Made For You

By Jack Bettridge

In a world of fast food and one-size-fits-all sensibilities, how often does something feel made especially for you? The "Made for You" section celebrates those items that are created with such high quality of hand workmanship and degree of customization that they become individual to you. In each issue, our editors will endeavor to bring you special things from anywhere on the globe, choosing them solely on the basis of outstanding quality. Our goal is to give you guidance on the best of everything.

SPLATTER-PROOF COOKING—CHARLIE PALMER
Based on the author, you would expect excellent professional advice from his latest cookbook, Charlie Palmer's Practical Guide to the New American Kitchen. And he delivers, not only with great recipes, but with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and valuable tips on tools. What you might not have bargained for is that the book is splatter-proof, sauce-proof and waterproof due to an innovation in treating paper called Durabooks. The added protection fairly begs first-timers to jump into the process. www.melchermedia.com

GETTING FRAMED—ELI WILNER
When Eli Wilner entered the antique picture frame business two decades ago, he started by rescuing discarded frames from museum and gallery trash bins and by buying them at bargain prices at estate sales. Now "Mr. Frame" is credited with rediscovering the art of framing and elevating it to collector's status. His New York City firm is charged with finding homes for works of art by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo and John Singer Sargent. 212-744-6521

RIDING BULLETPROOF—LINCOLN TOWN CAR BPS
Even if you're not 007, ultimate security may be in order when traveling in an automobile. The Lincoln Town Car BPS (Ballistic Protection Series) is a street-legal armored vehicle with some serious protection built in at the factory. Security includes a cocoon of ballistic steel in the interior, 40-millimeter-thick ballistic transparencies and a thick blanket of Aramid fiber on the undercarriage for limited blast protection. The vehicle also comes with the standard Lincoln warranties. www.lincolnmercury.com

HIGH-END PROTECTION—FIREMAN'S FUND
Ever have a fire reduce your Rembrandt collection to ashes? Or perhaps a flood consume your parquet floor, or an earthquake shatter that mantle whose marble was quarried especially for you? From the mosaic inlays in your shower to your high-end electronics, Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. will evaluate the rare possessions in your home before weaving a customized policy that realistically reflects replacement costs. Even your cigars will be given serious consideration. i>www.firemansfund.com

MOBILE VALET—MONTANA ART DECO HOTEL LUZERN
You may go to the Montana Art Deco Hotel Luzern on Lake Lucerne, in Switzerland, for the fabulous lake views, the chance to see one of the first architectural renderings in the Art Deco style, or the great choice of Cuban cigars and the unprecedented collection of Bowmore Black single-malt Scotch in the bar, but you'll come back because they have your clothes. The Mobile Valet service keeps a trunk filled with your suit, shirt, grooming products, etc., ready for those nights when you have an unplanned overnight stay and want a fresh change. www.hotel-montana.ch

FULL HOUSE—CLASSIC POKER NIGHT BOX
If you're thinking poker night with the boys is strictly beer and pretzels, think again. St. Francis Winery & Vineyards has packaged a poker set with the oenophile in mind. The elegant portable box set includes two recent St. Francis releases—the 2003 Sonoma County Syrah and the 2002 Sonoma County Merlot—along with the accoutrements for a good poker night—two decks of cards and 150 clay-composite poker chips. The set also provides two Riedel "O" wine glasses and a recipe for mixed nuts. www.stfrancispokerparty.com

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