CrateChef is a bi-monthly subscription box curated by top-name chefs and sends artisan foods, recipes, and kitchen supplies.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: CrateChef
The Cost: $45 a box (plus $6 shipping per box) or $44 a box when you choose a 3-month subscription. You may also purchase a one-time gift box for $49 a box (plus $6 shipping).
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 10% off your first order!
CODE: ADDICTION10
Ships to: U.S.
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Each CrateChef box comes with a letter from the chef & curator. This month is curated by Chef John Tesar, who appeared on Top Chef and opened Dallas-based steakhouse, Knife.
The letter from Chef Tesar explains how to cook the perfect steak, and walks you through why he chose the items in his curated box.
CrateChef has included a handy magnet that outlines how to cook the perfect steak, per his instructions, so you can reference it anytime you're in the kitchen and ready to go.
Knife: Texas Steakhouse Meals At Home by John Tesar & Jordan Mackay - Value $18.99 on Amazon (retail price $29.99)
I don't watch cooking shows or read food magazines, so I don't know who's who in the chef world, but Chef Tesar seems pretty legit since he has a book! This is quite a large hardcover cookbook and has over 200 pages of recipes that cover how to make appetizers, prep and cook all sorts of meat (not just steak), create delicious sandwiches, sauces, salads, and goes all the way to dessert.
The book is even signed by him! How cool!
The photos are really beautifully shot and are already making me hungry as I type.
Stainless Steel Pepper Grinder - Value $8.99
He has included a minimal stainless steel pepper grinder that I thought was way more expensive looking before I found it on Amazon. It has a really nice weight to it and is super easy to fill and use. I enjoy the way it looks next to my stove with the rest of my seasonings.
Grains of Paradise, 2 oz. - Value $8.00
Of course, he has included this special pepper as well to "finish" your steak with, and this particular kind is called Grains of Paradise, which is native to the coast of West Africa.
Here's the grinder all filled up!
In case you were curious about the grind- this one is pretty fine. Everyone has their preferences!
O Med Picual Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 250ml - Value $17.59 (buy a 500ml bottle on Amazon for $35.18)
Next, we have this fancy petite tin of olive oil from Spain. Even though I know very little about olive oil, I am extremely fond of it. Chef Tesar loves this oil specifically because it's "made for beef" and he suggests finishing your steak with a dollop of this and some salt and pepper. I opened this tin up to take a little taste, and the smell just wooed me! I adore the smell of olive oil, and this one is just divine. The taste alone is really quite magnificent as well.
44 Farms Simply Smoked Beef Jerky, 2 oz. - Value $7.49 (buy a 4 pack for $29.95)
Last but certainly not least, Chef Tesar has included a package of beef jerky from none other than Texas, just for me. Not really "just for me", but it feels like it is because I can't get enough jerky. I don't really go for flavored types (like teriyaki), so I'm glad that this one is "simply smoked". It has just the right amount of pepper to give it a little bit of a kick. This is some quality jerky!
Verdict: I was really into CrateChef this month! I'm happy to have learned about Chef Tesar, and hope his book can guide me to cooking the perfect steak. All of the items seemed very high end and special to me. The total value of this box was just over $61, which is great seeing as though it's $51 (including the shipping) to get it bi-monthly. I'm very pleased and can't wait to see what comes next!
What did you think of Chef Tesar's CrateChef?
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