We were lucky enough to meet Rosa Lowinger, the author, on a trip with the Los Angeles Conservancy to Cuba before its recent "opening up." She is wonderful.
In addition to being awarded the Rome Prize in Conservation from the American Academy in Rome, Rosa is the founder of Rosa Lowinger and Associates, a conservation firm with an international focus and offices in Miami and Los Angeles.
Rosa was born in Cuba and is considered one of America's foremost experts on Cuba's cultural, artistic, and architectural history.
To top it all off, she is a very compelling writer, and this book is a must-read if you are interested in pre-revolutionary Cuba or plan to travel there. She brings the heady, splashy world of the Tropicana's heyday fantastically to life!

Placewares is a design house offering a general store for curated design for home decor, tabletop, kitchen, bath, gourmet foods, apparel, kids and more.

Placewares

Tropicana Nights : The Life And Times Of The Legendary Cuban Nightclub

Title

Books

Rattle the Routine

We picked up our first Uusi Matkuri bag at the flagship Marimekko store in Helsinki a few years back, and it soon became our go-to bag for nearly everything: airplane carry-on, weekend bag for quick road trips, and even laundry hamper! We wholeheartedly recommend this enduring design from Ristomatti Ratia dating to the '70's and made of heavyweight cotton that can stand up to everything we've thrown at it (or in it)!
Pack items in the durable Matkuri tote bag and rev up the car for a weekend away. It has two sturdy hand straps augmented by a side hand grasp, a top zip closure, an interior zip pocket and an extra layer of canvas reinforces the bottom. Ristomatti Ratia originally designed the classic Uusi Matkuri in the 1970s. Made of 100% heavyweight cotton canvas.
Material - 100% cotton
Size - 20.5 x 18.5 x 9 in/47 x 52 x 23 cm
Care - Wash separately. Do not soak. May fade.

Uusi Matkuri Bag

Color

Women

Make mealtime color rich and chemical free!

Lollaland's simple, modern design appeals to discerning parents and children. Each element of the Lollaland mealtime collection is a different shape, so dinnerware is attractive, fun, and educational.

The bowls are perfectly sized for kid portions of cereal, soup, pasta, and much more! Plus, they are durable able to withstand tosses off of high chairs and tabletops.
Made in the USA: Lollaland is manufactured, assembled + packaged in the USA, so you can be assured of its safety and quality. BPA-free, BPS-free, phthalate-free, and FDA-approved.

Microwave-safe. Dishwasher-safe
Stackable and easy to store
All materials and parts meet or exceed the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's standards

Don't forget Mealtime Plates and Mealtime Dipping Cups to make a complete meal and snack set.

Age: 6+ months
Material: BPA-free, BPS-free, phthalate-free, FDA-approved

Size:  4.5 oz weight | 6 in diameter x 2.25 in deep
Care: Dishwasher safe
P.S. We think these make for great outdoor snack sets for adults as well!

Mealtime Bowls - Multiple Colors

Serving Bowls

Clean Lines. Multi-Functional. Material and Texture. Made in Japan.

This Plate, Medium is your everyday lunch and salad plate. It also functions as a small serving tray and as a coaster or lid to any 7 3/8 in diameter Hasami Porcelain bowl.
Hasami Porcelain is a modular, multi-functional dinnerware and serving system. Plates are also lids and trays. A milk creamer jug is also a sauce pitcher. A small lid fits the sugar pot that can also be a salt cellar or an amuse-bouche plate.

Hasami, Nagasaki is one of the foremost pottery districts in Japan. Porcelain was first made in the area almost 400 years ago, during the Edo Period, and was not only distributed all over Japan but also exported to Europe through the port of Nagasaki.
Mix and Match

Explore the whole Hasami Porcelain collection at Placwares.
Tactile. Simple. Usable.

Size: 7 3/8 D x 7/8 H in Material: Japanese porcelain Care: Dishwasher safe

Plate, Medium - Natural

Serving Platters

This Oil Pourer is a cooktop counter topper that keeps your favorite oils handy and your countertops looking sharp. Keep it within easy reach - right next to your stove for quickly and easily pouring oil while cooking. Its Borosilicate glass makes it a countertop feature and the precise pourer gives the perfect pour every time.

