black forest living - january 2011

Black Forest Remodel & Tile, LLC "Remodel Today & Increase Your Quality of Life for Tomorrow" Portland's Remodel Expert

Office: 503.214.2009OR CCB 189510 - Licensed, Insured & Bonded General Contractor - Certified Home Depot Installer

[email protected] http://blackforestremodelandtile.blogspot.com/

“Remodel Today & Increase Your Quality of Life for Tomorrow”

Portland’s Remodel Experts

Black Forest Living January 2011 Glückliches Neujahr! Happy New Year!




2010 was a great year for all of us here at Black Forest Remodel & Tile. We thank all of our vendor partners and clients and look forward to a fruitful 2011! The personal highlights of 2010 for us were..... The marriage of Anne Marie and Matthias in August. They married at a friends floating home on the beautiful Columbia River. The weather was perfect and they were lucky to be surrounded by family & friends - from Oregon and Germany! Congratulations Anne Marie & Matthias!

Cary & Ginger welcomed their 4th grand-child on the 16th of July. Madison is a beautiful baby and the apple of Cary's eye. Proud parents, Chad & Christina, Congratulations! Welcome to our world Madison Belle!

When Black Forest Remodel & Tile is your installer and you purchase your natural stone through our preferred vendors you will receive a special discount on your purchase! Black Forest Remodel & Tile never places a mark up on natural stone products; in most cases our contractors discount is passed onto you!




"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." -- Winston Churchill

By Bruce Lipski One of the most popular bathroom design ideas is to install radiant floor heat. Do you wake up early in the morning only to be shocked at how cold the tile is on your bathroom floor? Most bathrooms have tile or some other cold hard surface and putting in radiant heat below the floor is something you can do that is not too expensive. Many bathrooms have some sort of tile on the floor and one of the concerns of having a tiled bath-room floor is that people might think the tiles are cold to the feet and can be uncomfortable. While it is true that tile is cooler than many bathroom floor materials, it is really not that cold to the touch. If you think your bathroom tiled floor is too cold, installing radiant floor heat is the perfect solution. Putting radiant floor heat in most average size bathrooms will cost somewhere between $400 and $1000 dollars. You must consider, however, the value of your home will increase and any home with radiant heat floors will be easier to sell when that time comes. So few homes have radiant heat now days that it has become a real plus to have it. There are two types of radiant heat that you can put under your bathroom floors. Electric is perhaps the cheapest and easiest method of radiant heat as it entails putting electric coils under the floor. These can be bought and come in patches which you can be installed. Electric radiant heat works just like the coils in your toaster. When electricity is run through the metal coils they heat up and in turn heat up your bathroom floor. The second type of radiant heat floors is hydronic heat which involves putting pipes beneath your bathroom floor. The pipe then carries warm water through it which in turn heats the floor. This is more involved to install properly and anything with pipes and running water has some chance of leaking and having other complications. There are many bathroom design ideas to consider and installing radiant heat floors is one of the ones you may be glad you did for years to come. Having heated floors in your bathroom is a luxury

Install a Radiant Floor Heating System




Granite or Marble?

Natural stones like granite and marble have always been popular choices for home remodels. The hardness of granite makes it the best material for counter tops in the bathroom and kitchen. Granite is been preferred by the homeowners for its longevity and elegance. It is an excel-lent choice for counter tops. What is the difference between granite and marble? The main difference between granite and marble is that granite is a highly dense material composed deep inside the earth’s core while marble is formed from sediments un-der the seabed. Both solidify into stone after millions of years but the mineral composition of the two stones makes marble and granite react different to various chemicals and household cleaners. Is marble a good choice for a kitchen counter top? No, marble is not a good choice for a kitchen counter top. Although it can be sealed, it is not as dense as granite and therefore it is more porous and susceptible to being stained in a highly used area like a kitchen. It is much softer and it will chip and crack under frequent use. How is Granite formed? Granite is an igneous rock of visible crystalline formation and texture. It is composed primarily of feldspar, quartz, and mica. It starts off as liquid magma deep within the earths core where it is cooled and compressed over mil-lions of years under tons of pressure. It is then quarried, cut and polished. After that process it can be applied in various ways like kitchen countertops, vanity tops, fireplace

