Products » Show Notes » Jan 20, 2005

Looking for a new gadget or a fashionable twist on a utilitarian item? Look no further. An ample selection of such products was displayed. Among them were the components of Steven Raichlen's first foray into the world of kitchenware retail. A new partnership with The Companion Group is bringing the popular Barbecue University cooking series host and cookbook author to the retail stage with his 50-SKU collection of barbecue tools, sauces, brines, rubs, and wood chips. Serious tools such as the sauce mop and bucket include great features like an all-cotton brush head that detaches for easy soaking, cleaning, and washing machine cleanup. The new range ships March 1st, 2005. For more information, call Dugan-Bliss & Associates at 800-659-2467.

OGGI Corporation's new serving trays are making the grade with two great options. The 18/10 stainless steel Hot/Cold Thermal Serving Tray is multiversatile — it can go in the oven or refrigerator to heat up your appetizers or keep them cold, while the new acrylic Rotating Thermal Tray holds ice in the bottom so each item on top stays fresh. The tray holds three sets of two divided trays that have stay-fresh holes to circulate cool air. A dipping bowl centered in the tray may hold a freshly prepared sauce or dip. Contact OGGI for details at 714-449-0733, or visit www.oggicorporation.com.

Have fun in the kitchen with The Sarut Group's collection of utilitarian items with a twist. From smiling pig toasters to rustic storage boxes with magnetic tops, this trendy company features a wide range of products. Although they aren't really new for the company, you gotta love their stainless steel toasters with heat-resistant plastic covers in options that range from flowers and geometric designs to pigs and smiley faces. The European-designed toasters are GL tested with auto shutoff and a bun warmer. Opening orders are $400.00 — check out www.sarut.com to see what's in store.

For more utilitarian uses, Gessner Products Company's new Gourmet range — a new test line of melamine serveware — is now packaged in clear retail sets of four. The company is trying to determine marketplace demand and will be testing retail response during the next month. The new sets allow for better merchandising options and include such items as seashell dishes, olive oil dipping sets, and 8-ounce salsa dishes in various colors. For more information, call 800-874-7808, minimum orders are $100.


Fox Run Craftsmen introduced 26 wood products from cutting boards of all shapes and sizes to two different mortar & pestles. All of these items made from European hardwoods feature a nontoxic and therefore food-safe finish of mineral oil and beeswax to protect and enhance the woodgrain's beauty. Multilingual packaging designed in-house by the Fox Run graphic design team features rich burgundy and beige colorations with textured bands and display boxes. For details, call 800-372-0700.


More great wood items ran the gamut of utilitarian use and beauty. From J.K. Adams Co. (www.jkadams.com) comes a Tabeyo Server — a Japanese-inspired sushi board and presentation platter for four. Each set includes ceramic dipping dishes and chopsticks.

Few pieces of cookware are as recognizable as the wok, but the Le Creuset 14.5-inch Wok is a beautiful translation of the tool. This enameled cast-iron wok has excellent heat retention and distribution that facilitates quick searing of food to seal in food's color, texture, and nutritional value. The wok's phenolic knob on its glass lid is oven safe to 400ºF and is available in Flame, Blue, Matte Black, and Red. For more information, visit www.lecreuset.com