ploh notes

may 2012 | ordinary made extraordinary

summer’s in sight, we’re hit with fever brought on by sunshine and blue skies. like children antsy to get out and play, many are hankering for that mid-year break and marking their calendars for travels away. still, for others nothing quite tops a respite that’s rich with the pleasures of home. whether you’ve simply chosen to stay put or are planning to welcome traveling guests, practice a little mindfulness and turn basic activities into little moments of pure enjoyment.

summer delivers nature’s beauty in ripe, juicy colorful fruits and vegetables, and we’ve got two extraordinarily crafted everyday objects that will do them justice and may even make meal preparation an absolute joy.

the grace of the blade
any dedicated chef will swear by their knives, the most important tools to have in the kitchen. if you’re looking for a set or that one special chef’s knife, consider the options: blades are most commonly made of stainless steel or carbon steel. one popular material for the chef knife is a type of high carbon stainless steel alloy called 440C by industry insiders. there are also different types of handles to choose from. look for one that fits your hand comfortably so you don’t quickly tire of slicing and dicing. last, but not at all least, are the rivets or pins that secure everything together safely.

blade, handle and pins all get equal billing at Cut Brooklyn where novelist-turned-artisanal-knife-maker, Joel Bukiewicz, sells his knives as quickly as he creates them. he may be armed with a master’s degree in fiction writing, but we’re glad Joel had the revelation about his true passion in knife making. he stands out among the few knife craftsmen for his limited pieces which are completely hand made from start to finish – down to the hand sculpted handles and custom mosaic pins. Joel says, "a knife should move with authority," feel hefty, yet quick and "is an extension of your thoughts, that will sing through your media." (we want this knife!)

the beauty of the board
what makes the perfect companion for that beautiful knife? an equally beautiful cutting board of course. one that you’ll derive pleasure from every time you reach for it – to feel the smooth wood, and to see the attractive grains.

wood choices for a custom-made board are endless and there are many other aspects to consider too. generally, a quality board keeps your knife from getting dull quickly: the type of wood (hard or soft) and the way wood grains face determines how it interacts with your knife. using an end grain board with the wood fibers standing on end is kinder to your knives and the board will last longer too.

a lot of milling, cutting, assembling, gluing, plaining, sanding and oiling take place in the creation of each board, but as with any beautiful artisanal piece the pride and passion are what turn an ordinary object into something extraordinary. here is one artisan to help you realize your dream board: Matt Christie from Green River Woods.

as tempting as it may be to jump into summer activities as soon as they come around, try easing into them by savoring all that they bring. enjoy leisurely time at home with family and friends and look for or add beauty to every moment.

and after a satisfying meal, mark the end of a wonderful day by letting your guest get comfy in a bed full of ploh. (we know a thing or two about turning a humble pillow into something magnificent.)

april 2012 | eggs the way you like them: lux a la Fabergé

we’re inspired by the frenzy over eggs last week when many were celebrating Easter. the biggest Easter egg hunt, aptly named The Fabergé Big Egg Hunt, took place in London where a search for whimsical and dramatic egg sculptures created by the likes of Diane Von Furstenberg, Tommy Hilfiger and Mulberry ended with the winner being awarded the Diamond Jubilee Egg – a jewel studded, mattelasse patterned, rose gold beauty to behold. Continue reading ”

august 2011 | traditional works of art…(for the cultured sweet tooth)

this is note 2 of a 2-part series on precious heritage exploring authentic and inspiring pieces and places which speak to our hearts.

history, tradition and art appreciation come together in eye candy you can actually eat with india’s mithai and japan’s wagashi. fortunately, the aesthetically pleasing confectionery traditionally prepared for grand affairs and other special ceremonies can be enjoyed today simply to satisfy a craving for edible luxury.

and because everything is more beautiful when there’s more to appreciate, read on…

mithai
Continue reading ”