Free Style: Because we're spending more time in the kitchen, there is a move away from the all-or-nothing "fitted" look of continuous counters. Look for more freestanding pieces of furniture or features with furniture like qualities, such as a cabriole leg holding up a kitchen counter.

Artistic Upgrades: In the ongoing effort to customize kitchens, almost anything goes. Now range hoods are works of art, literally. Already beautiful as well as functional, hoods can now be customized with panels you choose. Cupboard doors can be replaced with accent doors.

Going Green: Eco-friendly products aren't going to go out of style anytime soon. And now there are more ways that you can go green in the kitchen, too, from energy-efficient dishwashers to environmentally sound flooring options made of reclaimed wood and tiles.

Oh-So-Organic: Forget straight lines and right angles; organic shapes are in. Not only are rounded shapes visually pleasing, they also encourage a more natural circular traffic flow. Imagine never bumping into a sharp corner again.

Asian Fusion: There is nothing like Zen comforts to help us unwind. Look for drawer pulls reminiscent of bamboo, built-in teriyaki grills and Japanese-style sliding pantry doors in the kitchen.

Drawer Designs: Move over refrigerator drawers and dishwasher drawers, and say hello to the microwave drawer. Yes, that handy appliance, popcorn button and all, now comes in a drawer.

High-Tech: Advances in technology continue to offer us out-of-this-world options, including an oven that can be programmed to keep food cold until it's cooking time. You can even change the cooking directions from your office computer. Don't have enough freezer space? High-tech can help you turn a fridge drawer into a freezer in no time. It can also raise the toilet seat when it sees you coming and clean the shower when you're not around.

Built-Ins: Built-ins are convenient and sleek, two must-haves in today's kitchens. Think steamers and strainers, high-end coffeemakers, professional ice machines and wine coolers, knife racks, spice holders, ring holders, fondue pots and ice beds for shrimp.

Glass Acts: Glass is everywhere in today's kitchens -- on cook tops, refrigerators and cabinet doors.

Courtesy of Anne Krueger on hgtv.com

VIP wine tastings at 3-North Fork wine estates for exclusive VIP tastings and tours:
• Clovis Point Vineyards, Bedell Cellars and Laurel Lake Vineyards
• Departs NY SOHO, Grand Central Station in a Luxury Motor Coach
• Expert tour guide provides valuable Wine 101 tips
• Delicious boxed lunch served at the first vineyard!
• Charcuterie & wine at the last winery prior to departure

Don't miss this great opportunity to spend the day on the North Fork of Long Island. You can fill up your wine cooler with great Long Island wines that you can enjoy at home.

For more information - http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/343161/new-york-summer-vines-vip-tour-of-long-island-wine-country

Read the following article written by the creative faces behind Sub Zero and Wolf Products.

For Sub-Zero, it's easy to be green. It's a part of their heritage, the way they do business, as a privately held, family-owned company. For over 60 years, Sub-Zero has been a leader in food preservation and green products. Sub-Zero invented Dual Refrigeration; they created it to keep food fresher while using less energy in the long run.

For Sub-Zero, green is more than just an Energy Star rating. Even their largest refrigeration product, the Sub-Zero PRO 48, uses less energy per month than a 100-watt light bulb. From being built in the USA, to supporting organic farmers and food artisans, to using renewable energy, to extensive recycling, to sourcing environmentally friendly materials and supplies, to providing living wages to their factory workers - Sub-Zero & Wolf have been ‘green’ long before the term even existed.

As a result of more than 60 years of being green, Sub-Zero was ranked on the Top 10 list of Green Brands in 2007 by the ImagePower Green Brands Survey. In this independent, 3rd party research, more than 3000 consumers in the United States and the United Kingdom were polled to rate the most ‘green’ brands. They were asked to rank only the brands they were familiar with. The survey also indicated that an increased number of Americans are displaying positive green attitudes and behaviors, which illustrates that consumers are demanding that more companies implement sustainable business practices.

