Cool Hunting

Guanni After the Fire Chocolates
After losing her home and business in the October 2007 fires, San Diego-based chocolatier Mariella Balbi of Guanni Chocolates created the "After the Fire" collection featuring exotic flavors from her native Peru. Made from organic cacao, natural ingredients and free of any preservatives, chemicals or waxes, the collection includes chocolates flavored with pumpkin, Pisco (Brandy), Aruma (hot pepper), Bukare (a dark chocolate), Cusco with...

Two by Two Biscuits
An elegant update to traditional animal crackers, the adorable Two by Two cookies from Artisan Biscuits are perfect for discerning toddlers and their parents everywhere. The charming shapes of the cookies and package illustrations are inspired by classic pairs from children's literature. Vanilla takes its duo from Edward Lear's poem, "The Owl and The Pussy Cat," and Toffee and Strawberry are based on two...

Charbay Green Leaf Tea Vodka
The Zen martini, served at the new restaurant Simon LA (Iron Chef Simon Kerry's successor to his Vegas spot), gets its unique flavor from Charbay Green Leaf Tea Vodka. Brewed in small batches in Northern California by the Karakasevic family, the Green Tea flavor's bite nicely balances a mixed drink and makes for a great aperitif as well. The flavor is one of several...

Boxed Wine
The fastest growing sector of the American wine market, boxed wine is starting to shake off its stigma as the gauche alternative to bottles. Wines that actually taste good can now be found in ecologically-sound, well-designed packaging without sacrificing quality. Here are a few of the better boxed wines featuring latest packaging innovations and some accessories to go with them. Black Box Black Box...

Java Juice
Only second best to an IV drip, Java Juice, a new coffee extract makes your next caffeine fix as instant— and as transportable and economical—as a Cup-o-Noodles. Slightly more gourmet and environmentally-friendly than its ramen counterpart, each packet contains a half-ounce of organic Arabica coffee that, unlike other extracts, is a "live" product, formulated to retain freshness and flavor without the use of preservatives....