The product we used:
Problem: You Enjoy Being Married
When I first held silver and gold coins in my hand, I was mesmerized by their shine and heft. A 1-ounce gold coin is not only surprisingly heavy, there is also something strangely hypnotic about the color and shine they give off. I understand how some people can become addicted to those cold pieces of shiny metal. Fortunately (or unfortunately?) I'm too poor or else I might become addicted, too.
For most of us, building a collection of silver or gold drinking vessels for our hip Japanese home-izaka parties is out of the question. Try it. Your wife will not be pleased.
However, have you considered tin?
Yes, tin.
Tinware sake servers and cups have many of the same hypnotic qualities of their silver and gold counterparts, without the divorce papers and homelessness. Our friends at Nousaku make a handsome line of tinware that has that satisfying heft and pleasant shine, but is also in reach of us common folk.
Tin has a couple of interesting qualities. Owners of Nousaku's tinware drinking vessels (and their guests) notice that drinks stay colder than they do in other vessels. That's because tin is an excellent conductor of heat and cold. The Nousaku Chirori sake warmer is tall with a short handle, allowing you to place the vessel in warm water to warm up your sake quickly, easily, and with style.
Tin is also very flexible. Nousaku's folding baskets make use of that flexibility by giving owners the ability to partially customize the depth and shape of the baskets. They're useful and eye-catching set pieces for both the dinner table or for the coffee table.
The Don'ts of Tinware
So you've decided to give tin a chance. You just received a box from Globalkitchen Japan in the mail full of goodies. After an exciting unboxing with your wife, you place them on the table in front of you. Beautiful. You decide to give them a test-run together. You observe how your homemade plum liqueur dances and glimmers together with the cups and server. Delicious, marvelous, elegant. You and your wife take some selfies together with tin to lips and instantly upload them to Instagram for the clout. #GlobalKitchenJapan #Nousaku #Sake #DrinksForTwo #LifeIsGood #NotAllThatGlittersIsGold #FancyPants.
But the tinware life isn't as glamorous as those Instagram pics portray it. At Globalkitchen Japan, we don't like surprises. We don't want to surprise our customers either. To help you decide whether Nousaku's tinware is right for you, we've put together a list of things to keep in mind.
- Tin is sensitive to heat. Don't wash them in a dishwasher. Tin also has a low melting-point. Keep tinware away from open flames or other heat sources. Can you imagine trying to clean up a puddle of tin off of your gas stove?
- On that note, be careful not to burn yourself if you put any hot drinks in your Nousaku tinware.
- Tin is also sensitive to cold. Don't store tinware in your freezer, and avoid long-term storage in your refrigerator.
- Long exposure to acidic food or drinks can cause discoloration. Soaking tinware in the sink with your dirty pasta sauces dishes is totally out of the question.
- Tin is soft. Seriously. Don't be surprised if your tinware changes shape or gets dented up over time.
- I know you know this already, but our lawyers have asked me to beseech you...neigh, implore you: Do not even think of putting tinware in your microwave.
Ah, yes, and if you buy the Nousaku folding baskets, avoid over-bending. I know, it's fun, but try to restrain yourself.
Rejuvenating Your Tinware
As you can tell, tinware is going to need a bit of babying. It's the price you pay to feel absolutely royal as you sip on your sake. Pinkies up!
Over time, tinware can begin to dull. Fear not. They can be restored! And it's easy to do. All you need is some dishwashing detergent, baking soda, and a sponge. Follow these instructions:
Take some baking soda and add the detergent to it, making a paste.
Use a soft sponge to rub your dull tinware with the paste.
If you take good care of them, you can expect many years from your tinware.
After thoroughly polishing your tinware, wipe with a dry cloth.
If you take good care of them, you can expect many years from your tinware.
