Things I wish I had before starting on the line 13 years ago:
- multi-time digital timer for tracking 2-3 times at once
- a durable, accurate thermometer with an oven safe probe
- high capacity, vacuum sealed water bottle with a built in drinking straw/spout that is completely closed (health department reasons)
- really comfortable, durable, ergonomic, non-slip shoes
- a compact, precise, digital scale (bonus points if the display is illuminated, DO NOT Get one with touch controls, they work poorly when your hands are wet)
- a mandolin (most ones in a commercial kitchen just aren’t sharp/well maintained. Tell him to hand wash it)
- my own measuring cups/spoons
Right! Just buy a cheap Casio watch and do some mental math… Or an Apple Watch and you can tell it to set timers for you. (I’m in Texas and the health department doesn’t care about watches).
Your particular dept's people might not care but it's against texas (and I think all states') health code rules to wear any watches/bracelets/jewelry on the hands or wrist except a plain undecorated ring ( sometimes with even more restriction)
Great Options for a couple of these
- Thermoworks Time Stick Trio; Lanyard style, I like this one a lot because I lose timers like crazy. I basically just loop this somewhere at my station and it keeps me from running off with it. 3 timers at once and I've never had it go bad on me unlike your standard kitchen timer. Light on screen flashes when the timer goes off too so you can use it on mute if neccessary. Cons: it's loud as hell and if you accidentally have it on full blast you'll get dirty looks.
- Lavatools Javelin or Javelin Pro; had one for 5 years and never needed calibration (which is good because you can't calibrate it anyway), magnetic so you can stick it anywhere, no buttons to wear out, and battery lasts forever
- Escali Primo; I worked at a deli that had these all over the place and have been stanning them ever since. They're small enough to fit in a large knife bag/roll, and have the increasingly rare normal buttons. 10/10
Mandolins are gonna either be the 200$ bron mandolins which are great for their added functions, or the standard Japanese mandolins.
I see a lot of people suggesting that you buy him a knife, but speaking as a chef myself, I would rather someone buy me underwear than buy me a knife. I have personal requirements, "must haves", "would be nice", etc, and I think a knife is something *too* personalized for someone else to pick out.
If this were a real life thing, I would say go with him and let him pick out what he wants and then pay for it, but since it's a virtual relationship I don't see how that is feasible.
Maybe tell him your intentions, and let him pick one out online, and then pay for it?
I get that surprises are nice but surprises are best when it's something they don't have to use every single day. When it comes to tools, the user of the tool is the best person to select it.
A great workhorse knife he can use every day like an 8" chef knife, or if he already has a set of knives, can't go wrong with a knife roll. My husband got me a pink one and put Neosporin (I'm prone to forearm burns), ibuprofen and candy in mine for my first day at a new job and I loved it.
Or, shoes! Comfy shoes you'll literally live in is a must-have, I couldn't believe how much of a different it made between cheap $30 nonslips vs Shoes for Crews
Get him the new Catbird seat cook book. It’s $200 but totally worth it. If that’s a bit pricey, buy him a Kunz style spoon from chef knives Togo.com. I think they are like $10
Reluctant threads make great aprons for cheap. Kunzs spoons are my go to daily plating spoons. A nice set of tongs Eland makes great ones, make sure they are all metal. No rubber or silicone. A good thermometer
Is nice too. If his kitchen doesn’t have timers don’t get him one. They will break quick and are cheap to replace. Look for things that have longevity. Tell him
Congratulations on the new job and confidence comes with time🤘🏻
A benriner mandoline is a great gift. They're well made, come with a replacement blade and relatively cheap. It's a great gift because you can build up to it-
First, get him a vial of Yunnan Baiyao. Online or chinese grocers will have it - it's a magical clotting powder for getting a wounds to stop healing. Literal magic, it's amazing. Can't say enough good things about it.
Next, have him open a small med kit. Bandaids, burn creams and pads, etc.
Then give him the mandoline. They are sharp, and will bite you. He will appreciate the clotting powder and bandaids that much more.
Set of Kiwi knives, sharpening whetstones, knife roll. Kiwi knives are inexpensive so you can buy a full (chef, utility, paring, Nakiri, etc.) compliment for almost nothing and they are perfect for learning how to sharpen properly. I can’t stress how important this skill is in the long run. It is also extremely satisfying. Knife skills are so much easier to learn with properly sharp knives.
