Glassware
Celebrate Fabulous at Las Vegas Market
By Lorrie Baumann
Las Vegas Market has been working hard to expand the range of products that will be of interest to Kitchenware News readers, and the hard work is paying off. This winter’s Las Vegas Market has a lot to see in the showrooms and pavilions along with a grand opportunity to meet The Fabulous Beekman Boys, who are emerging as thoughtful spokesmen for a generation that values fresh, local and seemingly effortless design and cuisine. Also, they’re both fun and funny.
Known as The Fabulous Beekman Boys are Brent Ridge, physician and former Vice President of Healthy Living for Martha Stewart Omnimedia; and his partner, Josh Kilmer-Purcell, advertising executive and New York Times bestselling author, The celebrity duo began developing their unique and chic brand strategy when they purchased the historic Beekman 1802 Farm in Sharon Springs, New York, in 2007 and then had to start figuring out (fast) how to pay the mortgage and make new lives for themselves as gentlemen farmers after the national economy took a dive in the Great Recession. The pair launched a line of goat milk cheeses and soaps, and quickly added other artisanal items to the Beekman 1802 brand. The popularity of the brand spawned a reality television show, “The Fabulous Beekman Boys,” now airing on the Cooking Channel; they also competed and won the grand prize in CBS’s “The Amazing Race” in 2012, and their Beekman 1802 product line of gourmet foods launched in Target stores last November.
Celebrities aside, there’s much to see this winter at the Las Vegas Market. Here’s a small sampling.
AvoSeedo is a cute little gadget for the folks who like to save their avocado pits and sprout them for new trees. You remember how to do that by sticking toothpicks into the sides of an avocado pit and balancing the picks on the rim of a glass of water? Well, this is a little boat into which you set your avocado seed and float it in a bowl of water. In a few weeks, the avocado seed germinates and begins to grow.
AvoSeedo comes in four different colors: evergreen, transparent, cyan and pink, and in two retail packages, a single pack that retails for $8 and a three-pack that retails for $20.00. For more information, email Daniel Kalliontzis at AvoSeedo LLC: info@avoseedo.com.
European Excellency will be showing off a gorgeous line of three-ply paper napkins imprinted with a wide variety of floral, abstract, butterfly, food related, Easter and Christmas designs. The napkins are made in Europe, and only environmentally friendly, water-based paints are used for the designs. Luncheon, cocktail, round and snack sizes are available. For more information, call 949.374.7757 or see them in Pavilion 1 at the Las Vegas Market.
If cloth napkins are a better fit for your customers, consider the Farm Fresh Stripe Napkins from Design Imports (DII). They come in a set of four, and each napkin measures 18 inches square. They’re 100 percent cotton, so they can be machine washed in cold water on the gentle cycle, and they go in the dryer on low heat. The set of four retails for $14.99. See them in the Design Imports Showroom in Building C at Las Vegas Market or call 1.800.344.4115.
Apropos by Home Essentials is debuting the Marble & Mango collection of cheese paddles and cutting boards made from marble and mango wood for a new twist on classic design that echoes the design trend that’s seeing more use of marble in kitchens. The 18-inch-long Brown & White Triangle Marble Cutting Board from the collection retails for $35 to $40, while the 20-inch Brown Round Marble Cutting Board retails for $50 to $60. A set of four White Marble 4-inch Square Coasters retails for $15 to 18. For more information, call Next Step Reps at 760.731.7445 or see them in the Next Step Reps showroom in Building C at the Las Vegas Market.
The CTW Home Collection offers a vintage-inspired K-cup caddy that’ll fit beautifully into the same kitchen that has a Marble & Mango cheese paddle or cutting board hanging on the wall. The Roast Coffee K-Cup Caddy is 8-1/2 inches wide, 11-3/4 inches tall and 6 inches deep and retails for $45. It’s offered without a minimum order. See it in the CTW Home Collection showroom in Building C in the Las Vegas Market or call 1.800.433.5054.
