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Top Chef Finale

The Top Chef finale for season 3 starts tonight. Four chefs remain. Following last week's episode in New York, the group heads to Colorado for this two-part finale. Stats: first episode of the finale is Wednesday, September 26, at 10 pm ET/PT, followed by the live finale from Chicago, Wednesday, October 3 10 pm ET/PT. 

September 26, 2007 in Cooking | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Onda Stool by Jesus Gasca

My husband and I just bought our very first home: a flat in San Francisco. Needless to say, my years and years of reading and dreaming about kitchen decor is finally going to get some use. Upon looking for the perfect kitchen stool, I found the Onda Stool at Design Within Reach. Designed by Jesus Gasca, the Onda Stool has a nice modern look with a stainless steel structure, but also has something that is ideal: support. It has a small lip on the seat that hugs the lower back.

Onda Stool by Jesus Gasca l $328 at DWR

September 25, 2007 in | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wine Bags from Bob's Your Uncle

I'm not sure who Bob is, but I really do like these wine bags he's designed. It's a nice alternative to the fancy velvet roped sack, which is just so "yesterday". And it gives new meaning to "paper-bagging" it. Also, when the bag has made its rounds - you know we all reuse our wine gift bags, come on - it is even recyclable. Thanks, Bob.

Wine Bags from Bob's Your Uncle  l  $12 at greengrassdesign.com

September 25, 2007 in All Things Wine | Permalink | Comments (0)

Kershaw KAI Pure Komachi Colored Knives

Kershaw KAI Pure Komachi knives are color-coded, which makes it easier to grab the right knife out of your wooden knife block. Now you can have great knives and some color too.

Kershaw KAI Pure Komachi colored knives  I  starting at $19.95 at Knife Center

September 24, 2007 in Kitchen Gadgets | Permalink | Comments (2)

Alice Waters' "The Art of Simple Food"

Next month Alice Waters' eighth cookbook, "The Art of Simple Food: Notes, Lessons and Recipes from a Delicious Revolution" will be available at bookstores. The following is a description of her book:

    "With an essential repertoire of timeless, approachable recipes chosen to enhance and showcase great ingredients, The Art of Simple Food is an indispensable resource for home cooks. Here you will find Alice's philosophy on everything from stocking your kitchen, to mastering fundamentals and preparing delicious, seasonal inspired meals all year long. Always true to her philosophy that a perfect meal is one that's balanced in texture, color, and flavor, Waters helps us embrace the seasons' bounty and make the best choices when selecting ingredients. Fill your market basket with pristine produce, healthful grains, and responsibly raised meat, poultry, and seafood, then embark on a voyage of culinary rediscovery that reminds us that the most gratifying dish is often the least complex."

The Art of Simple Food by Alice Waters  l  $21 at ecookbooks.com (40% off)

September 19, 2007 in Cookbooks | Permalink | Comments (0)

Michael Recchiuti Chocolate Classes

I think we just discovered heaven: chocolate classes where you can learn about chocolate, from making it, to eating it. It's gets even better when it's Michael Recchiuti chocolate. So start booking now for his October Oregon and California schdedule. If you can't make his class, you can always buy his creations online at www.recchiuti.com, including the seasonal Rex Ray Collection pictured above.

October Course Schedule

October 5, Long Beach, California: Chocolate Obsession Demo Class
October 12, Portland, Oregon: Chocolate & Terrior with Michael
October 13, Portland, Oregon: Chocolate October at the Heathman
October 14, Portland, Oregon: Chocolate Sampling at Zupan's
October 14, Portland, Oregon: Chocolate Demo at in Good Taste
October 24, San Mateo, California: Chocolate Obession Demo Class

September 18, 2007 in Chocolate | Permalink | Comments (2)

B + B Italia Vertigo Series

Living in San Francisco,  I can't help but appreciate Dwell's mention of the new Vertigo series by Naoto Fukasawa for B + B Italia. Who could forget the scene at Coit Tower in Hitchcock's famous movie? The irregular shaped bowls are a beautiful way to think outside of the "circle."

Vertigo Bowls by Naoto Fukasawa for B + B Italia

September 13, 2007 in | Permalink | Comments (2)

Hello!Lucky Invites for Your Emmy Party

It's that time of year; time to celebrate the beautiful people on television. This Sunday is the 59th Annual Emmy Awards. Invite your guests to a "marvelous" party with these cocktail invitations from Hello!Lucky and don't forget the caviar, darling.

Invitaion from Hello!Lucky  |  $14 for set of 10

September 11, 2007 in Parties & Entertaining | Permalink | Comments (0)

TurboChef Oven

September 7, 2007 in Kitchen Gadgets | Permalink | Comments (0)

Cafe Pelé Espresso Cup

This uniquely designed espresso cup designed by Julie Pfligersdorffer will let your guests know you didn't just pick it up at Crate and Barrel.

Café Pelé Espresso Cup  |  $30 at industreal

September 5, 2007 in A Food & Wine Gift Guide | Permalink | Comments (1)