15 ideas for essential culinary gifts (mostly under $100!) from our family of restaurant pros.
We’re giving away all our secrets today.
Well, all our team’s secrets.
We polled our Flour + Water, Penny Roma, and Flour + Water Pizzeria back-of-house and front-of-house crews for the culinary-centric items on their holiday wish lists (or that they recommend for yours). From farfalle hoop earrings to chocolate panettone, we hope these food & beverage-themed gift ideas bring holiday shopping inspiration.
Mac Malone, Director of Marketing + Events, Flour + Water Hospitality Group
Extra Fancy Citrus Squeezer | $19
I first saw this at a traditional smørrebrød restaurant in Copenhagen earlier this fall and immediately knew I had to have it. Is it the most efficient citrus juicer on the market? Absolutely not. But does that matter?
Amanda Flores, Senior Director of Operations, Flour + Water Hospitality Group
Ninja Air Fryer | $89.99
My feed continues to fill with amazing air fryer recipes, so it has worn me down! I’m ready for one of my own.
Jenny Lemons Food Hair Accessories | $24/each
Any and all of the Jenny Lemons Food Clips! I'd melt if I got a bok choy or deli sando clip, but obviously the pizza slice has my heart!
Madison Migneault, Assistant General Manager, Flour + Water Pizzeria
Diptyque Odor Removing Candle with Basil | $75
Who knew you needed a palate cleanser for your kitchen?! This tomato basil candle is essential for every home! It replaces cooking scents with fresh garden smells. Oh lala!
Fishwife White Sturgeon Caviar | $99
Make your next breakfast fancy. Put this on your scrambled eggs.
Lisa Says Gah Farfalle Hoops | $45
Best jewelry line for any pasta lover!!
Tessier Pacific 3 Pack | $90
One of my favorite local wineries in West Berkeley! Their wines are unpretentious, approachable and affordable. Package includes their Femme Fatale, Gamay Noir and the Day Dreaming.
Vans/Hedley and Bennett Non Slip Shoe Collab | $85
The best gift for anyone working in a restaurant. These shoes repel liquid, dirt, and are built for individuals that are always on their feet!
Sam Bogue, Director of Beverage, Flour + Water Hospitality Group
Stylish Collins Glasses For All Occasions | $29.99 for a case of 12
I have long been a fan of this line of glassware from Acopa, hyper durable with fun design, these are perfect Collins glasses for your cocktail needs, or just to feel fancy with your morning cold brew. The price is right at nearly $2.5 a glass, and you'll find it a struggle to chip or break them.
Händlmaier's Sweet Bavarian Mustard | $14.95
This perfectly balanced sweet Bavarian mustard is a new staple in my pantry and has weaseled its way into so much of how I cook. It’s only recently available in the U.S, and it’s got the perfect balance of sweetness, tart vinegary bite, and subtle mustard spice. I use it in salad dressings and other sauces, but it’s also fantastic on its lonesome.
The Peeler Of Your Dreams | $14.99
All peelers are not created equal, and this serrated Buswell peeler proves this point. While sold as a bar tool specific to citrus, I've found this to have amazing use more broadly in the kitchen. When used on veggies the serrated blade creates fun nooks and crannies for seasoning to latch on to, crisping up with killer texture when roasted, a total workhorse.
Elliott Armstrong, Chef de Cuisine, Flour + Water Pizzeria
The Original Baking Steel® | $129
I really love the craftsmanship behind this product, and believe it’s the best home pizza tool on the market!
Kristina Farino, General Manager, Penny Roma
This is From Roy Chocolate Panettone | $102
A few years ago a chef friend introduced me to the best Panettone I've ever had! Being Italian-American, it's something I always grew up eating around the holidays, but honestly never really liked (lol) because so many brands are pretty mediocre and just okay. This one though, is truly the best!!!
Yaya Carreno, Assistant General Manager, Flour + Water and Penny Roma
Picnic Time Concerto Cheese Board & Tools | $94.95
I love hosting friends, and this cheese board is a lifesaver and must-have, especially with the addition of cheese labels to identify the different items you’re serving.
Colman Conner, Assistant Beverage Director, Flour + Water Hospitality Group
12-inch Kitchen Tweezer Tongs | $11.99
I’ve always loved tweezer tongs for my kitchen, I use them immensely more than regular tongs.