Object of Lust 10: Depression Era Meat Grinder

We shall neither fail nor falter; we shall not weaken or tire...give us the tools and we will finish the job. – Winston Churchill

Whatever can be in such an intriguing box?

Why aren’t things made the way they used to be? It seems we live in an ever-increasing disposable society. Products are now made to only last until the new improved version hits the shelves. 

That says volumes about the state of society, not only in our consumption but more widely in how we treat each other. Sadly it seems our relationships are as disposable as what we buy. 

Multiple grind plates, the real deal...

Well it wasn’t always that way. Everything used to be made to last, and last and last. Look around your kitchen. Pick out 5 machines that you expect to still be working in 10 years.

Difficult to do, right?

This old grinder is therefore a major object of lust for me. I love old tools—things that were made well—and how they often have been lovingly preserved. This is from a time when you couldn’t run to the store but had to rely on yourself to make the items you ate, wore and even lived in. 

The tools you used had to be reliable. It was disaster if they broke down. It comes from a different world.

In contrast, we bought a gas lawn mower at the start of this past mowing season. It’s already been in need of two repairs. When did we lose our pride in making quality goods? It’s endemic and lamentable.

Just look at this box. You know that something wondrous is nestled inside. I may actually get my hands on this particular object. Currently it resides with some friends who never use it. It did belong to my cousin’s grandmother before them.

I have a real desire to own a good quality grinder. In making my own sausage I have found it both cheaper than store purchased and infinitely tastier and better for you.

If they get “clearance” to re-gift it, I may just have it! Here’s hoping…

Just look at this machine. Built for the long haul, to be sure.

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Object of Lust 9: 375 ml Bordeaux Bottles

If you guys are going to be throwing beer bottles at us, at least make sure they're full. – Dave Mustaine, lead singer Megadeath 

This may seem like an odd lust object but it's not.

This may seem like an unusual subject for an Object of Lust, unless you’ve been making all the liqueurs that I have been posting! I've become sick and tired of storing liqueur in Mason jars. It's not very classy.

I looked high and low in different stores before I found these bottles. I looked at the Bulk Barn, Canadian Tire, WalMart, Winners, the Dollar Store, Planet Organic… You name it I was there. I looked anywhere locally where I thought there would be small bottles able to be used for gifts that didn't cost a lot of money.

You see I didn’t want to have to pay upwards of $6.00+ per bottle. With the amount of booze I’m flavouring the number of bottles needed would quickly add up.

Looking online

I also looked online at the local beer and wine-making stores, but I couldn’t find anything on their web sites, if they even had a site. If you weren’t searching for a wine or beer kit you were out of luck. None mentioned selling bottles at all.

I even searched on US sites that ship to Canada. The best I found was a set of ten 250 ml bottles for about $40. They were nice, but shipping almost doubled the amount – and I had to pay customs and brokerage fees. So I was getting downcast. About $9.00 per bottle is a little rich, especially when the gift is the contents and not the container.

I thought I would take a last chance (before online) and go to one of our actual local wine stores. I wasn't hopeful based on their web sites. But I found what I wanted!

Before you say “why didn’t you go there first,” I’m a designer and I’ve done my fair share of web sites. If you're a retailer you list all the important things you sell. I would suggest bottles would be one.

Finally, even though their web site didn't mention any...

Can you say "affordable and nice"?

I went to the “noble grape,” 6112 Quinpool Road (Across from the Superstore), Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3L 1A3  (902) 423-2739. Their web site is http://www.noblegrape.ca/index.asp.

Nobe grape is a small chain with five locations in Metro and one in Fredericton, NB. The woman behind the counter was extremely helpful. She instantly directed me (around a corner) to where they had all their bottles.

Lo and behold, right in the middle were these 375 ml clear bordeaux bottles. Why anyone would put up wine in halves is a bit of a puzzler to me… but so be it. These were exactly what I wanted.

