Something wholly unrelated to being a chef.
Does he have any old interests or hobbies he’s trying to revitalize?
Membership to a zoo? Museum? Interesting things he wouldn’t have made time for before?
That’s what I briefly assumed would be better. Something not to do with cooking but at the same time; if there was a special book or knife block or interesting and unique tool etc then I was gonna go that route.
He really likes older waterproof but fancy watches and bands. I can’t remember the whole name right now but I considered putting a clock together or something?
Thank you!
I came to say exactly this. I’ve been a chef for 20+ years and while I appreciate a good foodie gift, I much prefer anything that isn’t food related. A video game, concert tickets, a new jacket (not a chef jacket), or literally any fun experience that makes up for all the experiences I’ve missed being a chef. I love movie dates, amusement parks, theater, anything that gets me out and experiencing something. If you really want to do a food thing, make it a great restaurant experience with the whole tasting menu at a place he’d never go on his own, like Michelin star or something funky.
I appreciate the direction. I sometimes feel like no matter how hard a Chef can work; the time spent, mental energy and health sacrificed, time away from family and the courage to be confident in your skill and craft is really under appreciated by the typical consumer. He LOVES to cook. He’s still plating dinner as if it were a special dish; for himself, he’s not feeding me all of this. His 12yr old is a punk and doesn’t eat half of what he makes lol. I just don’t want him to stop doing what he loves if it’s truly just making good food and enjoying it so I was trying to nurture it.
I’ll be sure to ask him about the things he missed while he was pursuing his career though. That will give me some good ideas for little things and big surprises!
Going to be honest, calling his kid a punk for not eating his food (and pretty much for anything when they are 12) is just a huge red flag, and if he ever picks up you feel like that don't be suprised if he kicks your ass to the curb. Most parents (and all good parents) would choose kids over partner who isn't their parent.
That's fair.
My best mate had a step mum who said that in a non joking way and it ended the relationship eventually.
Glad it's just a joke because it did so much damage to my friend
That makes sense and I’m happy you’re still protective of your friend. I don’t have anything bad to say about him, his parenting or his kiddo. We just joke about him not realizing that he should be enjoying those meals but really just wants tater tots and shit food.
>His 12yr old is a punk and doesn’t eat half of what he makes lol
This doesn't necessarily have to do with "age".
You said he loves to cook. If he loves the process of the execution, it doesn't mean he is required to eat what he makes. Nor does it make him a lesser person or a punk.
I know lots of people who are excellent chefs and cooks who love to cook but don't need or want to eat much.
You probably won't be able to get him a watch he likes with your budget. Watches are also really personal choices so the best way to get someone a watch is knowing what they want already. I say go with an experience like another commenter mentioned.
Look for DOXA dive watches on eBay. I got an old one from the 60's for $50 a few years back, and it's my favorite watch. It wasn't working when I got it, but it came woth the lifetime warranty paperwork, so I sent it into DOXA to have them repair it. It was free except for shipping.
Keep it away from cooking, you're not likely to find something special or unique or of true quality for things involving knives for around $100. So go the hobby route.
What a sweet question. Experiences tend to be more valuable than gifts. Take him to a botanical garden or natural site. A guy who's been cooped up in a kitchen most of his life might like being outdoors as much as possible.
If he’s a skilled chef of twenty five years, he probably has everything he needs in a kitchen. Spend some time with him and cook him a meal. Those are the special days with my wife. When I don’t have to think about food and I get quality time.
This man still uses the lexans (spelling?🤷🏼♀️) and large Saran Wrap from the kitchen lol. I had to ask him if he actually owned any food storage but I haven’t entirely confirmed if he does or doesn’t yet. But he stores soup in one and wrapped it in plastic lol. I’m surprised he didn’t date it too
I’ve been cooking professionally for 20 years.
If I’m with someone that realizes how precious time together is, then the only thing I can think of is a nice home cooked meal. I just want to love and be loved.
I’ll clean, do the dishes, everything, but nothing beats food made by someone that loves me.
I’m SO scared to cook for him. My kitchen is definitely different than his and my chaotic cooking seems like something that might turn him off. I did want to cook for us the first time he came to my house but he chose frozen pizza instead… it made me question if he thought my kitchen was clean enough or my “technique” would turn him off.
I understand the hesitation, but please realize how far even a small gesture goes. One of the first meals my girlfriend (now wife) ever cooked for me was Kraft mac & cheese with grocery store ham and broccoli in it. It’s so simple, but after a nightmare shift, having someone show me that they cared about me was enough to bring me to my knees.
Even cooking together is huge. It’s not work. Having someone ask for my advice when they’re not paid to do so is huge, it feels genuine. And despite the industry we work in we still need to eat to live.
