Valentine’s Day is coming, what are you getting the Top Chef in your life? Chocolate is nice but let’s be honest, almost everyone is trying to cut the sugar. How about a thoughtful gift like a photo necklace? Here is our version of giving something sweet for Valentine’s Day minus the calories. Of course many of these have a design bent as well, form and function is always important!
For whatever reason chopping boards seem to be the last item home chefs replace. These dishwasher safe Index Chopping Boards (MOMA) are organized by food type.
My favorite fun kitchenware and dishware store in NYC, Fishs Eddy has great glass storage containers – now that we all know going retro is safer than going plastic and all sorts of other vintage inspired kitchen gadgets. 
Gourmet salts and Spice Rubs are the latest in food seasonings (Napa Style) will surely inspire the home chef. Full disclaimer, that toasted spice rub is addictively awesome. When I was in Napa last spring I picked up a can and oh my, what this does to meat, fish, or roasted veggies! 
Good ingredients make for great food. I swear by Dean & Deluca spices for flavor and quality, pick your own tins or go with one of their gift sets (spice rub set). In my own kitchen I’ve played around testing their ginger and a few others against the store bought versions, D&D’s is far superior every time. 
Keeping your clothes clean in the kitchen is a difficult task. I have half a dozen cute aprons but when I know I’m really going to work in the kitchen a chef’s coat is unbeatable. Bravo’s TOP CHEF has their own chef’s coat which would be perfect for your Top Chef.
Wait, I have to add one more… a gift certificate to a cooking class. Whether you have a great local spot or can spring for one of the classes of the cream of the crop, Boot Camps at The Culinary Institute of America, your Top Chef will surely appreciate this gift.
Happy Shopping!
