Monday – Friday 9-5 Wednesday 9-8 Saturday 11-3 or by appointment

A GREAT DESIGN TOOL FROM INTEGRATED RECOURCES

We have recommended Integrated Resources in Brisbane & Dublin for years as a source for unique stone slabs. Their selection is exceptional, the quality is first rate and their staff is pleasant and helpful. Many clients have no idea where to start with finishes and surfaces and at times don’t want to start with a visit to a slab warehouse. Integrated Resources now offers a wonderful on-line tool for clients to see various combinations of cabinet finishes and stone. On the attached photo tap onto the cabinets and choose a finish from the menu, do the same with the countertops and splash. Even though this might not be the style and period of the kitchen being considered it’s a terrific way to see the ramifications of finish and stone decisions in a potential installation. As we tell clients there are no rules for these combinations, it’s their house, they should choose what pleases them. This is an excellent place to start the process. Once you get a feel for what pleases you, print the results then visit the warehouse and explore the many options available.
Integrated Resources www.marblecompany.com

BOHEMIAN STONEWORKS

This table was recently shown at the West Coast Green Trade Show. Recycled wine bottles are sliced and incorporated into the concrete which not only gives it a playful and fascinating pattern it also provides a 3-dimensional effect. The display of their concrete countertop in our showroom has been a huge success with our clients. There is something soft and sensual with the incorporation of pebbles and other various materials. There is nothing cold and chilly about these counters, table tops and fireplaces and that really sets them apart from their competitors. Stop in and see our San Francisco display or visit their Sebastopol showroom and website. www.bohemianstoneworks.com

REMODELING SALE

We are replacing the beautiful Wood Mode library wall system in our showroom. This cabinet is cherry with beveled glass doors and matching interior. It is 13’ (156” ) wide x 8’10” (106” ) high. Please note the height since this won’t fit in every room. We will entertain any reasonable offers from interested parties. Please give us a call or stop in to see it in person.
Click on images below to see larger view.

VIRTUAL RECIPE CONSENSUS?

The success of Wikipedia has inspired all sorts of imitators. Recently Foodista.com and the food section of Wikia.com have decided to develop a central data bank for every recipe known to man. Anyone can enter their recipes and edit existing recipes. We’re scratching our heads over this one. Where the universal encyclopedia entries were based and perfected on facts, cooking is another matter entirely. Emotion, personality and love are intangibles often cited in preparing a meal. For example, if you searched a simple recipe such as Chicken Marsala you would find the typical chicken, marsala, scallions, etc. I happen to like capers and lemon in my Chicken Marsala. Nothing stops me from editing the accepted recipe to my personal tastes. Who decides what is definitive? Is there a battalion of chefs madly checking the recipes for accuracy and taste? Are the quality and freshness of ingredients prominently mentioned as essential? What stops an imp from removing an essential ingredient form the database?

I once had a truly exceptional soup at friend’s home who is a particularly gifted cook. I asked her for the recipe. I diligently followed every step and let it simmer for hours. The taste and color were a little tepid but I thought it should all perfectly meld since the instructions were followed religiously. I should have known something was amiss when a large, raucous table of friends suddenly went silent upon tasting my soup. I took a sip and practically gagged, it tasted like dishwater. I looked up and said, “Well, that didn’t work” and, quite relieved, they practically fell over each other dumping the soup down the drain. When I retold the story to my friend the chef she said, “At what point did you put in the chicken?” “THE CHICKEN? YOU GAVE ME A RECIPE AND NEGLECTED TO INCLUDE A CHICKEN?” As she became defensive I saw the slightest twinkle in her eye and knew I had been duped. Touché’, lesson learned.

All of those secret ingredients grandma passed down were individual touches, special and at times possibly even illegal embellishments A touch of this, a dab of that, is what makes the every day something superb and memorable. While a huge database will introduce cultures and dishes to people who wouldn’t dream of trying them before we hope these sites encourage experiment with the basic instructions. Don’t forget to add the personal flair and that touch of love.

To see for yourself visit: www.foodista.com   www.recipes.wikia.com

Our good friend Michael Waxman’s daughter Gloria has type 1 diabetes. He is riding in the upcoming Tour de Tucson in November.

The JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), is the leading charitable fundraiser and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly, and can be fatal. Until a cure is found, people with type 1 diabetes have to test their blood sugar and give themselves insulin injections multiple times or use a pump -- each day, every day of their lives. And even with that intensive care, insulin is not a cure for diabetes, nor does it prevent its eventual and devastating complications, which may include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, and amputation. Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $1.3 billion to diabetes research, including more than $156 million in 2008. In 2008, the Foundation funded more than 1,000 centers, grants in laboratories, hospitals, and industry, and fellowships in 22 countries.

For more information on the ride and an opportunity to donate please go to their website www.ride.jdrf.org

Visit our sister company D J Mehler