Dripless pour spout provides a perfect pour every time
Collar catches extra oil; won't leave messy rings on the counter
Dishwasher safe for simple clean-up

Material:

Borosilicate glass
Size: 32 oz. capacity (10" x 4.5")

Oil Pourer, 32 Oz

Size

Bakeware

Handcrafted in Found My Animal's studio in New York, our dog leashes are hand-spliced to withstand hundreds of pounds of pull with the ends then "whipped" (an old nautical term) for additional durability. Fixed on the ends are our solid brass lockable carabiners designed to allow additional safety for our rescue pups big and small.

Nothing ages more beautifully than marine-grade rope and hardware. The individually-numbered, stamped tags on each FOUND leash remind us of the uniqueness of our pets and allow us to keep track of the number of animals we have helped so far.
Wear this leash multiple ways. Here are a few examples:

Hands-free, around the waist
Make a handle by clipping to the O-rings
Walk two dogs and form a handle with a simple knot in the center

Hand washable, line dry

Care: Hand washable, line dry.

Marine-grade Dog Leash, Adjustable - Natural

Dog Leashes

The Siirtolapuutarha, Oiva platter it the ideal size for serving a colorful legume salad, roast, or birthday cake for your favorite friend. Sami Ruotsalainen designed the elegant platter and Maija Louekari's wondrous Siirtolapuutarha garden drawing decorates the perimeter. Oiva's hard porcelain ensures a long lifespan; the glazed color and pattern remain vibrant. It's dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe.
Sizes: 12.5 in/32 cm

Material: white stoneware
Care: Oven Safe. Microwave Safe. Freezer Safe. Dishwasher Safe.

Oiva / Siirtolapuutarha Platter

Marine-grade Dog Leash, Adjustable - Indigo Ombre

The objects designed by Jasper Morrison belong to the cutlery set Kitchen Tools. Morrison's design is characterised by a so called cultured minimalism that thanks to its semplicity can recall archetypal forms, proposing the long story of the evolution of the objects. Set composed of one kitchen spoon, one risotto serving spoon, one kitchen spatula in wood.
Designer: Jasper Morrison
Material: Beech wood
Size: 12 ½"

Wooden Kitchen Tool Set - Set/3

Intelligent By Design

GIR's original turners are intelligent by design. They are thin but not flimsy. Sturdy by not clumsy. And made from the best silicone in the galaxy.
They'll flip silver dollar pancakes, porterhouse steaks, and everything in between.

30% more surface area than traditional flippers
Sturdy blade for lifting and turning
Beveled edges to slide under food
Completely safe on nonstick cookware
Durable unibody design
Antimicrobial
Easy to clean

Material: Exterior: FDA approved pharmaceutical grade silicone; Interior: Proprietary fiberglass core; eco-friendly BPA & BPS free; heath proof from -40F to 464F & heat resistant to 550F; stain and odor resistant
Size 14.3 x 3.3 inches
Care: Dishwasher safe
Warranty: Lifetime guarantee

Ultimate Flip, Assorted Colors

Generously designed to fit every hand comfortably, Citterio utensils have quickly become revered as contemporary classics. The matte-brushed, stainless-steel design of every fork, knife and spoon adds an impressive tactile quality to any meal and feels equally natural in formal and casual dinner settings.

Part of our Citterio 98 collection . Pairs well with our Collective Tools collection of serving tools
Designer: Antonio Citterio
Material: Brushed stainless steel
Size: 9 in / 228 mm
Care: Dishwasher safe

Citterio 98 Dinner Knife

Flatware

Designed by the renowned Japanese designer, Sory Yanagi, these flexible stainless steel tongs are essential kitchen tools. Made of a single sheet of 18/10 Japanese steel, they are tapered to fit the hand and easy to clean. Made for both cooking and serving. Dishwasher safe.
Designer: Sori Yanagi
Material: Stainless Steel
Size:  10.5 in/26.7 cm
Care: Handwashing is always recommended for fine knives.

Kitchen Knife - 10 1/2 In

Tabletop & Dining

Designed by the renowned Japanese designer, Sory Yanagi, these flexible stainless steel tongs are essential kitchen tools. Made of a single sheet of 18/10 Japanese steel, they are tapered to fit the hand and easy to clean. Made for both cooking and serving. Dishwasher safe.
Designer: Sori Yanagi
Material: Stainless Steel
Size: 11.5 in/29.2 cm
Care: Dishwasher safe

Kitchen Knife - 11 1/2 In

Citterio and Löw’s Collective Tools put an ultra-modern twist on everything the hands-on host might need. Each stunning piece is finished with brushed stainless steel and designed to feel right in the hand. Used individually or as a set, they combine perfectly with the Iittala cutlery range.

