Dreamy Blue and White Dinnerware for Holidays and Beyond!

I am always on the lookout for coastal dinnerware that is meant to last, is beautiful and is actually functional. It's been so frustrating! You know what I mean, the kind of dishes that you can really put in the microwave and wash in the dishwasher.  Dinnerware that is super versatile, has lots of mix and match pieces and looks like it belongs at an elegant beach home, but does not scream "nautical".... (are you getting the picture now?)

This summer, I think we found what I have been looking for...

We are in LOVE. Introducing the Brisa Coast Collection!

The warm coastal breeze that blows from the sea and imbues the Algarve coast with delicious aromas and the fresh flavors of Ria Formosa was the inspiration for this fabulous blue and white Brisa stoneware tabletop collection! The amazing organic shapes and hand crafted blended blue and white glazes will absolutely transform your dining experiences to beautiful landscapes of ocean lagoons and sandy, shell strewn beaches.

What do I love the Brisa Coast Collection?  Oh mi... let us count the ways!

1.Totally Unique!

Each plate, bowl and serving piece will be slightly different with hand-crafted time honored stoneware glazing techniques from Portugal. 

Two Organic Shell-Like Shapes to choose from: Oval or Round.  So fun to mix it up!  

2.  Available in Two Mix and Match Coordinating Coastal Color Palettes! The Brisa Ria Blue pieces feature deep blue glazed edging surrounding a shell-colored center, while the Brisa Salt and Sea pieces feature an edging that is splashed with a hint of sea blue.  Perfectly blended to match and coordinate to create a table setting that is elegant and stylish! 3. Incredibly Durable - Perfect for Everyday Use! These pieces are meant to be used and enjoyed. Not all stoneware is created equally. These fine dinnerware pieces are created in Portugal by Costa Nova, combining ancient skills with modern technology to produce stoneware that is resistant to both thermal and mechanical shocks.  4. Oven, Freezer and Microwave Safe All pieces are manufactured with high thermal shock resistance, withstanding temperature variations between 0 and 500-degrees Fahrenheit. These pieces can be safely used in the oven, freezer and the microwave, although not recommended over a direct flame.  So versatile! 5. Dishwasher Safe Hallelujah! No more hand-washing after the dinner party - these pieces are easy to wash and clean. Abrasive cleaners can even be used without the risk of damaging the surface due to the high durability and low porosity. Most items can be washed daily in the dishwasher.   Must see the whole collection!

Hood Canal Oyster Adventure

Tom, my oyster aficionado boyfriend, came up to visit last weekend, so I thought I could show him some "real" oysters on the Hood Canal. We began our fun drive in Belfair and then around the South Shore, all the way around to Quilcene and then back across the Hood Canal Bridge at Shine.  For local (and not so local!) Sunday drive fans, this is just a great stretch of curvy road!  There are plenty of parks to stop at, interesting beaches to explore, a few wineries,  and farm fresh products to buy.  Not to mention the views of the Olympic Mountains to the West and the absolutely gorgeous homes to drool over and dream about.  Hmmmm.... one day maybe?

First Stop Twanoh State Park: If you haven't ever stopped here, you are missing a little jewel! The park was created by the CCC in the 1930's, most of the building are still used today - built of native logs and sturdy bricks.  The beach is covered in oysters and little manilla clams, all can be yours with a shellfish license, a bucket and a little grunt work.  Oysters have to be shucked on the beach, leaving the shells for future oysters to grow. Although it was a little cold and gray as we strolled out to the beach,  we didn't mind. Tom was amazed at the oysters just lying on the beach waiting to be shucked and taken home!

I offered to take pictures of a group of family and friends that we met on our walk, having the best time shucking oysters and then running up to bbq them and steam fresh clams.  Funny how while at the beach, it is so easy to make friends... so generous that they opened up oysters and shared them with Tom.  Wow! His first oyster fresh off of the beach!

Second Stop: Hunter Farms  just past Union on the way to Potlatch.  Great farmstand!  We were hoping to find some fresh oysters in the shell to buy, since we couldn't take any off of the beach.  No such luck here, but bought incredibly yummy local ice cream - french apple pie and pecan/caramel swirl.  In my opinion, some of the best ice cream I have ever eaten!  Lots of fresh corn on the cob, local squash, tomatoes and fruit.

Third Stop: Hoodsport Winery in Hoodsport  This winery has been producing wine on the Hood Canal for over 30 years!  What I think sets this winery apart is that they produce wines that are made of other fruits, more than just grapes. Blackberry, Raspberry, Apple, Pear.. Their most popular selling wine is Raspberry, the #2 seller is Rhubarb.  Tom and I were the only ones in the tasting room that afternoon - what fun!  We each got 6 tastings, please don't worry, they were small and we were still full of ice cream.

Of course, we had to ask what their recommendation was for enjoying with oysters. Believe it or not, it was the Rhubarb!  So, we bought a bottle of Rhubarb and a very nice 1999 vintage Lemberger-Cab.




Fourth Stop: Hama Hama Oyster Company!  This was pretty cool! You can buy smoked salmon, shucked oysters, seafood salad, but best of all you can pick out your own fresh oysters (still in the shell)  from their hand selected buckets.  We learned so much about cooking oysters that afternoon from the extremely helpful gal in their store!

Those of you that are oyster fans probably already know that if you buy oysters during the summer months they really are only good for bbq'ing.  Apparently, they are not plump because they are all used up from reproducing.  Raw oysters are better to eat  in the "r" months.  She told Tom some inside secrets about barbecuing the right way... that's him enjoying a Martini at Mom and Dad's house!

Have to admit that I was really, really trying to psych myself up to eat bbq'd oysters.  Tom was so excited about trying to cook them, and I didn't want to disappoint him, but just in case I picked out a bunch of manilla clams for me.  Love the colors on the shells, and boy did  they taste terrific steamed in a little white wine, sweet walla-wallas and garlic.  yum!