What a girl wants, what a girl (kinda) needs.
It’s no secret that I love beautiful things. Objects and decor pieces- anything for the aesthetic right? (I recognize this makes me sound incredibly superficial, but I promise I am not. It’s more-so a desire to curate than anything else. It’s satisfying!)
With that being said, when I’m not reading, cooking, or looking up restaurants for my next food review, I’m perusing stores and websites to find some of the coolest tools, decor, and food related items out there. Do I ever purchase them? Occasionally! But window shopping can be more fun anyhow. Whichever way you decide to browse, I hope these unique items and objects spark some joy, fuel some hungers, or even get you cooking! Here are some items that all the fun foodies should keep their eyes on. *Disclaimer: None of these links are affiliate links.*
WHAT A SERVE
Set of 8 Coupe Glasses
For the hostess with the mostess. I love coupe glasses, even more than a traditional champagne flute. They’re just stunning, and these in particular are beautiful, functional, modern, and sold at a great price point! Set these up on a bar cart and watch as people say “Wow, she’s got her stuff together! I mean look at those lovely glasses!” It can distract from the cheap liquor that may-or-may-not occupy the shelves.
Shrimp Cocktail Platter
Scrimp lovers unite! I love a little kitschy moment, and yes this is silly and unnecessary (as well as pricey), but in my house we have shrimp cocktail quite a bit, and this would just make the dining experience more fun all around. You all can laugh, I’ll be here patiently waiting for a restock…
Cherry Bottle Holder
Ice buckets are such a nice little touch. They always transport me to hotel rooms with cups chilling during the summertime, and it just evokes such a warm feeling. Are they a must-have at your next dinner party? No, so don’t sweat it one bit, but for the sake of fond memories and for the sake of this particular ice bucket being cherry shaped (hi favorite fruit!) it makes this list easily. Classy and still a little bit kitschy, this is the perfect lively piece for your next party.
New York Coffee Cup
I recently got two of these for myself, partially because I’m obsessed with New York just like every other person, and partially because they’re ceramic and keep my teas at the perfect temperature. I also love the message and frankly prefer this type of cup to a mug lately. They’re the perfect size though and are so vibrant. Also the cute message just starts me off on the right foot. Highly recommend.
Wooden 3 Piece Salad Set
I feel as though once you have your own wooden salad bowl, you’ve become a true host. There is nothing that screams “I host incredible dinner parties that people love,” more than someone with a nice wooden salad bowl. Maybe that’s just me, but I aspire to be that person. And one day, I will aspire to obtain this bowl. In the meantime, I’m going to keep practicing my cooking,
BOOK SMART
Mi Cocina by Rick Martinez
Oh how I loved the days of yore, and by that I mean when the BA Test Kitchen gang was still together. I’ve read and gone through all of their cookbooks, and by far my favorite is Rick’s. It’s not only stunning, but the flavors, dishes, and wide variety he has to offer in this book is unreal. Want to make some of the best tacos of your life? Get. This. Book.
Notes From A Young Black Chef by Kwame Onwuachi
Another book for my foodies, very similar to Kitchen Confidential by Bourdain in that it explores the underbelly of the food industry, but beyond that you get to view Chef Kwame’s rise to fame and how he got into cooking- a journey that was entirely unconventional. Not only that, but the reader gets a glimpse at what aspects of his childhood influenced the way he cooks now, it’s a melting pot of sorts. The book also features some bomb recipes that I’m looking forward to making.
Turkey And The Wolf: Flavor Trippin’ in New Orleans by Mason Hereford
Turkey and the Wolf is a restaurant I’ve had on my radar since seeing the head chef on Iron Chef (the new Netflix one, which is worth a watch by the way,) and saw how much fun he had with his food, plating, and the contest in general. Sometimes chefs can take themselves too seriously, but you don’t see that at Turkey and The Wolf and you certainly won’t see that in this cookbook. Let the culinary shenanigans commence.
WHIPPING IN THE KITCHEN
Our Place Pot and Pan
I own both of these and when I tell you they truly are the only things I need when doing anything on my stove, I’m not joking. Obviously I have a few other fun pans and woks and things like that for very specific scenarios, but if you want a great, durable, beautiful, and all purpose piece, this is for you. The pot works for just about everything- I use it as a dutch oven, I use it as a boiler, make soups in it, you name it. The pan is the real star of the show- you can steam in it, sauté, toast, everything and anything. It’s the perfect non-stick and has a good depth so you aren’t sweating overfilling. I can’t hype these up enough. They are worth every last penny.
