Pulse Products | Home & Food

Objects of Desire - Set a Scene

Photos: Graham Lott Words: Roxanne Deiter

Author: Long Island Pulse | Published: Monday, October 25, 2010

Waterford (center), Ralph Lauren “Aston” (left), Thomas O’Brien “Cynthia Blue” (back left), Michael Aram “Woodgrain” for Waterford (right) and William Yeoward “Geneviere” (back right).

Manly? Yes, definitely.
Decanters have long been the domain of southern gentry and, well, not exactly the manliest men of the north. As for the ladies, these charismatic receptacles are usually passed over for a more delicate variety, like vases or figurines. Sadly, this has rendered these gorgeous items orphaned in a sea of housewares. Never mind all that, open your mind to a better drink. There are the swills you have with friends that are rundown, late at night, hit the reset button drinking (call this tapping your Hemingway). Then there are the drinks that start early, move slowly and reside on the palate for hours. This is a conversation. It starts somewhere before dinner, accompanies the meal and takes you straight into tomorrow (call this tapping your Tennessee Williams). Drinks like this make you feel like you accomplished something, whether taken alone or in good company. Decanters are the silent witnesses to this, clinking as you remove the lid in a barely audible applause of another round. They protect your investments, set a mood, enhance an experience and stay there long after the moment has passed, stoic reminders of that blissful vibe. Perfect for displaying your fine ambers, like cognac, bourbon and scotch, these decanters range from 6” to 16” and are made of quality, heavy, hand cut crystal (ranging $120-$375).

Autumn Colors
Baccarat is among the high holy of fine crystal tableware, but ladies and gentlemen, this is not your mother’s Baccarat. Stylish, modern, colorful, dramatic and elegant, these champagne flutes set a mood that is fun and sophisticated. Opulence is sleight of hand—too much and the effect is garish, overdone; too little, and a cheap, incomplete feeling is born. Shown here from the Mille Nuits collection (that’s “thousand nights,” $210 each) are midnight, olive and ruby (clear and other colors available). Set a dramatic scene with a set all in one hue, or mix two or more colors for a more festive ambiance. Available at London Jewelers (Manhasset).

Set a Scene 
Holidays bring family and friends together, and the right setting completes the scene. Combining fine pieces with more modern ones creates an air of formality that does not take itself too seriously. Whatever your taste for tableware, a stunning centerpiece is key. One that is striking, artistic and (hopefully) has a story to tell. Nestled in Bellport village, Circa Something is a purveyor of objects that are as beautiful as they are unique, making choices like this circa 1890 American brilliant cut crystal centerpiece bowl on stand an instant addition to your family. Far from “another crystal bowl,” this is among a series of objects made for only a 20-year period because it’s hand-cut like a diamond and the makers found it too fragile and too labor intensive to continue. Among their fine art and estate jewelry, you’ll also find antiques like these sterling silver Gorham serving pieces and old American Lenox consommé bowls inset in sterling silver stands (set of 4) with matching service plates.

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Pulse Products - Knives

Photos: Graham Lott Words: Roxanne Deiter

Author: Long Island Pulse | Published:

KNIVES
Admit it, you wish you could chop with the speed and precision of the guy on the Ginsu knife commercial. But when you took advantage of the “made for TV order” and put those blades to work, you nearly lost a finger. They were heavy, large and the blades, for all their sharpness, were a little too thick to negotiate easily. Kyocera makes all of that history. The knives, kitchen tools and utility accessories produced by this high-tech, solar-friendly company are so light, so paper thin and so sharp you’ll fly through food preparations without feeling like it’s “work.” The secret is their patented ceramic blades that last longer than traditional steel, are clearer and altogether more trouble-free.

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Objects of Desire - Cozy up to warm nights at home

Photos: Graham Lott Words: Roxanne Deiter

Author: Rox Taylor | Published: Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Autumn Fire
As the evenings cool, and contemplation sets with the shadows, retiring to a cozy corner is hardly a retreat. Whether alone or with compelling company, engaging in the warmth of a private hearth and slowing your mood to the circling of smoke dangling in the air is a brilliant time for reflection. Cigar culture never goes out of style and neither does investing in stately accoutrements steeped in the culture of Havana. Family-owned and operated London Jewelers (Manhasset) caters to those whose tastes are refined, but far from stuffy. Black “Havana” ashtray, $495, blue and gold round cigar punch, $355, black lacquered Dupont lighter, $1,225, stainless steel black flask, $50, Ché Guevera leather cigar case, $1,615, orange sycamore Alba humidor, $2,850, ebony 8x10 frame, $295, platinum “scales” 5x7 frame, $130, are just the beginning of their lush indulgences.

Cozy & Luxurious
Personal accessories that are luxurious and refined add importance to your most precious memories. Acclaimed fashion jewelry designer, Jay Strongwater, whose early designs were often paired with Oscar de la Renta, continues producing picture frames as beautiful as the memories they hold. Each frame is a work of art—designed, modeled, cast, plated and enameled by hand before final stones, crystals and paints are added. Shown here are 5x7 plaid, $1,900, 4x6 argyle, $895, and 3x4, $395, from the Highland collection. Inspire new thoughts and record other memories with leather fineries from Long Island-based Graphic Image. Shown here (L-R): 3x5 brown crocodile jotter w/ 24 note cards, $40, purple cayman python iPad sleeve, $125, mini envelope (shown as business card holder) in pink cayman python, $40, and iPhone case in turquoise goatskin, $48. Graphic Image is a leading supplier to quality retailers (like Bergdorf Goodman), but discerning clients may shop them direct online where endless hues, finishes and gilded pages can be found. (graphicimage.com). Montblanc cool blue pen, $460, at London Jewelers. Chocolate, herb & spice, and coffee companions in mocha, lime and taupe goatskin, $75 each by Graphic Image.