Top 10 Green Brands according to the ImagePower Green Brands Survey:

1. Whole Foods Market
2. Wild Oats Markets
3. Trader Joe's
4. Toyota
5. Honda
6. Sub-Zero
7. Ikea
8. Body Shop
9. G.E.
10. Aveda

#1 Keep your Condenser Coils Clean
This is one of the more important steps to maintaining your Refrigerator.  If the refrigerator coils get covered in pet hair or dust, this will cut down on the Energy Efficiency.  This will cause the compressor to run hotter than it normally would with clean condenser coils.  The extra stain on the compressor will dramatically reduce it's life expectancy. The Condenser Coils are usually located under the refrigerator or on the back of the befrigerator.

#2 Check your Temperature Setting
If your refrigerator's temperature is set too low, it will have to run longer to cool to a lower temperature. Not only will it to cost you more money to keep your groceries cold, but you are also adding extra run time on the compressor. If you place a thermometer inside the refrigerator compartment, you can keep track of its inside temperature. The ideal thermometer temperature is around 37 degrees.

#3 Check your Door Gaskets
It's important to keep your door gaskets clean.  If they aren't kept clean they can stick to the refrigerator and cause cracks and tears.  If the gaskets are cracked or torn, cold air will escape.  This just adds to the run time and can cause other problems.

#4 Keep your Freezer Full
The more food you have in your freezer the better your machine will maintain the proper temperature. There will be less air inside that warms up when you open the doors. Therefore your refrigerator doesn't have to run as long to cool back down to the set temperature.

#5 Don't Keep your Refrigerator Door Open
Each time you open the refrigerator doors, warm air gets in and cold air comes out. Keep this in mind and try not to take too much time standing at the refrigerator.

#7 Avoid Hot Food in the Fridge
Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature before placing them in the refrigerator.  This will cut down on the amount of warm air inside the refrigerator and save some run time on the compressor.

#8 Replace your Old Refrigerator
If your Refrigerator is 20 years old, it's time for a new one.  Older models can use up to 3 times more electricity then newer ones.  This could save you a few hundred dollars in a year.

If you have any questions or concerns about the condition of your refrigerator, call Aaron’s Refrigeration today at (212) 997-3979. Make sure to call for professional maintenance and repair services to keep your refrigerator in the best possible condition.

NYC Event: New Zealand and Australia, Delicious Refreshing whites, Bold Reds! (08/06)

August 6, 2011 (Sat) from 2:15 PM - 5:00 PM
New York City, NY / Tickets $95

New Zealand and Australia, Delicious Refreshing whites, Bold Reds- Bursting with flavors of down under! Big and bold to crisp and refreshing!  Learn about the regions, styles, laws and innovative imagination of these great regions!

This event is part of a series.  Wine Regions of the world Tasting Series Cruise with the Classic Harbor Line!

Each week we will focus on a different region exploring the grapes, styles, soils, viticulture, and tasting techniques that will help you enjoy the place in your glass! These interactive tastings will be conducted by our wine professional Wendy Crispell in a fun, relaxed atmosphere aboard the beautiful yacht Manhattan. This seasons tastings will feature a number of different artisan & farmstead cheeses selected each week to complement the wines of the day. In addition, a selection of jams, dried fruits, honey and breads will be served to highlight each pairing.

People from many cultures sailed into our harbor bringing regional cuisine and traditions that helped to make NY one of the most diverse culinary destinations in the world!

• Taste 5 different wines from a specific region in the world (We select 5 different Wines for each event)
• Artisan Cheeses matched with the wines of the evening
• Learn the basics of tasting in a fun, informative setting
• Find out what makes each wine different and unique
• Discuss major styles, grape varieties, regions, trends and more

To purchase tickets click here

Whirlpool, the manufacturers of fine refrigerators such as Jenn-Air and KitchenAid are lending more than a hand for those less fortunate.

