Cutting Edge

Joel Bukiewicz, aspiring novelist turned artisan, handcrafts professional-grade kitchen cutlery that has sliced its way to cult-level status. His showcase knife is the Prospect 8, which is close to kitchen-accessory perfection: a knife that cuts smoothly and effortlessly on the cutting board, is agile enough to be a versatile kitchen tool, and offers heft and balance at the bolster as well as a fast tip and lightness in the hand. This knife is just begging you to cook with it!

SMEG

It's not hard to fall for these sleekly designed, 50s-style "retro" refrigerators with dreamy curved corners and a palate of colors that add just the right splash to any kitchen (pastel blue or lime green, anyone?) Finally this Italian company (name formed from the initials of their metal enameling factory in Reggio Emilia, Italy) is stateside. We've been waiting on these after spotting them in European magazines over the past few years...

Haute Notes is about the discovery of all things innovative and exciting in food and wine, art and design, and style and travel.