Top Shelf Glasses is bringing trendy to the table with Double Wall Stemless Wine Glasses. Two pieces of glass are fused together with designs on both glass walls to make glassware that truly makes a statement. They’re dishwasher safe and retail for $17.99. See them in Building C at the Las Vegas Market or find out more by calling 888.808.4001.
A tray has a way of transforming a group of several objects from clutter into a collection, and Brilliant Imports is offering a couple of hand-woven fiber trays from Bali that will lend a subtle note of elegance to just such a tabletop collection or a display of spice bottles or utensils on the kitchen counter. The Circle Rattan Tray is 12 inches in diameter and retails for $55. The Ovalate Tray is hand-woven from ate grass and measures 12 inches wide by 15.75 inches long. It retails for $50. To find out more, email Brilliant Imports, LLC at info@brilliantimports.com or see them in Pavilion 1 at the Las Vegas Market.
Your food is handmade, so why shouldn’t your table linens be? TO THE MARKET offers a nine piece table top set embellished with delicate kantha stitching. Cotton sari is used to make four napkins, four placemats, and one table runner, all with one solid and one patterned side. Designed by TO THE MARKET, the set is constructed by Basha, a co-op that employs survivors of human trafficking in Bangladesh. Find out more by calling TO THE MARKET at 859-740-9498 or the TO THE MARKET booth at Las Vegas Market.
Honor your veteran with an Official Licensed Military Board from Totally Bamboo. These serving boards would be fantastic for serving cheese or taking out to the patio for next summer’s barbecues, and in between-times, they’ll make a gorgeous plaque to hang on the wall of the man cave, dining room or family room. They’re 12 inches in diameter and retail for $30. For more information, visit the Next Step Reps showroom at Las Vegas Market or call Totally Bamboo at 760.471.6600.
The Las Vegas Market runs January 24-28 in Las Vegas, Nevada, with the Pavilions open January 24-27.
Design Company Seeks Funding to Make Whisky Glass
Global design brand Norlan will launch a Kickstarter campaign on October 27 to fund its game-changing namesake whisky glass. Norlan transforms the way whisky is enjoyed through a design which combines the advanced aromatic delivery of a snifter with the aesthetic virtues of a tumbler. The glass is to be the flagship release in an evolving suite of products dedicated to modernizing the whisky drinking experience.
Norlan was created by internationally renowned Icelandic designer Sruli Recht and further refined with input from master distillers inScotland. A whisky aficionado, Recht searched but found history had yet to produce a truly thoughtful design-response to the unique experience of enjoying fine whisky. A challenge was set.
In developing its glass, Norlan sought to address a key deficiency in the whisky drinking experience – The world of whisky is dominated by two distinct types of glassware: nosing glasses and classic tumblers. While the former do improve the scent delivery of the spirit, they too often concentrate the ethanol vapors, obscuring the subtler flavor notes. These glasses also have the added detriment of turning the drinking experience into an anti-social activity, whereby the head is tilted up and back, cutting the drinker off from their social engagement. Tumblers, on the other hand, have a broad aesthetic appeal and are sociable glasses, but their wide open brims diffuse and flatten out whisky’s complex aromatics.
By combining modern digital technologies and advanced double-walled glassblowing handcraft, Norlan has created a hybrid-designed glass that not only brings together the best qualities of the archetypal tumbler and snifter, but improves upon the essential scent delivery. Through scientific study and bio-mimicry, Norlan has developed a patent pending feature that dramatically increases the rate of oxidization within the glass. This feature, a series of specially positioned protrusions, or “fins,” inside the glass, serves to agitate the liquid, creating ocean-like waveforms that release the ethanol vapors more quickly and deliver the expressive and desirable flavor notes to the drinker.
The Norlan glass will be priced at $48 for a set of two, and will be available at retail in spring of 2016. Backers of the Kickstarter campaign will be able to take advantage of ‘early bird’ offers and an opportunity to get the glass in hand first, along with some special offers specific to the campaign.
