Father’s Day is June 19, 2022.
What does a dad want for Father’s Day? For me, it’s good food and quality time with the people I love most, especially with my kid now that my own father isn’t with us anymore. It’s that simple. I’m the kind of guy who loves doing the cooking for any occasion, and Father’s Day is no exception. With that in mind, I’ve highlighted some food-centric gifts that dads will love. Plus a few other goodies.
My dad passed away in 2015.
He was the most cantankerous, stubborn son of a bitch I ever knew. He also filled my life with love, travel, a wise attitude about food and the best advice, much of which I foolishly ignored. By his example, good and bad, I learned to parent my son, for good and for bad. I think about him every day and I miss him.
Parenthood is the greatest gift of all…I love my dad for all he did for me, and I love my son for helping me learn to be the man I want to be. No one has taught me more about patience, tolerance and understanding than my son.
And to everyone who struggles with this day:
I’m sending a huge hug of gratitude for taking on the toughest pieces of life. To all for whom today is also about unresolved conflict, trauma, sorrow, grief, anger, loss, and especially those who lost a dad or a child this year, I’m thinking of you today and sending a big hug too. Life is really fucking hard. I get it and I understand it.
Caja China
When it comes to whole animal cooking, I love my Caja China. I’ve never used anything so foolproof. It’s like a giant charcoal and metal crock pot for whole animals. I know, that turns me on, too.
Yeti Hard Side Cooler
I don’t know a single chef who doesn’t have a Yeti. It’s the brand I rely on to keep food cold, or hot—on road trips or even plane rides to food festivals and events. I have several. This alpine yellow is fantastic.
But I wanted to give a shout out to their tote bags. They are tough, waterproof, structured for easy carrying, and perfect for a day at the beach, a pool, camping, or fishing. If it gets dirty, rinse this sucker out with a hose. It’s that durable. Three sizes available. I love mine.
And speaking of Yeti… their stainless steel drink ware is worth every penny, and you can get them monogrammed for dad.
Snake River Farms
Want to up your grill game? Start with better proteins. Snake River Farms is a favorite. From Waygu beef and Kurobuta pork to sustainable striped bass and wild game. Check out their Father’s Day gift guide, with proteins at different budgets.
OXO Grill Set
Proof that spending more doesn’t always mean better. I recently noticed that my drawers are filled with OXO gear. It’s budget-friendly, and more importantly, their stuff LASTS! This set was on sale last time I checked— an ideal budget friendly Father’s Day gift.
Fly by Jing Sauces
I put this $#!% on everything. Noodle dishes, grilled vegetables, pizza, you name it. Their Mala Spice Mix is killer—it gives you salty, numbing, hot and fragrant all at once.
Kershaw “Leek” Pocket Knife in orange
This is my everyday carry. It’s three inches long, has a clip of wearing on your pocket, is easy to open and close. Once you start carrying a pocket knife you will find 500 reasons to use it every day. Just don’t forget about it when you’re on the way to the airport. Stow it in your checked luggage!
Sofi 5-Cup Mortar & Pestle
This is one of my go-to tools in the kitchen. If you’re going to be grinding a bunch of peanuts, or chilies, a mortar and pestle with capacity is a must. This one is my favorite.
Solostove
It’s a bonfire pit that’s low smoke, can be used for cooking, and looks great in your backyard. Sign me up.
Yoshikawa Wok
This black steel Beijing wok is great, even if you don’t cook Asian Food. It’s essentially a skillet with high sides that holds the heat everywhere—on the sides as well as the bottom, especially if you heat it up first. You can make an easy wok-tossed meal (tips for cooking with a wok here).
Other fun non-food related things:
Aventus by Creed
It’s what I wear. I get asked about it all the time. And they will engrave the bottle for you, too.
Boglioli
I swear by their clothes, I have a closet full of their stuff. I even have one of their tuxedos. Superb in every way. Lots of department stores and smaller men’s stores carry their stuff.
Billy Reid
A lot of the stuff I wear comes from Billy Reid, one of my favorite designers. There are stores everywhere and their on-line service is incomparable. It’s all about what Billy calls “lived-in luxury” and I am here for all of it.
Imogene & Willie
I shop their on line store all the time. I love it, pants, t-shirts, shirts, you name it. Their jeans are amazing. Style personified.
Martin Patrick 3
Huge shout out to the best men’s store (and now women, and furniture and so much more…) in America. Not even close. Take a look on line and if you are ever in Minneapolis you should check it out.
Lost my dad in 2014. There are several items you featured he would have loved! Funny thing..,so do I. So just perused with the mindset…what would dad want me to treat myself to this year? 🧡 I used to collect mortar & pestles when I traveled. So much fun to seek out. Then in a fit of insanity & purging 😳 I got rid of most of them. I will accept this post as my sign to travel more & start collecting them again.
Great pic with your dad! But that stache…
As a kid Father’s Day meant hours on the boat fishing with my dad & brothers. As an adult..Father’s Day became hours on my porch as we leisurely feasted our way thru various grilled seafoods. Miss them both.
Beautiful post....great photo. Wish my dad were still around so I could buy him gifts, which he hated. He was a true artist and minimalist, so wanted nothing...ever. PS I know this is from a couple of posts ago, but I JUST now tried a Culver's cheeseburger. I still prefer In-N-Out but it was good. xo