The Minute Gourmet

The art of glass making holds a special relevance in Eastern Europe and particularly in Romania. What is quite extraordinary about Romanian glass manufacturing is that it combines traditional themes from Rome and Constantinople, lending vivacious color and ethnic design to the glasswork. Eastern Europe has lots of fine sand, which allows glassmaking to flourish in the region and Romania in particular is well known for its exquisite art glass pieces.

Glass making in Eastern Europe and Romania emanates from the Murano style in Italy as most of the artisans studied glassmaking there. Up to the 13 century, European glassmaking was exclusive to Venice. But frequent fires prompted Venetian authorities to shift the furnaces to the island of Murano.

There has been a long history of making glass in Romania. Romanian glassmakers have successfully passed on this art for several generations and the craft continues to thrive in this part of Eastern Europe. In Romania, it is said that artisan’s only pass on the secrets of glass making to members of their family. More importantly, there is a rigid hierarchy in obtaining the coveted position as a glass blower. For example, a young man may take years before he can get to that stage within this strict hierarchy.

Romanian glass is comparable to any great piece of Eastern European mouth blown glass. And they are nothing like the ones that are made by machinery or inexpensive duplicates. Traditionally Romanian factories and glass studios manufacture clear glass utilizing pellets that are distinct and commonly found in Western Europe. And depending on the artisan, German pigments are popularly used for coloring or painting glass. The combination of this blend makes Romanian crafted glass truly a superior product anywhere in Europe. Though Romanian glasswork is normally not made from crystal, nonetheless, it carries a similar purity and shine. Glass products in Romania are not just great looking, they are also being produced to suit a host of lifestyles, from the traditional to modern and the line of products are guaranteed quality glassware that is both functional and decorative.

Romanian mouth-blown glassware is made by highly skilled artisans. They are very creative pieces with exceptional quality. They are also a prized collector’s item. Some of the work includes vases and bowls that are made as centerpieces as well as plates – the artisans who create these masterpieces learned their skills in Murano itself.

When it comes to Romanian glassware, each piece is distinctly unique. Each of the mouth-blown glassware may be described as an individual masterpiece in itself. They are exceptionally colorful, creative and elegant. Some of the works made by glass artisans in Romania are the most sought after pieces of contemporary art and have been on display in several galleries across the world. They are also prized as some of the top-notch pieces of glassware in the craft of modern blown glass art.

The contemporary glassware is not just placed in galleries to be on display, they also make great gifts, particularly wedding gifts, and decorations especially in restaurants, businesses and hotels. They can also be used as decorations while designing your home.

A Romanian glass artist and designer, Cornel Plescan now lives in the United States. For more information about him and his products go to: http://www.coniartglass.com

Imperial Chunmee- Loose tea $11.95 Hand selected in China. This traditional tea sometimes referred to as Precious Eyebrow, is often preferred by Western consumers for the straightforward, hearty green tea character. 3.0 oz.

Pazzo Biscotti Pack- Key Lime $9.95 Inspired by the flavor of tropical Florida, this scrumptious key lime biscotti is hand-crafted by Biscotti Pazzo and contains all natural ingredients, no preservatives and zero trans fat. Sweet, slightly tangy and oh-so-delicious!

Thermos- Double Wall Stainless Steel $19.95 Double wall stainless steel insulation that keeps a hot beverage steaming and a cold beverage chilly for hours! Holds 17 oz. Push button top for easy pouring. Twist off lid can be used as a cup for convenience. Hand wash only.

Boca Java Bring On The Brew Mug $12.95 Boca Java’s ”Bring on the Brew” Mug! Drink your favorite Boca Java coffee, tea or cocoa in style with our one-of-a-kind, elegantly hand sculpted Boca Java mug. An amazing 18 oz.!Blends that never end! Roasts that help you coast! Flavors made to savor!

De’Longhi Black Grinder $59.95 ELECTRONIC GRIND SELECTORAllows you to choose the perfectgrind setting from coarse to medium to fine. Indicated by 3 green lights.QUANTITY CONTROL KNOB Allows you to grind4 ? 12 cups of coffee andshuts off automatically.REMOVABLE GROUNDCOFFEE CONTAINERAllows consumer easy removalof ground coffee.CLEANING BRUSHConveniently stored brush pullsout for quick cleaning.ONE-TOUCH PUSH BUTTON CONTROL Simply push andhold the lid down to begin grinding. Remove hand whendesired consistency is achieved.SAFETY SYSTEM Automatically stops blades when handremoves pressure from the lid. This ensures lid cannotbe removed while blades are still turning.SELF-CONTAINED CORD STORAGE Keeps countertopsclutter free.

Krups Precision 12 Cup Coffeemaker $134.95 -Easy access control panel. -1100 Watts.-Angled control panel to face the user.-Easy to use intuitive controls.-LCD screen with high contrast black on white display.-Aroma function extends the brewing cycle for optimal flavor and aroma.-Brushed stainless steel body and lid.-Carbon grey trim accentuates the brushed stainless steel.-Push button, soft-open lid.-Auto-lift brew basket.-Oversized shower head.-Krups Duo Filter water filtration.-Removes unwanted flavors from your water and protects and promotes long life and great taste.-Sturdy 12-cup glass carafe. -Length: 9 inches-Width: 8.0625 inches-Height: 12.8125 inches-Volume: 929.71 cubic inches-Weight: 5.25 pounds***Please allow 2 weeks for delivery of this item.

Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Moisturizing Hand & Body Lotion 16oz Pump Bottle $18.2 Developed by dermatologists, this lotion is enriched with essential moisturizing vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. This lotion leaves a clean, non-greasy feel and absorbs quickly and moisturizes even extra-dry skin.

Campbell’s Microwaveable Chicken with Mini Noodles Soup-At-Hand 8ct Box $51.93 These convenient soups come in a portable container that requires no utensils and has a 1-year shelf life.

Campbell’s Microwaveable Classic Tomato Soup-At-Hand 8ct Box $51.93 These convenient soups come in a portable container that requires no utensils and has a 1-year shelf life.

Campbell’s Microwaveable Creamy Chicken Soup-At-Hand 8ct Box $51.93 These convenient soups come in a portable container that requires no utensils and has a 1-year shelf life.

America Retold Taverna Numbers 9-Ounce Hand-Blown Glasses, Set of 6 $54.15 Blown glasses etched with numbers 1 through 6 provide a subtle way for guests to identify which glass is theirs….

America Retold Sophia Cheers 9-Ounce Hand-Blown Glasses, Set of 6 $65.55 Set of 6 blown glasses etched with the word Cheers….

America Retold Sophia Sante 9-Ounce Hand-Blown Glasses, Set of 6 $65.55 Set of 6 blown glasses etched with the word Sante, a classic French toast to good health….