Even more amazing was the price: $24.99 for—get this— two dozen!! Way less than online, and in my own backyard. Corks (with a plastic top) were additional at 25¢. I was over the moon. Tax in, all was $34.49 ($1.46 each).

These bottles are perfect for gift giving of liqueurs. Most of my recipes will fill a little more than two bottles. A gift of a couple of liqueurs, a vinegar and perhaps a mustard or two (in small jars) would be perfect for several people on my birthday/Christmas list.

So if you’re looking for perfect small bottles, get thee to thy local wine kit store. That’s the place to look. I did a considerable amount of running around. Hopefully you will benefit from it. I only wish they sold 250ml...

By the way, don’t dismiss those wine or beer kits noble grape has on offer either, if you’re up for the challenge. I most definitely will be back!

(Look at yesterday’s post for them in use!)

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Travelling to Eat: Halifax and the Famous Donair

God's finger touched him, and he made a donair.

Apologies to Alfred Lord Tennyson (and religious folks)

A portion of the Halifax Waterfront. Photo: r c photographic, Flickr ccl

The nightlife in Nova Scotia leaves an impression, if you can remember it. There are approximately 200 restaurants, bars and music venues in the downtown district alone. There also is, among other things, Casino Nova Scotia, multiple art galleries including the provincial AGNS, Neptune Theatre and Symphony Nova Scotia. If you can't find something to do, there's something wrong with you.

One of the more popular bars downtown.
Photo: todmaffin, Flickr ccl

But back to the bars… Halifax is home to some fine nightlife, partly due to the presence of five universities on the peninsula that Halifax calls home. 

So let's cut to the chase. You've had a few more than you should and are wandering on your way home. An idea strikes you. You want a Donair. A real, honest-to-goodness Halifax Donair. They're a beauteous thing of their own, slowly becoming available across Canada as ex-pats take their late night food cravings with them.

Halifax donairs are a pita loaded with tomatoes, onions (use them), and spiced meat freshly sliced off a spit, all coated with a sweet/sour sauce made of evaporated milk, garlic, vinegar and sugar. It sounds odd, but the result is amazing. Just the thing for a 2am stroll. Ask any Haligonian if they have a story of waking up with donair sauce all over them. If they deny it, they're lying.

Here's a video by abaikie1 shot in King of Donairs in Halifax and shows the making of this wondrous creation. It has to be a few years old because now the meat has to be fried for a minute or two. Obviously the thought police were at work…

If a pita doesn't turn your crank, you can order donair pizza, which is the same ingredients on a pizza crust and topped with lots of bubbling mozzarella cheese. You apply the donair sauce on top — always. It's equally delicious.

So you're not in Nova Scotia? Have no fear. You can create a fantastic approximation from the following recipe. The original can be found at http://www.food.com/recipe/dash-riprocks-real-halifax-donair-90387

I just made this and will swear in court to its claims. Remember to visit the original recipe on Food.com.

(Docaitta note June 30, 2011: I've made this recipe several times now and I think I would do half beef/half lamb for a more authentic flavour.)

Dash Riprock's Real Halifax Donair

Prep: 30 min  |  Cook: 1 hour 15 min

Servings: 4 donairs

"For the true donair fan. This recipe is tried and tested. If you enjoy Halifax donairs then you'll love this recipe. When making this recipe use only the finest spices available, they make a huge difference."

Mmmmm...donair. Couldn't tell you what the green stuff
is but it's wrong. Photo: Urban Mixer, Flickr ccl

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground oregano

1 teaspoon all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 pound ground beef

1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk

3/4 cup white sugar

2 teaspoons garlic powder

4 teaspoons white vinegar, or as needed

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a cup or small bowl, mix together the salt, oregano, flour, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

Place the ground beef in a large bowl, and use your hands to blend in the spice mixture. If you want the smooth texture of meat that you see in a real donair shop, you must do this in a steel mixing bowl and on a sturdy surface. 