Norlan’s 45-day Kickstarter campaign launches Tuesday, October 27, with reward levels that feature boxed sets of the glasses (two, four, six and eight glasses) at discounts of 20-32 percent off the future retail price.
Hard Cider Gets its Own Glass: Angry Orchard Introduces the Orchard Glass
Angry Orchard is now offering a brand new glass designed just for hard cider: the Orchard Glass. Cider is a unique beverage that walks a line somewhere between wine and beer. And while there are many glasses out there, developed to enhance the flavor of wine or craft beer, the cider makers couldn’t find a glass they felt did the same for craft cider. With cider having a renaissance here in the US, the cider makers wanted to give those discovering the drink the best cider drinking experience possible.
The cider making team decided to enlist the help of several cider and sensory experts to create a new glass from scratch, specifically designed for the unique, fresh apple flavor profile of Angry Orchard’s most popular cider, Crisp Apple, made with culinary apples from Italy and traditional bittersweet cider apples from France. The end result of the project, the Orchard Glass, named for the cider maker’s new innovation orchard and cidery opening in the Hudson Valley of New York State later in 2015, enhances the cider’s crisp, fruit forward, fresh apple taste and aroma.
“We travel the world looking for the best apples for cider making, exploring different ingredients and cider making techniques, all to enhance the cider experience,” said Ryan Burk, Angry Orchard Head Cider Maker. “To me, craft cider is all about apple expression, and this glass really delivers an improved apple intensity, flavor and aroma, which is so important to most hard ciders, but especially our Angry Orchard Crisp Apple.”
For years, craft brewers have been adopting specific glassware for their beer to be served because they care about what they’re brewing and know the drinking experience doesn’t end once a beer leaves a brewery. The same holds true for cider, and the cider makers were passionate that cider deserved the same care and attention.
To kick off the project, the cider makers drew initial sketches, tested more than 50 glass options with a vast variety of shapes and openings, and then had hand-blown samples made to test their ideas. A number of world-renowned sensory and cider experts dove into the process with Angry Orchard, including one of the world’s best cider makers and educators, Peter Mitchell of the Cider & Perry Academy in the UK; a leading sensory expert with more than 30 years of experience working with the global brewing industry, Roy Desrochers of Tufts University Sensory and Science Center; and Boston University Adjunct Professor Sandy Block, Master of Wine and Vice President of Beverage at Legal Seafoods. The panel participated in tastings to evaluate the functional design features needed to best showcase the key flavor and aroma characteristics of the cider.
“The Orchard Glass has significant drinker benefits,” said Desrochers. “Our team of trained and certified descriptive sensory panelists evaluated the glass and determined the Orchard Glass improves the cider drinking experience from a flavor, aroma and ergonomic perspective when compared to a traditional pint glass or a bottle.”
The Orchard Glass incorporates four key features to enhance the cider drinking experience from a flavor perspective:
- Nucleation seed – Small etching at the bottom of the glass to slightly enhance carbonation to improve flavor and aroma intensity without depleting the carbonation too quickly.
- Rounded bowl – This design feature helps collect and concentrate the cider aromas: bright, fresh apple.
- Chimney – The glass narrows from a wide bowl to a more concentrated opening for more intense aromas; cider aromas are subtle so it’s important for the glass to go straight up rather than tapering out to dilute the aromas.
- Straight Lip/Beading – The straight lip places cider at the right spot on the palate, at the front/middle of the tongue, showcasing the balance between sweet and dry while the beading at the top of the glass releases a bit more carbonation to enhance the flavor as the cider hits.
In addition to flavor enhancement, this uniquely-shaped glass has additional features to help maintain the optimal temperature and also improve ergonomics.
- Drinking temperature – The bottom of the glass, where it’s comfortable to hold, has a smaller surface area, so a drinker’s hand won’t warm up the cider as much as a regular pint glass. That way, the cider stays at an optimal drinking temperature longer.
