Perfect Pairing: Riedel Crystal and Living Beyond Breast Cancer

The Riedel company is one of the world's authorities on wine glasses and decanters and for the third year, Riedel has created a special, limited edition glass to benefit Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Riedel will donate 15% of the proceeds from the sale of this glass to support those dealing with the devastating diagnosis of breast cancer and life beyond.



The first two glasses in the series, the Pink “O” wine tumbler (2005) and the Pink “O” Champagne glass (2006), sold out in record time, providing a donation of over $100,000 to Living Beyond Breast Cancer in the U.S. This year the glass is a Pink Vinum Rosé Glass with its soft pink stem and clear bowl. (above: Riedel Pink O Champagne glass, set of 2, $26.99; Riedel vinum pink rose, pair, $49.80. Both available at Bed, Bath & Beyond).



Wine decanters make a great wedding gift. Whether your friends have handcrafted redwood racking in their temperature-controlled cellars or simply enjoy a glass of wine with dinner now and then, any newlywed will gratefully receive these decanters. Real wine aficionados will especially appreciate that Riedel makes these decanters. They feature different sizes and shapes that are carefully designed to bring out the best qualities in wines.



These decanters are proof that with Riedel, you can always expect the unexpected—in dramatic fashion.

(Decanters shown above: Pomerol wine decanter, $249.00; Amadeo lyra decanter, $287.95; Pomerol wine decanter , $249.00; Crystal Dove wine decanter, $179.95, Tyrol wine decanter $156.95 ; All available at the Wine Enthusiast).

In the mix: Zak + NCBF

There was a time when mixing bowls and other kitchen tools were heard, but not seen - - stored in a dark closet after the day's work was done. But not today, kitchen tools are now, not only functional, they're fun, funky and being displayed in ways that are adding style and pizazz to kitchen countertops.



Color your kitchen with these mixing bowls by Zak Design. These are not your grandmother's mixing bowls. They're still used for mixing your favorite cake batter and serving your favorite dish; but they are better designed. These bowls fuse stainless steel and melamine in one product, resistance to temparature transfer, dishwasher safe and features a non-skid bottom.



Zak Designs is partnering with National Breast Cancer Foundation and will donate a portion of the proceeds of this line to the NBCF. Great cooking is a combination of fun, quality, style and convenience and these well-designed items, in the pink color, proves that products for a worthy cause don't need to be dull.

(Items featured: Zak 6pc pink mixing bowl set,$59.99; Zak 5qt. bowl melamine fused w/ stainless steel, $29.99; Zak soda fountain tumbler, $4.99; Zak large colander,$12.99. All available at LaPrima Shops).

Going, Going, GOWN!

By the time the ring's on your finger, the date's set, and you're shopping for “The Dress”; I’m sure he loves you just the way you are, right?



So I’m not blaming Chip for my weight loss frenzy; but from the moment he popped the question, my thoughts went to "The Dress" and the fact that I refuse to buy one until I get down to my “idea size”.


(l to r: Mesu bowls, set of 6 nesting bowls, $49.95, Studio Panepinto; Yum Yum dishes, set of 4, $22.00)

Like many brides-to-be in New York City, I’ve signed up for the “Brides Boot camp class" at New York Sports and hired a trainer. During this time, exercising regularly is never easy but eating right is even harder. That’s why I’m loving the set of Mesu bowls - six porcelain bowls, each marked with a symbol indicating the quantity of food it can hold so you can finally measure your portions. I also think the Yum Yum dishes are great as well.



So rather than popping pills, trying starvation diets and over exercising I think the best thing to do is learn about food choices and portion control to aid me in my beautiful-body quest. Before you know it the pounds will be going, going, gone!

A cut above the rest: Laguiole knives

They're beautiful, feel great in your hand, cut effortlessly and will definitely be on my wedding registry. Table knives by the French firm Laguiole (pronounced "layole") have a handle on the hottest shades, horn or wood. The blades are as elegantly crafted as they are beautiful to behold.


(above: Laguiole steak knife set, $98.00, Anthropologie)

Laguiole is one of the oldest and best respected names in French cutlery. For over two centuries, craftsmen of Laguiole have been making distinctive knives known to the world as Laguiole Knives. Laguiole knives are pocket knives often with a small corkscrew. The style has evolved and led to a range of some of the most handsome cutlery to be found anywhere. There are Laguiole table knives, Laguiole carving sets and, of course, the Laguiole corkscrew, also known as the sommelier knife.


(l to r: Laguiole spreaders, set of 4, $39.00, Williams-Sonoma; Laguiole steak knives, $350.00 Dean and Deluca)

These days, they've become a symbol of uber-style among those who are attuned to such things, due perhaps to the neat bas-relief bee that sits at the point where blade and haft meet and an appreciation of the nifty mechanism which forces the blade to collapse. A Laguiole knife is presented to each president of the French Republic. Sonia Rykiel is said to own one. And Philippe Starke, who seems unable to leave the slightest thing untouched, has refined the design for the 21st century.



(l to r: Laguiole Steak Knives $330.00, Horchow; Laguiole exotic wood handles, set of 6 $570.00, Moss).

Ooohh so many choices, what’s a girl to do?

(image at top: Laguiole Wilmotte, set of 6, $670.00, Moss)

Fall colors: Kkooll’s way of bringing them to the table.

Labor Day has passed. Summer vacations are over. Schools have reopened their doors. September marks the beginning of autumn and with the nights closing in and the end of those wonderful summer vegetables, it is nice to change to the great earthy flavors that encapsulate autumn and winter.

Fall is an idyllic time for comfort food, thoughts of winter soups, stews, my mother’s casseroles and that wonderful aroma of onions and herbs drifting through her kitchen during family dinners.

This holiday try a tagine, a Moroccan stew that requires a little patience, and a bit of the cook's soul. It must simmer for a good long time, until the spices have melded artfully, until the meat is more tender than you guessed it could be and until the dried fruit has begun to melt into the thick, dark sauce.



When the tagine is brought to the table, your guests are greeted with rich, spicy aromas that waft up as you raise the lid. I suggest using one in the Kkooll Collections line. Kkooll Collections imports the highest quality, handcrafted ceramics in Morocco. They are high in design, pure in line, unique and stunning – with the beauty of each piece matched by its practicality. The designs and color ways are new and exceptionally beautiful.



If you’re planning a holiday dinner this season, think about stews. Stews are often overlooked; but take a second glance, because these dishes have many virtues. They can be made ahead, and they take well to either buffet or plated service. Best of all, though, you can add garnishes to transform any stew from comfort food to a stylish party dish.

(above: Kkooll Collections, 212-646-233-3769, Global Table)