Pick up the meat, and throw it down with force about 20 times, kneading it after each throw. This also helps the meat hold together better when you slice it. (I used the mixing paddle on my KitchenAid. It worked like a charm. – Docaitta)

Donair Pizza. Just as good, and easier to eat.
Photo: are you gonna eat that, Flickr ccl

Form the meat into a loaf, and place it on a broiler pan. If you do not have one, a baking sheet will do.

Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes in the preheated oven, turning the loaf over about half way through. This will ensure even cooking. This cuts better if you chill the meat overnight before slicing. (I agree. – D)

To make the donair sauce, mix together the evaporated milk, sugar and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk in the white vinegar, adding 1 teaspoon at a time, until thickened to your desired consistency.

Note: I made my own pitas for this and it made the result even better. (Search "Arabian Pita" to find the recipe on my site.)

Thanks, Dash!!!!

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Object of Lust 7: KitchenAid Professional Stand Mixer

Best way to get rid of kitchen odors: Eat out. – Phyllis Diller 

So how long does it take you to whisk egg whites or knead dough? For me it's not very long, because I have the kitchen machine to beat all kitchen machines: The KitchenAid Professional Series stand mixer. I've had mine for at least 15 years, and it still runs like it's brand new. In this age of disposability, that's quite a feat. Not only that, but it looks like it's brand new (when I wash it…). You see, KitchenAid has barely changed design since 1937. Why mess with perfection? The KitchenAid visually looks like "the tool for the job" and it doesn't disappoint. Nothing says "I'm a serious cook" like one of these sitting on your counter.

Julia Child with her Cobalt Blue KitchenAid. It makes me sad to remember her old...

Julia Child had a Cobalt Blue KitchenAid on the set of her wonderful PBS cooking shows. I have even spotted a KitchenAid Professional on the set of her original PBS series "The French Chef", from the 1960s. It looks identical to the one on my counter. Amazing.

History

The Hobart Manufacturing Company released their first mixer, the H-5, in 1919 but the 1937 model K is what we know as "The KitchenAid" of today. In 1955 KitchenAid starting giving customers color options. Today there are over 40 different colors and finishes from which to choose. 2007 marked the 70th anniversary of the mixer design by Egmont Ahrens. Can many other brands make that boast?

How the name originated

The story goes that a company executive took one home for his wife to test and help come up with a name. She reportedly stated "I don't care what you call it, I know it's the best kitchen aid I have ever had."

Basics

All KitchenAid mixers are 100% metal. No plastic here (except for some of the available attachments… Why, KitchenAid???). It is quick and efficient and in tests has consistently outperformed all other mixers. The KitchenAid Artisan (a smaller version), Classic and 7-speed Hand Mixer all are consistently at the top, or near, in reviews as well.

The Professional Series is equipped with a 475 watt motor, making it the most powerful KitchenAid available. This muscle makes short work of any mixing tasks, even heavy kneading. Its large mixing bowl holds 12 cups. Additional attachments are mounted via the top front of the mixer where they can access the motor. 

The KitchenAid Pro 600 is a bit of an oddball in how the mixing actually occurs. I'll try to explain. In "normal" mixers, the beaters rotate and the bowl rotates. In a KitchenAid the bowl is stationary, but the beaters not only turn clockwise, but their mount also rotates counter-clockwise in a "planetary" motion. You have to see it to understand, but it works. The bowl itself has a small bump in the centre so what you're mixing doesn't get clumped down there.

All the stand mixers are 10-speed and feature a "soft start" which means the beaters don't start of at full tilt and fling the contents of the bowl all over your kitchen.

Standard beaters

These machines are not inexpensive ($499 CAN), but would you rather buy a new mixer every 5-10 years, or have one you can pass down to your children? 

So what do you get when you drop your money?

Standard equipment

• stainless-steel 6 quart bowl
• wire whip
• spiral kneading hook
• flat beater
• pouring shield that helps keep ingredients in the bowl and aids in adding when the beaters are running

and one heck of a machine to use it all.

