[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|300||on|||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the first day of Fall and you know what that means: we\u2019re breaking out our coziest sweater, grabbing our favorite pumpkin-infused hot beverage and decorating our homes to celebrate the new season.<\/p>\n
What are we reaching for this year? Our warm-hued, autumnal-inspired Harvest collection<\/a>!<\/p>\n From decorative leaf patterned plates and rattan placemats to pumpkin d\u00e9cor galore, this collection has everything you need to make your home a cozy gathering place for friends and family.<\/p>\n To help you get inspired, we teamed up with Jacquelyn from Beijos Events to throw a harvest-inspired dinner party that\u2019s as gorgeous as it is welcoming.<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Guest Contributor<\/strong>: Jacquelyn Kazas, Owner\/Creative Director<\/em> at Beijos Events<\/a><\/p>\n Happy first day of Fall!<\/p>\n I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for this season. I must say, it’s one of my favorites! The colors, the coziness, the food! It all makes me so happy and so excited that it is finally here.<\/p>\n Our friends at Sur La Table have the perfect Harvest collection<\/a> for all of your Fall festivities. It has rich warm colors and pretty, watercolor Fall leaves along with some adorable specialty serve ware. I had fun putting this prettiness together with a few of the Harvest collection pieces along with their core collection of rattan and olive wood.<\/p>\n Together we made this pretty and I’m excited to share these stunning photos along with a few tips and tricks to creating the perfect Fall atmosphere and party at home!<\/p>\n Photos by the talented\u00a0Alison Bernier<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you know anything about my love for hosting, you know I love the details! For me a stunning invite is everything. It’s such a great way to set the tone for your event and when they are as pretty as this one by\u00a0Pirouette Paper<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0you can’t go wrong! Fall colors shine along with touches of rattan (can you even with that envelope liner?!) and rich velvet ribbon make for one showstopper of an invitation!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/learn.surlatable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Invitation-2.jpeg” title_text=”Invitation 2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/learn.surlatable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Invitation-1.jpeg” title_text=”Invitation 1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I normally love to host outside, but with Fall approaching I thought it was appropriate to bring guests inside by the fireplace for a cozy night.<\/p>\n Inspired by Sur La Table’s beautiful Harvest collection, we used all of those Fall colors you know and love. Rich hues of orange, tan, yellow, and rust made for the most stunning floral arrangements. As much as I love details, I love florals just as much!<\/p>\n It’s so fun to add them to a table because it truly completes it all, and when you can go crazy like we did for this one it’s even better. Did you see that amazing installation on the fireplace by\u00a0Not Just in Novels<\/strong><\/a>? She does amazing work, and I was honored to have her be a part of this one!<\/p>\n Something I like to do season after season is incorporate fruits or vegetables to my table. It adds texture, color and personality to your event. Plus, it’s very on theme for a harvest collection!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/learn.surlatable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Creative-Decor-4.jpeg” title_text=”Creative Decor 4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/learn.surlatable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Creative-Decor-3.jpeg” title_text=”Creative Decor 3″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n More on this stunning tableware that inspired it all: the Harvest collection from Sur La Table.<\/p>\n The gorgeous details on the plates of watercolor Fall foliage paired with the chocolate-hued gingham napkins and lovely rattan pieces is perfection. I also used Sur La Table’s pretty, gold flatware<\/a> along with their wine glasses<\/a>. It’s always great to have a few staples that you can interchange with more specialty pieces.<\/strong> I love how that pop of Fall is seen with the plates and the napkins, but you can interchange the rest of the tableware season after season.<\/p>\n It’s all placed on\u00a0Sweet Salvage Rentals<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0gorgeous white wood table and paired with their rattan chairs.