Patrick Tehan A terra-cotta fireplace with clumsy contours and humble roots is shaping up to be the hottest thing outdoors this spring. Originally used in Mexico as an outdoor oven, the handmade portable fireplace with pot belly and chimney has been around for decades. Now trendies have rediscovered the chimenea and turned it into a top garden accessory. This has been a very very popular item, says Rita Mancha, manager of Pottery Mart in San Jose.
People come in and buy two or three at a time, for themselves and for their friends.
You set it out in the garden, light a fire and you re instantly a chimenea fan. It s easy to see why. Spreading the word is as easy as showing off the little fireplace to your friends. You buy one and use it for decoration. No two are alike.