One of the stranger attachments

Attachments

If mixing, kneading and beating aren't quite enough for you, there's a plethora of attachments you can get for your KitchenAid beast. 

Grinders, sausage stuffers, pasta rollers, grain mill, juicer and ice cream maker just scratch the surface. For a look at a really good site that has pretty much all of them, visit http://www.fantes.com/mixer-accessories.html

I splurged many years back on a copper liner for mine. You can beat 10 egg whites in that thing – no problem. KitchenAid products are available at all major department stores as well as any serious cooking specialty store. 

You can even get the Professional at Canadian Tire! (watch for a sale...)

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/8/KitchenBath/2/Appliances/FoodMixers/PRD~0432170P/KitchenAid%252BProfessional%252B5%25252B%252BStand%252BMixer.jsp?locale=en

copper liner for egg whites

I wouldn't want to be without mine. For a whole lot of reasons. 

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Object of Lust 7: DIY Butcher Block Harvest Table

Their kitchen is their shrine, the cook their priest, the table their altar, and their belly their god. – Charles Buck

Butcher Block from Lumber Liquidators, Maine

This post verges on Objects of Necessity as well. Butcher Block is one of the must-have surfaces in any good kitchen.

When we updated our kitchen several years ago we decided to put in maple butcher block counter tops. We went to one of the kitchen cabinet stores in Halifax. 

We wanted one piece 8' long and counter width. We almost fell over when we were quoted (not installed - just for the wood) $1600.00!!! Apparently that's normal. I can tell you they did not get our custom on that day.

Being a bit of a DIY'er I set forth to hunt down how much butcher block actually cost; if not to buy, to prove that kitchen stores are ripping all of us off.

I found exactly what I wanted and at close to 1/6th (yes, that's one sixth) of the cost we were quoted in Halifax. It was from Lumber Liquidators in Maine, and they ship to Canada. Even with Day & Ross trucking and brokerage it didn't cost $600. 

I was told by the very helpful representative that it was unfinished and would need to have that done. No prob, I thought. I have a sander. When it got here we didn't even have to do much of that. A light go-over with 120 and then 220 grit, and we were varnishing. I've rarely been more pleased with a purchase in my life.

So what else can benefit from a cheap piece of Butcher Block? How about making your own Harvest Table. It's easier than you think. A harvest table can be the heart of your kitchen, the place where friends gather and good times and memories are created. Purchasing one would be a memory as well; a bad one. The two images below are about as picture perfect as you can get. They will set you back a pretty sum.

Nice tables. Bad price.

How would you like to know how to make your own Butcher Block Harvest Table, for way less than $750?

Stick with me. We'll go far. Follow my plans and you and yours will be gathered around your own butcher block harvest table before you know it. Except for the painting, this is a one day project. The only "specialty" tool you need is a router. Borrow your friend's...

As always spend any money you may have saved on good food, good wine, and good friends!

Cutting the legs.
Click to enlarge.

1. Purchase your butcher block

Here's 2 locations for you. Both in the States, but both ship to Canada:

Lumber Liquidators
Brewer, Maine USA

1-1/2" thick x 25" x 8 lft Maple Unfinished Butcher Block Countertop

* this is counter width so will make a skinny table. They may have wider, or see below.

$259.00 US, plus shipping (which will double it)

http://www.lumberliquidators.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=1472

Grizzly Industrial, Inc.

Muncy, Pennsylvania USA

T21250 Maple Butcher Block - 72" x 30" x 2-1/4"

* this makes a wider but shorter table. This seller does have 8' long x 30" wide for $499.00 which is still a deal.