<\/p>\n Love it all!\u00a0<\/p>\n There’s more of those stunning florals! Are you as in love as I am?! Absolutely gorgeous!!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/learn.surlatable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Supplement-1.jpeg” title_text=”Supplement 1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/learn.surlatable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Supplement-2.jpeg” title_text=”Supplement 2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Another fun detail I added to the table from Sur La Table was these pretty glass pumpkins, also from Sur La Table! They are the perfect decor addition to your home for Fall, you can use them through-out your home not just on your table.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/learn.surlatable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Details-2.jpeg” title_text=”Details 2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/learn.surlatable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Details-1-1.jpeg” title_text=”Details 1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n With every good dinner party, there’s a cocktail<\/a>!\u00a0Colette’s Catering<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0brought these delish Autumn Sidecars – the perfect treat to start the evening!<\/p>\n And the perfect sign from\u00a0Pirouette Paper<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0to showcase it!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/learn.surlatable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Cocktail-1.jpeg” title_text=”Cocktail 1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/learn.surlatable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Cocktail-2.jpeg” title_text=”Cocktail 2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n (For inspiration for your own feast, check out our library of recipes<\/a>!)<\/p>\n Let’s get to the good stuff, the food!<\/p>\n When I think of Sur La Table I think of all the yummy! When I saw they had these adorable pumpkin bowls I knew they had to be part of this spread. My favorite food is soup, and butternut squash<\/a> is one of my favorites! Colette’s Catering<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0served up this deliciousness and my mouth just about watered! How sweet is that dish towel from Sur La Table as well? Great for Fall kitchen decor!<\/p>\n And they are even prettier on the table!! That’s a place setting I want to see when I enter a dinner party!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/learn.surlatable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Food-2.jpeg” title_text=”Food 2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/learn.surlatable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Food-1.jpeg” title_text=”Food 1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Time to add an outstanding Fall salad full of the best harvest has to offer. Placed in a classic olive wood bowl from Sur La Table. And there you have the perfect start to our dinner. But there is much more to come…<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/learn.surlatable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Food-3.jpeg” title_text=”Food 3″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”95%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Onto the main dishes…\u00a0<\/span>Colette’s Catering<\/b><\/a> truly spoiled us with so many yummy dishes! What you see here is a pistachio-crusted lamb loin with fresh herbs, couscous, golden raisins, apricot and a cherry demi – FANCY!!!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Next up is a seared scallop with a cauliflower puree, brussel sprouts two ways, pickled raisin and mustard seed and crushed hazelnut with a lime brown butter sauce… Ok, my mouth is definitely watering!!<\/span><\/p>\n I don’t know what’s prettier, the dishes plated or on Sur La Table’s amazing olivewood platters!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/learn.surlatable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Food-4.jpeg” title_text=”Food 4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/learn.surlatable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Food-5.jpeg” title_text=”Food 5″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/learn.surlatable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Food-6.jpeg” title_text=”Food 6″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/learn.surlatable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Food-7.jpeg” title_text=”Food 7″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You didn’t think I’d forget dessert, did you?! Never!!! I had to utilize this beautiful leaf platter from Sur La Table<\/a> along with their Harvest collection small plates<\/a> to showcase these scrumptious mini pies! Nothing says Fall like pumpkin pie<\/a>, and we have that plus apple<\/a> and pecan<\/a>! Delish!!