TRUE LATTE ART Wega's recently released Wega Concept Green Line espresso machine was featured in a Los Angeles art installation at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. From April 19 to May 6, the museum held a festival, curated by Beastie Boy Mike D, that aimed to highlight the relationship between art and music. One of the featured designers was Robert McKinley, who created an espresso bar/art installation that relied on the Wega Concept, a machine known for its energy efficiency. "We are honored that Robert McKinley … saw this potential and was able to combine his avant-garde artistic style with our revo- lutionary machine," says Tom Rolleri, national sales director at Wega USA. 336/662-0766. wegausa.com
TAKE A GANDER
Home products company Blomus recently released a tea-steeping device called the Sencha, which gives users a clear look at the development of their drinks. Loose leaf is placed in the transparent vessel along with hot water, and when steeping time is complete, the operator lifts a lever and the drink flows into a separate holding area. The tea can then be poured directly out of the product's spout. In addition, a stainless-steel warmer (that sits below the ves- sel) and a pair of glasses complete a set that can fit into either a café or a modern kitchen. blomus.com
TWO DECADES, MANY ROASTS Astoria, Ore.'s Columbia River Coffee Roaster recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Tim Hurd started the company in July of 1992, and since then CRCR has sold around a million pounds of product. The roaster focuses on small batches, and its Thundermuck brew is carried nationwide. The company also runs an Astoria café, called Three Cups Coffee House, and has helped financially back a number of arts and social-service organiza- tion's in Northwest Oregon. 800/289-9809. thundermuck.com
IF YOU LIKE PIÑA COLADAS…
Syrup company Torani added a pair of flavors—Green Apple and Piña Colada—to its Real Fruit Smoothie Mix line. The move is in line with consumer desire—Torani cites a Harris Interactive Research study that found 72 percent of American adults purchase blended beverages, and more than 20 percent of consumers buy such drinks at least once a month. Torani now offers 10 Real Fruit Smoothie varieties, which contain between 300 and 360 calories per serving. 800/775- 1925. torani.com
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