If he likes books and learning about food, maybe get him some old cookbooks? Personally I love seeing really old recipes, seeing how things were done differently and how things evolved into modern dishes, as well as all the things that stayed the same. There are a lot of really great practical comments but these might be a fun change of pace (especially because there’s nothing stopping him from eventually cooking recipes from these books). I’ve been going to antique stores to look for mine, but it’s a lot easier to find and buy old books online.
Do you mean the flat blades or the toothed ones? Webrestaurantstore has them for the standard mandolin for like 10 bucks a pop. and [this site](https://couteliernola.com/professional-benriner-replacement-blade/) has them for wide for like 15
Also I can't imagine needing to replace the flat one. They sharpen up super nice and by the time you wear them down enough to need replacing the mandolin itself has got to be in a rough state.
A De Buyer Mineral B skillet/frying pan.
I am not a professional chef, just a mere home amateur, but I use this pan about 70% of the time when I am cooking. It is practically indestructible, non-stick (thru seasoning, not some spray-on crap), and every time I use it I think how much I love it.
Learning how to care for a carbon steel pan is a journey in itself, but now I have a pan that cost me £50 and will be passed down to my kids.
IMO culinary necessities with links to products that I HAVE TO show up with....
SUPER COOL KNIFE BAG:
https://www.chefsac.com/collections/bags-backpacks/products/elite-waxed-canvas-chef-knife-bag
PLATING SPOONS IF WORKING IN A NICER RESTAURANT:
https://www.mercerculinary.com/product/7-pc-plating-spoons-set/
MICROPLANE:
https://www.bakedeco.com/detail.asp?id=24932&trng=fgle&hsid=24936&kw=&cpn=17757071655&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwr7ayBhAPEiwA6EIGxPUxPsprVVd0wyUfzb1wiipsxVw4JdDrIhFdqSD4wKBzXngq66LwVxoCRLgQAvD_BwE
PEELER:
https://www.bakedeco.com/detail.asp?id=68288&trng=fgle&kw=&cpn=17757071655&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwr7ayBhAPEiwA6EIGxHvW7UF0TdF0KD0dcqfCoueIp5oMwOlhfl9Ka8CcIqgXz-Fn4_n8OhoCM8YQAvD_BwE
TWEEZERS, I WOULD GET BOTH SO HE HAS A SET :
https://www.jbprince.com/utensils/offset-fine-tip-tweezers.asp?childskumatch=U154%20G
https://www.jbprince.com/utensils/straight-tip-tweezers-10-inches-length.asp?childskumatch=U155%20G
FISH TWEEZERS FOR BONES:
https://cutleryandmore.com/products/global-deluxe-fish-tweezers-1317?variant=42406496567550¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwr7ayBhAPEiwA6EIGxCTHDJuzKuvbntiVD1a99Td7kUYZm23s8r3p8eh1lDMxIdKnXUhRdRoC9qQQAvD_BwE
FISH SPATULA:
https://knifemerchant.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/8441/s/victorinox-3x6-in-slotted-fish-spatula-w-walnut-handle/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwr7ayBhAPEiwA6EIGxAq-9CXFbzAO-8O3IuOdRTxiFoxhbsBIRBr7G-yPFgRIl1jbr5HTUxoCrFMQAvD_BwE
OFFSET SPATULA:
https://shop.kingarthurbaking.com/items/small-offset-spatula?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=adtaxi&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwr7ayBhAPEiwA6EIGxOvIkicNSi3JG_x6_jd7k6iBfN_EK9wwck6ytQ6VtiEi-mcZbFvKqxoC6KMQAvD_BwE
***IF you look up 'Bain marie' you can pick out something his style. During service you have your knifes, and your tools. All your tools go in the Bain Marie. Your plating spoons, small offset spatula, fish spatula, fish tweezers, thermometer, plating tweezers.... Depending on your budget, and what he already has, the tools listed above in a bain marie would be an awesome gift package! You can even send a few stickers with it. A lot of cooks like to mark their Bain marie with stickers so their stuff doesn't get stolen.