Balmuda Steam Toaster
If you were ever on Emily Mariko TikTok, you probably have seen this little guy. One, it’s a really pretty and sleek design. I love how it looks. I also love the steam option. In other toaster ovens, moisture tends to get lost and things that are getting reheated or warmed tend to dry out, but adding in that steam component prevents that and keeps food tasting fresh. It’s on my future home wishlist because of the steam feature. Did I mention it’s pretty?
Emulstir Dressing Mixer
Another product I can really endorse because I have one myself. I love making vinaigrettes, and this helps prevent separation and stores the dressings well, meaning I don’t have to toss whatever I’ve made for at least a week. Does a mason jar also do the trick? Yes, but I find that this really actually emulsifies and ensures that there’s no separation at all when making dressings. It’s maybe my favorite kitchen gadget.
SECRET INGREDIENTS
Graza Olive Oils
These olive oils are special. Coming from one farm in California, they are ethically sourced, fresh and never mixed with older oils, mid-range in price, and are in a squeeze bottle for a little more control when pouring out your oils. They offer two types, one that’s for cooking, and one that’s a finishing oil which makes for the most perfect bread dipping option and packs a lil oomph in there. To say I’m obsessed is an understatement. But grab it! Try it!
Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp
Step up your egg game. Or your instant noodle game. Or your fish, veggies, literally-anything-game. I love this chili crunch oil, it’s addictive, warming, and really elevates any dish. Seriously, frying an egg with this and then adding it to a bowl of noodles with some green onion and sesame seeds? Amazing.
Luxardo Cherries
Do yourself this one favor. Get these cherries and elevate every single ice cream scoop, cocktail, heck even just sneaking one is such a treat. They are the best cherries ever, I’ll never be able to go back to a maraschino!
Zapp’s Voodoo Chips
The kettle chips of my dreams. Remember when I wrote that I owed a lot to Hummingbird? Well my family’s Voodoo Chip addiction is one of the things I can thank Hummingbird for. These are highly addictive, so be warned, but truly the bomb. Think of it as a more complex BBQ chip. They also are super inexpensive, so stock up!
Date Better X Cravers: Hazelnut Praline
Dates have been having a moment, as they should, and have taken the dessert scene by surprise. Who knew that you could have somewhat healthy and nutritious options for dessert? Actually, it’s 2023, we all knew it was possible, however this is very exciting nonetheless. These are stuffed dates filled with hazelnut filling and praline bits. YUM.
EAT YOUR FOOD, AND WEAR IT TOO
Comfort Food Necklace
Susan Alexandra has all kinds of fun food related pieces (I’m looking at you, shrimp cocktail earrings,) and this piece is no exception. Pick your comfort food, and then your chain. It’s a fun little conversation piece, and frankly just adorable.
Custom Word Necklace
While we’re on the subject, Susan Alexandra also offers this customizable necklace, so if you’re feeling more like writing out what you love (see here Pasta) then go for it! I’m plotting and thinking of getting one that says “Oysties” just because I love it so.
Unfortunate Portrait “Cocktail Dress” Tee
We love a good pun around here, and I think this one is funny and also the drawings are pretty in a fashion-sketch kind of way. Pair it with some jeans and do a lil french tuck action- bam. You look adorable and witty.
Robyn Jean
Want to feel like you’re abroad in Europe in the summertime but it’s winter and you’re stuck at home? Well, bring a slice of Europe to you with these jeans. I love a funky pair of pants to help diversify outfits every now and again, and these are the ideal pair in my opinion. I love that these are straight leg, they’re white at the base and will pair with lots, and more than that, I love that we have some tinned fish, baguettes, and oysters getting the representation they deserve.
The Breakfast Tee
Is it borderline cheugy? Maybe, but I love the vintage design, I am partial to tequila, and I love a good graphic tee shirt. Los Sundays makes tons of other fun merchandise as well that’s all very cute given it is just that- merchandise. It’s just a casual and funny piece of clothing, so embrace the corniness of it all and relax (perhaps with a glass of your favorite tequila cocktail?)
Happy shopping my loves, I hope you all feed your inner foodie this week!
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