Tuesday, August 24, 2010
SKYPE
Hi Folks,
I just joined Skype, so if you want to chat, face to face, just look me up at dino.rachiele on Skype!
I just joined Skype, so if you want to chat, face to face, just look me up at dino.rachiele on Skype!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
July Newsletter is out!
Hi Folks, I managed to get our July newsletter out while in the company of my adorable two granddaughters. Here is a link
We now have a Facebook Page - please sign up as a fan!
We recently finished a gorgeous copper countertop. Here is a link to our video page. Scroll way down the page to see videos of the countertop. Lori Sabina did a great job on it!
I should have some updates soon!
Thanks for stopping by,
Dino
We now have a Facebook Page - please sign up as a fan!
We recently finished a gorgeous copper countertop. Here is a link to our video page. Scroll way down the page to see videos of the countertop. Lori Sabina did a great job on it!
I should have some updates soon!
Thanks for stopping by,
Dino
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Rachiele Newsletter - back on track
Hi folks,
We are finally getting back to our roots with a monthly newsletter (monthly is a hope not a promise). Our first one can be seen here. If you have not done so, please sign up for our monthly mailing. Here is a link.
My family's life revolves around cooking, good food and wine. I thought I would share some thoughts about food and family.
Growing up, my mother cooked almost every meal. My father would grill steaks on occasion, but my mother was the cook of the family. My father was a psychologist and had his own practice, so often he would get home after 7pm. We never ate before he arrived. We always ate together. Dinners (Suppers for you southern folk) were a time for family discussions, joking and of course eating and drinking wine. As a child, I was allowed to have wine with my dinner. I know that is not politically correct these days, but I personally feel what goes on in our home is our own business. Having full access to a glass of wine, or a gin and tonic as a young teenager caused me to be puzzled as I grew into my later teens. My friends wanted to go "drinking". I thought - how odd? I can drink right at home and I really never wanted more than one glass of wine. Throughout high school, my friends would go out drinking, and I either stayed behind or was the designated driver. I found it funny that my friends would spend their money on beer, etc. when I could just go home and have a glass for free with my parents. Italian families grew up with wine at lunch and dinner. It was an essential part of the meal. For me, it was not taboo, nor something I would consider sneaking out to imbibe.
Well, enough of my epistle. I truly hope I have not offended. My parents blessed me with great talents, however one that was not passed down was a social filter. I have a habit of saying what is on my mind with little concern of the consequences. I have found that attempting to always tell the truth comes with two benefits. One: I don't have to rely on my poor memory to remember a fib. Two: It seems easier to think clearly when you don't have to filter your words and thoughts. Those who know me always know where I stand. Wow, did I just say "enough of my epistle?" The Tucci side of the family was born with at least two years more conversation in their heads than normal people (I am half Tucci).
Now that I am on a food and family discussion, let me say a few words about the Tucci's and foods. The Tucci side of my family not only cooked, but were a bit fussy about how things were cooked. Pasta was always cooked al dente (or slightly undercooked by most American standards). Pasta and meatballs was not a staple. In fact, meatballs were fried up and eaten "as is" with some Italian bread and wine. Sometimes meatballs were thrown in the "ragu" along with pork, sausage and beef. By the way, ragu is not Ragu! Ragu is Italian for a tomato sauce with meats. Please... nothing in a jar! Only imported or fresh tomatoes are used in the ragu. I have yet to taste an American canned tomato that was nearly as sweet as San Marzano Italian tomatoes. There are, according to our family and many other Italians, a right way and many wrong ways to make sauces and pastas. A no-no is sugar! If you need sugar in your tomato sauce is is because you are using inferior tomatoes.
My cousin, Stanley Tucci, wrote and starred in a film back in 1996 called Big Night. The dishes were so familiar. If you have seen the movie, the Timpano served at the last meal, is something we have had for every Christmas since I was a child. That being said, there was always lamb, ham, fish and other assorted foods along with it. It was a wonder we all did not perish from over eating. Food was part of the wonderment in our family. It was the glue that kept family together at every meal. Meals were events, not quick chores. We laughed, told stories, complained that the food was not cooked just right, and laughed more. It wasn't the food that I looked forward to, it was the meal. To me a meal was something shared among those we loved. A meal was more than the food, more than the conversation and more than resting. It was a good feeling. It was a time to be happy, no matter what had happened. It was a time for family to share thoughts, feelings and love. I was, and am, one very fortunate man. I grew up with meals, not food.
Thanks for reading,
Dino
We are finally getting back to our roots with a monthly newsletter (monthly is a hope not a promise). Our first one can be seen here. If you have not done so, please sign up for our monthly mailing. Here is a link.
My family's life revolves around cooking, good food and wine. I thought I would share some thoughts about food and family.
Growing up, my mother cooked almost every meal. My father would grill steaks on occasion, but my mother was the cook of the family. My father was a psychologist and had his own practice, so often he would get home after 7pm. We never ate before he arrived. We always ate together. Dinners (Suppers for you southern folk) were a time for family discussions, joking and of course eating and drinking wine. As a child, I was allowed to have wine with my dinner. I know that is not politically correct these days, but I personally feel what goes on in our home is our own business. Having full access to a glass of wine, or a gin and tonic as a young teenager caused me to be puzzled as I grew into my later teens. My friends wanted to go "drinking". I thought - how odd? I can drink right at home and I really never wanted more than one glass of wine. Throughout high school, my friends would go out drinking, and I either stayed behind or was the designated driver. I found it funny that my friends would spend their money on beer, etc. when I could just go home and have a glass for free with my parents. Italian families grew up with wine at lunch and dinner. It was an essential part of the meal. For me, it was not taboo, nor something I would consider sneaking out to imbibe.