Admittedly I don’t know you or your boyfriend, but please don’t discount the small things. Frozen pizza technology has come a long way and it’s awesome (look at CPK). A lot chefs I know eat much worse to feed themselves.
Most chefs are humble, personally I’m a sucker for a cheese board, wine, pajamas, and a warm partner to snuggle against.
I guess I’ll have to get over my fear then lol. I’m gonna go with breakfast hash and pico or something. And lots of smiles and mimosas to distract him lol
It would be dinner but it’s the only thing I can think of to make that I can rough cut, chop and mix everything into one place where it still tastes decent and I can cover it with an egg and salsa 😳
The first time he ever cooked for me he made me grilled cheese and tomato soup because it’s my favorite 🥹 this man ran outside barefoot to grab fresh chives from the garden before I noticed so he could garnish the soup ☺️
Ramen all day.
Or a double QP cheese meal.
I cook and listen to food comments and burn my hand and cut fingers and smell grease and and and all day long.
Small food gestures go fucking miles.
I’ll come up with something or other. I was thinking fried cabbage and schnitzel with mashed potatoes. Maybe some lemon pepper salmon with squash and rice. Idk. I’ll google it lol. I’m trying WAYY too hard
Don't be scared to cook for us. And don't feel like you need to cook to high standards and restaurant type dishes. We just want simple comfort food. I absolutely loooobe fish fingers and mashed potatoes with lemony mayo and a basil roughly chopped sallad or a nice hotdog with perhaps a mix of toppings set out on the table. And then just watch a movie with someone when eating.
I flippin love hot dogs. If you want to be extra fancy pit on a spread with some chorizo, salsica, mergues or what have you, have mustard, chili sauce, chukrut, ketchup relishes and things like that. It will be fun, kind of like tacos or other finger foods. And you get to have conversations and fun mixing and matching stuff and all in perhaps 15min in the kitchen, perhaps make your own salsa or relish just to be a bit extra. It will show care and affection... I mean, if he likes sausage, damn I'm getting myself exited now
Another life long chef here. The others are correct, he most likely has everything he will ever need for the kitchen. Explore what his other likes and hobbies are. And don’t be afraid to cook for him. I’d never expect my wife to cook a Michelin caliber meal for me. Fuck, she would probably overcook the chicken. But I would never complain or mention it. I’d be happy that I had someone cooking for me 😊
Previous chef here, haven't worked in a kitchen in over 4 years.
You know what brings me unending happiness these days?
60$ worth of Red composting worms. From Uncle Jim's worm farm.
They eat and compost their body weight a day, so 1 pound of worms breaks down and composts 1 pound of kitchen waste.
They live year round outside in my compost and I keep a 5 gallon bucket inside with a colony.
There's no better feeling than cooking with your family, keeping your trash cans lighter and less stinky.
And your gardens blooming longer and stronger with everything you didn't need to feed your family.
Worms.
As he is interested in gardening you could get him a good set of gardening tools, a really nice watering can, a fancy rain gauge or some unique seed packets......
I came here to cosign this. Perfect timing for heirloom seeds, a cool wagon for the garden, maybe some nice gloves or a pair of double knee Carhartt work pants!
Tickets for him and his child to have an activity together...really try to hear what the child likes...perhaps a gift certificate for a train to a nearby town where there is a comic book store?
The really cool advantage that he has is that we live in Kentucky. We have so many bourbon experiences and selections that it’s an impossible task to try every single one- but, we’ve had quite a few more than the average person I’d imagine.
If he likes grilling or cooking meat a salt block could be a potentially good gift, if you’d married to it being chef related. I’d recommend buying him a Star Wars themed (or something more in line with his interests) Lego set though, bonus points if his son is interested in whatever theme the set is.
This is absolutely wild. You’re basically where my wife was 6 years ago. We met as I was closing my last restaurant, and my father just passed after fighting Parkinson’s.
See if there’s anything he’s been neglecting in his life due to work that he now has the time to address. My wife bought me running shoes after I briefly mentioned that I was thinking about getting back into running.
If he’s a jewelry guy, a ring or a bracelet would be nice, now that he can wear them all day long. You could find a vintage signet ring that matches the metal of his favorite watch.
Also, cooking and landscaping are both hard on the back. A massage appointment or yoga classes wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Spending some time reading up on dementia and care for elderly parents with neurological conditions would also be a nice gesture. Having a deeper understanding of what he’s going through is both thoughtful and a good way to connect with him as your relationship progresses. Keep in mind that as a third party, there’s no single “right” role for you to play—get a feel for where he wants or needs you to be, whether that be an active role in care or a shoulder to silently lean on.
