New Favorite Find: Kitchensurfing

One of my favorite finds of late is KITCHENSURFING Have you tried it? If you live in one of the cities they serve then you need to...stat!

The site provides an easy and affordable way to find and hire a private chef to come cook for your next party. It can be an intimate gathering for two, a small dinner party or a big bash. 

You can also have a chef come in and do a private cooking lesson for you and your pals. I have used the company and had a terrific experience. Talk about stress free entertaining! The chef does all of the shopping, food prep, serving and clean up.

Photos: Gourmet 

Gift Guide: For The Chef On Your List

CLINTON ST BAKING COMPANY is a favorite with New Yorkers and has some of the best pancakes in town. They have just published a new cookbook which would be the perfect gift for the chef on your list.

Any well stocked kitchen needs at least one MICROPLANE GRATER. At under $15, this would be a great stocking stuffer.

A MORTAR AND PESTLE from Le Creuset would be a guaranteed hit!

Assorted jams from SARABETH'S KITCHEN - their stuff rocks! 

An IMMERSION HAND BLENDER is key for soups, sauces, etc. (Santa - I don't have one of these by the way.)

While not super sexy, any good chef can never have too many half sheet pans. You can get a set HERE

The HERB SAVOR keeps fresh herbs in the fridge for 3 weeks - genius! 

For a splurge gift, a LE CREUSET Dutch Oven is the best gift. One of my best friends (thanks CWB) gave me one years ago and I use it all the time. All the time.

If you do not have these squeezers then it is time to upgrade. Really. Get one for yourself and the person on your list. Find them for lemons and limes HERE

And what meal is complete without a good bottle of wine? The CORK POPS bottle openers are reasonably priced and never ever fail to work.