At Home with Kim Vallee

GIFT IDEAS, Gifts for the COOK | November 11, 2009

Four Gift Ideas for the Cook or the Hostess

Bodum products are typically built to last, perform well and look good. Three good reasons to like them and to not be afraid to add them on your holiday shopping list. If you are looking for gift ideas for cooks or the hostess, you may consider: + BODUM Round Automatic Gravity Operated Salt and Pepper Grinder [...]

DINING, EATING out | November 3, 2009

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Tea Service at Windsor Arms Hotel

I went to Toronto for two days last week to research stories for my blog, to attend a social media event and to meet people. One thing on my list was having a formal tea service. When I saw that Windsor Arms starts serving their tea service at 1 pm, I jumped at the occasion. Some [...]

DINING, FOOD + drinks | October 10, 2009

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Origami Tea Concept by Natalia Ponomareva

Russian designer Natalia Ponomareva invented the cutest tea bag on Earth. I like the refinement of the triangular cloth tea bags but her origami tea bags are second to none. Sadly, this is only a prototype. Her tea bags received good press from many bloggers around the World. I wish I will be able to serve [...]

DINING, LINENS | September 29, 2009

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Tea and Mug Cozies

More and more designers are updating these old-fashioned tea essentials. They always kept their granny look but like the things at Anthropologie, it is part of their charm. Ruth Cross, who worked with Linda Bloomfield, creates knitted garment and home accessories. Her knitted work is exquisite. Etsy constitutes a great source for cozies. Knit Storm crocheted [...]

DINING, FOOD + drinks | September 26, 2009

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Harney & Sons Teas in a Tin

Amongst the tea brands that are served in restaurants around Montreal is the American brand Harney & Sons. I often drink their Supreme Earl Grey and the Dragon Pearl Jasmine. Their production facility is located in Upstate New York. Since 2006, they are a member of 1% For The Planet. + Photo by Kim Vallee taken [...]

DINING, FOOD + drinks | September 26, 2009

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A bias on serving coffee vs tea in restaurants

Why it is so hard to find a restaurant that serves tea in style? I want my tea served with a porcelain teapot or an iron cast model. It seems that most restaurants skipped the memo about the current tea popularity. PHOTOS by Kim Vallee: + Awesome teapot at Art Java on President Kennedy in Montreal – [...]

DINING, TABLEWARE | September 25, 2009

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Kitchenware finds at Mar Mar Co.

Founded by Mark Bedford and Marianne Lumholdt, Mar Mar Co. proposes many items for the home and the kitchen that I adore. The two owners put emphasis on independent designers, without ignoring established design companies. We all need elegant trivets to protect your dining [...]

DINING, FOOD + drinks | August 25, 2009

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How to Make the Best Iced Tea

First of all, you need to use loose leaves. No powder and no special machine. All you need to make the perfect iced tea is a glass jar, cold water, possibly a kettle, loose tea leaves, other ingredients to add flavor and garnishes. Chances are that you make iced tea with hot water but I prefer [...]