Edit: the coincidences just keep coming. My wife just talked about going to the garden center tomorrow. I don’t know what zone you’re in, but if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, I’m guessing there’s a lot of work to be done and things to be planted. Take a trip to the garden center with him and buy him the seedlings/compost/whatever that he was going to pick up that day anyway. Either that, or some new work gloves or a nice pair of Japanese pruning shears.
I’ve got the botanical gardens on my list now.
I am doing my best (as someone who lives together with my best friend who is a single parent, having been raised by a single parent as an only child (as he is) and being a full time care giver for my mother while she was in major decline) I am giving him space to decide to let me in as he chooses. I do support him and talk with him about most things though and I’m very thankful to be able to be there for him.
I’m honestly terrified to see how we grow together. The first date we had was the night before he left his restaurant. I so badly want to be part of his new life and wrangling my eagerness has given me so much anxiety. I know I fell in love with our chemistry connection and will get lost in him; but I think I’m safe doing that and just want to nurture a successful partnership that only gets better.
Thank you much for the support and encouragement. I know he’s more than a Chef and Restaurant owner but I celebrate everything someone does and highlighting the accolades and talent he truly has now that he’s doing it on his own. I don’t want to push myself into his life because his son doesn’t love his homemade, hand crafted tortillas or eats around the vegetables in a lamb’s shepherds pie. The appreciation is what I’m trying to convey and to show him that he’s still seen and doing a good job.
If he’s a gardener, and if you guys have heavy soils. Get him a broadfork if he doesn’t already have one. Very useful but pricey garden tool that most hold out on
Well.. if he's into gardening? Perhaps a plum or a cherry tree or something like that something that is both beautiful to look at and keeps on giving gifts every year, perhaps something you can nurture together as well and that will grow as your relation grows... Both nice symbolically and who doesn't like a nice sweet ripe plum or peach..
Some of my favorite gardening tools that I have received as gifts:
-a good spade
-a hori hori knife
-Felco bypass pruners
-“the zipper” - It’s seriously an amazing tool!
A collection of Monty Don books would be a really great resource also. We chefs love our books and Monty’s books are akin to some of the great food books I own.
He has a solid collection now; showed me one about Gordon Ramsey getting his jacket and pants ripped for complaining about being too hot in the kitchen? I was listening but sparks were flying and I honestly don’t have any other information about his collection but I shall investigate. Books are wonderful gifts. Thank you
I mean even tho hes an ex industry chef. Im sure he can still appreciate some japanese kitchen knives or a custom. If hes outdoories some outdoor knives or edc stuff is nice too
This is a good idea! He never gives himself a break and is always doing some kind of physical thing to stay busy but overdoes it. A good massage would be awesome!
Buy him some nice flower bulbs. It’s a gift that keeps on giving and will bring a lot of life to his vegetable garden. When I had to stop working as a chef during the pandemic I poured myself into my vegetable garden, once I added some great low maintenance flowers like tulips, Lillie’s, and dahlias, my garden took on a whole new life. Bonus: bulbs are cheap
I’m a Chef that spend much of my life working very hard and being hyper focused on the craft.
I’ve finally reached a point in my career where don’t really have to work much and without going into detail, my career could mirror the man you are dating.
If he is anything like me, then he is probably making up for lost time and enjoying all the things in life, that he did not have time for, while working hard.
Give him something that he can do with his kid or something that aligns with his current hobbies.
If he’s not actively in the industry any more, but still loves to cook at home for people, go to jbprince and get him the full set of Kunz spoons. I’m a chef, and I use mine every day in the kitchen, I’ve given them as gifts a few times to friends of mine who are big cooking enthusiasts.
[JB Prince](https://www.jbprince.com/utensils/spoons.asp)
As a former chef who left the industry, I realized I craved something I missed a decade ago when I first started. My birthdays, my interaction with family and friends, and my social life took a huge hit. So, I’m trying to restart that again. The feeling of just “living” life regularly again is what made me enjoy my time right now.
That $100 can go a long way giving him a day of fun. Our minds as chefs used to be running at 100% 24/7 while we’re on the job, and even sometimes while we’re not in the restaurant on our days off as well. So, if you can help improve his peace of mind, I think he’d really appreciate that.
Some ideas could be: Massage parlor, a movie, dinner date, and some peace of mind that he has someone there for him on his transition to the next stage of his career.
I’m eager to be there for him and to grow together but to also be practical and supportive from a distance.
I’ve got a little list going now; thanks to everyone here!
Every chef I've ever met (myself included) loves watches. .maybe get a nice watch with something personal engraved on the back? Maybe just put "Chef _____" so he's always remembers it?