$385.00 + Shipping to Canada

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Maple-Butcher-Block-72-x-30-x-2-1-4-/T21250

2. Purchase legs and skirt wood locally at Kent Building Supplies

Use Deck Posts for legs

4x4 Deck Post (pressure treated, but you'll paint the bottom anyway) $21.67 each (total $86.68)

http://www.kent.ca/kbs/en/product.jsp?prdId=1032110&skuId=1032110&catalogId=1397

Wood for side skirts between legs

2 pieces 1" x 5" x 8' Clear Pine $13.09 each (total $26.18)

1 piece 1" x 5" x 6' Clear Pine $9.79

http://www.kent.ca/kbs/en/product.jsp?prdId=158CSP&catalogId=54&skuId=156CSP

"L" brackets to join base and table

10 pieces 1 1/2" metal angle

$0.69 each (total  $6.90)

http://www.kent.ca/kbs/en/product.jsp?prdId=5661057&skuId=5661057&catalogId=384

Plus 40 screws, get them  from your stash in the shed.

3. How to Make the Table

A table is very simple to make. Click to enlarge,

First step is to trim your deck posts to the proper length. (see image above) Usual table height is 30 inches. Subtract the thickness of your block top. That is your leg height.

Trim the post to the proper length taking care to leave enough room on the top for your skirt wood to slot in. Try to cut the post at an "attractive" place for a table leg. The post in the diagram works quite well.

Next cut slots on two adjacent sides of each post 3/4" wide x 4.5" high and 1" deep, minimum. This is for insetting your side skirt pieces. Although you purchased pine skirt wood that was called 1x5, it's actually 0.75 x 4.5. You'll have to finish the holes with chisels to square them up.

Mark out on the underside of your butcher block where you wish the legs and shirt to sit. From this measure out your side and end skirt lengths. Keep in mind the posts have to fit UNDER the table top and there's usually an overhang on a table top. Cut two sides the same length and two ends the same length.

Slot the 1x5 into the routed table legs and attach through with screws. Do it from the back so the heads do not show. You could get fancy and drill through and peg. Whatever you wish to do. Just make sure it's secure.

You may wish to reinforce each corner with a block so it doesn't warp, but once it's mounted to the butcher block I doubt there's much possibility of that.

Sand and coat the butcher block. There are high gloss products that are food safe or seal it with another type of food safe finish. Remember, it's no good to put on high gloss and then cut on it.

Sand, prime and put multiple coats of paint on the base before attaching it. I would suggest 4 coats. That way it starts life well protected and you won't have to worry about painting again for a while. Remember to use a washable paint.

Invert the table onto the butcher block's underside. Using the metal "L" brackets, securely attach the legs and skirt to the table top. By using 10 brackets you have 2 to secure each end and 3 on each side.

Flip the table over, pull up a chair, and relax. Of course feel free to use other surfaces for the table top if you wish. Just not laminate. Or I will have to find you.

Can you imagine, we now all have places to put our Bigolaro pasta extruders!!!

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Object of Lust 6: The Bigolaro Pasta Extruder

Life is a combination of magic and pasta. – Federico Fellini

There is nothing quite as wonderful as homemade pasta.
Photo: WordRidden, Flickr ccl

FYI: 

Bigoli – extruded tube-like pasta similar to bucatini. The implement used to make them (bigolaro) is a beautiful object that the bigolatore sits on while extruding. 

Bucatini – hollow spaghetti-like strands, part of the spaghetti extended family, which are commonly used with moderately thick sauces. 

This is a major object of lust for me. It's such a "romantic" idea. Picture yourself... sitting in a sunny country kitchen with bubbling sauce sending sweet aromas into the hearth-warmed air; fresh crusty Italian loaves cooling on the counter; a stovetop Espresso maker gurgling on the stove. And you, perched on the wooden stool of your well worn bigolaro, pressing fresh noodles for the dinner ahead...

I found this amazing looking manual machine when I was looking for pasta attachments for a KitchenAid stand mixer. It was love at first sight. Sadly, I seem to have misplaced my Italian kitchen in which to put it...

The modern Bigolaro is identical in design to the original, patented in 1875,  and is still made by the same artisan producer. It really is a piece of living history and yet is capable of quickly and easily making pasta.

