Food Lush

Champagne Flutes Revisited (Cast Your Vote!)

By Jennie

In October, I mentioned adding two different champagne flutes to my holiday wish list. Then I went and added "buy new champagne flutes" to my 2013 to-do list. Then an awesome friend gave me a Crate & Barrel gift card for my birthday, so I'm thinking the latter will help fund the former. 

Unfortunately, one of the sets of flutes I first posted about is no longer available (darn!), but there are plenty cute sets of flutes where those came from. I thought I'd toss a few sets your way, so you could tell me which is the most fabulous.

Top to bottom, left to right: Verve Flute; Paloma Flute; Cora Sparkling Wine Glass; Bellisima Flute.

Which would you buy with a gift card in your pocket?

Champagne Flutes on My Holiday Wish List

By Jennie

I like champagne. If you know me, you just rolled your eyes. Because, well, YEAH. That's like saying I have a middle name. (It's also well documented here.) Anyway, every year I toss a few champagne flutes onto my holiday wish list. One, I like adding to my collection. Two, I break at least a few throughout the year that need to be replaced.

I have these two flutes on my list this year:

On the left: Hollywood Champagne flute ($12.95); On the right: Cora Sparkling Wine Glass ($9.95) (Both photos from Crate & Barrel)

Any drinkware on your wishlist this year?

The Shops at Target: the Curiosity Shoppe

By Dani

Does anyone think it's a little weird that Target has become one of the "it" places to shop? I mean, it wasn't that long ago when Target was basically Cleaner Wal-Mart. I appreciate the transition, but I tend to run over to Target for Wal-Mart-ish things like detergent and napkins and leave with a new dress in tow, all surprised at how classy they are these days.

Anyways. I digress.

My point is, Target is a pretty cool place to shop, and this new trend of having limited-edition designers and collections has made it even cooler. I missed out on the Missoni craziness because a) I'm not stylish and b) I hate crowds but, BUT - I will fight with some surburban home cooks over cute kitchen decor, y'all. Watch yoselves.

Enter the Curiosity Shoppe, and a totally good reason to go to Target even if you don't need toilet paper. Their stuff is funky and quirky and mostly unneccessary, but that's what makes it a fun splurge, right?

Check out the cuteness:

(a nod to Amarillo, Texas and Chris LeDoux. Yeehaw!)

(I just love their colors and patterns!)

I totally bought this cutting board for myself Sunday morning when I stopped in to Target "just to see." I love America, yo, and I couldn't help myself. Isn't it perfect for an MNF cheese plate?

If your Target has been mobbed by fellow classy kitchenistas, you might check out the Curiosity Shoppe online. They always have super cute things, and although the Target line is exclusive, I just love their style.

What do you think of the Shops at Target? Were you there when the doors opened, or are you "toothpaste and toilet paper only" Target-shopper?

(All photos from Target.com)

Wine Glass Do-Over

By Nora    

When I got engaged over six years ago and started putting together my wedding registry, I thought it was very important to have a large assortment of wine glasses so that I when I "entertained" I would not be judged for serving chardonnay in a pinot noir glass. Thus, my registry was chock full of glasses, and I received them all. Six years later, and i've realized three very important things:

1) I don't "entertain" nearly as often as I anticipated I would.

2) No one gives a crap if you serve them chardonnay in a glass made for pinot noir.

3) Glass breaks.

That third lesson is probably the most important one, as my collection of glasses has now dwindled to a haphazard assortment of about 7 glasses, and I realized that it's time to re-evaluate the glass situation happening in our dining room cabinet, as it's already full of grandma's china and crystal, so space is limited. Therefore, I have made a decision to start over with my wine glasses and try to find 8 multi-purpose glasses that will serve all of my wine-drinking needs. I will keep my champagne glasses and the stemless ones (especially since my husband and I are super clutzy people and responsible for most of the glass breakage); however, I would like my do-over glasses to be somewhat angular, not too expensive, and also *ahem* a good size.  Here are the three choices that i'm considering.

The Wine Enthusiast Merlot Glass from Target

 

Tour Wine Glasses from Crate and Barrel

 Stolze Revolution Power Red Wine Glasses from Amazon

Yes. I realize these glasses all look similar. The first option has a much rounder bowl than the other glasses, but I love the sharp angles in the Crate and Barrel glass. However, I think the last option is really what i'm looking for, although the negative is that they're from Amazon, which means I can't lift them up and feel their weight and if I like holding them.

