Wish List: Gifts for the Gourmand

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Tony Maws

Wooden Cutting Board

John Boos & Co.’s chopping block not only looks sharp on a kitchen counter, it’s also easier on knives than plastic boards, says the Craigie on Main chef, who recently gave one to his wife. “She uses it all the time—actually, we both do,” he says.

$204, Kitchen Outfitters.

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Jamie Bissonnette

Mortar and Pestle

Nothing beats a warming winter meal made with just-crushed spices. That’s why the Little Donkey chef loves wrapping up this old-school mortar-and-pestle set from Wade Ceramics, the perfect tool for grinding peppercorns and cloves at home.

$50, Boston General Store.

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Garrett Harker

Shellfish Knife Collection

Leave it to Row 34’s co-owner to dream up the ideal gift for bivalve fans: a shucking set from Ayer’s R. Murphy Knives. “Bring home oysters and clams, invite the recipient over, and sit back while they shuck to their heart’s content,” Harker says.

$145, Boston General Store.

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Jody Adams

Tray Table

Posh breakfast in bed? Elegant TV dinner? It’s possible with this cheerful tray, made in Boston by PilgrimWaters. “It’s not a book, a tie, or a silk scarf…the easy presents,” says the Porto chef. “It would be completely unexpected.”

Tray, $250, and stand, $330, both PilgrimWaters.

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Tiffani Faison

Chips and Caviar

Faison has been known to arrive at parties toting two top-shelf tins: one filled with osetra caviar, and the other with Spanish olive oil chips. Lay’s will also work in a pinch, the Sweet Cheeks chef says.

Caviar, starting at $82, Petrossian; chips, $28 per tin, Formaggio.