While in Europe I think it makes sense to collect a few European kitchen products to make cooking more enjoyable. Indeed one of my first set of purchases when I arrived was kitchen related: new utensils, new cutting boards, new knives etc. Most of these items will stay here when I leave but some will return with me.
Two items I am thinking of picking up to bring bath me are a Bialetti Moka and a set of Henckels knives. About the Bialetti: I am not a big coffee drinker; when I drink coffee I usually only want a single cup. Of course, I would get a 3-cup version, primarily driven by consideration for a possible future wife. For some reason the idea of waking up, having a cup of delicious coffee while I read the Journal and she reads, I don’t know, the Globe (or a book or something) is very appealing to me.
About the Henckels: when I arrived I bought a six-piece set of Five Star knives. They are brilliant, yes, but they are not my dream knives. My dream knives are Henckels Professional ‘S’ knives, with their classic three-rivet design. The largest challenge I face is in deciding which block to start with. The 7-piece block can be had for a very reasonable price; the 10-piece is twice as much but is reasonably complete.
And then there’s the question of steak knives…
We need to talk about you getting me a set of Henckel knives while you’re over there.
Re: Coffee. Don’t forget about the party hosting scenario where a bunch of people might want some. Going with a slightly larger machine is not a bad idea.
Party hosting scenario would involve my Tim Horton’s branded drip coffee maker.
Tim Horton’s is for waking you up at six in the morning or keeping you going at 2AM. You’re a better host than to offer your party guests anything less than something that comes out of a dedicated three cup machine imported from the Mediterranean.