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JK Adams picks up America Masala Collection |
04.04.2008
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DORSET, Vt.--JK Adams began distributing a new line of tabletop and kitchenware items called the American Masala Collection on April 1.
The line, which was introduced at the International Home + Housewares Show in March, was developed by cookbook author and chef Suvir Saran in conjunction with Wade Ceramics, based in Stoke-on-Trent, England.
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Made in England by Wade, the initial launch of 15 SKUs include two mortar and pestles, three trivets, and an assortment of ceramic knives. The knives are a first for Wade, a 200-year-old company.
"To me, this line is about form, function and design and creating new classics that 50 years from now people will say were groundbreaking," Saran said.
Saran, who has carpal tunnel syndrome, said he saw the opportunity to create a mortar and pestle with an improved design. With a wider base for stability, the redesigned mortar saves wrists from too much pounding and has less spill over. Also wrist friendly are the lightweight, ceramic knives with ergonomic thermoplastic rubber or plastic handles.
"The fun part," Saran said, was working with his partner Charlie Burd on choosing the line's decorative features. Available in Saffron Orange and Cardamom Green, the mortar and pestles feature motifs that are emblematic of families in northern India.
Available in round, rectangular and square, the cream-colored trivets feature raised motifs inspired by the Taj Mahal. With the trivets, Saran wanted to create something elegant that doesn't compete with what's being featured on the table.
Best known for its made in Vermont cutting boards, JK Adams became the line's master distributor because of its relationship and proximity to Saran, explained Sharon Rishel, sales manager, specialty markets for JK Adams.
Saran, who has a farm near here, often comes to the three-level JK Adams retail store to do demonstrations, "We have a great relationship," Rishel said about the woodware manufacturer and Saran, and the chef wanted to keep things "close to home," she said. Plus, JK Adams already has a distribution network to gourmet retailers in place for its own products.
The line's name--American Masala--is also the name of Saran's second book, published Oct. 2007 by Clarkson Potter Publishers. His first cookbook, Indian Home Cooking, also published by Clarkson Potter, hit the shelves in Sept. 2004.
Saran along with Hemant Mathur, are the co-executive chefs of Devi, an Indian restaurant in New York. Devi received a Michelin one-star rating in 2007 and 2008.
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