Do you have all-purpose wine glasses that you love? Or do you think that different glasses for different wines is important?

Picnic Baskets

By A'Dell

Spring is here, and that means picnics! I rarely pack a full picnic, but I am VERY fond of packing snacks, drinks, and a blanket and calling it a picnic.

A long time ago, when we were dating, my husband took me on a date to a Shakespeare in the Park thing and I packed a picnic dinner for us. At the time, I couldn't imagine taking the picnic in something as ugly as a COOLER, so I bought a special picnic basket, just for that evening. We still use it and, seriously? It fancies up any playground we visit. I LOVE ME SOME PICNICS.

Here are some of my favorite picnic baskets this season.

Red Picnic Cooler, $63

Isn't this CUTE? It looks like it weighs too much and might be awkward to carry a long distance but...it's cute, right?! Very Mad Men. (Also comes in yellow!)

Rattan Picnic Basket for Two, $80

Oh, my stars, this is a spendy picnic basket. But, it comes with all the goodies pictured: two ceramic plates, two wine glasses, two sets of 3 piece flatware (fork, knife & spoon) and one wine bottle opener. 

Collapsible Basket with Cover, $40 + $11 = $51

I bought these for all the women in my family for Christmas and, let me tell you, I was pretty jealous I didn't buy one for ME. These things are really cool. You can buy a cover and CALL it a picnic basket, but it's really so multi-purpose it more than justifies the price tag.

Isabela Picnic Basket, $90 ( OH MY GOSH NINETY DOLLARS)

I don't know many people that want to spend NINETY DOLLARS on a picnic pasket (seriously?!) but I like that this one is tall enough for a bottle of wine. If you don't finish a bottle (HA HA HA) you can cork it and know that it'll stay safe in here, because it has room for two in a smallish compartment.

Or, you can just drink all the wine you bring and save your money for...more wine.

Building the Perfect Wedding Registry in your Kitchen: Part 2

By Elisabeth

Let's talk about one of my favorite parts of the kitchen registry: Small appliances!

Now, here is where you can go for it more than not. You should put appliances on your registry that you really want and most likely need. You do NOT skimp out here. I say this only because it may be the only chance you'll have to get any of your higher priced items anytime soon. If you are paying for your wedding, or any component of it, then you may not not have an extra $300 sitting around waiting to be spent on a bad ass mixer.

(Of course you do not want to have all items on your registry out of your guests' price range, but a lot of the time, several people do go in on a higher priced item, so don't leave them out!)

Let's start with the Queen Bee, the KitchenAid Mixer.

Now, this is something I did NOT register for 10 years ago. I just didn't know better or think I would need it. I was WRONG. I did registered and receive a Cuisinart hand-held mixer. It worked just fine (it just went South on me last year) and I would even recommend it as well, but in addition to a standing mixer, if at all possible.

Next up, a Food Processor.

This is the Cuisinart I have, only this one is a newer, hipper version. You can pretty much find any KitchenAid or Cuisinart and it'll shine. Based on how much you cook, or think you will down the line, you can go with a 9-cup here or the larger 11-cup. (I've never had any size issues with my 9-cup.)

And now, Blenders.

From the reviews I have read on this Cuisinart, this is a great blender. (I have one too.) There are plenty of them out there, but you want something that's got a lot of power if you plan on making smoothies, blending ice, etc. This one is quieter than most, so that's a super bonus. Bottom line, you need one, especially if you plan on making things like margaritas!

So, these are the three big kahunas. An ideal trio for any kitchen.

Another item that would be ideal is a toaster, for example. I have a toaster oven which works great for our family, (And yes, I've heard they catch on fire easily. I'm on the lookout.) but a 4-slice toaster big enough to toast bagels is perfect.

If you want dinner ready and on the table within minutes of walking through the door, a slow cooker would definitely be up your alley.

You definitely want one that is 5-quarts or larger to fit your needs now and down the road when more mouths to feed may be involved.

Now, here is where I need your help, readers. I am not a coffee drinker. I know. What in the hell is wrong with me? I am sure one day I'll wake up and think a cup is delicious, but it hasn't happened yet. So, what type and brand of coffee maker would you recommend to someone who is creating their registry? What would you have wanted and needed from the get-go?

Also, anything else you think I should add to our small appliances list? Waffle makers? Griddles? Juice makers? If you could go back, what else would you have put on yours?