surrounds as well as Jacuzzi surrounds and other custom designs. How do I clean my granite countertops?. Granite is a very durable stone. It is also much harder than marble. Granite has been used in the past in the commer-cial industry. Some of the obvious applications have been panels on the outside of buildings, walls, and floors of "high-traffic" areas. Granite will withstand almost any element it comes up against including heat and cold. Granite itself is approximately 95-98% stain resistant . Polished granite should receive the same cleaning care as polished marble, using a mild phosphate-free, biodegradable liquid dish-soap, soap flakes or powder which contains no aromatics. Followed by a thorough rinsing and drying with cotton-flannel or chamois. Does granite have any pits or fissures? Yes granite has natural pits and fissures that are part of the stones natural structure. Some types of granite have more of such characteristics than other types. Do granite seams show? Because granite is a natural material and is mined from the quarry in blocks usually no more than 10' long, you will most likely end up with seams. Also, because granite is sold in rectangular pieces, you may want to use seams to reduce your costs, such as in an ("L)" shaped corner. The visibility of seams will depend on the granularity, color and pattern. A small, uniform grain (such as Uba Tuba) will not be as apparent as a larger varied grain (such as Peacock Green). A dark color (Platinum) will be less apparent than a light color (Imperial White). A dramatic pattern with swaths of color (Kinawa, Paradiso) will show more seams than a uniform pattern (Dakota Mahogany). Most customers have found that the beauty of natural granite outweighs the con-cern of seams.




Services As licensed general contractors, we specialize in residential remodeling. We place special emphasis on kitchen and bathroom remodeling as well as room additions, interior & exterior remodeling and floating home remodeling. We will work with you to find the perfect balance of design elements and materials to fit your individual wants, needs & budget. We will meet with you personally to go over your options and design choices. At a Glance... • Kitchen remodeling featuring natural stone floors, granite countertops, under mount sinks, custom cabinets

& storage areas. • Bathroom remodeling featuring heated floors, travertine steam showers, cedar saunas, jetted tubs and

custom vanities. Uniquely designed within your space to feel like a European spa! • Room additions & transformations, turn your unused basement or garage into a home gym, theatre, hobby,

wine cellar or cigar room! Or add on to your existing home creating the personal space that you desire. • Put money back into your own pocket by installing energy efficient windows & doors, adding sky

lights for natural lighting and energy efficient appliances. • Don’t forget your home’s exterior! Custom decks & fencing using products to match your existing home. • Dare to splurge and dream…create an outdoor living space; imaging an outdoor BBQ/Kitchen space with

a stone pizza oven! Or a relaxing spot in the garden with a natural gas fire pit. A garden house, children’s play house or storage shed – matched to the style of your main home!

• Floating Home Remodeling ~ Unique homes that require special attention that

only experience brings and Black Forest Remodel & Tile has the experience!

The ideas are endless – all designed to increase your quality of life!