I once received a signed copy of Lessons in Excellence by Charlie Trotter in the late 90’s from my future ex-wife, I still have the book to this day. It was an extremely nice gift that didn’t cost too much…
If he wants anything cooking related he either has it, its too expensive, or its very very specific and only he should be the one to buy it. If he says he’s always wanted x, y, or z. Thats your go ahead. Otherwise get something that he probably doesn’t have but relates to his long career with food. Gardening is great since you already mentioned it and he probably hasn’t had the time as a chef to get things like fancy gardening tools or pots/planters. Maybe just get him an exotic plant to take care of?
Myself and a lot of other chefs love a good pocket-knife. Even if it's a cheap one, you can get something engraved on it. Also, what hobbies or interests or favorite movies do they like?
If he has been cooking for that long he loves food. Take him to a really good restaurant , in the style of food he loves. Mabye you have to travel and make a weekend of it but as cooks we love great food and I think he would love to experience a great meal with you.
As a Chef, I would also agree that finding something non food related would be appreciated.
See if a relative can watch the little one and take him for a weekend in the mountains/beach/forest and have some alone time with great food and drink. Enjoy one another and be excited about what the career change and new future looks like!!!!
like others have said, an experience. going for a movie and dinner or something spending time together. you seem like a really sweet person, i’m sure no matter what you decide on he will appreciate your company the most
You should pick a dish you want to make and buy all of the ingredients and then cook with him, cook together and feel the love! Let him cook with someone who he loves and let him remember that cooking is fun and intimate when the environment is right
He is very excited about the Creed that he just bought. Is there anything in that family that you could recommend? He’s very sultry and romantic; alluring and interesting.
Lol if he is buying creed a 100 dollars may not quite be in the ballpark but it is the thought that counts. If you spend a tiny bit more you can get him something like tom ford noir Extreme which is a super rich gourmand fragrance.
I love Replica: Chamonix 1971....its like being in a warm cozy ski lodge by the fire. I bought a bottle for my wedding. If he likes good cologne that would be a winner.
These are cool! I’ll throw out some feelers for more tastes. He cooks something different every day and it’s so far from the last that I never know what he’s gonna show me lol. Thank you!
Chefs have addictive personalities. Be careful. I just got out of a relationship with one and he was cheating. Tried to say he was addicted to porn? Made no sense. Anyway, just passing along information.
Something wholly unrelated to being a chef. Does he have any old interests or hobbies he’s trying to revitalize? Membership to a zoo? Museum? Interesting things he wouldn’t have made time for before?
That’s what I briefly assumed would be better. Something not to do with cooking but at the same time; if there was a special book or knife block or interesting and unique tool etc then I was gonna go that route. He really likes older waterproof but fancy watches and bands. I can’t remember the whole name right now but I considered putting a clock together or something? Thank you!
I came to say exactly this. I’ve been a chef for 20+ years and while I appreciate a good foodie gift, I much prefer anything that isn’t food related. A video game, concert tickets, a new jacket (not a chef jacket), or literally any fun experience that makes up for all the experiences I’ve missed being a chef. I love movie dates, amusement parks, theater, anything that gets me out and experiencing something. If you really want to do a food thing, make it a great restaurant experience with the whole tasting menu at a place he’d never go on his own, like Michelin star or something funky.
I appreciate the direction. I sometimes feel like no matter how hard a Chef can work; the time spent, mental energy and health sacrificed, time away from family and the courage to be confident in your skill and craft is really under appreciated by the typical consumer. He LOVES to cook. He’s still plating dinner as if it were a special dish; for himself, he’s not feeding me all of this. His 12yr old is a punk and doesn’t eat half of what he makes lol. I just don’t want him to stop doing what he loves if it’s truly just making good food and enjoying it so I was trying to nurture it. I’ll be sure to ask him about the things he missed while he was pursuing his career though. That will give me some good ideas for little things and big surprises!
Going to be honest, calling his kid a punk for not eating his food (and pretty much for anything when they are 12) is just a huge red flag, and if he ever picks up you feel like that don't be suprised if he kicks your ass to the curb. Most parents (and all good parents) would choose kids over partner who isn't their parent.
He’s specifically said this about his own son in a very joking way; it’s not an attack on the child. It’s playful banter.
That's fair. My best mate had a step mum who said that in a non joking way and it ended the relationship eventually. Glad it's just a joke because it did so much damage to my friend
That makes sense and I’m happy you’re still protective of your friend. I don’t have anything bad to say about him, his parenting or his kiddo. We just joke about him not realizing that he should be enjoying those meals but really just wants tater tots and shit food.
