Christmas Gift Ideas: 14 chef-approved tools for the gastronomes on your list
Christmas Gift Ideas: 14 chef-approved tools for the gastronomes on your list
By Toronto Life | November 20, 2013
By Toronto Life | 11/20/2013
In food circles, chefs are like rock stars: we know their names, fan-girl over their credentials and try to ape their style on our own humble stoves. In order to cook like a pro, however, you need the right arsenal. We polled some of the city’s best chefs on the gadgets and pantry staples they can’t live without. Here, 14 tricks of the trade from Toronto’s top culinary brass.
243594 “I use it for grinding meat and making sauces.” <strong>—Attilio Pugliese, The Happy Hooker</strong><br /><br /><br />
$969. <b>Canadian Restaurant Supply,</b> <a href="https://www.crs-online.ca/sagro/storefront/store.php?mode=showproductdetail&product=4071">crs-online.ca</a> (Image: courtesy Robot Coupe) Robot Coupe Food Processor Robot Coupe Food Processor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A001-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A001.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A001.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/christmas-gift-ideas-cooking/slide/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-a001/ tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-a001 0 0
(Image: courtesy Robot Coupe)
243595 “The tapered edges make these spoons great for basting.” <strong>—Craig Harding, Campagnolo</strong><br /><br /><br />
$15–22. <strong>Knife,</strong> <i>658 Queen St.W., 647-996-8609</i><i></i><br />
(Image: courtesy Gray Kunz) Gray Kunz Spoons Gray Kunz Spoons https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A002-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A002.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A002.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/christmas-gift-ideas-cooking/slide/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-a002/ tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-a002 0 0
(Image: courtesy Gray Kunz)
243596 “In 15 years working in kitchens, I’ve gone through 30 pairs.” <strong>—Cory Vitiello, The Harbord Room</strong><br /><br /><br />
$129–169. <b>Get Outside,</b> <i>437 Queen St. W., </i><i>416-593-5598</i> (Image: courtesy Birkenstock) Birkenstock Boston Clogs Birkenstock Boston Clogs https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A003-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A003.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A003.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/christmas-gift-ideas-cooking/slide/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-a003/ tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-a003 0 0
(Image: courtesy Birkenstock)
243597 “It slices vegetables paper-thin—a must for Asian salads.” <strong>—Alec Martin, Hawker Bar</strong><br /><br /><br />
$59.75. <b>Shop.ca, </b><a href="http://www.shop.ca/c/benriner-benriner-mandoline-slicer-%28benriner%29-22859715">shop.ca</a> (Image: courtesy Bento and Co.) Japanese Mandoline Japanese Mandoline https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A004-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A004.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A004.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/christmas-gift-ideas-cooking/slide/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-a004/ tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-a004 0 0
(Image: courtesy Bento and Co.)