Not only does the Whirlpool Corporation make French door refrigerators and other appliances, it is also the principal supporter of Habitat for Humanity – a non-profit organization that builds housing for those who may otherwise go without shelter. To date, Whirlpool's commitment to this cause exceeds $50 million. Through their involvement with Habitat for Humanity homes, Whirlpool has globally donated over 90,000 home appliances. In addition, the Whirlpool Corporation also makes cash donations and does complete home sponsorships.

Whirlpool has delivered their side-by-side refrigerators, refrigerator freezers and other home appliances to Mumbai, to victims of hurricane Katrina and to other areas around the globe. Moreover, this manufacturer of French door refrigerators has sponsored entertainment legend Reba McEntire's music tours in an attempt to raise awareness for Habitat for Humanity.

That's what I call a company with heart. Have questions about your Jenn Air  or KitchenAid Refrigerator?

Call Aaron's Refrigeration today at (212) 997-3979.

Pickles You Say? I say Yes!

Refrigerator Dill Pickles...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Bobby Flay

Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups distilled white vinegar
1/4 to 1/3 cup granulated sugar
4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
3/4 teaspoon dill seeds
2 cups hot water
2 pounds kirby cucumbers, sliced 1/4-inch thick
3/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh dill
3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

Directions:
1) Combine vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, coriander seeds and dill seeds in a heatproof bowl. Add hot water and stir until sugar dissolves and liquid is clear. Cool to room temperature.
2) Place cucumbers, garlic and dill in a large bowl. Toss to combine. Pour brine over all and turn to coat cucumbers. Cover them with a plate to weigh them down and keep them covered in brine. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, stirring once or twice. Transfer to an airtight container and store for up to two weeks. Yield: 1 quart.

With this wonderful recipe in mind make sure your refrigerator is in tip top shape. If you are having problems with your refrigerator call Aaron's Refrigeration today at 212-997-3979. We service Sub Zero, Jenn Air, Traulsen, Viking, GE Monogram, and Kitchen/Aid refrigerators throughout New York City and New Jersey.

One product company in India is in the final stages of developing refrigerators that work along side your MP3 player. Forget those old school am/fm clock radios fitted under your cabinets.

Godrej Appliances is on an aggressive launch drive and plans to introduce at least one new product or model every four months.

With a number of companies entering into the home appliances segment, Godrej has taken course to launching newer models and innovative products in the home appliances segment to beat the clutter and grow its market share.

The latest offering by the company has been the music-enabled refrigerators. The Edge SX Muziplay refrigerators besides working as a fridge would bring music to kitchens through gadgets provided in the refrigerator. While cooking in the kitchen, consumers can now listen to their favorite FM program, plug in a pen drive with Mp3 songs or even a mobile phone loaded with Mp3 songs. They can even charge their cell phones with the help of these refrigerators.

Available in a variety of colors and patterns and in two capacities-183 L and 221 L-the newly-launched refrigerators club classy aesthetics with smart features and new technology and are priced between Rs 13570 to Rs 16,515-like all Godrej Refrigerators, these are also 100 per cent green (CFC) free and environmentally friendly.

Welcome Technology!

Are you a wine aficionado? Read the following article about the first ever North American Wine Tourism Conference taking place in Napa Valley, California.

NAPA, Calif., May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Zephyr Adventures and MartinCalder Productions, in partnership with the Napa Valley Destination Council, announce the launch of the first global wine tourism conference to ever be presented in North America. An anticipated 300 national and international attendees representing businesses, educators and other stakeholders in the wine tourism industry will convene in Napa Valley on November 16 and 17 to address industry trends and the issues that impact wine tourism for established and emerging wine regions.

Wine tourism has become big business as more wine-centric travelers seek out wine destinations for their vacations and weekend getaways. According to the U.S. Travel Association, 17 percent of American leisure travelers, or 27.3 million people, have engaged in culinary or wine-related activities while traveling, requiring wine regions to compete for their percentage of the market share. "With over 7,000 wineries in the U.S. alone interested in expanding their market share, wine regions are focused on creating attractive destinations that feature a mix of wineries, tasting rooms, conference services and other entertainment attractions," said Elizabeth Martin-Calder, co-organizer of the Wine Tourism Conference and owner of MartinCalder Productions.  "This conference will provide wine tourism providers with the knowledge and tools to compete."