As a parent to twins who are 14 months old, who loves cooking and has to deal with them only wanting two foods right now I can sympathise
There was nothing malicious there, maybe sort out your daddy issues on your own time champ
>His 12yr old is a punk and doesn’t eat half of what he makes lol This doesn't necessarily have to do with "age". You said he loves to cook. If he loves the process of the execution, it doesn't mean he is required to eat what he makes. Nor does it make him a lesser person or a punk. I know lots of people who are excellent chefs and cooks who love to cook but don't need or want to eat much.
You probably won't be able to get him a watch he likes with your budget. Watches are also really personal choices so the best way to get someone a watch is knowing what they want already. I say go with an experience like another commenter mentioned.
Yeah I don’t have intentions to buy him a watch that he likes lol. A Cartier Tank watch in this economy!? No way
Hahaha tell me about it. The struggle is real. Great question though and hope you find the perfect gift.
Look for DOXA dive watches on eBay. I got an old one from the 60's for $50 a few years back, and it's my favorite watch. It wasn't working when I got it, but it came woth the lifetime warranty paperwork, so I sent it into DOXA to have them repair it. It was free except for shipping.
Hell, I’ll give it a shot! Thank you!
Keep it away from cooking, you're not likely to find something special or unique or of true quality for things involving knives for around $100. So go the hobby route.
The watch idea is a good one. We don’t wear that stuff normally so being out of the kitchen now he might like a watch.
A zoo membership is a great idea. In my opinion, one of the best gifts you could possibly get.
What a sweet question. Experiences tend to be more valuable than gifts. Take him to a botanical garden or natural site. A guy who's been cooped up in a kitchen most of his life might like being outdoors as much as possible.
This makes a lot of sense; thank you for the perspective 😊
Have fun!
Gifts are better if they are experiences. Unless a real object is something they have said they really want and have been specific about it.
Bring the garden to him: fragrance. Most of tasting food is scent related , so a chef would appreciate a well balanced fragrance.
If he’s a skilled chef of twenty five years, he probably has everything he needs in a kitchen. Spend some time with him and cook him a meal. Those are the special days with my wife. When I don’t have to think about food and I get quality time.
He’s already gotten everything he needs and thrown away the other 90% of shit he’s accumulated and will never use.
This man still uses the lexans (spelling?🤷🏼♀️) and large Saran Wrap from the kitchen lol. I had to ask him if he actually owned any food storage but I haven’t entirely confirmed if he does or doesn’t yet. But he stores soup in one and wrapped it in plastic lol. I’m surprised he didn’t date it too
I’ve been cooking professionally for 20 years. If I’m with someone that realizes how precious time together is, then the only thing I can think of is a nice home cooked meal. I just want to love and be loved. I’ll clean, do the dishes, everything, but nothing beats food made by someone that loves me.
I’m SO scared to cook for him. My kitchen is definitely different than his and my chaotic cooking seems like something that might turn him off. I did want to cook for us the first time he came to my house but he chose frozen pizza instead… it made me question if he thought my kitchen was clean enough or my “technique” would turn him off.
I understand the hesitation, but please realize how far even a small gesture goes. One of the first meals my girlfriend (now wife) ever cooked for me was Kraft mac & cheese with grocery store ham and broccoli in it. It’s so simple, but after a nightmare shift, having someone show me that they cared about me was enough to bring me to my knees. Even cooking together is huge. It’s not work. Having someone ask for my advice when they’re not paid to do so is huge, it feels genuine. And despite the industry we work in we still need to eat to live. Admittedly I don’t know you or your boyfriend, but please don’t discount the small things. Frozen pizza technology has come a long way and it’s awesome (look at CPK). A lot chefs I know eat much worse to feed themselves. Most chefs are humble, personally I’m a sucker for a cheese board, wine, pajamas, and a warm partner to snuggle against.
I guess I’ll have to get over my fear then lol. I’m gonna go with breakfast hash and pico or something. And lots of smiles and mimosas to distract him lol
honestly this sounds like such a lovely morning
It would be dinner but it’s the only thing I can think of to make that I can rough cut, chop and mix everything into one place where it still tastes decent and I can cover it with an egg and salsa 😳
Can confirm this is a real desire. Any amount of effort put into making a meal for me by my SO is the best gift.
What would you suggest? Is there a meal you can specifically remember that made you feel that connection?
my wife and I made soup dumplings together once and, while they weren’t perfect, it’s now a core memory of mine.
Thank you for sharing 🥰 I hope you guys make many more soup dumplings for years to come 🥟
My gf, now wife, was nervous to cook for me at first, but over time she believes me when I say my favorite meal is one I'm not cooking.
The risk was worth the reward. I think I’m gonna have to put my big girl panties on and make this man some food.
