals, men’s and women’s wear and core products. The first home catalog came out in 2007 and coincided with the company’s desire to expand in the kitchenware, home and gift areas. “We’ve always concentrated on the finest brands in the world,” explained Mackmiller. When vendors have overstocks, he said, “we find we are often their first choice in moving excess inventory because we do it without getting their full-priced retailers upset.” The company has carried some kitchenware items for about 10 years, said Mackmiller, but it was in 2007 that they hired Heather Jahnke as the Home and Gift Buyer. In seeking products for the home category, Jahnke said, “We go after those better-tier brands. We target those companies that are concerned about maintaining their brand integrity.” A quick scan of Sierra Trading Post’s website shows those brands include Wusthof, Signature Housewares, Bialetti, Calphalon, Sagaform, tag, Bodum, Leifheit and others. “The number of Latin-Americans in the United States now tops 50 million, with buying power estimated at $1 trillion. The proverbial melting pot is bubbling over with arroz con pollo,” said Manny Gaunaurd, President of Imusa. “The IMUSA chefs who created these recipes specialize in cross-cultural cooking, a hybrid of familiar ingredients melded with the bold flavors of Latin cuisine.” Available this fall, with 64 easy-to-follow recipes created by some of the best Latin chefs in America, “Latin Flavors” in America” will take home cooks on a journey beyond typical tortilla-based specialties like enchiladas, tacos and tamales. Featured chefs are food TV Star and 8 With the increased emphasis on home and gift, Mackmiller says sales in that area have taken off for Sierra Trading. Sales for the category were up about 27 percent last year, he said, and home and gift is on pace for a 35 percent increase this year. Sierra Trading is mailing four home and gift catalogs this year, said Jahnke, and each catalog features about 400 items. “Kitchenware is a big area of growth in our home area,” he said, adding that they have only scratched the surface in terms of product lines. To find vendors with which to work, Jahnke attends several trade shows each year. Unlike most buyers who are looking at new merchandise for their stores or websites, Jahnke is focused on establishing relationships with vendors. Because of the unique, closeout and excess inventory niche, Mackmiller said competition isn’t traditional kitchenware stores but rather some of the online sites. But even those are geared to a different demographic. “Heather has done a great job that way,” said Mackmiller. “Companies are thrilled to find they have another option for getting rid of their excess inventory.” And once one company is on board, he said, it often happens that they spread the word to other manufacturers who then seek out Sierra Trading. “Some of the flash sales sites are our competition, but they have a more urban appeal,” he explained. Historically, Sierra Trading has targeted affluent, rural customers. “Our customer is collegeeducated with an income of $100,000,” said Mackmiller, and represent rural counties with small populations. IMUSA Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month With New Cookbook IMUSA, a leading cookware brand with deep roots in Latin America and the United States, celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15) with the debut of a new cookbook, “Latin Flavors in America.” As part of its mission to maintain a brand’s high standards, Mackmiller said Sierra Trading does its own photography of each item and crafts the descriptions for online and catalog presentations. Cookbook Author George Duran, a native of Venezuela and author of “Take This Dish and Twist It;” Elsie Ramos, a finalist on Gordon Ramsey’s “Hell’s Kitchen,” and author of “Elsie’s Turkey Tacos and Arroz con Pollo;” and Ana Quincoces, who is of Cuban descent and has authored two successful cookbooks: “Cuban Chicks Can Cook,” and “Sabor! A Passion for Cuban Cuisine.” Gaunaurd suggests these essential cooking items to start stocking a Latin-style cocina or kitchen: A caldero, which is the Latin every-pot ideal for cooking rice, meats and sauce; lemon and lime squeezers; a molcajete, which is an authentic Latin mortar and pestle made of volcanic stone; and a pressure cooker. IMUSA, based in Miami, offers hundreds of globally inspired, affordable products in the gadget, cookware, appliances, cleaning, food storage, espresso and specialty categories. Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 M’STONE2 COOKWARE Mauviel’s M’stone2 is a nonstick cookware collection lined with ceramic. Made in France, this modern design and patented technology combines great cooking performance with an environmentally friendly, nonstick coating for healthy, low-fat cooking and easy clean up. The 3mm- to 4mm-thick anodized aluminum cookware heats up quickly and evenly, offering uniform distribution of heat through the entire body of the pans. An integrated induction bottom allows cooks to use the cookware on gas, electric, halogen, and induction stovetops. The cookware is lightweight for easy handling and lifting. The pans are broiler and dishwasher safe.The interior of the cookware is coated, in France, with a grey anthracite ceramic that is both chemical free and scratch and abrasion resistant. The cookware is available with a choice of lids: a polished stainless steel lid or a contemporary, glass lid. The M’stone2 As Sierra Trading has moved away from catalog sales and into more Internet business, the role of customer service has also changed, said Mackmiller. Customer service reps who were mostly order takers in the past now have to become product experts as they interact with customers. Sierra Trading provides reps for online chats and also has someone who will respond in real time to questions posed on the company’s Facebook page. “We try to be there for them,” he said, adding that the company also offers warranties that go beyond what the manufacturer provides, adding an extra level of confidence for buyers who are investing in closeout merchandise. Looking to the future, Mackmiller said kitchenware is a major investment area for Sierra Trading. “We see home and kitchen as the fastest-growing area where we will be investing,” he said. That means buying more products to increase the breadth of the catalog and online inventory. collection is composed of 15 pots and pans ranging from fry pans to stock-pots. The five-piece set with a handsome wood crate includes a 1.9-quart saucepan, a 3.2-quart sauté pan, a 9.5" fry pan and two lids. Suggested Retail Price: $400 for the set Mauviel USA [tel] 302.326.4803 www.mauvielusa.com www.kitchenwarenews.com K ITCHENWARE NEWS H o u s e w,a r e s R e v i e w S E RV I N G K I T C H E N WA R E VOLUME 17, NUMBER 9 H O U S E WA R E S A N D TA B L E T O P M A R K E T S SEPTEMBER 2011 holiday gift guide holiday gift guide FUSIONBRANDS TASTINGCRADLES Impress guests like never before with the tastingcradle™ from Fusionbrands®. Party snacks, aperitivi, hors d'oeuvres, appetizers, amuse-bouche, fingerfoods—call them whatever you like and serve them in style. With these pintsized serving spoons, the tastingcradle is not only alluring but functional, keeping guests' hands clean, and keeping the event a mess-free environment. Designed with a built-in toothpick holder, the tastingcradle AMERICAN FEITIAN GLASS America FeiTian (AFT) is the American division of Liao Yang FeiTian, China’s largest manufacturer of handcrafted glass gifts and decorative accessories. The company has been distributing glassware in the United States since 2002. AFT produces a wide range of items, including glass flowers, vases, plates, bowls, candleholders and glass figurines. All of the company’s items are proudly blown by highly skilled craftsmen with years of glass-making experience. Roosters are extremely popular now in housewares tabletop. This lovely bowl is completely hand blown and fused with colorful barnyard hues. It provides the perfect place for napkins, sweeteners, utensils or other kitchen-related items. Suggested Retail Price: $29.95 American FeiTian [tel] 858.675.2000 www.aft-c.com provides an easy way for guests to pick up and enjoy any small bites served. Even though these little gems are perfect for the ever-so-popular deviled egg, they have much more potential. From mini meatballs, shrimp, and stuffed-mushrooms to sushi, caviar, and dumplings—the options are limitless, so get creative. 'Tis the season for holiday parties, and what better way to serve up holiday treats than with some festively colored tastingcradles? Arrange tastingcradles any way, on any serving dish to create a sleek presentation for all the holiday entertaining. Add to a wintery wonderland with a white tastingcradle set of six or match a holiday color scheme with a tastingcradle set of six in red and gold shades. Suggested Retail Price: $6 wintery white, $7 red and gold EVRIHOLDER’S NEW CAMPBELL’S SOUP’N SALAD as a guide. After filling and covering the soup container with its lid, simply insert and click it into place in the salad container. Close both latches to secure and you are ready to go. Suggested Retail Price: $6.99 The Campbell’s® Soup’N Salad™ is a convenient and practical way to take meals to work, school or anywhere on the go. This portable container is the quintessential all-in-one lunch or meal solution for today’s consumers. The Campbell’s Soup’N Salad™ container is dishwasher and microwave safe and made from BPA-free, food-safe plastics. The leak-proof soup container holds 1 cup (8 ounces or 0.23 liters) while the salad container holds 5 cups (40 ounces or 1.1 liters). Use is easy: To fill the soup cup, separate the cup from the container and remove the lid using the cup “fill line” fusionbrands [tel] 877.279.2002 www.fusionbrands.com Evriholder Products [tel] 800.975.0335 www.evriholder.com holiday gift guide VITACLAY SMART MULTICOOKER Voted “Gadget of the Month: Our Favorite Mutitasker”by Shape magazine in April, the VitaClay® Smart Multicooker combines a slow cooker and a rice cooker into one appliance for delicious, healthy meals. What makes VitaClay unlike other cookers is its traditional, unglazed, natural clay pot insert. Dating back to ancient times, the clay pot infuses and intensifies flavors while the airtight, dual lids prevent evaporation so foods cook faster and stay warm longer. Foods simmer in its own natural juices, sealing in flavor and retaining essential vitamins and minerals without chemicals,aluminum or lead contacting food. Pre-programmed functions deliver perfect meals every with just a push of a button. Prepare fresh and savory meals in a snap, ready to serve as soon as you get home. Meats come out juicy and tender. Vegetables retain their texture. Thai curry chicken, coq au vin, lasagna, pot roast and baby back ribs are ready in 40 to 90 minutes, or last-minute items like kids' favorite mac and cheese and hot spinach dip are ready in as few as 30 minutes.VitaClay also cooks white or www.kitchenwarenews.com brown rice, sticky rice, sushi rice and savory dishes like mushroom pilaf or quinoa. Program the delay timer the night before, and the VitaClay chef will prepare all-natural breakfast oatmeal to deliver a meal hot and ready upon waking. Enjoy naturally flavorful dishes without heavy fats, salts or seasonings. Make baby foods with fresh fruit and vegetables packed with nutrients. VitaClay makes it easy for busy people to eat natural, unprocessed foods that taste great. Suggested Retail Price: $149.99 Essenergy Inc. [tel] 877.877.9121 www.vitaclaychef.com CHEF PALS THERMOMETERS Chef Pals™ meat thermometers/alarms are a new innovation from Admetior. This new series of meat thermometers combines functionality with novelty to create the next “must have,” fun-to-use kitchen tool. Not only is this new kitchen gadget cute as can be, it’s also really easy to use and accurate. Simply place the steel probe into the center of the meat, extend the heat-resistant cable outside of the oven or pan, and