Facts and Myths about Wine Storage

For the growing number of wine enthusiasts there are a number of questions about the proper way to store wine. There are also questions as to when wine is at its peak and when it is best to uncork it for the ultimate tasting experience. Only 1% of wines actually improve with age – the other 99% are meant to be consumed within 5 years. To maintain the quality of wine it is best to store it at a consistent temperature. It is generally considered that wine storage is best kept at 45-65° Fahrenheit with 55° being close to perfect.

Wine refrigerated coolers are a great option to maintain this consistent temperature and there are many styles and sizes available. Under- counter options are very popular and can easily be installed in a beverage center. Other benefits of a wine fridge include more storage left in your refrigerator when you are hosting parties!

If you are storing both red and white wine – no worries! Both should be stored at the same temperature – but they should not necessarily be served that way. Allow your red wine to decant to room temperature for the most flavor. White wine is best served opened directly from the wine fridge while it is still a bit cool.

If you are a wine collector who has more wine than a refrigerator can handle, you may opt for a true wine cellar. Wine cellars are a beautiful way to showcase your wine as well as to store it. A wine cellar cooling unit, similar to an air conditioner, is installed in the cellar to provide the best temperature for wine. The biggest difference between the cooling unit and a home air conditioner is that an air conditioner usually includes a dehumidifying component which removes moisture from the air. This can be harmful to valuable bottles of wine because it can dry out the corks and damage the wine. To maintain the optimal environment for your wine, it is best to have a consistent temperature and humidity. For more information check out this article on Vine Pair. http://vinepair.com/wine-101/guide-to-aging-wine/

Why we Love Convection/Microwave Ovens

Everyone loves convection microwaves. They are a great option if you do not have room in your kitchen design for a second oven, because they can take the place of both microwave and oven. Microwave convection ovens have been around for a long time and used commercially. They cover every possible cooking need you have in the kitchen – baking, microwaving and even grilling. The functionality of it allows you to clear your counter space of toasters and toaster ovens. A convenient size, they can fit above an oven or tucked into an under counter space or shelf. I look forward to using mine when I’m just cooking for two – it’s much more efficient than heating up the oven and it is also great as an added cook source when I’m entertaining a crowd. Perhaps the best feature is being able to reheat leftovers without that soggy microwave consistency – reheated pizza can be crispy because of the convection feature. And speed!- the combination of quick cooking microwaves makes dinners heated quickly taste like they’ve been cooked in a traditional method – great for those nights when you run late at work. To learn more about cooking with convection/microwaves – check out this interesting you tube video.

Top Picks for Kitchen Faucets

When remodeling a kitchen, there are many selections that need to be made to pull everything together. For some, the choices are overwhelming. Although choosing a sink faucet may see like a “no-brainer” initially, the faucet really sets the style for kitchen hardware and even lighting selections. Designers like to think of kitchen hardware and faucets as the jewelry which adds a distinct personal statement to the style of the kitchen.

Here are some of my favorites:

The Rohl farmhouse sink is a classic as far as sinks go. The Rohl bridged faucet is a beautiful choice for a very traditional, elegant kitchen. The most popular choices for finish are chrome, satin nickel, polished nickel and Tuscan bronze. The faucet is also available in polished brass (Inca brass) – so be prepared to see a design trend back to brass. I really like the satin nickel in this line, which gives the feel of a true aged silver. I also love the polished nickel which has a warmer undertone than the chrome. Be prepared to pay extra for finishes other than chrome in any faucet you select. The Tuscan bronze in this line is a “living” finish, which means the color will change with use and is not covered under warranty. It will age naturally and may have some oxidizing which can create some green tones. If you like the old-world feel of a handcrafted metal – the bronze may be a good choice. If you want no-fuss, stick with the chrome.

If you want to add a contemporary edge to your kitchen, my favorite faucet is the Brizo Venuto. It is available in a hands-free touch option, which is a great feature if you are a hands-on cook! Its slim line and profile is elegant and simple. The designer of this faucet, Judd Lord, was inspired by a trip to a Milan Sake Bar and the elegant shape of Japanese hair sticks. This faucet is available in stainless steel, chrome and black finishes. Brizo is the designer line of Delta.

I’ve shared a few of my favorites and I hope I’ve given you some food for thought. There are so many options in kitchen faucets that it’s worth the time to take a look at a design and finish that will compliment your style. After all, if you’re working at the kitchen sink, it helps if it’s beautiful!