SHOES:
Vans nonslip kitchen shoes:
https://www.hedleyandbennett.com/products/black-forest-vans-high-tops?variant=42693084741832¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=20774920452&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwr7ayBhAPEiwA6EIGxKSyBQANNyMp36fvGdsp89zVA6IcAtDl-X1Bxz1pXmq_4CTOgl0yTRoC-LEQAvD_BwE
Birkenstock slip on work shoes for a hipster:
https://www.birkenstock.com/us/boston-natural-leather-oiled/boston-core-oiledleather-0-eva-u_449.html
Classic doc marten boots are always cool. I own a pair of these, they do need to be broken in:
https://www.zappos.com/p/unisex-dr-martens-combs-leather-black-wyoming/product/9398541/color/201559?zlfid=191&ref=pd_mobile_detail-v2-1-sims_cv
Canvas doc martens, more comfy. I own a pair:
https://www.dsw.com/product/dr.-martens-rakim-boot/539033?activeColor=001&cm_mmc=CSE-_-GPS-_-G_Shopping_Boots_Booties-_-New_Boots_Booties&cadevice=m&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwr7ayBhAPEiwA6EIGxMKWiHnKJWzt-_iJG7Lmh5cDN0ZwzO4RbBVqumVjx3vROi41gy5x4xoCFq0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
I absolutely hate it when I get work related crap as gifts. Wow, I don't identify as my fucking job!
If i was a bank teller you'd buy me a cheap-ass calculator, right? Why would i want or need that?
Why would you immediately assume that the gift would be crappy or cheap?? Doesn’t anyone get you nice thoughtful gifts ever? If so, I feel sorry for you.
This is a great knife that would be your partner's go-to pretty much forever. Great price as well. This is something your partner will use multiple times every day he works. I think that's a nice thing to have bought someone. Could maybe get it engraved with a little something nice. Good luck anyway.
https://www.chefs-edge.co.uk/products/tojiro-dp3-gyuto-21cm?_pos=1&_sid=9f30eb59f&_ss=r
Things I wish I had before starting on the line 13 years ago: - multi-time digital timer for tracking 2-3 times at once - a durable, accurate thermometer with an oven safe probe - high capacity, vacuum sealed water bottle with a built in drinking straw/spout that is completely closed (health department reasons) - really comfortable, durable, ergonomic, non-slip shoes - a compact, precise, digital scale (bonus points if the display is illuminated, DO NOT Get one with touch controls, they work poorly when your hands are wet) - a mandolin (most ones in a commercial kitchen just aren’t sharp/well maintained. Tell him to hand wash it) - my own measuring cups/spoons
I’ll second that on shoes. I have steel toe cap crocs and they’re the best
Thank you! You guys are life savers. 😁
To comment on the timer if you go that route, thermoworks makes one that is sweet
A digital timer is wild 😂
Right! Just buy a cheap Casio watch and do some mental math… Or an Apple Watch and you can tell it to set timers for you. (I’m in Texas and the health department doesn’t care about watches).
Your particular dept's people might not care but it's against texas (and I think all states') health code rules to wear any watches/bracelets/jewelry on the hands or wrist except a plain undecorated ring ( sometimes with even more restriction)
Great Options for a couple of these - Thermoworks Time Stick Trio; Lanyard style, I like this one a lot because I lose timers like crazy. I basically just loop this somewhere at my station and it keeps me from running off with it. 3 timers at once and I've never had it go bad on me unlike your standard kitchen timer. Light on screen flashes when the timer goes off too so you can use it on mute if neccessary. Cons: it's loud as hell and if you accidentally have it on full blast you'll get dirty looks. - Lavatools Javelin or Javelin Pro; had one for 5 years and never needed calibration (which is good because you can't calibrate it anyway), magnetic so you can stick it anywhere, no buttons to wear out, and battery lasts forever - Escali Primo; I worked at a deli that had these all over the place and have been stanning them ever since. They're small enough to fit in a large knife bag/roll, and have the increasingly rare normal buttons. 10/10 Mandolins are gonna either be the 200$ bron mandolins which are great for their added functions, or the standard Japanese mandolins.
Escali is my go-to scale brand
Which mandolin is best? It seems the reviews are bad for all of them.
Benriner is pretty solid and not very expensive
Many thanks!
Benriner for affordable and great. Bron for fancy/expensive and great.
Thank you!!
I see a lot of people suggesting that you buy him a knife, but speaking as a chef myself, I would rather someone buy me underwear than buy me a knife. I have personal requirements, "must haves", "would be nice", etc, and I think a knife is something *too* personalized for someone else to pick out. If this were a real life thing, I would say go with him and let him pick out what he wants and then pay for it, but since it's a virtual relationship I don't see how that is feasible. Maybe tell him your intentions, and let him pick one out online, and then pay for it? I get that surprises are nice but surprises are best when it's something they don't have to use every single day. When it comes to tools, the user of the tool is the best person to select it.
Honestly I didn't think of that, that's very true! Thank you. I'll definitely figure something out and do that 😁❤️
Or some cool socks. Chefs love to show off their weird socks!
