The Best Thing I Bought This Year
From Iberian ham chips to the perfect dining chair.
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The Deligram shines a spotlight on the many incredible food artisans in New York–and beyond–with a little help from our friends, of course. In lieu of a gift guide, we asked a few of our friends to share the single best item they purchased this year with their hard-earned cash. Without further ado:
Chris Crawford, Chef and Founder of TART Vinegar
The Buy: Antonio Mattei Almond biscotti
“I bought a few bags of this biscotti at Formaggio Essex a few weeks ago to send as gifts, ended up eating an entire bag while working, and now it’s my favorite treat. I don’t like super sweet things so these are my dream snack.”
Armando Cabral, Model and Founder of Footwear Brand Armando Cabral
The Buy: My Last Supper by Melanie Dunea
“In this book, written by Melanie Dunea with an introduction by Anthony Bourdain, 50 chefs from around the world are interviewed about what their final meals would be like. I was telling a friend of mine–the owner of Dune Studios, who cooks a lot–how much I loved cooking for friends, and he recommended this book to me. I love it because it’s really centered around the main purpose of food for me: gathering and friendship. The book is fantastic; not only is it beautiful and a super interesting cast, but it also gives practical advice with each “last supper” package, from menu to what wines to serve, playlists to plan etc. I recreated one of them the last time I was home in Portugal and it was very successful!”
Natasha Pickowicz, Pastry Chef and Author of More Than Cake
The Buy: E. Dehillerin’s Round Fluted Cutters
“Way back in January I impulsively bought a ticket to Paris—of course a visit to E. Dehillerin was mandatory. I can’t afford their signature copper cookware but I wanted a durable souvenir—and this nesting set of fluted polyglass cutters immediately sang out to me. It was less than 20 euro and I use it for everything—linzer cookies, buttery sables, and fresh sheets of pasta.”
Shilpa Uskokovic, Food Editor at Bon Appétit Magazine
The Buy: Gubi Beetle Dining Chair
“We recently converted our living room into a full-fledged dining room and never have I been happier with a decision. What no one told me however is how hard it is to find decent dining chairs. Something that sits perfectly between good looking, comfortable, and somewhat affordable. After months of research, I finally settled on the Gubi Beetle chairs and wow, I’m so happy. Generously proportioned and gently curved, they’re supportive in all the right places. Guests have sat through 5-hour dinners with no complaint. It doubles as my WFH chair with nary a twinge in the butt. It’s light enough to move easily whilst cleaning under the table. The simple shape is an instant classic, at home amongst many different design styles. A little bit retro, a little bit modern. A true unicorn of a dining chair.”
Asia Grant, Founder of Redoux
The Buy: Torres Iberian Ham chips
“Hand down, the best thing I’ve bought with my own money this year is Torres Iberian Ham chips, paired with a wedge of vegan Brie cheese from Riverdel at Essex Market. Delicious!”
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An enthusiastic selection of stories about food makers, founded by Anna Polonsky from Polonsky & Friends and Teddy Wolff. Edited by Sarah Leon.
Photos courtesy of the subjects/brands.