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/learn.surlatable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Dessert-1.jpeg” title_text=”Dessert 1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/learn.surlatable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Dessert-2.jpeg” title_text=”Dessert 2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Hopefully, we have you ready to go for your next hosting event, as we gear up for the holidays it’s time to prep and we are here for all of the pretty tables and hosting inspiration you need! Cheers to that!<\/span><\/p>\n xx,<\/span><\/p>\n Jacquelyn<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" ‘Tis the season of gathering, giving thanks and all things pumpkin.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":6859,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" [et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.17.6\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.17.6\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.17.6\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.18.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_font=\"|300||on|||||\" header_text_color=\"#000000\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<\/p> If you haven\u2019t already fallen head over handle for the new, absolutely stunning Cumulus knife set from renowned bladesmith Bob Kramer<\/a>, here\u2019s your sign to head to our site and ogle at the gorgeous Damascus blades and ivory-like handles.<\/p> To celebrate the launch, we sat down with Bob to learn a little more about his passion for knife making, his favorite thing about the Cumulus set and his 5 most important tips for choosing a knife.<\/p> Oh, and of course, we had<\/em> to ask about that time he smoked salmon on a piece of meteorite with Anthony Bourdain.<\/p> \u00a0<\/strong><\/p> It\u2019s nice to meet you, Bob! I\u2019m relatively new to Sur la Table but I\u2019ve been hearing about your knives since day one. I\u2019ve spent some time on your \u201cAbout Me\u201d page and combing through old interviews, but, for the sake of interview tradition, can you give me a quick little overview of how you got into knife making?<\/strong><\/p> I was working at the Four Seasons, going to [community] college, and I was essentially working full time and carrying a full load at school. <\/em><\/p> And I just realized that if I worked this hard on my own business, perhaps I\u2019d be successful. So, I quit school and started a knife sharpening business, and I sharpened knives all around Seattle for about five years. And then, I wanted something more. So, I decided I was gonna learn to make knives. <\/em><\/p> \u00a0<\/strong><\/p> What was it about knives that made you want to do this as a career?<\/strong><\/p> When you cook, especially when you cook banquets for a big hotel, it can take several days of work just to bring the banquet together\u2026 it can be very time-consuming. And then the party comes in and all the food is consumed, and you begin all over again.<\/em><\/p> And there was something about that that was not that satisfying. When I took a knife-making class, I\u2019m still working with fire\u2014I\u2019m working with steel, with hammers\u2014but I\u2019m making a tool that might take the same amount of time, might take 3 days to make that knife but I have that knife for the rest of my life. And I get to use that knife over and over and over again.<\/em><\/p> For me, I kind of perceive it like a battery: it\u2019s a concentration of energy that doesn\u2019t dissipate. I can put all that energy into a meal and hopefully, that makes the memory or experience, but that\u2019s quite ethereal compared to a tool. <\/em><\/p> \u00a0<\/strong><\/p> In the \u201cAbout\u201d section of your website, you mention the 1998 profile in Saveur Magazine as a major milestone \u2013 can you tell me more about that? Did you expect the kind of reaction that the piece drummed up?<\/strong><\/p> No, I was clueless. <\/em><\/p> It was a local tabloid newspaper, the guy used to write for that newspaper. So, when he came into my store, he was picking up his sharpening and I recognized his name on his check. He said to me, \u201cI\u2019d like to do an interview,\u201d and I said, \u201cOkay, let\u2019s do it.