THE FUEGO BLOG

Given that this is my inaugural entry for the blog, it seems fitting that it’s about the latest Fuego product, the Modular. After Alex and I created the 01 and 02, we had a serious “so, what’s next?” moment. So we started with the foundation of what Fuego is all about: outdoor living, modern design, and socializing with friends. Looking at trends in outdoor grilling, the obvious target to apply our philosophy to was the outdoor kitchen, a growing trend among homeowners.

When we observed what was out there, we saw more of the same old stuff. Pseudo industrial appliances jammed in permanent stucco and tile structures. Pretty boring and nothing Alex and I would want in our back yards (if I had one – I’m a city dweller). So we decided to bring the Fuego idea to the outdoor kitchen and the Modular was born.

What the Fuego Modular is about is an extension of the 01 and 02 to a larger scale, with more capability and social content. We decided on a modular system so that customers really could design their own Fuego. We defined what we wanted in it: grills, cook tops, storage, warming drawers, refrigeration and a sink, along with the famous Fuego ability to hang with the cook, a tenant of the experience. The first thing I decided was that I wanted this to feel freestanding, like a big piece of furniture. Light, strong, but independent from the architecture of the home. This not only gives it a special quality, it gives the homeowner the ability to move it, add on, etc.

But the biggest issue I faced was getting the form right. I wanted it to be dynamic and have life, not feel stagnant. All my first concepts worked functionally, but were big, heavy and static. Then, while looking at some European cabinetry that cantilevered off the wall, I became inspired. I wanted to lift the entire system off the floor and make it float. Open up the underside. I cut up the model we were making and came up with the aluminum frame structure that ties all the modules together. This then extended to hold the counter surface. It worked perfectly and became the backbone (literally) of the whole system. Then it was easy. Just use the Fuego form, detail and material vocabulary and it was done. Right? Not quite.

After I built the final mock up, it still needed something to make the composition work and be truly dynamic. But what? At one point Alex and I talked about adding lighting, so I took another look at it and created the cantilevered, asymmetric light accessory. It took the design to the level I wanted. That’s the way it is in design. A single detail will make something perfect. Never underestimate this.

Our crew is all geared up for the Hearth Patio Barbecue Expo this week at the Atlanta Convention Center.

In 2007, we launched the award-winning Fuego 01 and Fuego 02 freestanding grills. This year at the HPBExpo, we're featuring another all-new outdoor grilling and entertaining concept - the Fuego Modular. Since its concept sneak preview at the Kitchen/Bath industry Show last year in Las Vegas, the product has received rave reviews. Last month, the Fuego Modular was awarded the 2007 Chicago Athenaeum Good Design Award. What an honor!

Due to the overwhelming positive public response that we continue to receive about the Fuego Modular, we have decided to put the concept into production. We've been busy getting all our ducks in a row and expect a limited quantity to be available by the fall of 2008. Check back for updates.

Pronounced 'Kai-pee-REEN-ya' this is one of my new finds, the perfect spring/summer cocktail prepared with cachaça.  I found this recipe online:

1 lime
2 ounces of cachaça
Sugar to taste
Ice cubes

Wash the lime and roll it on the board to loosen the juices. Cut the lime into pieces and place them in a glass. Sprinkle with the sugar and crush the pieces (pulp side up) with a pestle. Just enough to release the juice, otherwise it'll get bitter. Add the cachaça and stir to mix. Add the ice and stir again. It is delicious and potent!

You can also make a pitcher of caipirinha. Figure out how many people and multiply amounts. If you can't find cachaça where you live, use a good vodka. The drink will then be called caipiroshka. No vodka? Use white rum and you will have a caipiríssima.  Caipirinhas made with sake and lychee are all the rage in Brazil now! Try one...We have a recipe for caipirinha made with tangerine, but you can also try the Brazilian fruit called lima, strawberries, kiwi, fresh passion fruit with mint, passion fruit with pitanga, watermelon, and so on.  www.maria-brazil.org

This is my third year traveling for business in China.  Shunde, a city of 1 million within the GuangZhou province where the Fuego 01 and 02 is assembled and produced.

China was clearly the destination for grill manufacturing, no doubt- good quality, ample resources and sophisticated supply infrastructure- especially for labor intensive products like the Fuego.  And factories were eager for business.

Nevertheless, in the past year, the environment is shifting quickly due to various government policy changes and economic factors.  The prices on various manufactured goods for exports have risen sharply.  We have seen price increases up to 30% on goods produced for exports.  Many factories once competitive are no longer.  As rebates and business incentives from government has been eliminated over the past 8 months (13%) and the currency appreciation against the dollar forces price increases across the board for export goods.

So, is this an irreversible trend as China will be focusing more and more on its local consumer market rather than exports?

I believe that there is much more depth to the Chinese manufacturing muscle to continue its global manufacturing prowl for years to come.  This will be a transition, nevertheless.  But the truly competitive factories and the astute Chinese entrepreneurs will find ways to become even more efficient.  They will find ways to consolidate, innovate, and find synergy with new global partners. They will advance technology, innovation, lean processes and value enhanced to compete and elevate its global manufacturing influence.

Thanks for stopping by The Fuego Blog. In typical Type A style, Robert and I have spent the past few months tinkering away at the tiniest of details and smoothing over all the wrinkles. We hope our perfectionist tendencies show.

Feel free to take a peek around. And while you're here, see what we're all about. In the "Work" half of the blog, we'll be focusing primarily on nuts and bolts - business trends, industry insights and the like. The "Play" portion is a virtual cross-section of our right brains - our perspectives on design currents, creative inspirations and product reviews.

Between "work" and "play" you'll find all sorts of interesting info - our favorite San Francisco eats and drinks, fashion musings, even guest commentary from our expert set of contributing writers. And, please, don't be timid. We urge you to get involved and start leaving your comments and feedback. We think you'll find the view from inside our heads to be colorful, maybe even refreshing.