We had to smile when we saw this set. There are many variations of the same topic out there, but we like the figurative quality and the overall aesthetic of the classic bedside table water bottle and glass set. This particular version was designed by the good guys over at Polka in Vienna and is manufactured in fine Musselinglass, giving it an airy and fragile feel. It will be available soon here.

Technorati Tags: 100% Design, Charles & Marie, Epicurean delight, glassware, hip home

With the holidays fast approaching, we’re turning our attention to different cake decorating trends. This season, we’re putting edible crystallized pansies and violas atop our marvelous vanilla cakes. Of course, you can also use these to glam up salads and other dishes. Experiment to your heart’s content…

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, Epicurean delight, gourmet

CocoaBella owner Michael Freeman offers curated confections from Belgium, France, Switzerland and Italy. We’ll happily indulge in all 150 flavors, perched atop the counter for tasting on any given day. Our favorite? Michel Cluziel Bark, packed with roasted hazelnuts, almonds and pistachios. Candied orange peels and raisins are added for an extra dash of delight. Swoon!

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, chocolate, Epicurean delight, gourmet, Sweets

Food lovers roam from meal to meal in search of the next new taste. Whatever your MO, if you’re a burger lover, you’ll just adore Allen Brothers’ all-natural, 100% buffalo meat patties, a delicious alternative to boring ol’ beef. These are low in fat, cholesterol and calories, yet high in protein, juiciness, and flavor. Pair them with a freshly baked sesame seed bun and a mountain of French fries.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, cooking, Epicurean delight, food, gourmet

F Maurer presented a beautiful set of glasses and pitchers alongside the Pure Austrian Design exhibition that reminded us of Normann’s Swivel Glasses. His version is a cleaner and subtler look that is more elegant and available on a variety of sizes and carafes as well. See more here.

Technorati Tags: 100% Design, accessories, Charles & Marie, contraptions, design, Epicurean delight, glassware

Not that we eat in the dark much, but we liked Martin Krc’s illuminating cutlery that was made entirely out of perspex. It wasn’t necessarily the overall shape that appealed to us, but the entire concept of eating in the dark, not seeing everything the way you are used to, thus heightening other senses and creating a very unique experience.

Technorati Tags: accessories, Charles & Marie, Epicurean delight, 100% Design, tableware

Rick Field, mastermind of Rick’s Picks, began pickling in his small Brooklyn apartment in the mid-nineties. The pickle expert’s Windy City Wasabeans are plenty salty, while his GT 1000s are totally tangy. Our pick? The Phat Beets, which are pickled in rosemary-scented brine that’s both savory and sweet. Even if you’re fickle, you’ll find a pickle suited to your tastes.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, Epicurean delight, food, gourmet

There are plenty of creative ways to make a cheesecake, but the banana concept is one we’ve never seen until now. This creamy, dreamy creation by Euro Living Room is infused with bananas and topped with a layer of whipped cream, then drizzled with bittersweet chocolate. Garnish with fresh strawberries to give your plate a burst of color.

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Looking for a way to slim down with minimal effort (isn’t everyone these days?) Forgo the clichéd Power Bars and tote VitaTops in your designer bag. A spin-off of the popular VitaMuffin, these darling muffin tops offer wholesome goodness and the portability of a bar. Clever!

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, cookies, Epicurean delight, food

We don’t peel our own potatoes (heaven forbid!), but if we did we’d certainly use these darling little creations designed in France by Créa Créa and available through whimsical company The Sarut Group. Reminiscent of tiny dolls, these are too cute to resist. Collect all of them and display in your kitchen.

Technorati Tags: accessories, Charles & Marie, contraptions, Epicurean Delight, kitchen