\u201d But we never talked about where that was gonna go, like what that interview was going to be for. <\/em><\/p> I just wanted publicity, I\u2019d take anything you know, I\u2019d write my name on the bathroom wall and \u201cknife sharpener\u201d and put my number there. That was fine, I\u2019ll take it. <\/em><\/p> It was fairly in-depth\u2014three days of 2-hour interviews\u2014and they sent in a photographer who stayed for the whole day. So, I knew it was gonna be substantial. But I didn\u2019t know what Saveur was, so I had to go buy one to really get a sense for the magazine. <\/em><\/p> Then, my wife and I were having breakfast and I said to her, \u201cI think this article is going to be kind of big,\u201d and she asked, \u201cwell how many knives do you think you\u2019ll sell?\u201d <\/em><\/p> And I said \u201cTwenty.\u201d And it was huge.<\/em><\/p> How off base was that \u2018twenty?\u2019<\/strong><\/p> Hmm, probably a factor of 20. <\/em><\/p> Oh wow. Definitely very different. How long had you been in business at that point?<\/strong><\/p> Well, that was \u201998 and I actually started my knife sharpening business in \u201986. <\/em><\/p> So about 12 years? <\/strong><\/p> Yeah, so 5-6 years of sharpening and then 5 years of making knives and sharpening knives. <\/em><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> One of the more positive outcomes we\u2019ve seen from the pandemic is a huge uptick in home cooking \u2013 you know, as people were stuck at home, a lot of them turned to cooking as a creative outlet and have held on to that and continue to cook at home and explore recipes. They\u2019ve also grown more interested in developing skills and investing in quality tools to help make them better cooks. <\/strong><\/p> So, let\u2019s say someone is looking to invest in better knives but really doesn\u2019t know how to choose or what to look for \u2013 what would you say are the 5 most important things to look for in a knife\/knives?<\/strong><\/p> Go with a reputable company<\/strong>. <\/em>If you don\u2019t know anything about knives, you could be making the mistake by buying an inexpensive knife from a company you don\u2019t know. It could turn out to be a tool that doesn\u2019t serve you well in the long term.<\/em><\/p> Handle the knife if you can<\/strong>. <\/em>Go into a store [like Sur la Table] so you can actually hold the knife and make sure it\u2019s comfortable for you.<\/em><\/p> Make sure it fits your lifestyle<\/strong>. <\/em>In other words, don\u2019t buy a carbon steel blade if you tend to leave things in the sink or don\u2019t clean your knives off when you\u2019re using them\u2014that\u2019s not the tool for you. Go for a stainless steel blade.<\/em><\/p> No need to buy a knife that you may only use once a year, like a butcher\u2019s knife<\/strong>. <\/em>The first knife you should get is a chef\u2019s knife or utility knife, because with that [chef\u2019s knife], if it suits you, then you can use that for almost everything. <\/em>And make sure you get a chef\u2019s knife that\u2019s not too big\u2014we see all these cooking programs and we see all these cooks using a 10\u201d chef\u2019s knife and it\u2019s not for everybody. I mean, it\u2019s a lot of knife to drive and there\u2019s really nothing wrong with using a 6\u201d chef\u2019s knife, especially if you\u2019re just cooking for yourself. If that knife feels comfortable for you, that\u2019s the knife you should buy.<\/em><\/p> If you buy a knife that\u2019s too big for you, you just won\u2019t pick it up. It\u2019ll feel dangerous, you\u2019ll feel uncomfortable, and you won\u2019t use it. <\/em>Again, buy good quality. You might feel like it\u2019s a stretch if it\u2019s, say $300 for a knife, but you can use that knife for 30 or 40 years. <\/em><\/p> Sharpen your knives on a regular basis<\/strong>. You\u2019ve got to keep it sharp. <\/em>People think, \u201cI got a good quality knife, it\u2019ll stay sharp for as long as I own it.\u201d And it won\u2019t\u2014everything gets dull. It has to be maintained.<\/em><\/p> Let\u2019s say, for example, you buy a $1000 suit, and you wear it a few times, you\u2019ve got to have that thing dry cleaned. You have to service your car. You have to sharpen your knife. <\/em><\/p> I think people just neglect the \u2018servicing\u2019 part and then after a few years, they don\u2019t think the knife isn\u2019t as good as when they first bought it. It\u2019s only because it needs to be sharpened.<\/em><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> How often would you say a \u2018rule of thumb\u2019 is [for sharpening]?<\/strong><\/p> Once a year. Professionally sharpened or learn to use a sharpening stone<\/a> and do it yourself. <\/em><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Alright, we\u2019re running near the end of our time so one final question: tell me about the knife you made for Anthony Bourdain. How did that come about? Why did you choose to experiment with meteorite?