- Optimal comfort – The glass is very comfortable to drink from, with an easy grip, and the cider flows comfortably into the mouth. While this isn’t about flavor, it is part of the overall drinking experience.
The Orchard Glass will be available at select bars and restaurants around the country that serve Angry Orchard and at the cidery in Walden, New York when it opens. The glass is now available for purchase in a two-pack for $14.95 at Angry Orchard’s e-store: www.angryorchardstore.com.
World Kitchen Unveils New Vintage Charm Brand
World Kitchen, the company behind iconic housewares brands such as Pyrex®, Corningware®, Corelle®, Snapware®, Bakers Secret® and Chicago Cutlery®, is introducing a new line of vintage-inspired prep and serve bowls called Vintage Charm™ Inspired by Pyrex.
Taking a cue from the beloved designs of the classic Pyrex “opal glass” bowls from the 50s and 60s, the Vintage Charm brand puts a modern twist on the popular patterns that evoke feelings of nostalgia. These vintage-inspired pieces come in six patterns including: Birds of a Feather, Spot On, Rise & Shine, Golden Days, Memory Lane and Tickled Pink – trendsetters can add a little flair to their home decor to achieve a retro-style entertaining experience.
“There are countless examples in today’s marketplace of nostalgic design making a comeback with consumers, especially with the millennial target,” said Carl Warschausky, CEO of World Kitchen. “The Pyrex brand’s iconic patterns of the past bring back memories of our mother’s and grandmother’s kitchens. The fun patterns from the new Vintage Charm line are a fresh twist for younger generations to fall in love with and create their own memories with family and friends.”
The Vintage Charm bowls are available in select housewares and grocery stores now, and will be available at mass retailers in time for the 2015 holidays. The patterns will be sold separately and as a three piece set including one small, medium and large bowl retailing for $29.99. The patterns will also be sold as a six piece set including one small, medium and large bowl with lids for each that retails for $39.99. Retail prices for open stock products range from $6.99-14.99. All bowls are dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe for ease and convenience while entertaining.
Fun Wine Glasses for Casual Enjoyment
Lehmann Glass Oenomust Wine Glass
While they are many, many options to choose from when it comes to selecting a wine glass, for the uninitiated the choices can be daunting if you do not know the different characteristics that wine glasses possess and which are correct for your purposes. The wine glasses featured here are unique and should be considered solely based on their aesthetic appeal. These are not the glasses to pull out when the sommelier you happen to know is coming over for dinner. Rather, they are the glasses you use for a fun lighthearted experience that is more about the company than taking wine tasting to new heights. Although some could definitely be your fancy-pants selection to show off with, these are more likely to be the ones you whip out for a rowdy game night with friends.
Madeline Puckette is a wine expert and certified sommelier with The Court of Master Sommeliers. She started the blog Wine Folly in 2011 with her partner, Justin Hammack, and the two have a book coming out this month, “Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine” (Avery). Puckette explains that the experience of drinking wine from what might be considered the “correct” glass, is really a matter of preference.
“Once you learn how to hold a stemmed glass and feel confident in holding it and drinking out of it, it’s a psychological effect that happens,” says Puckette. “It’s the same way that a stemmed water glass makes you feel classy. You go to a fancy restaurant and they serve you water that’s in a glass, you pick it up by the foot and you have this sort of visceral experience of drinking water. The same thing happens for a wine glass.”
Puckette says that when helping a customer choose the best wine glass, it is important to ask the customer what kind of wine drinker they are. Are they the animated type who likes to talk with their hands and arms? Maybe point them to a glass with a large bowl that will help keep the wine in the glass. Do they like to enjoy their wine outdoors? Suggest a glass that is durable for this setting. Must it be able to go through the dishwasher? Are they drinking with kids and pets around? Suggest a glass that is not delicate and might withstand a tumble or two. Do they drink white, red or sparkling wine? There is a different “proper” glass for each type of wine.
