Must the morning roast always be brewed at home by a
confounding, angular gadget? Espresso machines with the name
Victoria Arduino are the elegant exception—a distinct beauty
in a world of bells and frothing whistles. This petite model is from
the Venus family and a shining representative of the Victoria
Arduino pedigree which began in 1905 in Turin. Handcrafted
with special attention paid to the body’s surface, it has been
thoughtfully treated to prevent any marks or scratches. And the
technology is assuredly simple (one button we are told) though
the limited edition Venus Century is a grander, more elaborate
model, and the espresso machine of choice for Pope Benedict
XVI. For information, 360 366 2226 nuovadistribution.com
A twist on the Desert Island question: If a decision had to be made;
which food could you live without—chocolate or cheese? Cruel
introspection, and yet some of us would swap the darks, the
bittersweets and the creamy mirth of hot chocolate, rather than
part with the eternal euphoria that is fromage. Troels Seidenfaden
designed this startlingly chic grater for Magppie International’s latest
Simple Living collection. A brilliant table series with seductively sinuous
stainless steel elements that melt (like fondue, like Saint- André, like
nacho cheese…) together—bowls, trays, accessories—in gracious,
contemporary forms for a smooth transition from preparation to
serving. Fashioned to fit the bowl perfectly, the grater remains
in place, and is available in two sizes—the larger for also slicing
vegetables; the smaller for the fine grating of mushrooms, nutmeg
and chocolate—so no sacrifices are needed. For information, 469
361 7167 magppie.com
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Of all kitchen accoutrement, none is more essential or
pedestrian than the waste bin. A sorry little item typically
scooted into the corner or worse yet, hidden beneath the sink.
From ugly duckling to vivacious swan, she is invisible no more:
This phenomenal custom Vipp bin was designed by revered
glass artist Dale Chihuly and discards any casual notions about
what’s on the inside mattering most. Handmade of stainless
steel and bejeweled with polymicro crystals, the piece is fanciful,
functional art without pretense. Danish design company Vipp
invited 34 fashion, design and entertainment luminaries to work
their magic on Vipp’s smart, classic pedal bin to embellished,
dramatic end. While each design was auctioned off with
proceeds benefiting charity, Vipp’s sleek options are available
and rather necessary. For retailers, vipp.com