Part of our Collective Tools collection .
Designer: Antonio Citterio with G.O. Löw
Material: Brushed stainless steel
Size: 11 in / 28 cm
Care: Dishwasher safe

Collective Tools Cake Lifter

A Love Story that Started in Tokyo

Sori Yanagi knives are the essential knife set. Four knives. It's all you need. Each knife is made of high quality, corrosion resistant stainless steel designed by one of Japan's foremost designers, Sori Yanagi. They are designed to be a pleasure with which to cut, comfortable in the hand and exact in their cutting.
We've grown to love our Yanagi knives. Ever since we hand carried them back in our luggage from Japan they've held a place of honor in our kitchen.
Four sizes/types.
Designer: Sori Yanagi
Material: Stainless Steel
Size: 8.5 in/21.6 cm
Care: Handwashing is always preferred for fine knives.

Kitchen Knife - 8 1/2 In

The Krenit salad bowl & set are inspired by the simple form language of the East. The long pointed handles reflect traditional chopsticks. With a simple and clean expression, the Krenit series is a modern classic that lets function and aesthetics play perfectly together.
The Krenit salad set lies perfectly in the salad bowl and the round head makes it easy to scoop up the dressing. Use the salad set for everyday use or for special occasions. The idea behind the salad set is for it to contribute to the experience of what is being served.
The Krenit salad set is available in several colors, providing ample opportunity for adding a splash of color to the dinner table. The colors have been carefully selected to fit beautifully with the colors in the Krenit range as well as with other types of salad bowls.
Herbert Krenchel designed the Krenit range back in 1953 and relaunched by Normann Copenhagen in 2009. The series has achieved great success ever since and is now available in a wide range of sizes and colours.
The salad set cannot be used in microwave oven. The salad set is dishwasher safe. Use standard dishwashing detergent to clean the matt surface and markings will vanish.
Suitable for dishwasher. Not suitable for microwave.

Material: Melamine

Size & Weight: Height: 4.5 cm, Length: 30 cm, Weight: 80 g

Krenit Salad Set, Serving - Multiple Colors

Keep Your Drink Hot (and Bug-Free)

Perfectly sized to keep most any cup or mug warm or bug-free.
Aesthetically gorgeous, airtight, and ever so ingenious, the GIR Lid Series turns any bowl or cup into a storage container. An eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap and aluminum foil, these lids are made from heavy-duty silicone that can be used in the freezer, fridge, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Their patent-pending design is one part rocket scientist, two parts supermodel.

Airtight seal to keep things fresh
Replaces wasteful plastic wrap and foil
Use in the microwave
Store in fridge or freezer
Guard against splatters
Seamless silicone design
Antimicrobial

Material: FDA-approved pharmaceutical grade silicone; eco-friendly BPA & BPS free; heath proof from -40F to 464F & heat resistant to 550F; stain and odor resistant.
Dimensions: 4 in diameter Care: Dishwasher safe
Warranty: Lifetime guarantee

4-inch Round Suction Lids, Set Of 2, Assorted Colors

Continuously Winning the Hearts of Placewares' Houseguests

Sori Yanagi Bread Knife. A bread knife so good it earns national Japanese design designation. Truly, cutting bread with this knife is simple, yet pure, joy. This superb stainless steel bread knife has won the hearts of our houseguests and has made its way to be a beloved gift to family and friends. In Placewares' kitchen, we have had the joy of converting family and friends over and over to this breadknife by asking them to just to try it.
Designer: Sori Yanagi
Material: Stainless Steel
Size: 12.5 in/31.75 cm
Care: Handwashing is always preferred for fine knives.

Bread Knife

Handcrafted in Found My Animal's studio in New York, our dog leashes are hand-spliced to withstand hundreds of pounds of pull with the ends then "whipped" (an old nautical term) for additional durability. Fixed on the ends are our solid brass lockable carabiners designed to allow additional safety for our rescue pups big and small.