place the alarm unit on the kitchen counter or on the front of the oven with its included magnetic feet. Then, leave the rest of the cooking up to the Chef Pals thermometer. Once the meat has reached the proper internal temperature (designated by USDA) the alarm will sound and the red LED light will flash. The alarm is different for every meat type.The cow moos, the pig oinks, the turkey gobbles, and so on.The Chef Pals series is a perfect fit for any home cooking situation. No matter what meat you are cooking, there’s a Chef Pals thermometer there to make sure the meal comes out just right. They also make a great gift. Suggested Retail Price: $19.99 Parasia International Ltd. [tel] 763.267.7900 www.parasia-international.com Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 11 holiday gift guide FIRE WIRE FLEXIBLE GRILLING SKEWERS Food moves seamlessly from marinade, to the grill, to the plate thanks to the flexible, stainless steel design that allows the griller to marinate food after it has been loaded on the skewer. Simply place the Fire Wire® skewers, already loaded with an assortment of meat and vegetables, into a favorite marinade in a baggie or a bowl. Excess space won’t be required in the cooler or refrigerator and users won’t have to handle the food after it’s been marinated.Take the Fire Wire straight from the marinade to the grill. By putting the skewer tip outside the grill, no tools are required to turn or remove the skewers.The unique stainless steel design won’t conduct heat, so the tips left outside the grill will remain the ambient temperature.Any griller knows the problems with the short bamboo skewers—having to soak them so they don’t burn, but they end up catching on fire anyway. And if you switch to metal-plated skewers, a chemical reaction occurs with the contact of the marinade leaving a metallic taste on the food. Measuring 31" in length, Fire Wire can hold about twice as much food as a standard straight skewer. Stainless steel will not react with marinades and won’t burn like bamboo skewers. Fire Wire is dishwasher safe and has a lifetime guarantee. Suggested Retail Price: $9.99-14.99 Fire Wire [tel] 800.372.9860 www.firewiregrilling.com MARINEX SQUARE BOWLS WITH VENTED LIDS Marinex® square, fully tempered glass storage bowls feature bisphenol A-free (BPA free) color plastic lids that are vented. There is no need to lift a corner or take the lid off when heating up leftovers.With these lids, users simply pull up the tab at the top of the lid for ventilation.Plus, these products offer the ultimate in durability and convenience. They can go from the refrigerator or freezer to the microwave and to the dishwasher. Marinex square bowls with vented lids are available in several sizes, as well as a 10-piece gift set with white lids. Additional Marinex products include clear borosilicate bakeware classics and premium products, such as roasters in many different sizes with and without glass lids, molds, casseroles, specialty servers and more. Marinex fully tempered glass tableware and storage collections include canisters with BPA-free color plastic lids in heights for convenient storage as well as sizes for on-the-go sizes complete with a durable, easy-to-grip handle lid with drink spout. The new, eco-friendly, fully tempered Marinex Botanic tableware collection is entirely made of 100 percent recyclable glass and includes a salad bowl, dessert cup, dinner plate, dessert plate, deep plate and glasses. Lancaster Colony [tel] 800.292.7260 www.lccpinc.com holiday gift guide ISLAND BAMBOO UTENSILS Rainbow Wood Silicone Utensils are a great gift that will add a splash of color and casual luxury to today’s kitchen. The dark red silicone head is a perfect complement to the elegantly curved solid rainbow wood handle with convenient hang hole for storage and display. The tools include a brush, bowl scraper, scraper, spoon, corner spoon, angled spatula, spoonula and small spoonula. Island Bamboo™ is known for having the largest selection of ecofriendly bamboo kitchenware. Through continued innovation the line has grown to include non-toxic silicone and now lightweight and durable rainbow wood. To create this richly colored rainbow of wood that will not fade, we stain and laminate individual layers of white birch with the same adhesive that has proven safe and effective on other Island Bamboo™ products. The silicone is removable, dishwasher safe, will not FRANMARA ICE BAG COLLAPSIBLE WINE COOLER This amazing bag, also available in champagne size, has been a top seller in France and has now arrived in America. The Ice Bag is perfect for parties, picnics and restaurant service. The Ice Bag works amazingly well for chilling bottles, and it folds down for easy storage. Just add ice and water, insert bottle and you are ready to go. for wine measures 9-5/8" high by 4-5/8" wide by 4". It is available in clear, pink, purple, red or blue. The larger size available for champagne, measures 9-5/8" high by 6" wide by 5.5". Suggested Retail Price: $5.75 Franmara [tel] 800.423.5855 www.franmara.com www.kitchenwarenews.com BELLA TAVOLA KITCHEN TORCH The Wall Lenk Bella Tavola Kitchen Torch (BT2310 ) is a small, lightweight device with a 2400-degree, high output blue flame. This easy-to-use, butanepowered torch has seven different amazing features. The torch comes with an automatic ignition, a childresistant safety lever, a continuous-use absorb flavors or odor and is heat resistant to 450°. Sold under Island Bamboo’s HUE Bamboo brand, the complete Rainbow Wood Collection includes four cutting boards, six kitchen utensils and eight silicone utensils with designs that are a first in kitchenware. Suggested Retail Price: $8 Wilshire Industries LLC [tel] 949.492.9921 www.islandbamboo.com locking mechanism, an adjustable blue flame control lever, an ergonomic grip and a refillable butane reservoir. It also has a wide, non-tip base for safety. This compact tool is ideal for preparing creme brulee, roasting peppers, melting cheese, browning meringues, caramelizing sugars and much more. This torch can do it all. The Kitchen Torch is part of the Bella Tavola line, a butane-powered culinary tool line by the Wall Lenk Corp. The Bella Tavola line is the only complete program that includes butane. It’s the perfect gift to give to friends who love to cook and dazzle while entertaining. Suggested Retail Price: $34.99 The Alison Group [tel] 257.527.4186 www.bellatavolatools.com Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 13 holiday gift guide FISSLER BLUE POINT PRESSURE PAN SET Grill, sear, fry, sauté, braise, and pressure cook with the Blue Point Pressure Pan Set. The extra-large, 4.2-quart skillet is equipped with the Novogrill frying surface for low-oil grilling, searing and frying. The energysaving CookStar all-stove base distributes heat perfectly while guaranteeing the Pressure Pan will lie flat on any cooking surface for the life of the pan, and works on any cooking surface, even induction. The Pressure Pan comes with a pressure lid, glass lid and stainless-steel steamer basket for maximum versatility. With all of Fissler’s VICTORINOX SWISS ARMY GRANTON EDGE SANTOKU KNIFE The Granton Edge Santoku Knife with slip-resistant Fibrox handle is an extremely versatile, every-day 14 Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 use knife. This all-purpose 7" kitchen tool carries a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship and retains maximum sharpness even through prolonged use. The systems including the safety Euromatic safety valve, the Pressure Pan is completely silent and releases absolutely no steam under pressure, keeping kitchens cool and reducing the amount of cooking liquid required. The Pressure Pan is incredibly easy to clean and is completely dishwasher safe with no disassembly required for daily cleaning. All Fissler cookware is made in Germany with a lifetime warranty. Suggested Retail Price: $270 Fissler USA [tel] 888.347.7537 www.fisslerusa.com high carbon stainless steel blade is ice tempered to sustain sharpness longer and the Granton edge prevents food from sticking to the blade. The sanitary Swiss Classic Fibrox handle is textured to provide maximum grip and comfort and is NSF certified. Hand-washing is recommended. Available at Sur la Table. Suggested Retail Price: $48.50 Victorinox Swiss Army [tel] 800.243.0852 www.surlatable.com www.kitchenwarenews.com HUROM SLOW JUICER The original Hurom Slow Juicer created a big buzz at this year’s NYIGF show with its revolutionary technology that has never been seen before.Attendees had to see it to believe it, because it truly is like no other juicer on the market. Consumers can enjoy more antioxidants, better flavor and freshness without the common problems of heating, foaming, loss of nutrients or separation. The Slow Juicer is the only juicer that lets consumers make soy milk, wheatgrass juice, almond milk, and even tofu in addition to the standard juices and sauces. The original, patented Slow Juicer stands apart from conventional juice extractors with its many unique features. It is practically silent with its quiet, slow-rotating induction motor. It has all of the performance of a masticating, singleauger juicer, but with much less space requirement and weight than typical juicers. The Slow Juicer utilizes the Low Speed Technology System method, which has been shown to preserve more nutrients and minerals and minimizes the noise by squeezing slowly rather than grinding the foods with fast speed. The Hurom Slow Juicer provides dual stage juicing because the juice is extracted through the first crushing stage and again in the second pressing stage before the pulp is ejected, resulting in more juice and extra dry pulp. It also uses a mere 150 watts of energy, compared to the typical 1500 watts for other juicers, making it the most energy-efficient juice extractor on the market.The juicer’s auger and screw are made from the strongest GE Ultem material, which is eight times stronger than conventional plastic. Furthermore, its self-cleaning feature allows for continuous juicing and hassle-free care. It is the most economical juicer on the market that allows users to get the maximum amount of juice with a minimum amount of food. The motor comes with a strong 10-year warranty. See the Hurom difference for yourself by watching the demo video at www.slowjuicer.com. Sugested Retail Price: $359 Roland Products Inc. [tel] 800.321.2226 www.slowjuicer.com www.kitchenwarenews.com Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 15 holiday gift guide MAX BURTON DELUXE INDUCTION COOKTOP This cooktop is a high-powered, 1800W model with a sleek stainless steel tabletop design. It features 10 power settings from 500W to 1800W or 10 temperature settings from 140° to 450°, which means it provides a broad range of cooking options. Cooking time can be controlled automatically with the 180-minute timer. With this cooktop, induction-rated cookware MINI-CONDIMENT BEECHWOOD SPOON The new line of Get Real™ beechwood utensils by Talisman Designs includes a mixing spoon, slotted spoon, corner spoon, turner, salad set and the ever-socute, 3.5" mini-condiment spoon. Use 16 the mini-spoon as a jam, mustard, salt/spice or condiment spoon. Or tie the spoon to a jam jar. It’s great at point of purchase. These durable utensils are made from solid beechwood grown in a responsibly managed forest. Get Real beechwood utensils won’t impart odors or harmful chemicals. In fact, users can just throw them into the fireplace when they are done with them. They come in three designs: Nature, Pop-Art and Phrases. The design is permanently etched and will not fade or wear off. Treat them like any other fine wood for a long-lasting and great-looking utensil. Suggested Retail Price: Mini Spoon, $2.99 Talisman Designs [tel] 855.546.7995 www.talismandesigns.com Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 is required because of the magnetic interface needed between the stove and the cookware. The Induction Interface Disk is an accessory that allows users to use cookware that