Well, enough of my epistle. I truly hope I have not offended. My parents blessed me with great talents, however one that was not passed down was a social filter. I have a habit of saying what is on my mind with little concern of the consequences. I have found that attempting to always tell the truth comes with two benefits. One: I don't have to rely on my poor memory to remember a fib. Two: It seems easier to think clearly when you don't have to filter your words and thoughts. Those who know me always know where I stand. Wow, did I just say "enough of my epistle?" The Tucci side of the family was born with at least two years more conversation in their heads than normal people (I am half Tucci).
Now that I am on a food and family discussion, let me say a few words about the Tucci's and foods. The Tucci side of my family not only cooked, but were a bit fussy about how things were cooked. Pasta was always cooked al dente (or slightly undercooked by most American standards). Pasta and meatballs was not a staple. In fact, meatballs were fried up and eaten "as is" with some Italian bread and wine. Sometimes meatballs were thrown in the "ragu" along with pork, sausage and beef. By the way, ragu is not Ragu! Ragu is Italian for a tomato sauce with meats. Please... nothing in a jar! Only imported or fresh tomatoes are used in the ragu. I have yet to taste an American canned tomato that was nearly as sweet as San Marzano Italian tomatoes. There are, according to our family and many other Italians, a right way and many wrong ways to make sauces and pastas. A no-no is sugar! If you need sugar in your tomato sauce is is because you are using inferior tomatoes.
My cousin, Stanley Tucci, wrote and starred in a film back in 1996 called Big Night. The dishes were so familiar. If you have seen the movie, the Timpano served at the last meal, is something we have had for every Christmas since I was a child. That being said, there was always lamb, ham, fish and other assorted foods along with it. It was a wonder we all did not perish from over eating. Food was part of the wonderment in our family. It was the glue that kept family together at every meal. Meals were events, not quick chores. We laughed, told stories, complained that the food was not cooked just right, and laughed more. It wasn't the food that I looked forward to, it was the meal. To me a meal was something shared among those we loved. A meal was more than the food, more than the conversation and more than resting. It was a good feeling. It was a time to be happy, no matter what had happened. It was a time for family to share thoughts, feelings and love. I was, and am, one very fortunate man. I grew up with meals, not food.
Thanks for reading,
Dino
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Patent infringement
I thought I would point out that a company called Manhattan Interior Designs (http://www.manhattaninteriordesigns.com/) has infringed on our patent regarding a channel behind the apron of our apron front sinks. I have contacted them and hopefully there will be a resolution soon. In the meantime, please know that they have been notified and these sinks should not be sold.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
WD 40 a great product, I just had to publish this!
WD-40 who knew? 'Water Displacement #40' The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and de greaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound... They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Convair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts.
Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you. When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It's a miracle! Then try it on your stove top ..... Viola! It's now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be amazed.
Here are some other uses:
1. Protects silver from tarnishing.
2. Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4. Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery.
5. Keeps flies off cows.
6. Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7. Removes lipstick stains.
8. Loosens stubborn zippers.
9. Untangles jewelry chains.
10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12. Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13. Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16. Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.
18. It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19. Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!
20. Gives a children's playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21. Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers.
22. Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans
28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31. Removes splattered grease on stove.
32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell)..
35. Removes all traces of duct tape.
36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37. Florida 's favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.'
38. The favorite use in the state of New York , WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some
states.
40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41.. WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42. Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and re wash. Presto! The lipstick is gone!
43. If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.
Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you. When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It's a miracle! Then try it on your stove top ..... Viola! It's now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be amazed.
Here are some other uses:
1. Protects silver from tarnishing.
2. Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4. Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery.
5. Keeps flies off cows.
6. Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7. Removes lipstick stains.
8. Loosens stubborn zippers.
9. Untangles jewelry chains.
10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12. Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13. Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16. Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.
18. It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19. Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!
20. Gives a children's playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21. Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers.
22. Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans
28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31. Removes splattered grease on stove.
32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell)..
35. Removes all traces of duct tape.
36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37. Florida 's favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.'
38. The favorite use in the state of New York , WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some
states.
40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41.. WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42. Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and re wash. Presto! The lipstick is gone!
43. If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Copper hand hammered 4" tiles now available at Rachiele
Copper Tile, 4" square. Hand hammered copper over ceramic. This is a terrific tile for adding accent to a back splash in a kitchen. It has a lacquered finish, so it can be scrubbed along with your other tiles in the kitchen. If you would like to see a video of my kitchen, using these tiles on our backsplash, click here. It is the first video on the page.
New Item for Rachiele Copper and Stainless steel Apron Front Sinks
We now have a custom cutting board available for apron front sinks. We need to know the thickness of your countertop in order to build one. It will fit most apron front sinks on the market. There is a drip groove around the three sides and a scoop out so you can scrape into the drain. We have had many requests for these, but had not found a quality supplier that would be in keeping with the quality of our sinks until now. The cutting board measures 18" right to left. All dimensions can be altered, as these are made to order.
Check out our cutting board here.
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