Our nylon leashes are perfect for everyday use, including rainy days.
Nothing ages more beautifully than marine-grade rope and hardware. The individually-numbered, stamped tags on each FOUND leash remind us of the uniqueness of our pets and allow us to keep track of the number of animals we have helped so far.
Wear this leash multiple ways. Here are a few examples:

Hands-free, around the waist
Make a handle by clipping to the O-rings
Walk two dogs and form a handle with a simple knot in the center

Hand washable, line dry

Care: Hand washable, line dry.

Marine-grade Dog Leash, Adjustable - Black

Generously designed to fit every hand comfortably, Citterio utensils have quickly become revered as contemporary classics. The matte-brushed, stainless-steel design of every fork, knife and spoon adds an impressive tactile quality to any meal and feels equally natural in formal and casual dinner settings.

Part of our Citterio 98 collection . Pairs well with our Collective Tools collection of serving tools
Designer: Antonio Citterio
Material: Brushed stainless steel
Size: 7.5 inches / 190 mm
Care: Dishwasher safe

Citterio 98 Dinner Fork

The perfect balance of form and function.
The CHEMEX ® Carafe Kettle, the smart choice for boiling water, performs as beautifully as it looks. Made of heat-resistant glass, and scientiﬁcally designed, our elegant kettle shape and silicone tipped “steam stopper” allow steam out of the kettle while keeping the neck cool to the touch for easy handling. Also, the kettle’s non-porous glass imparts no ﬂavors of its own, making it the perfect beverage server for your preferred drink.
The Handblown water kettle may be placed directly on a gas flame, glass top or ceramic top stove. For use on an electric stovetop please use our wire grid (TKG) to safely boil water.
Includes silicone rubber ball steam stopper.
Warning: Do not place the CHEMEX® Water Kettle directly on an electric coil stovetop. For use with an electric coil stovetop, we recommend using our CHEMEX® stainless steel wire grid (TKG) between the kettle and the coils to prevent breakage and personal harm
Material: Non-porous Borosilicate glass; silicone rubber Dimensions: Capacity: 2 Quarts; Height: 10 inches; Diameter: 8 inches Care: A carefully cleaned and handled CHEMEX® brewer will give you a lifetime of service. Remove the wooden handle and continue to hand wash with warm soap and water, or place the coffeemaker securely in the dishwasher.

Handblown Water Kettle

Make mealtime color rich and chemical free!
Lollaland's simple, modern design appeals to discerning parents and children. Each element of the Lollaland mealtime collection is a different shape, so dinnerware is attractive, fun, and educational.
Dipping cups are perfectly sized for kid portions of condiments, purees, vegetables, fruit, and much more!
Made in the USA: Lollaland is manufactured, assembled + packaged in the USA, so you can be assured of its safety and quality. BPA-free, BPS-free, phthalate-free, and FDA-approved.

Microwave-safe. Dishwasher-safe
Stackable and easy to store
All materials and parts meet or exceed the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's standards

Don't forget Mealtime Bowls and Mealtime Dipping Cups to make a complete meal and snack set.
P.S. We think these make for great outdoor snack sets for adults as well!

Age: 6+ months
Size: 7.5 x 7.5 x .75 in
Care: Dishwasher safe

Mealtime Plates - Multiple Colors

Why hold to tradition?
We have owned what turned out to be Japanese sake Kimasu (sake cups) for years. After using vintage Kimasu for years around the house for miscellaneous things, we were surprised one evening in Tokyo to be served sake in them! Lo and behold we found they are Kimasu, traditional Japanse Hinoki sake cups that provide a beautiful aroma if/when you drink from them.
We use our Kimasu (most often) as salt and pepper cellars, or small bowls to serve nuts or other food stuffs. We love the smell of Hinoki and the organic element it adds to our table.
What new use will you find for these eternally beautiful vessels?
Size: 3 ½" x 3 ¼" x ¾"
Material: Red Pine

Japanese Hinoki Sake Cup / All Purpose Container

Drink & Glassware

Keep one in the kitchen and one at your desk
These award winning stainless steel office scissors have been in production since 1975. The handle and blade is made from one sheet of stainless steel making them extremely strong and durable. The inside of the handles are lined with a rubber ring, making them easy and comfortable to use. The Allex Stainless Scissors were introduced in 1974 and immediately won the Japanese Good Design Award for its ergonomic shape and quality of blade. Its classic design has remained unchanged ever since, becoming a standard office tool all over Japan.
Material: Stainless steel | Rubber
Size:  6 ½”  / 165 mm