<\/strong><\/p> So, I had been experimenting with meteorites\u2014they\u2019ve been around since before man, and so, mankind has always, sort of, coveted a meteorite because it comes from the stars, from outer space. <\/em><\/p> And they\u2019ve been into tools and knives, ceremonial items way, way back in history. So, I\u2019ve always been fascinated by that, and I had them laying around and experimenting with them in my shop. <\/em><\/p> Then, I meet Anthony Bourdain when I won the Raw Craft award. We met at luncheon and kind of talked throughout lunch and they decided to come and shoot a \u201cRaw Craft\u201d at my shop. We basically spent the day; I showed him how a knife was made and at the end of that meeting he said he\u2019d like to have a blade.<\/em><\/p> So, I asked him a few things and he said, \u201cDo your thing. Make me whatever you want, whatever you think I would enjoy.\u201d And I knew I had to incorporate the meteorite\u2014I mean, it\u2019s a star and he\u2019s a star.<\/em><\/p> We cooked some salmon. Part of the \u201cRaw Craft\u201d shoot was that we needed to cook together. And they were like \u201cwhat do you cook in your shop?\u201d And I told them, \u201cI don\u2019t cook in my shop, I mean, I cook steel.\u201d <\/em><\/p> As I was working and thinking about him coming to visit me, I thought, \u201cWe have to do something different.\u201d We live in the Northwest and salmon is, you know, top of the list. And I wanted to do an interesting cook in my shop, so I heated up some meteorite and we smoked some salmon. <\/em><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> What kind of knife does meteorite produce? Like as a tool?<\/strong><\/p> Meteorite is just a component, it\u2019s one piece of the recipe. <\/em><\/p> There are 3 kinds of meteorite\u2014the one that I use is an iron\/nickel meteorite. So, it\u2019s high in nickel, about 7% nickel, and that adds a bright, shiny layer or multiple layers to the steel.<\/em><\/p> Then I sort of spice that up by adding carbon to that, which makes it hardenable [sic]. <\/em><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> That\u2019s so cool! I know people were excited about it, I heard that that knife sold for like $300,000 or something like that.<\/strong><\/p> Yeah, I think the hammer price was $231,000. But that wasn\u2019t me, that was Tony. <\/em><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> But still, someone gets to be like \u201cI have a meteorite knife that Anthony Bourdain used,\u201d that\u2019s really cool. <\/strong><\/p> So, we have a little bit of time left and I\u2019m curious, can you tell me what your favorite things are about the new Cumulus line?<\/strong><\/p> Yeah, the Cumulus line is beautiful and gorgeous, to begin with. It\u2019s really comfortable, I love the handle material and I\u2019m really happy we found that stuff. <\/em><\/p> It looks like ivory, but I never use ivory, I just don\u2019t agree with the whole practice\u2014I really like elephants\u2014but we have an ivory look on the handle. It\u2019s actually a phenolic resin, which is incredibly durable. So, we kind of have the best of both worlds. We have the aesthetic of the ivory look, but we have the durability of a really modern laminated plastic material. <\/em><\/p> \u00a0<\/strong><\/p> What did you say the handle was? A resin?<\/strong><\/p> Yeah, it\u2019s micarta and it\u2019s phenolic resin and cloth blended together. But yeah, they\u2019re beautiful, they\u2019re comfortable, the core steel is SG2 which is a tried-and-true high alloyed stainless. It takes a nice edge and holds it for a long time, it\u2019s easy to sharpen and the Damascus on it is just gorgeous. <\/em><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Who do you think would enjoy the new Cumulus set<\/a> the most?<\/strong><\/p> Honestly, everybody is digging them. I have twenty knives in my kitchen\u2014I\u2019ve got kitchen knives from Japanese swordsmiths, custom stuff that I made, commercial stuff\u2014and the knives everybody gravitates to in my kitchen is the Cumulus line<\/a>. <\/em><\/p> Which is sort of frustrating, but also makes me super happy because I think they\u2019re really beautiful. I think anybody that digs the look of the line is going to like the performance of them. <\/em><\/p>Invitations Can Help Set the Mood<\/h2>\n
Get Creative with Your Decor<\/h2>\n
Supplement Your D\u00e9cor with A Few Staple Pieces<\/h2>\n
It\u2019s All in the Details<\/h2>\n
Celebrate with A Themed Cocktail<\/h2>\n
Feast on Fall Flavors<\/h2>\n