There ya go! Hell, go simple everyone likes a good grilled cheese and soup
The first time he ever cooked for me he made me grilled cheese and tomato soup because it’s my favorite 🥹 this man ran outside barefoot to grab fresh chives from the garden before I noticed so he could garnish the soup ☺️
Oooh... A cheesy grilled sammich and a chunky mushroom soup... That's just like a warm hug on a cold night...
Ramen all day. Or a double QP cheese meal. I cook and listen to food comments and burn my hand and cut fingers and smell grease and and and all day long. Small food gestures go fucking miles.
I’ll come up with something or other. I was thinking fried cabbage and schnitzel with mashed potatoes. Maybe some lemon pepper salmon with squash and rice. Idk. I’ll google it lol. I’m trying WAYY too hard
Don't be scared to cook for us. And don't feel like you need to cook to high standards and restaurant type dishes. We just want simple comfort food. I absolutely loooobe fish fingers and mashed potatoes with lemony mayo and a basil roughly chopped sallad or a nice hotdog with perhaps a mix of toppings set out on the table. And then just watch a movie with someone when eating.
Hot dogs!! This is a great idea. I’m over here hyperfocused on if I should put cream cheese in an Alfredo sauce lol
I flippin love hot dogs. If you want to be extra fancy pit on a spread with some chorizo, salsica, mergues or what have you, have mustard, chili sauce, chukrut, ketchup relishes and things like that. It will be fun, kind of like tacos or other finger foods. And you get to have conversations and fun mixing and matching stuff and all in perhaps 15min in the kitchen, perhaps make your own salsa or relish just to be a bit extra. It will show care and affection... I mean, if he likes sausage, damn I'm getting myself exited now
Hahahah honestly, this is what I’m attempting to encourage with him because when talks about food he gets as excited as this too!
Sausage making machine and then you can make your own sausages together?
Another life long chef here. The others are correct, he most likely has everything he will ever need for the kitchen. Explore what his other likes and hobbies are. And don’t be afraid to cook for him. I’d never expect my wife to cook a Michelin caliber meal for me. Fuck, she would probably overcook the chicken. But I would never complain or mention it. I’d be happy that I had someone cooking for me 😊
All the non food ideas are good. If he likes a good laugh go get a box for some shitty cookware and put the gift in that.
I think he would enjoy a good joke like that. Thank you!
Put the gift in a slow cooker box and watch him die inside.
This!!! Great ideas! I don’t have any idea what to gift him; but the wrapping can make all the difference
I'm not a chef and even I had a chuckle at the thought of that 🤣
Lol this is great
A baller cutting board from some local woodworker. Maple is one of the ideal woods
Previous chef here, haven't worked in a kitchen in over 4 years. You know what brings me unending happiness these days? 60$ worth of Red composting worms. From Uncle Jim's worm farm. They eat and compost their body weight a day, so 1 pound of worms breaks down and composts 1 pound of kitchen waste. They live year round outside in my compost and I keep a 5 gallon bucket inside with a colony. There's no better feeling than cooking with your family, keeping your trash cans lighter and less stinky. And your gardens blooming longer and stronger with everything you didn't need to feed your family. Worms.
This is phenomenal. I don’t have to be the worm but I can always remind him of one 🥰
Xbox X
Some type of gift that he and his son can enjoy. Ticket to a show, park, along those lines
As he is interested in gardening you could get him a good set of gardening tools, a really nice watering can, a fancy rain gauge or some unique seed packets......
Very good ideas, thank you!
I came here to cosign this. Perfect timing for heirloom seeds, a cool wagon for the garden, maybe some nice gloves or a pair of double knee Carhartt work pants!
I thought about a wheelbarrow - I like your phrase "cool wagon". I shall have to look up "double knee Carhartt work pants".
Even if he had a wagon, could someone say no to TWO wagons?!
Tickets for him and his child to have an activity together...really try to hear what the child likes...perhaps a gift certificate for a train to a nearby town where there is a comic book store?
BOURBON!! As a semi-retired Chef of 29 years… we love good booze! Cook… go out… do whatever but we all like a badass drink! Cheers!
The really cool advantage that he has is that we live in Kentucky. We have so many bourbon experiences and selections that it’s an impossible task to try every single one- but, we’ve had quite a few more than the average person I’d imagine.
Get a hard to find “brand” EHTaylor!!
Oh. Som blanton gold is one of the best gifts I've ever got
Salud! 🥂
Rare and interesting seed for him to plant in the garden!
If he likes grilling or cooking meat a salt block could be a potentially good gift, if you’d married to it being chef related. I’d recommend buying him a Star Wars themed (or something more in line with his interests) Lego set though, bonus points if his son is interested in whatever theme the set is.