is not induction rated. The disk has an 8" stainless steel accessory that is placed between the induction cooktop and the cookware to achieve the required interface. The combination of these two items allows formerly inappropriate cookware PILLIVUYT PILLENIUM® MILLENIUM The challenge put forth to the Pillivuyt factory was to create a porcelain ceramic that, while retaining its strength properties, allowed for thinner, more innovative table and bakeware designs. It was a “challenge” that the master chemists of Pillivuyt have been rising to for more than 200 years. Welcome to the age of Pillenium®, a clay mix that’s even more resistant to thermal and mechanical shocks than items made such as copper, glass and aluminum to be used with the Induction Cooktop, saving the user hundreds of dollars to replace cookware. All items are available separately or in as an Induction Set. Suggested Retail Price: cooktop $119.99; disk $49; set $165. Aervoe Industries Inc. [tel] 800.227.0196 www.aervoe.com with the “classical” clay mixes. And, because of its great versatility, products made from this porcelain are providing an exciting new pallet for home and restaurant chefs alike. A case in point is Pillivuyt’s all new, fluted Patisserie line— five exciting bakers that include a brioche, a deep cake baker, muffin molds and a large and individual tart pan. Made with the new Pillenium porcelain compound Patisserie boasts all the same great properties as all Pillivuyt products—freezer to oven, microwaveable, and grillable—and the creations it inspires make a beautiful addition to anyone’s table. Suggested Retail Price: $15-55 Pillivuyt USA [tel] 952.938.1672 www.pillivuytusa.com www.kitchenwarenews.com holiday gift guide CUCINAPRO MOUNTABLE CHEESE GRATER ZAK DESIGNS' FAMILY SERVE BOWLS AND HAPPY AND CHEEKY SPOONS This counter-mountable grater comes with a smooth, white powder-coated aluminum body and two interchangeable drums made from durable and attractive stainless steel. Simply insert the drum inside of the machine, turn the handle bar, and grate away. The strong suction mount keeps the unit steady on table or countertop.The grater includes two drum sizes: a fine drum for hard cheeses, nuts and chocolate and a coarse drum for soft cheeses and vegetables. Suggested Retail Price: $24.99 SCI presents its 6-piece wine set. This kit is perfect for the wine connoisseur. It comes in a rosewood gift box and includes a wine thermometer, foil knife, corkscrew, bottle stopper, wine collar and a wine pourer.All of the items in this set are stainless steel. Ever since they were introduced, Zak Designs’ Happy and Cheeky stir spoons have been adding a touch of fun to kitchens around the world. This year, Zak is launching its new Family Bowls line of serveware. The bowls all feature fun colors and unique embossed faces on the outside to coordinate with their respective sizes.The 9",3-quart Dad Bowl is available in red or kiwi,the 7.5",2-quart Mom Bowl is available in kiwi or orange and the 5", 1.5-quart Baby Bowl comes in blue or yellow. Zak is also releasing miniature versions of the popular Happy and Cheeky spoons.These 8" spoons are available in a variety of colors and are perfect for coffee and tea, condiments or a variety of other small jobs. Both the serve bowls and spoons are made from durable melamine, so they’re ideal for either the kitchen or any outdoor entertaining. Used separately, they become fun conversation pieces. Used together, they create a family of smiles for any occasion. Suggested Retail Price: Dad $11.99; Mom $8.99; Baby $6.50; Spoons $3.99 each SCI Scandicrafts [tel] 800.966.5489 www.scandicrafts.com Zak Designs [tel] 800.331.1089 www.zak.com CucinaPro [tel] 216.342.1415 www.cucinapro.com SCI SCANDICRAFTS 6-PIECE WINE SET www.kitchenwarenews.com Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 17 holiday gift guide FRANMARA WINE BOTTLE-SHAPED BAMBOO CUTTING BOARDS VITA CRAFT WAHAUS COLLECTION CORE BAMBOO SLICING TOOLS Slice, dice, cut and chop favorite foods like never before. This unique line of slicing tools is made from 100 percent organically grown bamboo. Sharp as most conventional blades, but more stylish and unique in material and design, these slicers are perfect for all types of food preparation. Slice loaves of bread, prepare meats and fish, dice vegetables and fruits and slice cheese with this collection of bamboo slicers and dicers. A great organic touch to any utensil collection, these bamboo slicers have eye appeal and are functional, too. Start a trend by using these interesting bamboo slicers and friends and family will envious. Suggested Retail Price: $9-18 The Wahaus Collection by Vita Craft is a true gem. This six-piece set of cookware is not only beautiful and classic, but also versatile. The stainless steel deep chef set can go from range top to table top in minutes. The Wahaus Collection is made up of a set of three, deep chef pans: an 8" deep chef, a 10" deep chef and a 13" deep chef. The series comes with stainless steel covers with optional stainless steel knobs and flame guards. Glass covers are also available. The Wahaus Collection features waterless, greaseless cooking and carries a true Vita Craft lifetime warranty. This fine cookware is made in the United States. Vita Craft [tel] 913.631.6265 www.vitacraft.com Core Bamboo [tel] 646.845.6000 www.corebamboo.com 18 Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 These beautifully handcrafted bamboo cheese boards are designed in the shape of a wine bottles and include a leather strap. They are “environmental green” bamboo, which is harder than maple. They can be used for cutting or even hung on the wall. We can laser them with your logo to make them even more special. They are available in three sizes: Small (13" by 4" by 5/8"), Medium (17.5" by 5-5/8" by 5/8"), and Large (22" by 7-1/8" by 5/8"). OUTSET LEATHER GRILL APRON Grab life by the grills and keep the grill master clean and safe with this durable leather grill apron.This grilling accessory features a durable, brown suede exterior with a flame-retardant lining to protect clothes from splatters and hot grease. This will be the last grill apron customers will have to buy. One size fits all with the adjustable neck strap. The apron ties around the waist and has two deep front pockets that are ready to store all the tools, condiments and accessories needed. Suggested Retail Price: $49.99 Franmara [tel] 800.423.5855 www.franmara.com Fox Run Brands [tel] 800.372.0700 www.foxrunbrands.com www.kitchenwarenews.com holiday gift guide WÜSTHOF CLASSIC 7-PIECE BLOCK SET VINAROZ VICENZA 12-PIECE STAINLESS COOKWARE Stainless steel pans are often chosen by professional chefs because they have many advantages: They are are durable and won't chip, rust or stain; are non-porous and naturally resistant to bacteria; and do not react with acidic foods.These durable, high-quality stainless steel pans are suitable for all cooktops, have a three-ply base and fully encapsulated steel disk for even heat distribution and a high-quality mirror polish on both interior and exterior. The 12-piece set comes with a 2-quart saucepan, 2-quart, 3-quart, 4-quart and 6.5-quart casseroles, and a 3.2quart fry pan, each with its own vented glass lid. Vinaroz uses top-notch materials with years of experience to produce high-quality cookware. Suggested Retail Price: $89.99 Vinaroz Cookware [tel] 323.585.3090 www.vinarozcookware.com www.kitchenwarenews.com Wüsthof’s best-selling Classic 7-Piece Block Set is a perennial favorite among serious cooks gearing up to entertain for the fall holiday season, and a welcomed gift that will be cherished and used with enjoyment for years to come. The precision-forged, full-tang Classic collection now features Wusthof’s patent-pending Precision Technology (PEtec), an Edge advancement in blade craftsmanship that increases sharpness by 20 percent.Additionally, Classic knives now maintain their edge twice as long. The highly practical Classic 7-Piece Block Set includes four essential knives—3.5" Paring, 6" Utility, 8" Cook’s and 8" Bread— along with a 9" Steel, Kitchen Shears and 13-Slot Wood Storage Block. The Classic paring and cook’s knives now have a reduced angle of 28 degrees (14 degrees per side) to reduce drag when slicing through foods, and allow for more seamless, effortless cutting. A new handle design, which is more rounded for a comfortable and sure grip, now features a new durable synthetic material that resists fading and discoloration. Additionally, a patented feature eliminates the possibility of rusting or pitting of Classic’s iconic stainless steel rivets, or the knife’s tang as a result of contact with impurities, high humidity or salt water. Classic knives are crafted in Solingen, Germany, Wusthof-Trident’s manufacturing and headquarters base since the company’s founding in 1814, nearly 200 years ago. Suggested Retail Price: $299.99 Wüsthof-Trident of America Inc. [tel] 800.289.9878 www.wusthof.com SORRENTO BAKEWARE Sorrento bakeware is available in classic full-size bakers including 16" and 13" rectangular bakers, an 8.5" covered soufflé and a 1-ounce ramekin, as well as mini bakers for individual baking and serving needs. All bakeware is 500° F certified and has a high-fired stoneware body for durability and chip resistance. Available colors are ivory, gold, sage green and ruby red. Suggested Retail Price: mini bakeware, $14.99; full-size bakeware, $29.99-39.99 Signature Housewares [tel] 805.484.6666 www.sighouse.com Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 19 holiday gift guide by Theresa Grant ANNA GONG FOLDING CAKE STAND The Anna Gong cake stand is Alessandro Mendini's tribute to the legendary folding cake stand art.898 that was one of Alessi's best sellers in the 1960s. When closed, it resembles the face of Mendini's famous Anna Gong corkscrew, and when unfolded it is an elegant, three-tiered accessory for entertaining.The cake stand is made of 18/10 stainless steel. Suggested Retail Price: $100.50 KUHN RIKON HOUSEHOLD SHEARS CLICK&CLEAN GARLIC PRESS X Snip, cut, trim and butterfly with the new Household Shears from Kuhn Rikon. These colorful, heavy-duty shears are the perfect tool for a variety of kitchen prep tasks, household projects and arts and crafts. They also feature a built-in herb stripper and flower cutter. Measuring 8", the shears feature solid construction and ergonomically designed handles. The high-quality stainless steel blades stay sharp for years of safe and effective use. The herb cutter and flower cutter are located at the base of the shears where the blades meet at the bottom. Kuhn Rikon Household Shears come apart for quick and thorough cleaning. The shears are available in blue, green, yellow or red. Suggested Retail Price: $16 Linden Sweden Inc. introduces the Click&Clean Garlic Press X by Jonas of Sweden. Now the Click&Clean is available in Teflon-coated cast aluminum, which minces garlic more efficiently. The all-in-one design also means there are no extra parts to get lost or broken. The Click&Clean Garlic Press measures 6" long, fits comfortably in the hand and is easy to use. It is available beginning in October. Suggested Retail Price: $23.95 Kuhn Rikon [tel] 800.662.5882 www.kuhnrikon.com Alessi [tel] 212.431.1310 www.alessi.com CORE BAMBOO WOVEN TRAYS Core Bamboo’s new collection of brightly colored bamboo woven trays is the perfect way to make a statement. Constructed from woven pieces of bamboo that create a naturally beautiful pattern, this chic aesthetic will inspire users to entertain in style. With unmatched versatility and design, these serving trays will become a quick favorite in every home. Whether its breakfast in bed, serving from counter to table, a chic addition to a coffee table, or serving at an outdoor barbeque, these bamboo trays are easy to use and delightful to look at. Artfully crafted of lightweight bamboo, they are available in an assortment of colors that will add new life to any gathering. These trays are a Linden Sweden [tel] 952.465.0052 www.lindensweden.com must-have new accessory for kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms, patios or any room in the home. Suggested Retail Price: $24-60 Core Bamboo [tel] 646.845.6000 www.corebamboo.com EPIC CHEESE SERVER Holiday entertaining is made easier with Epic Products’ HoHoHo Bottle Cheese Server. Made of tempered glass, this vibrant holiday design includes a classic style cheese spreader. Suggested Retail Price: $11.95 Epic Products [tel] 800.548.9791 www.epicproductsinc.com SWEET-TREATS CELLO BAGS Evriholder’s Sweet-Treats™ Cello Bags feature a holiday-inspired design, making them ideal for gifting. Each bag measures 9.5" long by 4" wide. The set includes 20 BPA-free printed cello bags with coordinating gift ties. Suggested Retail Price: $2.99 Evriholder Products LLC [tel] 800.975.0335 www.evriholder.com PESCADO CHIP AND DIP SET Foreside Home & Garden’s Pescado Stoneware Collection includes this chip and dip set in begonia. The platter measures 18.75" long by 15" wide and 1.25" high. Suggested Retail Price: $42 Foreside Home & Garden [tel] 855.474.3344 www.foresidehomeandgarden.com 20 Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 www.kitchenwarenews.com holiday gift guide FULL CIRCLE'S HOLIDAY COOKING ESSENTIALS This holiday season means lots of cooking. Be kind to the earth this year and throw all those excess holiday cooking scraps and leftovers into the compost collector. With Full Circle’s Fresh Air kitchen compost collector, and Scrap Happy scrap collector and freezer compost bin, users can recycle scraps quickly and conveniently. No need to worry about smell or flies, because these innovative composting solutions eliminate odor and don’t attract bugs. Really get the whole Full Circle green cooking experience by adding the ingenious Tater Mate potato brush with eye remover, and the signature Ring fruit and veggie scrub brush. Full Circle’s unique eco-friendly tools make great gifts and are essential for greening the kitchen this holiday season. The Scrap Happy comes in three, fun fresh colors: sunset orange, spring green or earth. The Fresh Air comes in cool earth or green slate. Suggested Retail Prices: Scrap Happy $14.99; Fresh Air $29.99; Tater Mate $4.99; Ring $4.49 LC DESIGNS’ OLIVO AND ARTICIOCCO Two new collections from LC Designs, a new gourmet serveware division of Lynns Concepts Inc., are Olivo and Articiocco.With two distinct glossy white collections featuring photo realistic images, users can set the table today with this mix-and-matchable spread: Full Circle [tel] 718.305.1754 www.fullcirclehome.com OVEN-TAMER BAKING BASKET The Oven-Tamer™ Baking Basket is the perfect kitchen helper for oven baking frozen appetizers, hors d'oeuvres and finger foods in one quick step.The openweave design allows food to be cooked evenly on all sides at one time. Just place a favorite frozen food directly into the lower half of the Oven-Tamer™ basket, then close the top basket over to create a unique baking environment in which to cook prepared, frozen food more quickly and evenly. “Made from sturdy stainless steel with specially designed floating hinges to adjust for food thickness, this baking basket creates a unique grid around frozen food, cutting down on baking time and eliminating those annoying, uneven brown spots and bottom-burning caused by conventional cookie-sheet heating,” explained Susan Fluellon, New Product Specialist for Life-Tamers Inc. Life-Tamers Inc. is a division of the Prime The rounded Olivo with fresh green olive sprigs, or the structured edge of Articiocco featuring a deep green artichoke as if it were just picked and brought to the table. Lynns Concepts Inc. [tel] 909.595.7700 www.lynns.com Way Group of Companies, an awardwinning product developer and marketer that distributes its innovative products internationally through specialty and larger retails such as WalMart, Bed Bath and Beyond, Home Hardware and Canadian Tire, and through infomercials and mail order. Suggested Retail Price: $19.95 Life-Tamers [tel] 905.732.5445 ext. 246 www.life-tamers.com RECIPE NEST RECIPE STORAGE SYSTEM Recipe Nest® is a patented recipe storage system that holds all formats of recipes, from full pages printed from the Internet or torn out of magazines to newspaper clippings and cards.There’s no need to punch holes or use sheet protectors. Approximately 200 recipes are easily held in the interior compartment or displayed using the clip on the front cover and the collapsible easel on the back.Coordinating tabbed dividers and assorted labels are included for organizing. Suggested Retail Price: $28.95 www.kitchenwarenews.com Recipe Relish LLC [tel] 214.760.1724 www.reciperelish.com Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 21 holiday gift guide MAGMATES & PRO MAGNETIC KNIFE STORAGE PRODUCTS In 1971, Bisbell Manufacturing created the first-ever magnetic knife rack,allowing consumers to keep their knives easily at hand, beautifully displayed and safely stored. Now available in North America, the new Bisbell Magmates™ and Bisbell Pro lines of blade guards and knife racks. Bisbell magnetic solutions are the perfect way to protect a cutlery investment. The gripping power of non-fading magnets paired with low-friction, slide-on and off action keeps blades sharper longer. A variety of hygienic materials keep Bisbell’s products food-friendly and worry-free. Whether choosing the clean,crisp designs of the Pro line or the fashion-forward, interchangeable colors of MagMates, Bisbell has contemporary-yet-classic designs to complement any kitchen. For those more inclined to simple, sustainable solutions, the Pro line’s environmentally friendly woods combined with stainless steel will keep blades from getting scratched or dulled. The full Magmates line consists of three width sizes of blade guards: small,medium and large (length is adjustable by the user); wall-mounted knife pods that hold two knives each, available in blue, orange, pink,green,black or white; and 11.8" knife racks in the same colors as the knife pods. The full Bisbell Pro line consists of three width sizes of blade guards: small, medium and large (length is adjustable by the user); and three styles of wall-mounted knife racks; wood and zinc alloy, aluminum and soft-touch material and aluminum and acrylic. Aluminum and acrylic knife racks are available in two lengths. The MagMates magnetic knife guards are also available in a fantastic CDU that is both compact and helpful. Bisbell products are distributed by Roland Products Inc., and all come with a lifetime warranty. Suggested Retail Price: $7.50-59.99 PARRISH’S MAGIC LINE ALUMINUM PIE PANS The secret to a great pie is a quality pan. Magic Line® heavy-gauge aluminum pie pans are built for commercial use. They are made from 16-gauge, natural finish aluminum, which allows heat to spread evenly for better baking. The pans are available in 4", 8", 9", 10", 11"” and 12" diameters. Suggested Retail Price: $5-10 (minimum order $50) Parrish’s Cake Decorating Supplies Inc. [tel] 800.736.8443 www.parrishsmagicline.com FUSION BOTTLE FRUIT INFUSER SCI presents its five-piece stainless steel cheese knives set with varnished rosewood handles. All of the tools in this set are between 5" and 5.5" long. They are used for slicing and spreading a variety of hard and soft cheeses, and are gift boxed for your convenience. Enjoy refreshing, natural, fruit-flavored water, tea, spirits and more with the Fusion Bottle Fruit Infuser/Cocktail Shaker. Just add sliced lemons, limes, oranges, strawberries, pineapple etc. Keep in refrigerator (fits on door shelf) and refill after each use; fruit will last up to 10 days without replacing.Use as a cocktail shaker to shake up great martinis and other exotic drinks. The bottle’s removable neck has a molded-in strainer to hold back ice or fruit as you pour. The BPA-free bottle has an attractive stainless steel cap and trim, along with a silicone plug, neck seal and skid-resistant bottom ring.The bottle body has a 32-ounce (950 ml) capacity and will fit on refrigerator door. It is packaged in an attractive,full-color box. Suggested Retail Price: $24.99 SCI Scandicrafts [tel] 800.966.5489 www.scandicrafts.com Prodyne Enterprises [tel] 800.822.4776 www.prodyne.com Roland Products Inc. [tel] 800.321.2226 www.bisbellusa.com SCI SCANDICRAFTS 5-PIECE CHEESE KNIVES SET 22 Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 www.kitchenwarenews.com holiday gift guide GIBSON’S COCA-COLA HOLIDAY ASSORTMENT Gibson Overseas Inc. offers an assortment of nostalgic dinnerware and serveware inspired by the iconic illustrations of Santa Claus that first appeared in the Coca-Cola advertisements 80 years ago. The new, open-stock line includes melacore plates, serving bowls and platters, as well as double-wall plastic and glass tumblers, porcelain mugs, salt and pepper shakers and more. Many of the pieces feature the famous Haddon Sundblom illustrations that gave rise to the modern interpretation of St. Nick. Suggested Retail Price: $2.99-4.99 ZENKER RING MOLD CREATIONS Create eye-catching desserts, savory appetizers and mini gourmet side dishes with the new Ring Mold Creations from Zenker. Ring Mold Creations feature 12 single-serving molds and a base—the ring molds snap onto the base for convenience and best culinary results. Made in Germany to the highest quality standards, the pan and ring molds are made of carbon steel, which provides excellent heat conduction for even baking, with a nonstick coating for easy release and clean up. Designed to withstand high heat up to 445º F, they are also freezer safe. Each ring mold measures 3 1/8" in diameter and 2¾" tall. The overall pan size is 11 ¾" by 14 ¾". Marketed by Frieling USA, Ring Mold Creations are manufactured by Zenker. The molds come with a full five-year warranty. Suggested Retail Price: $48 Frieling USA [tel] 800.827.2582 www.frieling.com Gibson Overseas Inc. [tel] 800.281.2810 www.gibsonusa.com GRABGREEN GARBAGE DISPOSAL FRESHENER & CLEANER GrabGreen’s new Garbage Disposal Freshener & Cleaner pods are scented, pre-measured, powder-filled packets designed to loosen grime and odors from the disposal. They are available in two fragrances: thyme with fig leaf and tangerine with lemongrass. These two fragrances are additions to the existing cleaning collections offered on all GrabGreen products. There are 12 pods per package. The pods are also non-toxic and chlorine and phosphate free. GrabGreen/MaddieBrit Products [tel] 818.483.0103 www.grabgreenhome.com PHILIPS SAECO EASY FILL DRIP COFFEEMAKER The new Easy Fill introduces a twist on drip coffeemakers by providing front access to all machine components. The heart of the system is the removable two-in-one coffee water drawer, which houses both the filter basket and the water tank. Another key function is the ability to thoroughly clean the machine as the drawer can be removed and rinsed at the sink. The Easy Fill is available in a 12-cup glass and 10-cup thermal version. Suggested Retail Price: $79 and $99 Philips Saeco [tel] 440.528.2000 www.saeco-usa.com WILLIAM BOUNDS SILI STEAMER SET Made of colorful green silicone, the William Bounds Sili Steamer Set has a collapsible, space-saving base and a clear silicone lid that securely fits on top to prevent steam from escaping. Made with functional silicone that is heatresistant to 500° F, the new Sili Steamer Set allows anyone to be a creative cook. Ideal for use with a microwave or conventional cooking, the steamer basket can also be used as a colander. And the collapsible design makes it easy to store. Suggested Retail Price: $25 William Bounds [tel] 800.473.0504 www.wmboundsltd.com www.kitchenwarenews.com Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 23 holiday gift guide LE CREUSET DINNERWARE Le Creuset expands its stoneware products line with the introduction of dinnerware.The dishes, bowls and mugs are lead and cadmium free and dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe. Oven safe to 500 F, the dinnerware carries a five-year warranty. Available are 12" dinner plates, 10" salad plates, 10" soup bowls, cereal bowls, 12-ounce mugs