The Bigolaro extrusion chamber is cast from bronze. The inherent roughness of casting gives a "tooth" to the pasta. This allows the pasta to hold a sauce much better than that made by more polished methods. 


Various brass dies allow you to press different types of pasta, including rigatoni, spaghetti and, of course, bigolio.

The extrusion chamber has a capacity of 480 grams and can be used for any pasta including 100% Durum semolina, or the traditional Bigoli recipe of wholewheat flour, milk and melted butter.

To use this fantastic machine you simply raise the pressing piston out of the chamber, load up your pasta dough and go at it.  The original Bigolaro was bolted to a stool. There now is a counter mounted version, which I would love to have. 

It is important to note that the counter Bigolaro still needs to be bolted to a very sturdy worktop, such as a strong counter or heavy harvest table. Also, note it screws onto the surface so it's there for good. It's a machine that means business.


There appears to be only one manufacturer left in the world for these amazing machines. They are Bottene Brothers in Vincenza, Italy. The web site is http://www.bottene.net/. Apparently if you email they will send you an invoice, and if you pay, they will ship.


I found someone who mentioned online that they purchased one for £200 in 2008, including shipping. I would imagine the price has increased somewhat in the last three years.


Still, it's a thing of lust and beauty...

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Design: Object of Lust 5: Bodum Santos Vacuum Coffee Maker

I bought a decaffeinated coffee table. You can't even see a difference.  - Unknown

©Julius Schorzman (Wiki creative common license)

A friend of mine said she doesn't know why people drink decaffeinated coffee. I can't drink caffeinated past noon or I'm up all night. My tolerance for caffeine is very low, although I believe she's right.

One brew I can't resist is coffee made in our Bodum Santos. Sometimes called Bodum Pebo, it's a vacuum style coffee maker.  It was designed by a Dane, Peter Bodum, in the mid 1950s. At the time he felt that vacuum brewing was the preferable way to brew, but the coffee makers available at the time did expensive, yet unsatisfactory, results.

To quote the greenbeanery web site below: "With this in mind he set out to develop the first Bodum vacuum coffee maker in cooperation with one of Denmark's first product designers, the architect Kaas Klaeson. Their slogan, 'design should not be expensive,' is one that Bodum still stands for."

Essentially it looks, and works, like a chemistry experiment. Water goes in the lower bowl, and coffee in the top. There's a "filter" that holds the coffee in the top bowl. When the water heats, the pressure forces it to the top bowl and it simmers in the coffee grounds for five minutes. After it's taken from the heat, vacuum pressure sucks the brewed coffee down into the lower bowl.

I have had one in my possession for the last 15 years. Only a couple accidents, and wear, led to replacement.

You can purchase them locally at Cucina Moderna at City Centre Atlantic, and occasionally at Liquid in Park Lane. Parts, unfortunately, are further afield. You can purchase both online at the Greenbeanery in Vancouver. Click their name for the link.

Cost: $99.95, but maybe a little cheaper closer. Try it. You won't be disappointed.

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Design: Object of Necessity - Collapsible Measuring Cups

Silicone is useful for more than the obvious...
I thought I would post this entry because I purchase bulk foods quite often. The problem is when you go to your local Bulk Barn or ethnic grocery it is highly unlikely you will find measuring cups.

It's become a touch annoying. You need to purchase 1 cup of rice, or 2 cups of specialty flour, or the like. What do you find to measure your purchase? It's usually a scoop (or in the case of our local Chinese grocery, a plastic Coke glass). I can't recall a single recipe that calls for 1 coke glass of anything.

Most often the items you're buying are not standard pantry fare, which is why you're shopping bulk in the first place. You try your best to get only what the recipe calls for but when you get home you either have slightly too little, or too much. You end up with bag after bag of unnecessary remnants. Little bits that hang around and clutter up your cupboard, and life.

No more, I say! I'm going to purchase a set of collapsible measuring cups and keep them in my glove box. Weird I know, but a practical solution. When required, I'll simply take the one I need and slip it into my pocket. Then I'll always be able to buy just the right amount.