The very basic information you need to know about wine glasses is that white wine typically goes in a smaller glass than red wine. This is because white wine needs to stay cool and the more surface area that’s exposed to the air, the more it will warm up to room temperature. A narrower bell shape on white wine glasses also aides in concentrating the zesty aromas that are commonly found in white wines. Glasses for red wine tend to have a bigger rounder bowl and larger opening that allows for more surface area and collecting more aromas from the wine.
Jackie Wine/Martini Combo Glass from B By Brandie
To enjoy wine at a basic level, Puckette suggests choosing a glass that allows space for the wine plus air. In America, a standard pour of wine is 5 to 6 ounces, while in Europe and Australia they are strict about a 150 milliliter pour, roughly 5 ounces. Puckette says that a 22-ounce glass will usually allow for a nice ratio.
“You need some space. You really need a little space to have aromas collect in the glass and be able to actually put your nose in the glass and smell them. It’s the baby bear effect, too small is bad, too big is bad, but just right is just right,” says Puckette.
The Oenomust wine glass from Lehmann Glass features a wide base that rises to a distinctive bulge where the glass then flows into the rounded and narrower upper part of the bowl. The glass was designed by Gerard Lehmann to enhance the wine-tasting experience through the generous shape of the glass that allows for controlled rotation and oxygenation of the wine without the fear of spillage. Six different Oenomust glasses are available, including a stemless spirits goblet and a flute for sparkling wines. The glasses range in size from 20.6 ounces for a vintage wines glass, to 11.6 ounce for a taster glass. Three different shapes and sizes of carafes are also available as well as a 50-ounce decanter glass. The Oenomust collection has suggested retail prices ranging from $63 to $96 for a set of six glasses.
The Jackie Wine/Martini Combo Glass from B By Brandie is the perfect glass for the hostess who doesn’t know what her guests will end up drinking and wants to be prepared for both a cocktail or wine situation. The glasses feature an 8-ounce wine glass on top and a 4-ounce martini glass on bottom. Simply flip the glass to accommodate either drink. The glass is inspired by and named after Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and is made in Poland. A set of two glasses has a suggested retail price of $64.
Saturn Wine Glass from SUPERDUPERSTUDIO
The Saturn Wine Glass from SUPERDUPERSTUDIO is made in California by a duo design team. The glass is shaped by hand before being blown into a mold by glass artisans, it is then cut and polished by hand. These spacey glasses are the reimagination of a traditional Italian glassblowing technique, which the designers appropriated to prevent messy spills and stains. Four years of research and refinement has culminated in the patent-pending Saturn Glasses that are surprisingly light and have a unique shape that makes them perfect for stacking. The glass has a suggested retail price of $52 each.
Oenophilia Wino Sipper
From Oenophilia comes the quirky Wino Sippers. The glasses feature a built-in sipping straw and a sturdy three-point base to prevent tipping. The glasses are just plain fun and something for guests to “ooh” and “ahh” over. They hold a standard 5-ounce pour of wine and are sold as set of two with a suggested retail price of $24. While they may not be the fancy glass for a $50 bottle of wine, they would be just great for making sure you polish off that box of wine with help from the built-in straw. Mini 2.75-ounce Porto Sippers for port are also available in a set of four.
Magisso COOL ID Glass
Magisso’s new COOL ID Glass in a 11.15-ounce size makes the perfect stemless vessel for enjoying wine outdoors. The cup features cooling ceramics that self-cool after being soaked in water for just 60 to 90 seconds. The longer the item sits in the environment the colder it becomes, and the effect lasts for several hours. The exterior is a matte black finish with a white rim. The surface is suitable for writing personal messages in chalk that can be easily wiped off, so you can skip the wine charms. A set of two has a suggested retail price of $40. COOL ID items are also available in a variety of serving pieces and barware, including shot glasses and a tumbler.
This story was originally published in the September 2015 issue of Kitchenware News, a publication of Oser Communications Group.
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