Black Forest Cake - Schwarzwälderkirschtorte Written by Linda Stradley, http://whatscookingamerica.net/ Called Schwarzwälderkirschtorte in German, which means Black Forest Cherry Torte or Gateau. This cake has multiple (usually 4) layers of chocolate sponge cake, cherries, and whipped cream. It is frosted with whipped cream and covered with chocolate shavings and a few cherries for decoration. Kirschwasser (cherry schnapps) is used to flavor the whipped cream. The bottom layers of sponge cake are also brushed with Kirschwasser (cherry schnaps) to provide moisture and a little extra flavor. There are many other ideas on how the cake originally got its name. Some historians say that it is possible that the cake got its name from the traditional costume worn by women in the Black Forest. The dress was black (just like the chocolate flakes), the blouse is white (like the cream), and the hat has red pom-poms that look just like cherries. 16th Century - Historians believe it originated in the late 16th century in the Black Forest Region (Der Schwarzwald in German) lo-cated in the state of Baden-Württemberg. The name, Schwarzwald, evokes darkness and mystery coming from the romantic German concept of Waldeinsamkeit or forest-loneliness. During this era, chocolate was first integrated into cakes and cookies. This region is known for its sour cherries and Kirsch or Kirschwasser (a double distilled, clear cherry brandy made from the sour Morello cherry). Combine these cherries with the German’s love of chocolate, and you have this wonderful chocolate confection with cream and cher-ries. It is thought that the cake is named after this brandy. 1915 - Following history of the Black Forest Cake from the Cafe Schaefer web site: Josef Keller (1887-1981) is the inventor of the Black Forest cherry cake. Keller was the pastry chef in the Café “Ahrend” (today called Agner) in Bad Godesberg. In the year 1915 he created for the first time what he called a “Schwarzwaelder Kirsch”, or “Black Forest Cherry”. After his time in the military, Josef Keller established his own café in Radolfzell. August Schaefer learned the trade as the apprentice to Josef Keller in Radolfzell from 1924 to 1927. After many years of collaboration, Josef Keller gave August Schaefer his recipe book which contained the original recipe. His son, Claus Schaefer, the current Konditormeister of the Triberg Café Schaefer, inherited the book and the original recipe and has thus been able to carry on making Josef Keller’s original. Today the recipe book and the original recipe for the now world-famous “Schwarzwaelder Kirsch” can be found with August Schae-fer’s son, Claus Schaefer, the current head chef at Triberg’s Konditorei Schaefer. 1930 - According to research carried out by Tübingen town archivist, Udo Rauch, evidence is also pointing to master patissier, Erwin Hildenbrand, as having invented the Black Forest gateau in the spring of 1930 at the Café Walz in Tübingen. Before this he was work-ing in several places in the Black Forest. 1949 - The cake was rated the 13th best known cake in Germany.

Germany holds a special place in our hearts and we would like to share it with you! Freiburg is the gateway to the Black Forest, an archepiscopal see and an old university town. The Gothic Cathedral (12th to 15th centuries) has a magnificent tower (116m/380ft) and is a much lauded architectural masterpiece. Views from the top are reward indeed for the climb. Other attractions include the historic red Kaufhaus on the Cathedral Square (1550); Germany’s oldest inn, Zum Roten Bären; and many excellent wine taverns. The city is famous for its trout and game dishes and environmental innovation – for which it has earned the title of ‘green capital’ of Germany. Museums include Zinnfigurenklause (pewter figures) and the Augustinemuseum housing Upper Rhine art. The Wentzingerhaus hosts the City History Museum. The nearby Schauinsland Mountain (1284m/4213ft) is accessible by cable car. Nearby Todtnauberg in the Upper Black Forest is the highest resort in the Black Forest (1006m/ 3300ft) and a perfect observation point is the Belchen summit nearby. The highest mountain is the Feldberg, with its popular winter skiing slopes.

A snowy afternoon in Todtnauberg, Matthias Molnar’s home town.




Black Forest Cake - Schwarzwälderkirschtorte By Linda Stradley, http://whatscookingamerica.net/ This is a easy-to-make version of Black Forest Cake. 1 box dark chocolate or devil's food cake mix (your favorite brand) 1 teaspoon red food coloring 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 3 cups heavy cream or whipping cream 1/3 cup powdered (confectioner’s) sugar 1/4 cup Kirshwasser (Cherry Brandy), divided 1 container whipped icing (cream cheese or vanilla) 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling, divided Maraschino cherries (for garnish) 1 to 2 ounces shaved semisweet chocolate Make chocolate cake according to package directions, adding 1 teaspoon red food coloring and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Bake cake, as directed, in two 9-inch layer cake pans. When done baking, remove from oven and cool the cake completely on a wire rack. When the cake is cooled, wrap each layer in plastic wrap. Place layers in the refrigerator for approximately 1 hour. In a large bowl of the electric mixer, whip together the heavy cream and powdered sugar. Refrigerate until ready to use. Using a sharp knife, slice each cooled cake round horizontally to make four layers. First Layer: Place one layer on a flat plate and brush with 2 tablespoons cherry brandy. Fill a plastic bag with whipped vanilla or cream cheese icing (your choice) and pipe a generous ring (at least one (1) cherry high!) around the edge of first cake layer. Fill the exposed ring of the cake with some of the cherry pie filling. Second Layer: Place the second layer on top of the first layer. Repeat first layer process with the second layer. Third Layer: Place third layer on top of the second layer. Repeat process with the second layer. Fourth Layer: Place fourth layer on top of the third layer. Frost the entire cake with freshly whipped cream Garnish the top of the cake with (cherries picked from the pie filling) or maraschino cherries. Sprinkle the top chocolate shavings. Gently press chocolate shavings onto sides of cake. Refrigerate for at least two hours prior to serving. Slice while well chilled for best results.