Over the past several years there has been an upsurge of collapsible cooking utensils, like strainers, bakeware, bowls, etc.. Very practical solutions for the urban kitchen. We have a collapsible dog water bowl, which incidentally already lives in the car.

The measuring cups are widely available. I often see them at our local Winners/HomeSense discount stores for a price in keeping with where I'll be storing them.

If my frustration continues, there may also be collapsible measuring spoons in my future. How many cacia berries does someone actually need to have on hand? Not many, I would posit.


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Design: Objects of Lust 4 - a little bit of Versailles

Louis Ghost Chair by Philippe Starck, for Kartell

Louis Ghost Chair in crystal

Sometimes rational thought goes out the window when you see something and you just want it because of what it looks like. Much like that first person you fell in love with. I just WANT this, and have for some time.

Barbie!! Sacrilege.

First introduced in 2002 this chair is a take on a classic design from the 18th century but produced in contemporary materials. An instant modern/traditional classic. Made of polycarbonate, Louis Ghost is available in opaque black, opaque white and 6 transparent colours: crystal; smoke; crystal green; sunset orange; yellow; and ice blue. Not to lack variety, it also comes in chinese checker, bear mask (?) and Barbie (also in child size for your spoiled spawn). Barbie!! 

You can also customize it to your heart's content if you order 50 or more. By the way, 50—unless there's a volume discount— will set you back $20,500. Singly, they are available at $410.

They are cast in a single piece mould, are perfect for both interior and exterior, and are simple to clean with a wipe. They are supposed to be shock and scratch resistant as well. From personal experience I know this is not the case. I once knew an interior designer who was taking one to a client in their car, but I'll say no more about that…

It has a companion in the Victoria Ghost, sans arms. A small side table is also available. If anyone wants to buy me a set of eight, leave a comment and I promise I'll respond. Two Louis and six Victorias, please.

http://www.allmodern.com/Kartell-4853-KTL1007.html?cv=

Design: The Aliens are coming! The Aliens are coming!

Alessi “Juicy Salif” by Phillipe Starck

Photo: Ian Murchison, Flickr ccl

Photo: Wiki CC

A multidisciplinary creative force, Philippe Starck is a Parisian-born designer. His output ranges from everyday household products through to full interiors. Many feel that one such interior, for French President François Mitterand in 1982, was the project that firmly positioned him at the forefront of international design. 


According to Wikipedia, some of Starck's recent projects have been an optical mouse for Microsoft, yachts and the New Mexico "spaceport" for Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic. He also appeared on a BBC Two programme where aspiring design students vied for a six-month placement at his Paris firm.

Since its design 21 years ago, the Alessi Juicy Salif, has become an icon of the New Modern style. At the time it was criticized for being impractical, but that obviously was from those who never used it. Or maybe they're like the people on infomercials that "just can't make that old product work right". I have used it. It works perfectly and is a “thing of beauty.” It now holds place of pride, not only in my home, but also in the MOMA in New York as an example of great late 20th century design.

The design, according to Alessi, was sketched out on a pizza napkin while on a seaside holiday in Italy. Visually influenced by a spider, the Juicy Salif comes in two sizes (29.5 cm tall and 11.5 cm tall) and two materials (polished aluminum and stainless steel). They aren’t cheap—most Alessi products are not—but it is well worth the investment for a high-function high-design icon. It is high function. It really works well.

Photo: LB & Roberto Sena, Flickr ccl

The full sized version in aluminum will run you $96 US, excluding shipping. The smaller one, in stainless, will set you back $45 US.

http://www.alessi-shop.com/ashop-us/_search.php?page=1&q=salif

The full sized version is 29.5 cm, or 11.5 inches. Take care if purchasing online that you’re not buying the 11.5 cm one, unless that's what you want. It’s essentially a glorified toy. 

And don’t throw out your doodle drawings. Ever.
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