A great workhorse knife he can use every day like an 8" chef knife, or if he already has a set of knives, can't go wrong with a knife roll. My husband got me a pink one and put Neosporin (I'm prone to forearm burns), ibuprofen and candy in mine for my first day at a new job and I loved it. Or, shoes! Comfy shoes you'll literally live in is a must-have, I couldn't believe how much of a different it made between cheap $30 nonslips vs Shoes for Crews
There are lots of types of shoes in Shoes for Crews. Do you mean the ones that look like croc, the slip ons or the ones with lace?
Totally depends on preferences. I personally hate the Crocs and live in the New Balance and the Converse. I just recommend the brand in general.
Thats a great idea! Thank you so much ❤️
Get him the new Catbird seat cook book. It’s $200 but totally worth it. If that’s a bit pricey, buy him a Kunz style spoon from chef knives Togo.com. I think they are like $10
I second this. Kunzs spoons are glorious.
flavor bible by karen page and ratio by michael rhulman are good cheap small reference books.
Reluctant threads make great aprons for cheap. Kunzs spoons are my go to daily plating spoons. A nice set of tongs Eland makes great ones, make sure they are all metal. No rubber or silicone. A good thermometer Is nice too. If his kitchen doesn’t have timers don’t get him one. They will break quick and are cheap to replace. Look for things that have longevity. Tell him Congratulations on the new job and confidence comes with time🤘🏻
Thank you so much man! I'll tell him 😁❤️
You’re welcome! my phone autocorrected my spelling, they are Edlund tongs!
-good knife -good shoes -good thermo pen In order of price and importance
A benriner mandoline is a great gift. They're well made, come with a replacement blade and relatively cheap. It's a great gift because you can build up to it- First, get him a vial of Yunnan Baiyao. Online or chinese grocers will have it - it's a magical clotting powder for getting a wounds to stop healing. Literal magic, it's amazing. Can't say enough good things about it. Next, have him open a small med kit. Bandaids, burn creams and pads, etc. Then give him the mandoline. They are sharp, and will bite you. He will appreciate the clotting powder and bandaids that much more.
Set of Kiwi knives, sharpening whetstones, knife roll. Kiwi knives are inexpensive so you can buy a full (chef, utility, paring, Nakiri, etc.) compliment for almost nothing and they are perfect for learning how to sharpen properly. I can’t stress how important this skill is in the long run. It is also extremely satisfying. Knife skills are so much easier to learn with properly sharp knives.
If he likes books and learning about food, maybe get him some old cookbooks? Personally I love seeing really old recipes, seeing how things were done differently and how things evolved into modern dishes, as well as all the things that stayed the same. There are a lot of really great practical comments but these might be a fun change of pace (especially because there’s nothing stopping him from eventually cooking recipes from these books). I’ve been going to antique stores to look for mine, but it’s a lot easier to find and buy old books online.
I really love Floyd on Fish, and Floyd on France. Lovely stories, recipes, and humour.
Benriner mandolin, Kuhn rikon y-shaped peeler, and The Flavor Bible
I cannot recommend benriner with a good heart anymore. Literally cannot find replacement straight blades anywhere or they're insanely priced.
Do you mean the flat blades or the toothed ones? Webrestaurantstore has them for the standard mandolin for like 10 bucks a pop. and [this site](https://couteliernola.com/professional-benriner-replacement-blade/) has them for wide for like 15 Also I can't imagine needing to replace the flat one. They sharpen up super nice and by the time you wear them down enough to need replacing the mandolin itself has got to be in a rough state.
A De Buyer Mineral B skillet/frying pan. I am not a professional chef, just a mere home amateur, but I use this pan about 70% of the time when I am cooking. It is practically indestructible, non-stick (thru seasoning, not some spray-on crap), and every time I use it I think how much I love it. Learning how to care for a carbon steel pan is a journey in itself, but now I have a pan that cost me £50 and will be passed down to my kids.
For book’s Culinary artistry is amazing as it gives you seasonal pairing charts for proteins herbs etc.
A years supply of Gold Bond medicated powder
Throw in an anti-chafing stick too 😂
A years supply of Gold Bond medicated powder
A really good first aid kit.