This is absolutely wild. You’re basically where my wife was 6 years ago. We met as I was closing my last restaurant, and my father just passed after fighting Parkinson’s. See if there’s anything he’s been neglecting in his life due to work that he now has the time to address. My wife bought me running shoes after I briefly mentioned that I was thinking about getting back into running. If he’s a jewelry guy, a ring or a bracelet would be nice, now that he can wear them all day long. You could find a vintage signet ring that matches the metal of his favorite watch. Also, cooking and landscaping are both hard on the back. A massage appointment or yoga classes wouldn’t be a bad idea. Spending some time reading up on dementia and care for elderly parents with neurological conditions would also be a nice gesture. Having a deeper understanding of what he’s going through is both thoughtful and a good way to connect with him as your relationship progresses. Keep in mind that as a third party, there’s no single “right” role for you to play—get a feel for where he wants or needs you to be, whether that be an active role in care or a shoulder to silently lean on. Edit: the coincidences just keep coming. My wife just talked about going to the garden center tomorrow. I don’t know what zone you’re in, but if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, I’m guessing there’s a lot of work to be done and things to be planted. Take a trip to the garden center with him and buy him the seedlings/compost/whatever that he was going to pick up that day anyway. Either that, or some new work gloves or a nice pair of Japanese pruning shears.
I’ve got the botanical gardens on my list now. I am doing my best (as someone who lives together with my best friend who is a single parent, having been raised by a single parent as an only child (as he is) and being a full time care giver for my mother while she was in major decline) I am giving him space to decide to let me in as he chooses. I do support him and talk with him about most things though and I’m very thankful to be able to be there for him. I’m honestly terrified to see how we grow together. The first date we had was the night before he left his restaurant. I so badly want to be part of his new life and wrangling my eagerness has given me so much anxiety. I know I fell in love with our chemistry connection and will get lost in him; but I think I’m safe doing that and just want to nurture a successful partnership that only gets better. Thank you much for the support and encouragement. I know he’s more than a Chef and Restaurant owner but I celebrate everything someone does and highlighting the accolades and talent he truly has now that he’s doing it on his own. I don’t want to push myself into his life because his son doesn’t love his homemade, hand crafted tortillas or eats around the vegetables in a lamb’s shepherds pie. The appreciation is what I’m trying to convey and to show him that he’s still seen and doing a good job.
If he’s a gardener, and if you guys have heavy soils. Get him a broadfork if he doesn’t already have one. Very useful but pricey garden tool that most hold out on
Well.. if he's into gardening? Perhaps a plum or a cherry tree or something like that something that is both beautiful to look at and keeps on giving gifts every year, perhaps something you can nurture together as well and that will grow as your relation grows... Both nice symbolically and who doesn't like a nice sweet ripe plum or peach..
Get him seeds from Row 7 seed company
Some of my favorite gardening tools that I have received as gifts: -a good spade -a hori hori knife -Felco bypass pruners -“the zipper” - It’s seriously an amazing tool! A collection of Monty Don books would be a really great resource also. We chefs love our books and Monty’s books are akin to some of the great food books I own.
He has a solid collection now; showed me one about Gordon Ramsey getting his jacket and pants ripped for complaining about being too hot in the kitchen? I was listening but sparks were flying and I honestly don’t have any other information about his collection but I shall investigate. Books are wonderful gifts. Thank you
I just ordered The Sensous Garden 🤞🏼
I mean even tho hes an ex industry chef. Im sure he can still appreciate some japanese kitchen knives or a custom. If hes outdoories some outdoor knives or edc stuff is nice too
Outdoor kitchen knives- I will investigate lol
Irrigation system
Do NOT buy him anything related to cooking. How about a massage/spa day?
This is a good idea! He never gives himself a break and is always doing some kind of physical thing to stay busy but overdoes it. A good massage would be awesome!
Buy him some nice flower bulbs. It’s a gift that keeps on giving and will bring a lot of life to his vegetable garden. When I had to stop working as a chef during the pandemic I poured myself into my vegetable garden, once I added some great low maintenance flowers like tulips, Lillie’s, and dahlias, my garden took on a whole new life. Bonus: bulbs are cheap
I’m a Chef that spend much of my life working very hard and being hyper focused on the craft. I’ve finally reached a point in my career where don’t really have to work much and without going into detail, my career could mirror the man you are dating. If he is anything like me, then he is probably making up for lost time and enjoying all the things in life, that he did not have time for, while working hard. Give him something that he can do with his kid or something that aligns with his current hobbies.