and a 16-piece set. The dinnerware is available in cherry, cobalt, flame, white, cassis and the newest Le Creuset color, fennel. Suggested Retail Prices: $10-200 Le Creuset of America [tel] 800.827.1798 www.lecreuset.com THE ROMA™ BY WESTON TUBE PASTA MACHINE STRETCH™ Most pot stands or trivets only provide enough space to accommodate a single hot pan or dish, meaning additional stands are required if serving food from a variety of hot containers. The unique design of Stretch™ helps eliminate this, as its size can be easily adjusted to provide space for more than one pan or even a single large casserole dish. After use, it neatly folds away for convenient storage. Made from a high‐quality silicone‐nylon composite, it is heat resistant up to 640°F. Suggested Retail Price: $16 Nothing quite compares to the taste of homemade—especially when it comes to pasta. Weston’s exclusive line of Roma products makes it easy to give athome recipes that made-fresh taste and authentic Italian flair. The Roma™ by Weston Tube Pasta Machine, model 01-0701-W, allows users to make five styles of homemade pasta—rigatoni, bucatini, mezze penne, tortiglioni and fusilli—all with the same machine. This pasta machine comes with a dough mixing kit to help users mix pasta dough effortlessly and with less mess, as well as a cutter spatula to easily cut the pasta off the disc. The Tube Pasta Machine simply clamps to any countertop and comes with rubberized feet to protect the counter surface. All the accessories are dishwasher safe—saving time and hassle during cleanup. Also included is a disc rack to keep the pasta discs organized for storage. The professionalgrade tools in the Roma pasta line are easy to use and made to last. And with Roma’s variety of pasta attachments, users are set to make all of the family’s favorite pastas. Suggested Retail Price: $74.99 Weston Products [tel] 440.368.3131 www.westonproducts.com Joseph Joseph [tel] 516.248.1875 www.josephjoseph.com SEDONA RAW FOOD DEHYDRATOR The Sedona® Raw Food Dehydrator with Overheat Protection Feature is the elegant, easy way to dehydrate raw, whole living food. Its quiet dual fan technology provides energy efficiency, distributing well-balanced mild airflow throughout the nine BPAfree trays. The digital thermostat and timer ensure the temperature never rises above the setting and the SCARLET POSY FROM KATIE ALICE Scarlet Posy is a gorgeous new vintage-inspired tabletop collection designed by English lifestyle designer, Katie Alice. Katie lives and works from her beautiful cottage in rural Northamptonshire. Together with her husband, Justin, she runs the local village pub, which is a very important part of village life. Life revolves around the pub and her home as well as her beautiful cottage garden. With an eye for detail, her home reflects how 24 Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 transparent glass door displays the dehydrated food for further monitoring. Sedona offers unsurpassed performance, exhibiting the latest digital dehydrating technology and compact design. Suggested Retail Price: $399 Tribest Corp. [tel] 714.879.7150 www.tribestlife.com Katie and Justin live their lives, surrounding themselves with color and inspiration taken from the natural world around them. Inspiration for this pretty retro collection came from an old piece of 1950s printed textile, painted in watercolor and paint. Katie says,“I was really drawn to this design because of the rich heritage colors and the way that the floral sprays stood out against the pale shadowy silver ferns. It reminded me of an old tea set that my grandmother had in her living room but I wanted a slightly modern look, so included some spots for that all important mix and match appeal.” The range includes bullet-shaped, over-sized mugs in various designs on super-white porcelain, as well as bowls, dinner plates, side plates, melamine trays and cork-backed mats and coasters, and there are more products on the way. Creative Tops Ltd. [tel] 908.375.8173 www.creative-tops.com www.kitchenwarenews.com home textiles TEXTILES (Cont. from 1) elevate women rural areas of India, training women and giving them opportunities to work,” she said. When the designers launched Allem Studio about 18 months ago, they began working with SEWA and employing women in tribal Ribari. Beginning with a line of handmade decorator pillows, Allem Studio added table linens this fall and will expand to bedding in 2012. The company has taken the first steps toward sustainability, said Seth, “converting products to organics and vegetable dyes, and using manual vs. machine processes,” and will continue its path in that direction. Seth says her products are 100 percent cotton, “with even some cotton linen.” In terms of color palettes for 2012, Seth sees “Very surely, shades of pink, and bright cheerful colors like saffron, green in softer tones.” She also sees a transition from black to gray and navy. Rock Flower Paper uses cotton and acidfree dyes for its line of placemats, runners, towels, napkins and aprons. “Our patterns are now more Eastern—block printing inspired with twist.” A “twist” might mean an elephant print with paisley in the background, explained Smith. New for Rock Flower Paper this fall, meeting an increased consumer demand, is a line of “cutesy aprons,” said Smith, including a pinecone design with wavy hem. At Creative Tops, Marketing Manager Clare Farthing predicted “In addition to the softer greens, purple, or aubergine, is going to be a major color. We are introducing it to both our tableware and our ceramics,” she said. Creative Tops is expanding its Katie Alice Scarlet Posy dinnerware pattern into a textile line. “Scarlet Posey is a fabulous design—really rich and full of color—great for Christmas gift or for tabletop with hints of next year’s aubergine/purple color shown on some of the floral heads,” said Farthing. “We will be extending the range to include a cute 1950s retro style apron, double oven glove and tea towels,” she said. Tag also has a line of coir mats, which are created from coconut husks, said Sullivan about the company’s commitment to sustainability. “We recently introduced a pet mat that is great for cleaning feet. You put the pet’s food on the far side of the mat, so to get to the food, it walks across or stands on the mat.” Zen Zen, which has been “green” since 1992 and a long-standing, certified member of the Fair Trade Federation, owns its production facilities in Bali. “We do work with collectives in the islands for certain aspects of our products,” explained General Manager Shannon Riley. “For instance, there is a village in Bali that specializes in weaving atta grass bags. The workers will make the bags, but all of the finishing, like embellishments and fabric lining, is done in our facilities. Everyone involved makes a living wage.” Andrea Phillips, Zen Zen’s Owner and Designer, said she looks at the latest runway designs for her color and textile inspirations, and is using “natural, organic tones and textures with deep, rich jewel tones like teal, olive and maroon.” The introduction of fringe and feathers in Zen Zen comes from runway inspiration. Katie Smith, President of Rock Flower Paper, a company known for colors such as bright blue and lime green, said, “We definitely have changed gears for our fall line. Our colors are cozy and rich—we’re using vegetable colors like brown and tomato, and we have more black in our fall colorations.” “We always use our remnant, or recycled, fabrics for patchwork, applique decorations and to make rag rugs,” said Phillips. “We are introducing adorable organic stuffed bunnies and elephants, which use mostly remnant fabrics from our production.” Trade Associates Group Ltd. (tag ltd.) introduced two distinct collections for 2012 during Home Textiles Market Week/New York Gift Week at 7W in New York City last month, according to Marketing Director Floyd Sullivan. From Santa Fe Designer Bianca Dresner comes a line called It’s All About Color. Sullivan described the collection as having “bold stripes, waffle weaves and colors incorporating warm earth tones such as oranges and yellows, as well as cool colors like sage and sky blues.” The second collection, Indigo, uses a 1,000-year-old process similar to Japanese wood block techniques, said Sullivan. “Blue on blue on blue,” is how he describes the colors. “The hand-carved impressions, each about the size of a hardbound book, are applied to fabrics one at a time, although one piece may involve several different patterns,” he explained. “The fringe will be one pattern, the border another, and the www.kitchenwarenews.com main piece will be another.” Zen Zen has expanded its ecodeluxe line of organic linens, which includes motifs printed with homemade indigo seaweed dye paste on organic cotton. “One of our most popular textiles is vetiver, a naturally aromatic root with a soothing scent that is also used to help stop erosion in deforsted areas.” The company uses vetiver for placemats, runners, bath mats and sachets. Zen Zen products are made from natural, organic and recycled materials, primarily remnant organic cotton fabric, with botanical dyes made with seaweed, mahogany and indigo leaves. According to Phillips, the demand for Fair Trade items is now reaching larger, mainstream retailers. “Our business has actually grown in the last year and we have seen the same from some of our fellow Fair Trade Federation members, she said. “Many consumers with limited discretionary income these days need more good feelings from their purchases and are therefore drawn to eco and fair-trade items because they feel the benefit of their purchase is not just for themselves, but for the makers of the product as well.” Phillips forsees that the demand for Fair Trade products will continue to grow in the textile industry. “There is much more awareness about the need for sustainable manufacture these days.” Fair Trade certification in the United States generally means certification through Fair Trade USA, the largest third party certifier in America, and a member of Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International (FLO). According to Jenna Larson, Communications Coordinator, certification means the manufacturer adheres to a rigorous set of standards regarding the environment, including the use of GMOs and pesticides; wages and working conditions, and ensuring that producers receive a “Fair Trade premium” for community development. In addition to manufacturer certifications, “producer groups,” such as farmers growing raw materials, are also certified. “There is an entire supply chain audit,” she explained, “from growers through to distributors.” Fair Trade USA recently partnered with Textile Exchange, a leader in facilitating the expansion of the global organic cotton and sustainable fiber supply chain. The strategic partnership will offer brands new opportunities to support cotton-farming communities around the world, and will focus on market-linkage, joint conferences and trade shows, and educational materials development to recognize Fair Trade as the gold standard for sustainability in the textile industry. October is Fair Trade month, and the organization will offer a variety of interactive social media programs. Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 25 cookbooks COOKBOOKS (Cont. from 1) HCP has been in business 30 years and about 90 percent of its titles are cookbooks, said Salomone. During that time, he explained, “We have never been about general.” Instead, the publisher has focused on niches such as how-to, barbecue and appliance-based cooking. Areas such as which appliances people use to cook, such as a slow cooker or microwave, or their diet, be it vegetarian or gluten free, have a big influence on cooking style, said Salomone. they are releasing “Good Bite Weeknight Meals,” which features recipes from today’s best food bloggers such as Jaden Hair from “Steamy Kitchen” and Elise Bauer of “Simply Recipes.” An advantage of having a blog-savvy author, said HCP’s Salomone, is that they are already engaged in the social media process and can help promote their own books. He said HCP looks for authors who are blogging already or are willing to do so, and who will also participate in Twitter. “It makes it very real,” he said. That’s true of some of HCP’s newest titles, said Salomone, such as “The Bonne Femme Cookbook–Easy French Cooking.” The book, he said, brings French cooking to life with additional notes and sidebars, not just recipes. The same is true of “The Plowman’s Lunch & The Miser’s Feast,” a British cooking and lifestyle book. HCP introduces four to six titles per season, said Salomone. The strongest sales are currently coming from three categories, she said: “cookbooks by authors with powerful media platforms, flagship cookbooks from respected brands and cookbooks focused on health and weight loss.” TV is a key driver in the celebrity book area, she said, but food blogs are also having an impact. “Food blogs are becoming increasingly important as a source of fresh voices and a way to cultivate a loyal following,” she said. One blogger who has become a cookbook author is Shauna James Ahern, who wrote a glutenfree tome based on her blog, Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef. For fall, Chapman said Christopher Johns, Sales and Marketing Manager at Tuttle Publishing, counts a website chef among the authors with new books at Tuttle. Bee Yin Low’s Rasa Malaysia site has 1.3 million followers and her cookbook “Easy Chinese Recipes” debuts this fall. In the area of health and diet, Chapman said consumers’ concerns with the effects of foods on their health and the health of the environment is translating into strong performance for books for vegans and vegetarians and people looking to control diabetes, heart health and weight. New health-related books for fall are “1,000 Diabetes Recipes, Diabetic Living: What to Eat,” “Weight Watchers One-Pot Recipes” and “Family Circle Healthy Family Dinners.” Asian cookbooks are Tuttle’s niche, he said, and the company has offices in Tokyo and North Clarendon, Vt. “Our real focus for the past four to five years has been to bring Asian food to U.S. kitchens,” he said. And to also do it in a manner in which consumers can create meals in 30 minutes or less using authentic ingredients, but ones that can be easily found in the supermarket. In addition to Low’s book, Tuttle is introducing “My Japanese Table” by Deb Samuels and “My Indian Kitchen” by Hari Nayak. Samuels, said Johns, “is the Julia Child of Japanese food,” having learned Japanese cooking in Japan and then bringing it to America, just as Child did with French cooking. Wiley’s Chapman said her company’s celebrity chefs are often tied to TV, such as Eric Ripert, who has a PBS show and cookbook “Avec Eric.” Other books with TV tie-ins are Top Chef ’s Spike Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 Chapman. “While we expect eBook sales to grow and print to decline over time, we haven’t yet seen a fall-off in print cookbook sales,” she added. “I’m optimistic that in the cookbook category, there will always be an audience for beautifully produced print books,” she said, noting that this audience includes “passionate readers, food enthusiasts and collectors” who appreciate a well-illustrated, printed book.” “We believe in the eBook very strongly,” said HCP’s Salomone. “It’s part of the future and the ability to give consumers content wherever they want it.” HCP is converting its backlist and frontlist titles, he said, “because it’s an area that can’t be ignored.” Still, he said, “at the end of the day, the print book has staying power. Authors want to publish a book, not just an eBook.” Sales via Kindle for its cookbooks accounts for just 1percent of sales, said Salomone, who notes that 70 of the 120 backlist books have been converted thus far. Through a distribution agreement with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, all of the backlist will be available as eBooks. Johns said the publishers at Tuttle saw Low’s website and approached her about doing a book for them. She came recommended by others in the food industry, which made working with a non-established author easier, he said. While Samuels’ books concentrates on family-style Japanese cooking, Nayak’s book is “more elaborate and chef-y, because that is his background,” explained Johns. 26 New this fall, she said, will be Ellie Krieger’s “Comfort Food Fix” and coming in March is Mark Bittman’s “How to Cook Everything: The Basics.” Branded books are also are big category, said Chapman, as new generations embrace the books that were used by their moms and grandmothers. “Last fall we published the 15th edition of the ‘Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book’ and this fall we’re publishing the 11th edition of the ‘Betty Crocker Cookbook,’” she said. The latter features all new photography, new recipes and bonus online content. And while people can find a few recipes on the Internet to fit with their lifestyle choices, many of today’s cookbooks give a back story as well, helping to put the cooking style into some perspective. At Hoboken, N.J.-based John Wiley & Sons, Natalie Chapman, Vice President and Publisher-Culinary, said the 50-plus cookbooks that it introduces each year are aimed at every segment of the cookbook market and every level of cook. “We publish well-known authors like Ellie Krieger and Mark Bittman, respected brands like Better Homes & Gardens, Betty Crocker and Weight Watchers, and leading authorities like The Culinary Institute of America.” Mendelsohn’s “The Good Stuff Cookbook;” Food Network’s Aaron McCargo’s “Simply Done, Well Done;” and Lorraine Wallace’s “Mr. Sunday’s Soups.” Wallace is the wife of Fox News’ Chris Wallace. Tuttle’s Johns said his company is in the eBook world for literature, but hasn’t crossed over for cookbooks. “We would like to have interactive cookbooks, but at this point the cost is just too much,” he said. He said Tuttle is also exploring the app world as well. Other areas of interest, she said, are children’s cookbooks, books that support causes such as pediatric and breast cancer, and baking. All three publishers acknowledged that the advent of the eReader and eBooks has changed the focus somewhat, but hasn’t sounded the death knell for print. “Developing our eBook publishing program is an important focus,” said Chapman, who noted they have created an eBook and app for Bittman’s “How to Cook Everything” and “How to Cook Everything Vegetarian,” and have seen several hundred thousand downloads. Wiley also released an enhanced eBook for Rose Beranbaum’s “Rose’s Heavenly Cakes” that includes videos, as does the new “Betty Crocker Cookbook.” “Our goal is to begin publishing eBooks simultaneously with the release of print books and to convert backlist to digital formats as rapidly as we can,” said When it comes to promoting new books, however, everyone is on board with using social media to broaden a publisher’s reach. Salomone says HCP’s authors are encouraged to use social media. A book reviewed in traditional newspapers or magazines or a TV appearance still helps promote a new title, but a review on a blog can push sales much higher much faster, publishers are finding. Johns said TV and traditional media are considered, but so are blogs. The publisher has also hired a publicist to work with its new releases. Chapman said Wiley supports its new books with marketing materials, promotions and publicity outreach, “including use of all appropriate social media, national and local TV and radio coverage and author appearances at stores and events.” Authors, she said, are encouraged to develop websites, start blogs and use social media to create or expand their audience. www.kitchenwarenews.com BUYERS GUIDE spice jars & racks VASE MILL COMPACT HERB CHOPPER SPICE TOWER CAROUSEL This compact herb chopper comprises a non-slip chopping board and a double-bladed cutter in one. Simply remove the cutter, chop and then safely store the blade back into the compartment. It is also suitable for cutting garlic, vegetables, nuts or chocolate. Suggested Retail Price: $26 Self-stacking, interlocking acrylic spice bottles keep spices handy, as they are stacked high on the Spice Tower Carousel. The patented designed bottles hold securely in place, yet each removes easily for use. The carousel comes with 12 5-ounce Spice Tower bottles with pearly white lids and a clear acrylic, easy-access revolving base. Eight extra sifters with smaller holes and 48 pre-printed and six blank spice labels are included. Suggested Retail Price: $34.99 Joseph Joseph [tel] 866.940.1875 www.josephjoseph.com Slice Inc.’s Vase Mill features a wearresistant ceramic grinding mechanism with a coarse-to-fine adjustable grind. The table-friendly design deploys from the top with a spacious chamber that holds herbs, peppercorns, rock salt and more. Suggested Retail Price: $19.99 Slice Inc. [tel] 408.370.6050 www.sliceproducts.com FOX RUN KITCHEN ART SPICE DOME This spice carousel provides optimum storage for 16 spices on a rotating base. The Spice Dome™ features the patented Auto-Measure Dial™ that dispenses 1/4 teaspoon with each click. Each spice canister is removable and includes large pour spots, as well as shaker tops for light seasoning and garnishing. A mounting adapter is included for attaching the carousel under a cabinet or for stacking two carousels together. Suggested Retail Price: $34.99 Fox Run Brands [tel] 800.372.0700 www.foxrunbrands.com LEIFHEIT EASY FILL SPICE MILL J.K. ADAMS SPICE RACK The Carousel Spice Rack was designed to hold many shapes and sizes of spice jars. Its smooth glide base will allow users to quickly spin to their favorite spice. Constructed of northern maple with an oil finish, this piece ships flat and assembles without tools. When completed, it stands 11" by 11". Suggested Retail Price: $58 J.K. Adams Co. [tel] 802.362.2303 www.jkadams.com The Leifheit Easy Fill Spice Mill has an original CrushGrind® ceramic crusher. The level of grinding (coarse/fine) is continuously adjustable. The large opening at the base allows for easy refilling of spices without a funnel. This device gives cooks the freedom to create unique spice blends. Additional Easy Fill jars that couple with the grinder are also available. Suggested Retail Price: $20 Prodyne [tel] 800.822.4776 www.prodyne.com Leifheit International USA [tel] 866.695.3434 www.leifheitus.com KUHN RIKON RATCHET GRINDER Designed by the award-winning Swiss designer Philipp Beyeler, it features a slim body topped with a ratchet handle which, when moved back and forth, grinds spices with ease. The ceramic stone grinder ensures a consistent grind and the adjustable knob on the bottom enables the user to choose the size of grind. Simply turn the bottom knob clockwise for a fine grind or counterclockwise for a coarse grind. The Ratchet Grinder can be easily refilled by pouring ingredients through a “door” on the front of the mill's body. Made of BPA-free materials, including an acrylic container to showcase the spices inside. It is available in white, black, red, green, blue and purple. Suggested Retail Price: $20 KAMENSTEIN STAINLESS STEEL SPICE RACK This stainless steel revolving spice rack features a space-saving carousel design that spins to keep the right herb or spice at the user's fingertips. It includes 20 jars pre-filled with Kamenstein’s own premium spices with a convenient shaker cap for easy spice dispensing. Each jar is sealed for freshness in the Massachusetts spice-bottling facility, which is licensed and inspected.As part of the company’s extended customer service, this spice rack purchase includes the Kamenstein exclusive free spice refill registration offer for five years. Suggested Retail Price: $39.99 Lifetime Brands Inc. [tel] 516.683.6000 www.pfaltzgraff.com Kuhn Rikon [tel] 800.662.5882 www.kuhnrikon.com CAPRESSO COOL GRIND COFFEE & SPICE GRINDER This versatile grinder efficiently unleashes the bold flavor of a variety of dried spices including peppercorns, flaxseed, allspice, lavender and coriander seeds. It