Food as Art - Fine Art Fridges Exhibit Cools Down Chicago

Chicago, one of the coolest places in the United States has just become even cooler.  Those visiting Michigan Avenue through September 15th, can enjoy a unique exhibit featuring artwork made from recycled refrigeratorson display as part of The Fine Art Fridges exhibit sponsored by ComEd.  The works depicts themes ranging from Chicago architecture to a celebration of flowers.

In one of the pieces, artist VooDoo Larry Grobe has transformed a vintage 1950s Philco fridge into a jazzy "VooDoo Hot Rod." In another, Nicole Beck celebrates wildlife in a mosaic tribute to endangered life in the Gulf of Mexico.  Nine pieces designed by Chicago-area artists will be displayed on the sidewalk along the Magnificent Mile between Chicago Avenue and Illinois Street.

The exhibit was created to raise awareness for ComEd's Appliance Recycling Program, through which ComEd will haul away old, second working refrigerators or freezers free of charge. In return, ComEd customers will receive $25.00 per appliance. To date, the program has removed more than 43,000 inefficient appliances from the market. 

The company noted that many households have an extra working refrigerator or freezer in their basement or garage, however, older refrigerator appliances can use up to five times more energy than their energy-efficient equivalents. It is estimated that continued usage of an older model can result in $150 per year in extra electricity costs.

The works may be found along Michigan Avenue at many locations including Tiffany's, Cole Hann, Saks, Coach, Chicago Place, Aldo, The Omni Hotel, Grand Lux Cafe and The Garmin Store. 
To learn more about ComEd's Fine Art Fridge exhibit, Refrigerator Recycling Program, please visit: http://www.comed.com/.

Questions or comments?  E-mail cooklikejackie@gmail.com.

2010 International Home + Housewares Show Highlights

The 2010 International Home + Housewares Show was held on March 14-March 16 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Vendors from around the world converged to showcase a variety of items for the home. Several themes emerged from the show including a renewed focused on BPA-free plastics that can accomodate hot and cold beverages, and the use of renewable and recyclable materials such as bamboo. The use of color particularly in bakeware and small electrics provide unique opportunities for accents of color in a kitchen or dining area. Pantone highlighted the 2010 color of the year Turqouise and featured a color display that reinforced that retailers who choose pops of bold colors along with strong neutrals like gray, brown, white and black will catch the eye of the consumer this year. The predominant small electrics were electric and variable tempertature kettles which appeal to consumers interested in lowering energy costs and adjusting between coffees and the exploding tea market. Coffee remains king however as several companies presented single-serve models ideal for a coffee drinker on the go or one who wishes to provide easy coffee entertaining in the home. Many models were displayed including a handheld espresso maker to a luxurious fully automatic machine by one of Italy's venerated manufacturers along with updated lines from existing brands. Popular beverage options clearly focused on juicers including one incorporating the use of different technologies including low-speed extraction. For the tabletop, many ceramics are going lightweight and are more colorful and customized with colors such as red and purple dominating the landscape. Frypans have also become new canvases for color and design alternatives in the kitchen. New covers and a line of cold forged aluminum cookware provides an alternative to traditional cast iron. Reusable totes, carriers, bags and shoppers continue to remain popular with grocery consumers. Manufacturers are using neoprene and other lightweight materials such as nylon are providing attractive alternatives to canvas and cotton bags. Storage solutions including multi-function collapsable containers, modular systems, flexible lids and interchangable tops address the variety of needs for today's consumer. Accessories will include more safety features, collapsable components for easier storage and pops of color. Indoor and outdoor grilling continues to sizzle and many new options including grills, accessories, marinades, rubs and sauces are poised for significant growth. For more updates on these great products follow Cook Like Jackie or e-mail us at http://www.cooklikejackie.com/.

Cook Like Jackie to cover 2010 International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago

Cook Like Jackie is pleased to announce that it will be among the bloggers covering the 2010 International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago. This exclusive trade show features over 60,000 attendees including 2,000 exhibitors from over 35 countries and thousands of buyers. The show will be held from March 14th through March 16th at McCormick Place. Cook Like Jackie will post updates via our blog, Twitter account and Facebook fan page. All are encouraged to become CLJ fans in time to see the great offerings from this show. To follow our blog visit http://www.cooklikejackie.blogspot.com/, join us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cooklikejackie and join our Facebook fan page by clicking here. For more information please contact us at cooklikejackie@gmail.com.