Marble - Queen of Stone

More refined than granite, more delicate than quartzite, marble commands the highest respect of architects, artists and designers around the world. It’s fresh translucence, pure whites and organic movement provide maximum luxury to create a sublime finish for any project.

Marble has been the most revered building material for over 30 centuries, and continues to adapt to all of today’s traditional and contemporary architecture.

Technically Speaking

Marble is a metamorphic stone made of calcium carbonate. It forms in volcanic areas where sedimentary limestones (coral, shells and fossils from the sea bottom) are ‘cooked’ via rising bubbles of molten granite. The extreme heat melts the limestone, while intense pressure prevents it from decomposing. As it cools, it recrystallizes into marble. Organic materials in rain and flood water penetrate through marble to create unique veins and markings.

More Than Skin Deep

Even though marble is a beautiful finish option, there are other reasons why marble is selected over other stones. Marble is one of the longest-lasting, and highest value-retaining finishes in the world.

Though, it can be expensive, marble countertops and decorative finishes essentially pay for themselves. If well maintained and properly cared for, marble countertops, fireplaces and art walls provide real luxury in residences, offices and public buildings. Marble comes in a variety of natural colors that complement almost any design.

Marble is high maintenance. Although this can be off-putting, one should want to maintain its beauty. There are methods you can use to protect your marble to keep it looking great. However, If you find your marble is not looking its best, and need assistance, you can always have it professionally refinished to achieve its original look. The beauty of the stone is always there, not just on the surface, 100% through and through. It can always be restored.

Do the right thing.

The first step to protect and maintain marble is to properly seal it, and seal it often. You’ll also want to choose your cleaning products carefully. It’s best to clean your marble countertops with gentle dish detergent or stone cleaner, and a warm damp soft cloth . Avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach or vinegar, that will roughen the surface finish. There is no need to scrub hard. Use coasters for drinks, and cutting boards for acidic foods. Use trivets to prevent spillage from hot cookware and spillage.

If you have any questions, talk with us at Blue Pearl Stone. We have stock and access to an extensive selection of marble from around the world. Utilize the assistance of our team members to select and enjoy the right marble for your project. Enjoy the supreme beauty of marble in your home today!

The Pantheon - 1415 years old

Lagrange Eats

American Pie 

Although most of us who work at Blue Pearl Stone live in the city, I’d like to share a few of the quality spots for dine-in and take-out here in the city of LaGrange, Illinois.  Curiously, LaGrange has over 35 restaurants.   

First, LaGrange was settled in 1830, and currently has 16,000 residents. It is located on the Burlington Northern Train line, at Manheim (Lagrange) Road, where the road that splits the east and west sides of town. 

Our craftsmen take a formal lunch at 10:30 am, with lunch of homemade fare. On the other hand, the showroom staff rarely have time for a true lunch break and do not bring food from home. So, we often order out and nibble our way through the afternoon.

Here are a few of my personal favorite eating establishments in LaGrange: 

1. Aracely’s and Starbucks - For breakfast Alma and I usually stop at Starbucks and/or Aracely’s Bakery (Mexican tamales and sweetbreads to go). Both open at 5 am. We’re usually there by 6:30 am, after working out.  If they opened earlier, we would regularly go to Owl and Lark – a true organic fresh squeezed juice and coffee bar, with lots of healthy food options like avocado toast with arugula, pickled radish and olive oil, as well as smoothie bowls and green drinks. 

2. Palmer’s Place - Palmer’s has been a main stay in town for decades (In the 60’s it was called The Spot to Eat) - I like their Wild Caught Salmon Caesar Salad.  They will deliver if you ask nicely, and have a marvelous two level outdoor/tented bier garden in the back, with parking to boot. They are also known for their retro Red Cream Soda, onion soup, and varied burger selections. 

3. WOOW – Is a sit-down pan-Asian restaurant chain with fresh, well prepared plates including my three favorites: sweet potato roll, miso soup, and, crunchy small salad with sweet ginger dressing. 

4. Thipi Thai – For the full Thai experience visit Thipi Thai.  Dishes are medium sized but rich, and not spicy, unless you ask.  They have two tastefully decorated upscale, semi formal Thai- style dining rooms with mood lighting, and a bar and TV.

5. The Elm – The Elm is a new contemporary bar and restaurant by The Spains.  Their Risotto is all I ever order.  It tastes very similar to the risotto I enjoyed while living in Italy.  They also have an upstairs outdoor Bar, where one can have a meal, sip a drink and enjoy live music, while looking out over the prairie town to the West. 

6. Lucca’s - For Pizza there are more than 15 options, including Lucca’s, Aurelio’s, Ledo’s and many others. 

7. Prasino - On Saturdays, if we work half a day, we might splurge and go for brunch at Prasino. Prasino offers organic options, juices, breakfast, vegetable dishes and sides, as well as full lunch, brunch and dinner size plates of contemporary offerings. There is a nice hum of locals inside and out on the sidewalk tables on the weekends.

8. Buckle Down Brewery - I must mention the Buckle Down Brewery. (technically not in LaGrange, but nearby). I pass Buckle Down everyday going to and from work.  Although I am not a beer person, some of the guys (Ken) like to stop in for the creative craft beer selections.  I see it always bustling with patrons. Looks like a great craft beer hangout. Dogs are welcome.

So never fear, if you decide to venture out to Blue Pearl Stone, in LaGrange, you will have no problem finding a great place for bite and a drink to complete your journey.

Be sure to ask us if you are looking for other restaurant recommendations. 

Teresa