There are many small appliances out there and if your kitchen is anything like mine, it's hard to find space to house them all. Sit down, take a look at what is available and make a priority list. And worse case? You get a few things you might be having second thoughts on. All you need to do is return them and purchase your true must-haves.

Next week I'll be back with cookware and utensils to round out my series!

{photo credit: crateandbarrel.com}

Building the Perfect Wedding Registry in your Kitchen: Part 1

By Elisabeth

First off, creating a registry for your wedding can be DAUNTING, especially for the kitchen. Who's to say what items you'll be using years from now? Should you register for china? Crystal? Silver? What color scheme works for both of you now, but both of you 10, 15 years down the line?

I can say I registered for China/Crystal/Silver and got about 6 place settings total of everything. Not bad! Not bad if I actually used any of them. Not bad if they weren't still packed in the original boxes in my garage for the past TEN years. (Now this might not be the norm, but I never got the hutch I've always planned on having to display these items, plus with three young kids in the house now, it's still not the first thing on my list.)

I enjoy having the silver since it's the same pattern as my grandmother. The crystal is also the same pattern as the rest of my family and I love it. I truly can't wait to use them. The china is another story. I registered for a lovely pattern, but I don't think it's for me anymore. Yes, I need to actually open the box and take a look to make sure, but my advice would be this: Classic, simple patterns can last a lifetime.

There are millions of places to register, but you want to keep in mind the people on your invite list. If some people have a Williams-Sonoma, but not a Crate and Barrell nearby, you might want to register at both. Or, you may find everything you need at Target or your favorite department store may be your preference. People will order online, of course, but a lot of people like to go into a store and buy their gifts, especially people who are not computer-savvy.

Let's start with place settings, shall we?

Whether or not you choose to register for china, your everyday plates can still be your go-to plates.

These are the ones I have from Crate and Barrell for day-to-day use in my house. The thing you want to keep in mind, or hope rather, is the longevity of the pattern. Over the years, I have broken a couple of plates, and/or decided to add more to my collection. Having these still available to purchase 10 years later? AWESOME. Of course you can't predict this when picking out patterns, but go with something you think you'd like to stare at day in and day out while doing the dishes.

A flatware set like this is a great basic, yet classic choice when it comes to silverware. Pick a pattern that suites your taste, but is in a decent price range for you and your guests.

You can register for $5 glasses or find some great $1.50 ones like these to round out your daily ware. The ones I have are $1.50 a glass and if on the strange occurrence one does break, going back to Crate and Barrell to replace it and/or add a few more does not put me out.

Now, one to special stemware!

We registered for red and white wine glasses plus a set of 4 beer glasses. We currently only have the 3 beer glasses left. Everything else broke. On a whim, we purchased a set of 4 red wine glasses at a liquor store and have been extremely pleased with the durability. Point is this, if the glass itself is very thin, like the ones we had, they are way too fragile especially if you plan to clean them after having drank a glass or two.

Maybe this stemless wonder would have somewhat helped out in the clumsy department. I don't think these were in or hip 10 years ago, but I think I need to make a trip out to my local wine store and stock up!

Now, clearly this is just a start regarding the registry for the kitchen. Next week I'll be back discussing the must-have small appliances.

Stay tuned...

And please, if you have any advice to add to this series, feel free to comment! 

 

{photo credits: crateandbarrel.com}

Rediscovering the French Press

By Leslie

A few years ago my beloved french press coffee maker tumbled out of the cabinet and crashed to the floor.  It was pretty sad, but I eventually got over it and have relied on the drip coffee maker ever since.  This year my kitchen was the lucky recipient of not one, but TWO french presses.  (My boyfriend and I gave them to one another.  Aww.)  However, in a strange turn of events I somehow purchased a miniature french press for him via RueLaLa.  When I say miniature, I mean it only serves one.  I gave it to him anyway because I thought it was adorable and figured we would just buy a larger one later.  

 

Since opening these gifts, we have had french press coffee almost every day.  I forgot how delicious and easy it is.  The Mr. Coffee is still good for the obvious reasons like the programmable feature, coffee stays warm, etc.  On the weekends and special occassions though, the french press will be used!  It's unbelievable how much better the coffee tastes.  Various sources tell me that the oils in the coffee are retained in the french press process. In the typical drip coffee maker the oils are absorbed by the filter.  Another benefit of the french press -- you can control the strength of your coffee with ease.  

In case you're wondering, the larger press is La Cafetiere and the smaller one is Bodum.  Both receive great reviews and so far they have been winners for us.  