Stainless Steel Scissors - Multiple Colors

Books & Stationery

A great small bowl to add texture and character to your tabletop (or even light a votive candle inside!)
Inspired by the Japanese art of Mizuhiki paper cords, this series of bowls and plates feature simple and elegant patterns in classic black and white. Traditionally used to decorate Japanese celebratory cards, these designs make every meal a special occasion. This shape is traditionally for soba dipping sauce but it's also great for any sauces, salt, snacks, candy or even candles! Made in Japan.
Size: 4 ¼ inch diameter x 2 ¼ inch high
Care: Microwave and dishwasher safe

Ito-tumuji Japanese Soba Bowl

Home Fragrance

Clean Lines. Multi-Functional. Material and Texture. Made in Japan.

The Tray/Lid Large works as a lid for any 8 5/8 D inch bowl, a coaster for any 7 3/8 D inch plate and a small serving tray.
Hasami Porcelain is a modular, multi-functional dinnerware and serving system. Plates are also lids and trays. A milk creamer jug is also a sauce pitcher. A small lid fits the sugar pot that can also be a salt cellar or an amuse-bouche plate.

Hasami, Nagasaki is one of the foremost pottery districts in Japan. Porcelain was first made in the area almost 400 years ago, during the Edo Period, and was not only distributed all over Japan but also exported to Europe through the port of Nagasaki.
Mix and Match

Explore the whole Hasami Porcelain collection at Placwares.
Tactile. Simple. Usable.

Size: 8 5/8 D x 7/8 H in Material: Japanese porcelain Care: Hand wash

Tray/lid, Large - Ash

Serving Trays

“This is all you need to set out a great daily table.”
That's how Jasper Morrison described the porcelain and glass services that accompany the KnifeForkSpoon cutlery, so forming Alessi's first offering of a complete "entry price" service - an expression intended to be a mark of quality, seeing as how no compromise was accepted for the quality of the design.
Quite the opposite: the search for "normality" in Jasper Morrison's work gives his designs an aura of sophisticated simplicity that achieves one of the ambitions of the “A di Alessi” brand very well.
Water/long drink glass in crystalline glass.
Also, in the Glass Family:

Red wine glass
White wine glass
Goblet

Pieces per box: 4 Height (inches): 3¼″ Content (quarts): 11 ¼ oz

Glass Family Water Glass

Blue and white for everyone! Clean lines and classic blue and white combination makes this charming sauce bottle a keeper! This bottle is traditionally for Japanese tsuyu sauce, but it can be used for any type of sauce, salad dressing or even sake.
Or use it a vase to brighten up your table!
Material: Ceramic
Size: 8 oz | 2 ¾ inch diameter x 4 ¼ inch high
Care: Microwave and dishwasher safe

8 Oz. Porcelain Sauce Bottle

Tea Cups

The delectable aroma of citrus aurantium paradisii has a pronounced impact on senses and emotions. It is refreshing as well as euphoria-inducing and energizing. It will release and evoke warm feelings and inspire personalities to loosen up and be happy. Burns +45 hours.
L:A BRUKET scented candles are made of wax from organic soy, hand poured into mouth blown glasses by skilled craftsmen.  The rich scent and the glass design brings a wonderful ambience to any room. Some of the candles will boost your energy levels when you are feeling tired and weary, while others will help you relax and unwind.
Size: 260 g

Grapefruit Candle

Candles

Psst...It even has a handy built-in bottle opener
The Pizza Wheel is a smart and space-saving kitchen utensil with a rounded silhouette and a friendly mode of expression. The durable stainless steel blade and practical handle of plastic make the Pizza Wheel ideal for frequent, everyday use. The clear and simple design ensures that it is easy to use as well as being a decorative addition to the dining table. The Pizza Wheel is available in classic black, grey and sand as well as three appetizing colors drawn from the pizza world; a red inspired by tomatoes and bell peppers, an aubergine color and a dark green reminiscent of oregano and spinach. Whether you serve your own, delicious homemade pizza creations or you order directly from your local pizzeria on the corner, the Pizza Wheel is an obvious companion at the dining table. Pizza Wheel has a build-in bottle opener in the handle
Suitable for dishwasher
Material: Knife: Stainless steel |  Handle: Plastic

Size: Height: 18 cm | Length: 7.5 cm  | Weight: 105 gr