Educational Partners

In collaboration with Sonoma State University's Wine Business Institute and Wine Institute, the association of California wineries, the organizers have designed a two-day program of general sessions and panel discussions guided by leading educators and strategists in the wine and tourism marketing industry.

"Our goal is to serve as a resource for the wine community where industry stakeholders have an opportunity to learn, share and grow," said Allan Wright, co-organizer of the Wine Tourism Conference and owner of Zephyr Adventures.

Conference Presenters

Caroline Beteta, President and Chief Executive Officer of the industry-led California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC) will open the conference with an inaugural address on wine tourism and its impact on California's $95.1 billion tourism industry. Under her leadership, California tourism programs have brought in an average of nearly $4 billion annually to the state's economy, and increased the state share of the domestic travel market by three percent, reversing a decade-long decline. Beteta also serves as Vice Chair of the Corporation for Travel Promotion (CTP), a new organization to promote the United States as a premier travel destination in countries around the world.

Additional presenters already scheduled for the conference include: Ray Isle, Wine Editor of Food & Wine magazine, Leslie Sbrocco of Today Show and Thirsty Girl, and Sara Schneider, Wine Editor of Sunset Magazine.

Napa Valley to Host the Inaugural Conference

Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi is credited with revolutionizing wine tourism in the 1970's by opening up his winery for general consumer tastings, igniting a dynamic cultural shift away from the idea that wine sampling was a private affair provided only for the trade and wine connoisseur. Forty years later, the Napa Valley is a collection of small towns and villages that support wine tourism with an infrastructure that includes over 400 wineries, 100 wine tasting rooms and 150 accommodation providers and considered by many aspiring as well as established wine regions as the standard for tourism marketing success.

"We are thrilled that Napa Valley was selected to host the inaugural conference," said Clay Gregory, President of the Napa Valley Destination Council, which is the official tourism marketing organization for the region. "We look forward to sharing our experiences with those in attendance, while also expanding our own knowledge and understanding of this cultural travel phenomenon."

To welcome the international audience, Napa Vintners and Napa Valley Destination Council have partnered to host a wine reception and farm-to-table food and wine pairing dinner on November 16. Celebrity guest chefs and winemakers from around the Valley have been invited to attend and co-host the festivities.

Event Details

Pre- and Post-Conference Tours

Conference attendees and their guests are invited to come early or stay after the formal events to explore Northern California's varied wine culture and regions for themselves. Attendees who want to come early or stay longer to enjoy the Napa Valley can visit www.legendarynapavalley.com to access special offers.  And a series of pre- and post-conference tours and tastings will be arranged by Napa Valley Destination Council, Sonoma County Tourism, Sonoma County Vintners, and Sonoma County Winegrape Commission.

Information and Registration

To learn more about the Wine Tourism Conference 2011, register, or make hotel reservations please go to www.winetourismconference.org.

About the Napa Valley / www.legendarynapavalley.com

The Napa Valley is home to the founders of America's fine wine industry – legendary entrepreneurs who showed the world that the art of winemaking had crossed continents – and is prized for its natural beauty, phenomenal culinary scene, world-class hotel accommodations, robust arts community, and one-of-a-kind wellness experiences including the region's famed spas, mud baths and healing geo-thermal hot springs. Internationally recognized as one of only nine "Great Wine Capitals," the Napa Valley was voted the World's #1 Food & Wine Destination in 2010 TripAdvisor® Travelers' Choice® Awards, and was honored in 2010 with 14 Michelin Restaurant Stars – the most per capita of any wine region in the world.

Prep Time: 25 Min / Cook Time: 1 Hr 5 Min

Ready In: 1 Hr 30 Min

Recipe Yields 6 servings