243598 “My giant tweezer tongs <br />
are essential for plating.” <strong>—Alexandra Feswick, Samuel J. Moore</strong><br /><br /><br />
$37. <b>Amazon. </b><a href="http://www.amazon.ca/WUSTHOF-Wusthof-12-Plating-Tongs/dp/B0050D7DVG">amazon.ca</a> (Image: courtesy Wusthof) Wusthof Tongs Wusthof Tongs https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A005-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A005.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A005.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/christmas-gift-ideas-cooking/slide/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-a005/ tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-a005 0 0
(Image: courtesy Wusthof)
243599 “I use it all the time for lifting cookies off sheet trays.” <strong>—Danielle Oron, Moo Milk Bar</strong><br /><br /><br />
$5–10. <b>Placewares, </b><em>St. Lawrence Market, 416-603-1649</em> (Image: Daniel Neuhaus) Offset Spatula Offset Spatula https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A006-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A006.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A006.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/christmas-gift-ideas-cooking/slide/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-a006/ tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-a006 0 0
(Image: Daniel Neuhaus)
243601 “We smoke the whisky and add it to our barbecue sauces.” <strong>—Judson Flom, Leslieville Pumps</strong><br /><br /><br />
$46. <b>LCBO, </b>multiple locations (Image: courtesy Knob Creek) Knob Creek Bourbon Knob Creek Bourbon https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A008-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A008.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-A008.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/christmas-gift-ideas-cooking/slide/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-a008/ tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-a008 0 0
(Image: courtesy Knob Creek)
243602 “The sound sets the tone for a busy service at the restaurant.” <strong>—Claudio Aprile, Origin</strong><br /><br /><br />
$10. <b>HMV, </b><a href="http://www.hmv.ca/Products/Detail/31134.aspx">hmv.ca</a> (Image: courtesy Anthem records) Moving Pictures by Rush Moving Pictures by Rush https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-B001-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-B001.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-B001.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/christmas-gift-ideas-cooking/slide/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-b001/ tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-b001 0 0
(Image: courtesy Anthem records)
243603 “A huge time-saver, since I don’t have to melt the cocoa butter.” <strong>—J. P. Challet, Ici Bistro</strong><br /><br /><br />
$10. <b>McEwan Foods, </b><i>38 Karl Fraser Rd., </i><i>416-444-6262</i><i></i> (Image: courtesy Barry Callebaut) Powdered Cocoa Butter Powdered Cocoa Butter https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-B002-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-B002.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-B002.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/christmas-gift-ideas-cooking/slide/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-b002/ tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-b002 0 0
(Image: courtesy Barry Callebaut)
243604 “The flavour is so rich and peppery, I can use it as a sauce.” <strong>—Gihen Zitouni, Toca</strong><br /><br /><br />
$29. <b>All Things Olive. </b><a href="http://www.allthingsolive.com/catalog/i56.html">allthingsolive.com</a> (Image: courtesy Frantoio Grove) Frantoio Olive Oil Frantoio Olive Oil https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-B003-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-B003.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-B003.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/christmas-gift-ideas-cooking/slide/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-b003/ tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-b003 0 0
(Image: courtesy Frantoio Grove)
243605 “The simplest way to crush herbs and release their full flavour.” <strong>—Matthias Laurin, Le Ti Colibri</strong><br /><br /><br />
<br />
$125. <b>Williams Sonoma, </b>multiple locations (Image: courtesy Williams-Sonoma) Mortar and Pestle Mortar and Pestle https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-B004-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-B004.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-B004.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/christmas-gift-ideas-cooking/slide/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-b004/ tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-b004 0 0
(Image: courtesy Williams-Sonoma)
243608 “It’s an incredible tool. Mine has a custom-made antler handle.“ <strong>—Rob Gentile, Buca</strong><br /><br /><br />
$130. <b>Tosho Knife Arts, </b><i>602 Markham St., </i><i>647-722-6329</i> (Image: Daniel Neuhaus) Gyuto Knife Gyuto Knife https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-B007-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-B007.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-B007.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/christmas-gift-ideas-cooking/slide/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-b007/ tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-b007 0 0
(Image: Daniel Neuhaus)
243611 “Some days it’s the only non-pastry thing I consume.” <strong>—Lorraine Hawley, <br />
Mabel’s Bakery</strong><br /><br /><br />
$4. Mabel’s Bakery, 323 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-534-2333 (Image: Daniel Neuhaus) Chasers Juices Chasers Juices https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-C002-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-C002.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-C002.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/christmas-gift-ideas-cooking/slide/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-c002/ tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-c002 0 0
(Image: Daniel Neuhaus)
243613 “A shot of Sailor Jerry spiced rum helps take the edge off.” <strong>—Matt Pettit, Rock Lobster</strong> (Image: iStock) Sailor Jerry Rum Rum https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-C004-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-C004.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-C004.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/food/christmas-gift-ideas-cooking/slide/tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-c004/ tools-of-engagement-toronto-kitchens-c004 0 0
(Image: iStock)