Anyone a huge fan of the french press?  

Glass Dharma: Resuable Glass Straws

by Caitlin

Have you seen the 2011 Food Lush Guft Guide?

What a blast it was putting it together. Virtual window shopping, food, making lists: These are a few of my favorite things!

However, after it was posted, I was shocked to realize that I'd left off one of my most favorite kitchen items. It's something I use every day and something I've given as a gift before, so it was naturally one of the first items I thought to include. Somehow it managed to slip through the cracks, but this product is probably worthy of its own post anyway. 

I love straws and use them in just about everything I drink (smoothies, cocktails, water, even in my coffee), but a couple of years ago I started feeling bad about how many cheap plastic straws I was throwing away. I figured there had to be an alternative, and in my hunt for reusable straws I stumbled onto Glass Dharma.

Their straws are reusable, handblown, guaranteed, microwaveable, dishwasher safe*, made in the USA, and absolutely beautiful. They come in various widths and sizes, which is kind of genius. (They'll make custom pieces, too!) For instance, I have a set of 4 Decorative Dots Sipper Shorties. These are shorter straws with a narrower hole, which are perfect for cocktails and coffee. As an added bonus, each straw has different colored dots which both helps keeps drinks straight and keeps your straws from rolling off the counter. 

 

Photo: DesignMilk.com

The sets come with a small cleaning brush.

They're not super cheap, but I truly believe this is an instance in which you get what you pay for, and to me it's worth it. Glass Dharma offers a huge variety of sizes, with the optional dots, and they even offer bent straws. What's more, I can personally attest to both the durability of the product, as well as their guarantee. Mine have been dropped and had things dropped on them, and only one of them has broken. Because of their guarantee, I sent it back in and got a replacement totally hassle free. I love how customer centric they are, and how much they stand behind their product. I highly recommend Glass Dharma, and they'd make a great gift -- for yourself, or someone else.

*The folks at Glass Dharma kindly passed along this tip: If the straws are slipping through the holes of your dishwasher's utensil rack, stick a piece of steel wool in the bottom of the compartment and voila! No more slipping. 

Are you a fan of straws? Have you tried reusable ones? Am I the only weirdo who drinks her coffee through a straw?

Wedding registry remix

By Sarah

I got married (almost) three years ago (I just checked and third anniversary gift is leather, which reminds me I should buy my husband a new wallet, since I ran his through the washing machine, oh, a month ago.)

Anyway, we got married three years ago and while we certainly didn't register for such pointless things as laundry baskets and hangers (why people, why?) I do have some items that need updating and some things I'd do differently. Let's discuss.

Wine glasses and champagne flutes and cocktail glasses (oh my!)

Knowing I'm a serial glass-breaker, we didn't register for the fancy Reidel wine glasses. Smart move too, as we have exactly two pieces remaining of all our original drinkware. Usually this is fine, as it's just the two of us (our four-month-old daughter isn't drinking yet), but sometimes -- say, last night, when my mom was visiting, or tonight, when my nana-in-law is visiting -- it would be nice to have a matching set of more than just two glasses.

I'd like to do a big overhaul of all new glasses and am thinking Cost Plus World Market might be my best bet because they are, umm, cheap (I am cheap, sue me) and have a huge selection. While I originally registered for Mikasa (which, whatever, I still love the fun patterns), I think this go-around I'd like to shoot for a more classic look.

Maybe these champagne flutes:

Jubilee Amber Flute Glass, Set of 4 {$15.96 ON SALE, woo!}

And maybe these double old-fashioneds:

Stackable Double Old-Fashioned Glass, Set of 4 {$5.96, a price about which I am slightly dubious}

I will of course need to go in store and hem and haw over all the glassware IN PERSON, so I'm sure I'll get around to doing that real soon. (Haha, SARCASM, in case you couldn't tell.)

Forks and knives and spoons and stuff

When we registered for flatware, I was appalled at how much a set of just one fork, one knife, and one spoon went for. You want me (or my guests) to spend how much on this? Uhh, no.

We ultimately registered for, and received, one of these 20-piece flatware sets:

Towle Luxor 20-Piece Flatware Set {$49.99}

It's served us well, except that it's started to rust ever so slightly. So, while I'm not really looking to buy new flatware (yet), but that is something I'd do differently, if I had the chance.

Anything you'd do differently in the registry or kitchenware department? Do share!

{Photo credits: worldmarket.com and bedbathandbeyond.com}