The Best Thing I Bought This Year

From a spiral ham to the perfect vessel for a one-pot meal.

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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:

Carlos Quirarte, Co-Founder of Authentic Hospitality 

The Buy: Fanestil Meats’ Spiral Sliced Bourbon Pecan Ham

“I bought one after ordering many many hams in my quest to find the best one. This is–hands down–the best. It is tasty, sweet and savory, and the spiral cut makes it so easy to serve. Now, I serve it systematically for every single holiday event!”

Tarajia Morrell, Writer, Author of SAVOR, A Chef’s Hunger For More, and Communications Director of Troutbeck

The Buy: Grove + Vine Olive Oil

“The one I got at the start of the year is no longer available, as they are all such limited runs, but I firmly stand by any of the ‘Coleman Collection.’ I initially bought it because I loved the notion of founder Nicholas Coleman chasing the freshest olive harvests around the globe and, in doing so, finding new, smaller producers, who are passionate about their unique fruit in a deeply personal way. Each bottle comes with a little soliloquy describing the singular liquid within, which appeals to my literary sensibilities. Every drop makes even the simplest things — hummus on toast, a bowl of lentils, some leftovers — sing. I get them a few times a year.”

Eric Tran, Chef and Owner of Falansai

The Buy: 5 Quart Staub Enameled Cast Iron Deep Oven

“This Stuab cast iron pot is one of my favorite, and most used, items in my home kitchen. It is always on the stove and full of some type of soup or stew. Also, a one-pot meal is fun, has low maintenance clean up, and always leaves leftovers.”

Marc Azoulay, Studio Director for JR and Co-Founder of Hayom

The Buy: Joan Nathan's King Salomon's Table

“I’ve always been fascinated by the diversity and history of Jewish culinary traditions, and I really enjoy trying new recipes when hosting Friday night diners. I got to know Joan Nathan’s son pretty well over the years here in NY, and to learn that his mom is the ultimate reference in terms of Jewish cooking. I now buy and love all her books ! I love this collection of recipes and their origins– and the one I’ve made the most is also one of the most basic: baking a beautiful challah with the help of my two- and three-year-old children.”

Ellia Park, Co-Founder of Na:Eun Hospitality 

The Buy: Ratio Eight Coffee Maker Set

“JP and I both love to start our days with coffee–and our favorite is a clean, fresh drip. We use this machine to help us kick start our day!”

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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.