EXPERT
EXPERT SELECTION
SELECTION
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the chef
Mark Hix
The celebrated chef, restaurateur and
food writer is Dorset born and bred
and has the Hix Oyster & Fish House
in Lyme Regis.
Flint & Flame Knives
There's something about holding a good quality knife.
As you can imagine, over the years as a chef I've held
a fair few and tried and tested dozens. Some knives
look a bit dull and when you talk about their weight and
how they roll on a chopping board people think you are
either nuts or you know your knives. Knives should be
a purchase for life, and if looked after they will certainly
out live you. These Flint & Flame knives certainly have
the look, the feel and unbeatable quality, and if you wish
you can even get your name engraved in the rosewood
handle inset.
£525 via Flint & Flame
www.flintandflame.co.uk
Crane Cookware Pans
26
I saw these about a year ago and have since acquired
a set. They look artisanal in a practical sort of way and
the cast iron black look stands them apart from all my
other pots and pans. I also love the fact that they work
on my V-Zug induction hob as no other cast iron pan
I've owned in the past does. These boys don't rust like
other cast iron pans if you don't dry them properly, so
are maintenance free. They also double as saucepans
and casseroles and, of course, the look alone allows
them to be serving pots straight from the oven.
From £135 via Crane Cookware
www.cranecookware.com
Chadwick Indoor Pizza Oven
When I received my Chadwick Oven, I was kind
of scared to put it on the gas hob as it looks like a
beautiful sculpture. Anyway, I did eventually get it on
the heat and did a surf and turf with half a lobster and
a chunk of Glenarm steak to christen it. I've used it for
all sorts of things, from chops to burning aubergines to
make baba ganoush.
£385 via Harrods
www.harrods.com
KitchenAid Artisan Mixer
I first bought one of these about 20 years ago in blue
and it's still going strong on my worktop. Not only do
they look eye catching, but their performance is second
to none. They are certainly the workhorse in the kitchen
– it'll make everything from bread dough to meringue,
and the attachments allow you to mince, juice and even
roll pasta. It's the machine of all machines and certainly
a design icon for years to come.
£399 from Harts of Stur
www.hartsofstur.com
www.menu-dorset.co.uk