Today we bring you the top product trends from the “dine + design” hall at the 2012 Chicago Home & Housewares Show. 1. Back to Basics In a sea of tangerine-colored plastic gadgets, noble materials are making a refreshing comeback. They range from classic Le Creuset cookware – in the new, rich Marseille Blue [1] – to the Sparq ice rocks made in the USA from repurposed soapstone [2]. What the show panel coined “America’s culinary rebirth” isn’t just about the “gourmet-fication” of cupcakes, mac and

a·pé·ro [äˌpero] The mix-up: Short for “apéritif“, this is a type of drink enjoyed before lunch or dinner. Unlike the British and American Happy Hour, the drink is typically consumed at home. Actual meaning: L’apéro is an informal gathering for a drink meant to stimulate the appetite. Drinks (fortified wines, sparkling wines, liqueurs…) vary by region and are commonly served with crackers, nuts, or olives. Food for thought: L’apéro is often taken with family, friends, and neighbors as pleasant and lighter alternative to hosting dinner.  

In this final blog post in our series on what to look for on French wine labels, we explain the most commonly used French labeling terms. Read Part Three here. Mis en bouteille à la propriété “Mis en bouteille à la propriété / au chateau‎” means that the wine was produced and bottled at the winery, from grapes grown and harvested in its vineyards. It is generally a good sign – and you get to taste the unique character of just one estate.   Vieilli

This blog post is the third in a series of five articles that cover what to look for on French wine labels. Read Part Two here. Beaujolais Nouveau   Vintage A wine’s vintage is the year the grapes were harvested. While the best wines get better with age, a majority of wines are meant to be consumed when they are released: older is not necessarily better. Unless you are stocking a cellar and familiar with vintage variations, or someone is trying to sell you last