Schwarzwalderkirschtorte from the Hotel Engle in Todtnauberg, Germany

A snowy winter night in January. We were seeking warmth and the company of good friends inside of Alex’s Skihutte in Todtnauberg, Germany




Our clients are very important us at Black Forest Remodel & Tile, forming relationships while working together during the remodeling process. Communication is between home owner and contractor is the key to obtaining expected results and finishing your job on time. Black Forest Remodel & Tile, LLC will not only serve as your contractor, but also as a friend, confidant, and professional consultant.

Preferred Suppliers & Vendors George Morlan Plumbing Oregon Tile & Marble Contract Furnishings Mart Kiesel Medalloion Industries OR Construction Contractors Board (CCB) Parr Lumber Affliated Tax Pro's Horn Consulting Engineers, LLC Milan Stoneworks MALAYA Signs Farmers Insurance, Jeff Krusee Agency NW Business Plans Pro Grafix Cullison & Kane, Attorneys at Law Market Ready Home SW WA Glass Company Oregon Pest Control Association (OPCA) Black Forest Remodel & Tile, LLC never places a mark up on products when purchased at any of our preferred vendors. In some cases our contractors discount may be applied to your purchase!

“We’ve had Black Forest in our home for several projects, including a major bathroom/basement remodel, flooring, drywall, concrete, windows, cabinets, and tile work. Matthias and Cary are genuinely nice guys who take the time to listen to our wishes or problems, and we’ve always felt that their work is customized to our specific requirements rather than a one-size-fits-all kind of solution. The goal is clearly perfection rather than simply “good enough”. Their prices are reasonable and their schedule has usually been pretty flexible. We get constant compliments on our beautiful travertine bathroom with radiant floor heating and a steam shower. I am also secretly amused when other handymen come to the house, because every one of them, without fail, asks who tiled our kitchen floor.

I stay at home with our 3 kids, so I’ve come to especially appreciate how comfortable and friendly the guys are. They’re polite, communicative, and they respect my furniture and living areas and are careful to protect and clean up the space afterwards. If the kids come to watch them, they explain things and are safety-conscious, without being annoyed or slowing down. They don’t stink, make crude remarks, or give off any creepy vibes, either, which definitely helped make the process of living through a remodel comfortable for me and the kids. My husband likes knowing the plan and hashing out the details of the job, which Matthias and Cary do readily and easily, but they can also explain the tech talk in a way that makes sense to me. If you’re look-ing for not only quality workmanship, but also aesthetics, functionality, and creative solutions, these are the guys to call.”

J & M, Portland, OR “Matthias Molnar is a true German Craftsman. He takes an artful approach to his work; one that is long thought gone, but Black Forest Remodel & Tile has brought it back. We are proud to have their custom work throughout our home!” K. Godare. Portland, Oregon

“Black Forest Remodel & Tile installed our floors. We were very happy with their professionalism and skills. My only regret is that we didn’t install a floor heating system throughout! I would be happy to recommend Black Forest Remodel & Tile!” P. Fenton, Portland, Oregon

“We had our kitchen and bathroom remodeled and are so happy with the results. We choose to work with copper and onyx and found Black Forest Remodel & Tile to be the perfect choice for our needs. Their attention to detail was amazing and I can’t wait for our next project to begin!” J. Walters, Portland , Oregon

Copyright © Black Forest Remodel & Tile, LLC 2011 All Rights Reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced without written consent from the author.

black forest living - january 2011

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