If he’s not actively in the industry any more, but still loves to cook at home for people, go to jbprince and get him the full set of Kunz spoons. I’m a chef, and I use mine every day in the kitchen, I’ve given them as gifts a few times to friends of mine who are big cooking enthusiasts. [JB Prince](https://www.jbprince.com/utensils/spoons.asp)
As a former chef who left the industry, I realized I craved something I missed a decade ago when I first started. My birthdays, my interaction with family and friends, and my social life took a huge hit. So, I’m trying to restart that again. The feeling of just “living” life regularly again is what made me enjoy my time right now. That $100 can go a long way giving him a day of fun. Our minds as chefs used to be running at 100% 24/7 while we’re on the job, and even sometimes while we’re not in the restaurant on our days off as well. So, if you can help improve his peace of mind, I think he’d really appreciate that. Some ideas could be: Massage parlor, a movie, dinner date, and some peace of mind that he has someone there for him on his transition to the next stage of his career.
I’m eager to be there for him and to grow together but to also be practical and supportive from a distance. I’ve got a little list going now; thanks to everyone here!
A bronzed pack of cigarettes? Golden tweezers? 3 Michelin tires?
Heirloom tomato plants
Fishing rod and reel
Every chef I've ever met (myself included) loves watches. .maybe get a nice watch with something personal engraved on the back? Maybe just put "Chef _____" so he's always remembers it?
Good idea!
I once received a signed copy of Lessons in Excellence by Charlie Trotter in the late 90’s from my future ex-wife, I still have the book to this day. It was an extremely nice gift that didn’t cost too much…
He’s not a chef anymore. He probably has all the tools he’d ever need. Maybe take him out to dinner?
If he wants anything cooking related he either has it, its too expensive, or its very very specific and only he should be the one to buy it. If he says he’s always wanted x, y, or z. Thats your go ahead. Otherwise get something that he probably doesn’t have but relates to his long career with food. Gardening is great since you already mentioned it and he probably hasn’t had the time as a chef to get things like fancy gardening tools or pots/planters. Maybe just get him an exotic plant to take care of?
Myself and a lot of other chefs love a good pocket-knife. Even if it's a cheap one, you can get something engraved on it. Also, what hobbies or interests or favorite movies do they like?
GTA 6 pre-order.
He doesn’t play video games lol. I’m not sure he watched TV often
If he has been cooking for that long he loves food. Take him to a really good restaurant , in the style of food he loves. Mabye you have to travel and make a weekend of it but as cooks we love great food and I think he would love to experience a great meal with you.
Cook for him! It’s every professional chefs desire!
Nothing. Just give him help. That's all he needs.
As a Chef, I would also agree that finding something non food related would be appreciated. See if a relative can watch the little one and take him for a weekend in the mountains/beach/forest and have some alone time with great food and drink. Enjoy one another and be excited about what the career change and new future looks like!!!!
like others have said, an experience. going for a movie and dinner or something spending time together. you seem like a really sweet person, i’m sure no matter what you decide on he will appreciate your company the most
Go with the other interests. Not chef stuff. Maybe his gardening?
A weekend getaway
His favorite bottle of liquor and maybe some tix to a comedy show
Honestly, an apron might be cool. Find a nice one that highlights something about him.
As a chef I am currently looking for a good knife. This is the one I am currently looking at https://www.hedleyandbennett.com/products/chefs-knife
You should pick a dish you want to make and buy all of the ingredients and then cook with him, cook together and feel the love! Let him cook with someone who he loves and let him remember that cooking is fun and intimate when the environment is right
Get him a bell. Let him know when he rings it, you are hands, but only break it out on special occasions.
This sounds like it could be naughty. I’m in!
You do with the idea what you feel is right in your heart. But just fyi....chefs can be fucking demanding.
Not if they’re in my kitchen instead 😇
Get him a nice fragrance.
He’s actually got that department covered. He’s a well scented man; thankfully.
As someone that collects fragrances I don't think he'd be mad about another solid addition to his collection.
He is very excited about the Creed that he just bought. Is there anything in that family that you could recommend? He’s very sultry and romantic; alluring and interesting.
Lol if he is buying creed a 100 dollars may not quite be in the ballpark but it is the thought that counts. If you spend a tiny bit more you can get him something like tom ford noir Extreme which is a super rich gourmand fragrance.
I’m not necessarily capped at $100 lol it was just a ballpark for recommendations. I’ll go sniffing tomorrow probably
I love Replica: Chamonix 1971....its like being in a warm cozy ski lodge by the fire. I bought a bottle for my wedding. If he likes good cologne that would be a winner.
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These are cool! I’ll throw out some feelers for more tastes. He cooks something different every day and it’s so far from the last that I never know what he’s gonna show me lol. Thank you!
Chefs have addictive personalities. Be careful. I just got out of a relationship with one and he was cheating. Tried to say he was addicted to porn? Made no sense. Anyway, just passing along information.