Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Rock Me, Amadeus


Actually there's little in common between these great new items from Sea Stones and the classic hit by Falco. That said, I confess that all the time I was talking to the artist behind this barware, Arra David, I had the tune going through my head. Which no doubt made me smile at inappropriate times. Fortunately, Arra just chalked it up to retailer dementia and soldiered on with his presentation. I learned that he and his fellow artists take great care in selecting the stones to be used in the stemware. He secures permission from private landholders in New England to comb beaches and riverbeds looking for the stones; he then "seeds" the harvested areas with rocks he has purchased from quarries which will then begin to wear down into new "Sea Stones." He also uses recycled glass in his stemware - it's a very eco-aware studio! Still humming Falco, we moved on to the "On the Rocks" drink chillers - chunks of granite that you freeze and then put in your drink to keep it cold and free from the dilution and flavoring that comes from using ice. Really? Rocks in your glass? But Arra (or perhaps Falco?) prevailed, and I ordered some. It's turned out to be a best seller, because they really work well - they preserve the unique flavor and character of your beverage of choice while chilling it. And there's no waste - when you're done, just wash the rocks with a little soap and water and back into the freezer they go. Rock me....well, you know the rest.