READER PICKS » Fortessa Fits

Fortessa bone china is the canvas Chef Gray Kunz selected to showcase his masterpieces at Cafe Gray in New York's Time Warner Center.

Style, durability, reputation, and price are the main reasons Gray once again chose Fortessa dinnerware. Gray says he wanted a style and pattern that marries well to both the decor and his cuisine, since the 120-seat main dining room, designed in browns and beiges, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This upscale bistro also boasts a 35-seat bar, private dining room for 75, and a finished kitchen in the window overlooking Central Park.

Although he favors the entire Fortessa bone china line for its feel and space, especially appealing are the oval bowls, cereal bowls, coffee cups, and 12-inch plates.

"The rim is set back farther," says Gray, letting him create dishes that are "inspired by the moment" and reflect "seasonality." "The cuisine will be what I did in the past at Lespinasse," Gray says. "It will be modernized classics."

According to Gray, Fortessa is a standout company because it stands behind its products. Fortessa offers china and dinnerware, glassware, crystal, serving pieces, and buffetware to the hotel and restaurant industries.

"I've worked with the people at Fortessa. The durability is there," Gray says. "It's very, very good quality." --SBH