preserves flavor and aroma by generating less heat than other blade grinders. Other features include a 3.5-ounce capacity container, safety top and low-noise operation. It is available in black, white or stainless. Suggested Retail Price: black or white $19.99; stainless $24.99 Jura Capresso [tel] 800.767.3554 www.capresso.com www.kitchenwarenews.com Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 27 BUYERS GUIDE spice jars & racks AMBOINE NUTMEG SHAVER WILLIAM BOUNDS NUTMEG TWISTER Peugeot nutmeg mills are designed to make it easy to get fresh, full nutmeg flavor without risking finger safety. Four claws hold whole nutmeg in place and when the handle is cranked clockwise, two concealed blades shave tiny, thin pieces of the nut, releasing the freshest nutmeg flavor and aroma. The mill is available in neutral or chocolate. Suggested Retail Price: $60 The Nutmeg Twister shaves tiny, airy flakes of nutmeg. Just 3” in diameter, it has a simple, compact design that makes it easy to use every day. The Nutmeg Twister comes with a chrome, black or white base, fitted into a clear acrylic top. The decorative crank handle has a heart-shaped cutout. A circle of whole nutmegs inside the acrylic top adds a decorative and practical touch. A spring with prongs on the end holds a nutmeg in place against a stainless steel blade in the bottom of the mill. When the handle is turned, the nutmeg is shaved and then deposited through slots in the bottom of the Twister. It is made in the United States. Suggested Retail Price: $32 Peugeot [tel] 877.777.5914 www.psp-peugeot-usa.com SAGAFORM EDGE MORTAR WITH PESTLE The Sagaform mortar and pestle combines wood and stoneware for a clean look that is perfect for any kitchen. The mortar itself is made from oak and has a polished outside but a rough interior bowl making it easier to shred or crush spices. The pestle is made from pressed stoneware with a rough end for maximum power. The Edge mortar is perfect for spices and herbs, but can also be used to serve guacamole or salsa. Suggested Retail Price: $49.95 William Bounds [tel] 800.473.0504 www.wmboundsltd.com FRANMARA COMBO DELUXE ELECTRIC MILL Finally, an electric mill that can grind pepper and salt in one unit. The PM720 Combo Deluxe Electric Mill’s stainless steel housing with solid-state ceramic grinding mills does a great job grinding pepper and coarse sea salt. With a touch of a button, users can grind either one.This two-compartment mill features peppercorns on one side and coarse sea salt on the other side.Another great feature is that the grind can be adjusted from fine to course, and it includes a cover on the bottom to keep the mill clean. It takes four AA batteries. Suggested Retail Price: 24.99 Sagaform Inc. [tel] 856.626.1340 www.sagaform.com/usa MINI KEEPER LINDEN SWEDEN TULIP SPICE GRINDER Linden Sweden’s popular Tulip Spice Grinder is now available in stainless steel. The handsome stainless steel version also features CrushGrind®, the unique ceramic grinding mechanism that boasts a 25-year warranty. Designed to grind dried spices and herbs, rock salt, peppercorn and many seeds, including flaxseeds, the Tulip Grinder will be the grinder of choice for spice and seasoning needs. The spice wheel adjusts easily to grind from coarse to fine and offers an even grind that makes seasoning a snap. The Tulip Spice Grinder is an ideal size for spices and herbs: It stands 5” tall and holds about 2ounces. It will perk up dried spices and herbs by enhancing their flavor.The Tulip Spice Grinder grinds upside down, leaving no mess on the table or counter. It fits comfortably in the hands and is easy to use, easy to clean and fills with little effort. Just twist off the grinder cap to expose the large mouth spice jar for easy fills and refills. The grinder’s whimsical design allows it to be part of festive occasions as well as everyday dining. Gift boxed and, in addition to the new stainless steel, is available in four trendy colors: sage green, cranberry red, black and white. Suggested Retail Price: colors $15.95; stainless steel $26.95 Linden Sweden Inc. [tel] 952.465.0052 www.lindensweden.com 28 Progressive International introduces the Mini Keeper, specifically designed to keep herbs, spices, and baking ingredients fresh longer. The Mini Keeper can hold a 1-pound box of baking soda. This little keeper has textured plastic on the corners, making it easy to grip. The airtight lid maintains the freshness of the contents and has easy-to-open, snapdown latches. It features a built-in leveler, making measuring ingredients a cinch. Lift the lid to reveal mediumsize shaker holes for sprinkling ingredients. The Mini Keeper comes in red, green, yellow or orange with nine pre-printed spice labels. Suggested Retail Price: $4.99 SUPER SPICESTACK Home cooks can now locate and retrieve spices quickly and easily, while saving valuable countertop space, with the Super SpiceStack™ spice organizer. The SpiceStack is a compact unit that fits in virtually any kitchen cabinet.Three drawers pull out and lower to a resting position where spice labels are clearly visible and within easy reach. Efficient horizontal organization holds the most spices in the least amount of space. No assembly is required for the made in the United States product. Suggested Retail Price: $39.99 Youcopia Products Inc. [tel] 773.252.0710 www.spicestack.com Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 Franmara [tel] 800.423.5855 www.franmara.com Progressive International [tel] 253.850.6111 www.progressiveintl.com TWIST SPICE RACK Renowned designer Neil Cohen designed the Twist Spice Rack, which combines acacia wood and Nambé’s signature alloy in a progressive helix.The item comes complete with 16 spice jars, featuring attractive alloy caps engraved with individual spice names, which are designed to fit within the structure. The spices, which are included, are packed and sealed in the United States. Suggested Retail Price: $200 Nambé [tel] 800.443.0339 www.nambe.com www.kitchenwarenews.com { n e w p ro d u c t s } MONICA APRON CONTAIN THIS PERFECT SANDWICH Peking Handicraft Inc. offers the Monica Full Apron in green from designer Jennifer Paganelli. The apron, which is made from 100 percent cotton, measures 20" by 36". Suggested Retail Price: $25 Aiming to solve the soggy sandwich, the Perfect Sandwich includes a versatile divider to keep wet ingredients, including tomatoes, lettuce and sandwich fillings, apart from dry ingredients such as bread.The container includes a removable PerfectCHILL cooling device that keeps perishable contents cool. Perfect Sandwich is made with Tritan, a copolyester that provides clarity toughness and heat and chemical resistance. Peking Handicraft Inc. [tel] 800.872.6888 www.pkhc.com PFALTZGRAFF PAINTERLY BOUQUET This new dinnerware pattern from Pfaltzgraff features bold hues of blue, red, yellow and gray on a neutral background. This vintage-inspired design is available in a four-piece place setting featuring a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl and mug, or a 16-piece set. The earthenware is dishwasher and microwave safe.Additional accessories include a round platter, rectangular platter, vegetable bowl, fruit bowl and latte mug. Suggested Retail Price: $89.99 for a 16-piece set VITAMIX PROFESSIONAL SERIES 200 The Professional Series 200 is designed to entice more consumers to this premium line of professional-grade blenders by letting anyone achieve gourmet results with the speed and precision of a professional chef. The Professional Series emulsifies, blends, grinds, chops and purees with ease.The continuous variable speed dial has a range from 1,000 to 24,000 rpm for greater control, and a patented tamper makes it easy to process thick or frozen mixtures.The unit comes with a powerful 2+ peak horsepower motor and a maximum blade speed of 240 mph (1,380 watts), which performs with speed and consistency. It features an oversized 64-ounce BPA-free container and is available in an onyx finish that is fingerprint-resistant and easy to clean. The Professional Series 200 includes Create, a cookbook with more than 300 recipes. The one-hour instructional DVD, hosted by celebrity chef Michael Symon, includes 16 bonus recipes. Suggested Retail Price: $449 Vitamix [tel] 877.848.2649 www.theprofessionalseries.com The Pfaltzgraff Co./Lifetime Brands [tel] 800.252.3390 www.lifetimebrands.com STEAK THERMOMETERS These colorful thermometers are the perfect gift for those who love to grill. Simply insert the thermometer stem into the thickest part of the steak for accurate results in just seconds. Its long 4" stem allows the user to easily place the thermometer into the meat without getting too close to the heat of the grill. The large, 1" dial is easy to read. Made of the highest quality 304 stainless steel, the thermometer also features colorful stay-cool silicone bezels around the dial. Available colors are red, aqua, yellow and black. Suggested Retail Price: $19.99 for a 4-pack Hand finished and made in Australia by F!NK & Co., Fatware by silversmith Oliver Smith embraces his fascination with stone tools.The two knives fit firmly in the hand. One functions as a hard cheese or Parmesan shaver, while the other is designed as a pâté spreader or for soft cheeses. Both are made of pressed aluminum and are hard-anodized for durability. Fatware comes in an obsidian black finish and is teamed with a foodgrade cutting board.The cutting board is made from hard-anodized aluminum covered in high-density polyethylene. Available are a set of one knife with a board or two knives with a board. Suggested Retail Price: $208 and $270 Designs Abroad [tel] 404.287.0547 www.designsabroad.com NAUTICAL LOBSTER ENAMELWARE CDN [tel] 800.338.5594 www.cdn-timeandtemp.com SILI GOURMET CHICK CHICK JAR OPENER The Sili Gourmet Chick Chick Jar Opener from William Bounds lets anyone get a secure grip on opening jars, bottles, caps and more. Featuring a cute, chick-inspired shape, it is made of silicone for a soft touch with a firm grip to help open a wide variety of hard-to-open jars and bottles. The fun design provides the user with two different options to open a variety of tops. The smaller opening provides perfect leverage for twisting off 2-liter bottle caps or for smaller tops of oil, vinegar or other bottles, including medication bottles. The larger opening gives the user the added leverage for opening jars with lids up to 4" in diameter. Each opening features interior grooves to grip the bottle or jar top, preventing it from slipping while turning to open. Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, the Sili Gourmet Chick Chick Jar Opener comes in bright yellow. Suggested Retail Price: $5 William Bounds [tel] 800.473.0504 www.wmboundsltd.com www.kitchenwarenews.com Contain This [tel] 650.207.7125 www.containthis.com FATWARE CHEESE KNIVES Golden Rabbit Enamelware’s newest introduction comes from artist Barbara Gullet. Nautical Lobster is made from carbon steel coated with porcelain enamel and trimmed in stainless steel. It is durable for everyday use and dishwasher safe. All pieces are sold individually and range from dinnerware to a stockpot. Suggested Retail Price: $8.30-33.60 Golden Rabbit Enamelware [tel] 888.841.7780 www.goldenrabbit.com ANOLON NOUVELLE COPPER STAINLESS STEEL COOKWARE Designed for cooks who enjoy using pro-style stainless steel equipment, the new cookware’s non-reactive stainless steel interior surface won’t react with acidic foods and provides the ideal surface for searing and sautéing foods at high temperatures. The new collection’s mirror-polished stainless steel exterior includes an encapsulated magnetic stainless steel base enhanced with a layer of copper to deliver fast and even heating, as well as ensure compatibility with all cooktops. Anolon Nouvelle Copper Stainless Steel is styled with an attractive tulip-shaped body. Hollow-core, cast stainless steel handles remain cool to the touch during most stovetop use. The collection offers close- fitting, highly polished stainless steel lids. The cookware is dishwasher safe and oven safe to 500° F. It will be available at retail in fall 2011 in a 10-piece set, skillet twin pack and open stock. Suggested Retail Price: $39.99-299.99 Anolon/Meyer Corp. [tel] 800.388.3872 www.anolon.com Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 29 { news in brief } Progressive International appointed Kurt Bergquist as President and Chief Executive Officer in July. Bergquist had worked for Progressive in an advisory capacity for more than 10 years before being named Senior Vice President of Corporate Development in 2010. Bergquist replaced Bill Reibl, who was credited by the company’s board of directors for establishing a strong competitive platform and a reputation for innovation. Reibl opened Progressive’s Hong Kong office and helped establish close partnerships with Chinese manufacturers. Progressive, which is based in Kent, Wash., is a producer of kitchen tools and gadgets under the Progressive and PrepSolutions brands. IBC-Hearthware Inc. has changed its company name to Hearthware Inc. Hearthware, located in Libertyville, Ill., has marketed consumer products with advanced technology since 1997. The company’s leading product is the NuWave Pro Infrared Oven, which uses a patented system combining infrared, conduction and convection heat. The NuWave Oven line features four models. Hearthware also produces the i-Roast 2 coffee roaster and the NuWave® Party Mixer, as well as cutting-edge products for safety and recreation, including the Whiptide™ Dual Deck Carve Board. Trade Associates Group Ltd., also know as tag, announced that Erica Friedman will direct and manage tag product development, working closely with the tag design and sourcing team. Friedman is a veteran in the tabletop, gift and home décor industries, and as Principal of Erica Friedman Design did product development work for Waterford Wedgwood, Macy’s, Dansk, Ralph Lauren and Sasaki among many others. Previously she designed for Lenox and Kosta Boda. Most recently she served as Senior Design Director for Indigo Books & Music of Toronto. In addition to her professional experience, Friedman has been active in the community including holding seats on the advisory boards of the Fashion Institute of Technology and the Lower East Side Girls Club, both of New York. Founded in Chicago in 1976, tag designs and distributes thousands of tag-branded housewares, tabletop, home décor, furniture and gift products. Dormus, a housewares store in Pleasanton, Calif., reopened in July after a three-year absence, according to reports in the Contra Costa Times. The store reopened in its previous 11,000-square-foot location. A second, smaller store in San Jose remains open. Giardini di Sole International, a Boston importer of Italian-made tabletop items, furniture and pottery, gave away $10,000 worth of place settings, dining tables, gift certificates and culinary items from Italy to three brides-to-be as part of a bridal registry promotion. A multi-media competition, La Vita e un Viaggio (Life Is a Journey) asked brides to share their personal, romantic or travel journeys through poetry, photographs, song, video, drawing or painting in relation to three questions. “The contest was a surprising gift to us,” said U.S. Director Libby Morris, one of three partners. “Both a wonderful chance to reflect back on our own years of discovering ourselves and to connect with new customers on such a personal level.” It was also an opportunity to launch the company’s bridal registry, and to familiarize themselves with the different social media platforms. Giardini di Sole first set up shop in Vancouver in 2006. The Boston showroom opened in November 2010. The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) announced the addition of six new members to its board of directors. The new directors were elected by a vote of the LIMA membership and their terms will run from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2014. Joining the LIMA board are: Susie Lecker, Senior Vice President at FisherPrice Friends, FP Brands who is now responsible for overseeing the marketing, design and engineering groups that develop products associated with Disney, Nickelodeon and HIT properties. Marty Malysz, President, Dependable Solutions Inc. has 21 years of experience marketing automated licensing and royalty systems to owners and licensees of intellectual property in the consumer product, sports, entertainment and apparel industries. Carla Peyton, Senior Vice President for Licensed Consumer Products-The Americas at BBC Worldwide America is responsible for overseeing licensed consumer products for North and South America. Jennifer Richmond, Managing Director, Richmond Management Group, provides clients with a full range of services from acquisition through final negotiation and management. James Slifer, Vice President-Business Development at The Joester Loria Group has more than 16 years experience in licensing, and is responsible for overseeing sales and new client acquisitions, and specializes in extending brands into emerging and non-traditional product categories. Cheryl Stoebenau, President, CAS Marketing represents manufactures in building their licensing portfolios and maximizing their licensing opportunities. Smith’s, the Hot Springs, Ark.-based maker of Edgeware knife sharpeners and kitchen tools, named Sonja Berton as National Sales Manager-Housewares. Berton reports to Mark Adkison, Smith’s Vice President of Global Sales. Her responsibilities include managing the Edgeware sales force of more than 50 independent manufacturers representatives. Berton brings more than 10 years experience to the position. She most recently served as Sales Manager for MUKitchen in Minneapolis. ADVERTISER INDEX American FeiTian ..............................................16 Core Bamboo .....................................................16 Creative Tops ......................................................13 Essenergy .............................................................17 Evriholder............................................................17 Fire Wire..............................................................14 Fissler .............................................................10, 12 Fox Run Brands..................................................32 Full Circle............................................................18 fusionbrands .......................................................13 Hewlett Manufacturing....................................18 Howard Naturals ...............................................22 Lancaster Colony...............................................15 Linden Sweden...................................................19 Parrish.....................................................................2 Pillivuyt................................................................19 Pragotrade/Weston ...........................................14 Prodyne .........................................................11, 30 SCI ...................................................................6, 20 Talisman Designs ...............................................22 Tribest ..................................................................15 Vinaroz.................................................................21 Vita Craft ............................................................23 Wilshire Industries ............................................31 WÜSTOFF ........................................................24 Zak Designs...........................................................5 30 Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 www.kitchenwarenews.com Trade Show Buzz How can you write a trade show column when everyone is away at shows? We will just take this as a positive sign—too much work to stop and chat. Looking ahead, the National Restaurant Association show, has officially changed its 2012 dates to May 5 to 8. The show was rescheduled to avoid overlap with the Global G8 and NATO Summit, a major geopolitical conference with high security and logistics requirements. The new dates were agreed upon after Chicago committed to a one-time package of about $2 million to ease the financial cost of moving the dates. NRA figures estimate the show brings about $100 million and 56,000 people to the city each year. The International Wine & Spirits event, which is co-located with NRA, will also move a week earlier, to May 6 and 7. Among July’s highlights was the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, which drew buyers from around the United States and more than 75 countries. Show host AmericasMart reported the home cooking trend and food TV are bringing more permanent exhibitors to their gourmet and housewares product center. New year-round at AmericasMart are L’EQUIP, Now Designs, La Crema, European Designs, Just Perfect www.kitchenwarenews.com by Rocelle Aragon Inc. and Lifetime Brands, while Mussels & More Pottery has expanded its space. Kicking off August was Chicago Living & Giving. One of the 2011 highlights was the Fair Trade Pavilion, in which buyers selected ethically sourced products from around the world. With more shoppers voluntarily spending money and time to buy Fair Trade, we’re interested to know how this will pan out. September is really full, with the Fall Chicago Market (Sept. 12 to 14) and the Fall L.A. Mart (Sept. 18 to 20). For food trend inspiration, check out Natural Products Expo East (Sept. 22 to 24, Baltimore) and CoffeeFest Seattle (Sept. 22 to 25). One can only hope you’re keeping track of your frequent flyer miles. Also set for Sept. 23 to 26 is the ABC Kids’ Expo, being held in Louisville, Ky., for the first time. Based on hotel room sales, show management is projecting this could be its biggest show ever, with popular features—including the New Products, Modern Child and Eco-Sustainable pavilions—being retained and improved. Those in the baked goods arena will want to check out All Things Baking (Oct. 2 to 4), which details a comprehensive education program on its site, www.allthingsbaking 2011.com. A week after is San Diego’s Gourmet Experience (Oct. 8 to 9). Of special interest to Kitchenware News readers will be trade-only Chef ’s Marketplace, with more than 150 exhibitors of kitchen equipment, cookware and quality cutlery. October 14 to 16, AmericasMart holds a joint show for two related fairs: Atlanta Fall Gift & Home Furnishings and the Atlanta Gourmet Market. AmericasMart is optimistic that combining the shows will create a more complete and efficient experience for buyers. Check back for details at www.americasmart.com. If you choose to sit that one out, Oct. 25 to 28 brings the New York Tabletop Show at three different buildings of individual showrooms. November brings Kosherfest on the 8th and 9th at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, the largest event around for this ever-growing market. Organizers estimate the show draws more than 6,000 professional attendees and more than 350 exhibitors from all over the world. PLMA’s Private Label Trade Show (Nov. 13 to 15) at the Rosemont (Ill.) Convention Center, will feature more than 2,000 exhibit booths where retailers and wholesalers can find products and suppliers. 2011 { t ra d e s h o w b u z z } TRADE SHOW CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2011 10-12 Dallas Total Home & Gift Market Dallas Market Center Dallas, TX, 800.DAL.MKTS www.dallasmarketcenter.com 26-28 Fall L.A. Mart Market L.A. Mart Los Angeles, CA, 800.LAMART4 www.lamart.com OCTOBER 2011 10-12 Atlanta Fall Gift & Home Furnishings Market and The Atlanta Gourmet Market® AmericasMart Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, 800.ATL.MART www.americasmart.com 25-28 New York Tabletop Market New York Showrooms, 41 Madison, 7 West 34th, 230 Fifth Ave. New York, NY, 212.686.1203, 212.279.6063, 800.698.5617 www.41madison.com www.7wnewyork.com www.230fifthave.com NOVEMBER 2011 4-7 Smoky Mountain Gift Show Gatlinburg Convention Center Gatlinburg, TN 678.285.3976 www.urban-expo.com Kitchenware News & Housewares Review • SEPTEMBER 2011 31