IMO culinary necessities with links to products that I HAVE TO show up with.... SUPER COOL KNIFE BAG: https://www.chefsac.com/collections/bags-backpacks/products/elite-waxed-canvas-chef-knife-bag PLATING SPOONS IF WORKING IN A NICER RESTAURANT: https://www.mercerculinary.com/product/7-pc-plating-spoons-set/ MICROPLANE: https://www.bakedeco.com/detail.asp?id=24932&trng=fgle&hsid=24936&kw=&cpn=17757071655&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwr7ayBhAPEiwA6EIGxPUxPsprVVd0wyUfzb1wiipsxVw4JdDrIhFdqSD4wKBzXngq66LwVxoCRLgQAvD_BwE PEELER: https://www.bakedeco.com/detail.asp?id=68288&trng=fgle&kw=&cpn=17757071655&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwr7ayBhAPEiwA6EIGxHvW7UF0TdF0KD0dcqfCoueIp5oMwOlhfl9Ka8CcIqgXz-Fn4_n8OhoCM8YQAvD_BwE TWEEZERS, I WOULD GET BOTH SO HE HAS A SET : https://www.jbprince.com/utensils/offset-fine-tip-tweezers.asp?childskumatch=U154%20G https://www.jbprince.com/utensils/straight-tip-tweezers-10-inches-length.asp?childskumatch=U155%20G FISH TWEEZERS FOR BONES: https://cutleryandmore.com/products/global-deluxe-fish-tweezers-1317?variant=42406496567550¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwr7ayBhAPEiwA6EIGxCTHDJuzKuvbntiVD1a99Td7kUYZm23s8r3p8eh1lDMxIdKnXUhRdRoC9qQQAvD_BwE FISH SPATULA: https://knifemerchant.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/8441/s/victorinox-3x6-in-slotted-fish-spatula-w-walnut-handle/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwr7ayBhAPEiwA6EIGxAq-9CXFbzAO-8O3IuOdRTxiFoxhbsBIRBr7G-yPFgRIl1jbr5HTUxoCrFMQAvD_BwE OFFSET SPATULA: https://shop.kingarthurbaking.com/items/small-offset-spatula?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=adtaxi&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwr7ayBhAPEiwA6EIGxOvIkicNSi3JG_x6_jd7k6iBfN_EK9wwck6ytQ6VtiEi-mcZbFvKqxoC6KMQAvD_BwE ***IF you look up 'Bain marie' you can pick out something his style. During service you have your knifes, and your tools. All your tools go in the Bain Marie. Your plating spoons, small offset spatula, fish spatula, fish tweezers, thermometer, plating tweezers.... Depending on your budget, and what he already has, the tools listed above in a bain marie would be an awesome gift package! You can even send a few stickers with it. A lot of cooks like to mark their Bain marie with stickers so their stuff doesn't get stolen. SHOES: Vans nonslip kitchen shoes: https://www.hedleyandbennett.com/products/black-forest-vans-high-tops?variant=42693084741832¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=20774920452&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwr7ayBhAPEiwA6EIGxKSyBQANNyMp36fvGdsp89zVA6IcAtDl-X1Bxz1pXmq_4CTOgl0yTRoC-LEQAvD_BwE Birkenstock slip on work shoes for a hipster: https://www.birkenstock.com/us/boston-natural-leather-oiled/boston-core-oiledleather-0-eva-u_449.html Classic doc marten boots are always cool. I own a pair of these, they do need to be broken in: https://www.zappos.com/p/unisex-dr-martens-combs-leather-black-wyoming/product/9398541/color/201559?zlfid=191&ref=pd_mobile_detail-v2-1-sims_cv Canvas doc martens, more comfy. I own a pair: https://www.dsw.com/product/dr.-martens-rakim-boot/539033?activeColor=001&cm_mmc=CSE-_-GPS-_-G_Shopping_Boots_Booties-_-New_Boots_Booties&cadevice=m&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwr7ayBhAPEiwA6EIGxMKWiHnKJWzt-_iJG7Lmh5cDN0ZwzO4RbBVqumVjx3vROi41gy5x4xoCFq0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Missing a Peugot pepper mill, its a must have to season your dishes and those mills will last for almost a lifetime.
I absolutely hate it when I get work related crap as gifts. Wow, I don't identify as my fucking job! If i was a bank teller you'd buy me a cheap-ass calculator, right? Why would i want or need that?
Why would you immediately assume that the gift would be crappy or cheap?? Doesn’t anyone get you nice thoughtful gifts ever? If so, I feel sorry for you.
Fair enough. It's a bloody good job the gift isn't for you then, isn't it! 😂
This is a great knife that would be your partner's go-to pretty much forever. Great price as well. This is something your partner will use multiple times every day he works. I think that's a nice thing to have bought someone. Could maybe get it engraved with a little something nice. Good luck anyway. https://www.chefs-edge.co.uk/products/tojiro-dp3-gyuto-21cm?_pos=1&_sid=9f30eb59f&_ss=r