Oenophiles
Bragging rights are the domain of those whose tastes are so exquisite, experiences so vast and opinions so indisputable, they are unassailable. Hence the difference between one who dabbles and the true connoisseur. Indulging in tools of the trade that herald the passion of the possessor are simply par for the course. No matter what the vintage, this wood bottle holder gift set ($65, London Jewelers), is the perfect vessel. A professional Wine Reference in garnet goatskin featuring information on wine regions, cellars, vineyards, terminology and pronunciation guide plus maps ($65, Graphic Image) and companion Wine Journal in brown crocodile print leather to document personal experiences, tabbed by country, including editorial on varietals ($37, Graphic Image) harmonize the encounter.

Write On
Thoughtful moments are made all the more intimate when penned personally on fine stationary. Bernard Maisner is hailed for creative hand lettering for film and television (that was his impeccable scrolling in The Age of Innocence), as well as his unique work in manuscripts, greeting cards and illuminated pages. His tabletop collections continue to be sought after by countless luminaries. The latest in his personal stationary line includes this Love Knot folder card and envelope, $80 at London Jewelers, celebrating the symbol of eternal true love. Complete your thoughts with the most poignant “swords,” by Montblanc (carbon steel solitaire pen, $690, black solitaire rollerball, $650) and keep it all together with Agate bookends ($100), all available at London Jewelers. Leathers are the perfect autumn accessory and this Merriam-Webster’s dictionary in lime crocodile print leather w/thumb tabs ($174) and 5x7 weekly datebook in yellow goatskin w/gilt edges ($60) are available through Graphic Image in a variety of colors. Publisher’s antique Egyptian quill holder and ink well n/a.

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Pour Favor

Pour Favor, Pots of Gold

Author: Long Island Pulse | Published: Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Pour Favor
Whether enjoying your morning English breakfast or dozing off at night with a cuppa chamomile, Judith Weber’s Classic Teapot Set ($190) helps you steep in style. The brilliant red—ahem, “dragon”—ceramics are hand-cast Earthenware finished with five coats of hand-painted glaze. That’s a lot of fancy talk for “yep, it’s as silky-smooth and elegant in real-life as it looks in that glossy pic.” The teapot holds 32 ounces and you can find the whole shebang at Teavana’s website, teavana.com, or in-store at Walt Whitman and Roosevelt Field Mall. Oh, and if you’re not into this bright fire-breather, perhaps the emerald green or burnt orange variations are more your (tea) bag.

Pots of Gold
Eating local honey—like these from Don Sausser Apiaries, Southampton about $8 each—often keep allergies and hay fever at bay, since it contains a bit of pollen from your surroundings and can help boost your immune system. The folk remedy doesn’t work for everyone, but many swear by a spoonful a day. Amazingly, the sticky stuff also treats cuts and burns, when applied directly. Whether pure and unprocessed (i.e. straight from beehive to bottle, sans straining/filtering or heating) or creamed (a more spreadable version, like butter), this super food is basically nature’s edible first-aid kit. Oh, and every smackerel is delicious, to boot.

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The Secret Weapon

Author: Long Island Pulse | Published: Thursday, March 25, 2010

Why settle for the same old same old pepper-only mill when you can create your own iterations to coat fish, meat or other dishes? It’s no secret cuisine has taken a turn towards the “anything goes,” in recent years and neither should your seasonings. Salt has five basic categories, multiplied by countless of varieties within each, and pepper types are just as copious. For the most part, your average mill will handle the various granules, but what if you want to create your own signature seasoning? Like a nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla mix? Kosher salt, almond slivers and cloves?  Peppercorns, ginger root and chocolate? The Everything Mill, $18 from Kyocera Advanced Ceramics, has an adjustable grinding dial made from ceramic that will never rust, offers durable performance, outlasts metal-based grinders, is dishwasher safe and includes a cap to keep spices dry in humid conditions. Best of all, ceramic is chemically inert, so the mill will not alter natural flavors by giving off a tinny metallic taste. Nor will it absorb flavors and carry them forward from one grind to another.
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Admittedly, even the most fervent foodie would have a hard time getting excited about a peeler, but then again, tools are only mentioned when they fail us. So chances are you won’t be bringing this up at your next dinner party, but you’ll be happy with the ease and precision of your new friend. Kyocera offers a full line of peelers featuring their advanced ceramic blades ($10-18). The unique characteristic of ceramic is it will not pick up and hold flavors from one food to the next, neither will it give off any of its own taste (like metal or plastic do). The pieces are lightweight, ergonomic for easy handling, ultra-sharp, designed to offer maximum control, dishwasher safe and won’t pit, rust or corrode. Use them to peel thick rinds like papaya, jicama or melons; shred cabbage; shave cheese and chocolate; use the corers to remove imperfections; frenching green beans; or just good old fashioned peeling of fruits and vegetables. And just to prove not all peelers are created equal—these are so precise, they can peel tomatoes with the same effect of blanching.

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Spring Truffles

Author: Long Island Pulse | Published:

Godiva has been a leading chocolatier since Joseph Draps opened the first boutique in Brussels in 1926. Many are familiar with the rich truffles and chocolate creations the house has brought forth, but few know just how deep the tradition runs. Godiva is named for the immortal Lady who cast off modesty and convention to challenge her husband’s excessive levy on the poor. After riding naked through the city, the Lord lifted his taxes and the name Lady Godiva became synonymous with passion, boldness, daring and sensuality. These same qualities guide Godiva in every creation. The new Spring truffles exemplify this in light, dark and white chocolates filled with strawberries and crème, cheesecake, tart raspberry and other blissful flavors made with butter, cream and the finest chocolates.