French Kitchen

Shop Black Friday French Thanksgiving Essentials From Sur La Table

Thanksgiving is almost upon us! And even though the French of course don’t celebrate the beloved American holiday and its culinary traditions, there are still plenty of ways to incorporate French techniques and aesthetics into your kitchen on Thursday.

What’s even better? Major Black Friday sales have already hit the internet—finally a piece of good news among the ashes of this très bizarre year—which means there’s still time to score deals on everything you need to turn the Big Day into a chic (and socially responsible) soirée.

Shop Black Friday French Thanksgiving Essentials From Sur La Table

Sur La Table is the ultimate destination for everything a French chef—or an aspiring one!—could possibly desire, and this week only, there are some mega sales on some of the most lusted-after pieces on the shelves. Shop some of the highlights below to get a jump on your holiday cooking—and your Christmas gift shopping!

Read about my experience baking croissants at a signature Sur La Table culinary class here.

12 Piece Turkey Dinnerware Set; $120.00 (Reg. $128.00)

”Thanksgiving feasts are about more than just the food—they’re about the memories. Make your seasonal celebrations memorable with our exclusive Turkey dinnerware featuring original artwork created just for us. It’s made of durable, dishwasher-safe earthenware and ideal for setting your Thanksgiving table.”

French Home Laguiole Pakkawood Carving Knife & Fork; $59

”The perfect set to have on hand for holidays, this elegant carving set includes a knife and fork made of heavy gauge stainless steel that ease through turkey, chicken, ham and roasts. They feature the iconic Laguiole bee insignia and triple-rivet design that references the town in Southern France where this style of utensil originates. Handsome pakkawood handles are curved and weighted for a comfortable grip.”

Staub Round Cocotte; $99 (Reg. $389.95) *MAJOR DEAL*
Staub Tomato Cocotte; $294.95

”A traditional French cooking vessel designed to concentrate flavorful juices, this hand-finished round cocotte is ideal for stews, soups, casseroles, roasts and braises. Enameled cast-iron construction distributes and retains heat evenly and effectively and requires no seasoning. Lid features self-basting spikes for continuous, even distribution of juices throughout cooking, so food stays moist and flavorful.”

Le Creuset Mini Cocotte; $84.94 (Reg. $120)

”Perfect for cheesy artichoke dip, fruit cobbler and more, this mini cocotte is great for preparing and serving individual portions of your favorite dishes. Cast iron’s efficient heating is perfect for slow cooking and baking, while the tight-fitting lid locks in heat and moisture for tender, delicious results. Available in a wide range of Le Creuset’s signature vibrant glazes, these cocottes add a touch of classic French beauty to any kitchen or table.”

La Rochère French Bee Wine Glasses; $65 (Set of 6)

”Embellished with bees, an emblem of Provence, from the oldest glassmaker in France. 8 oz. Dishwasher safe. Made in France.”

Le Creuset Heritage Pie Dish; $49.00

”Perfect for sweet or savory pies, quiche and more, this classic pie dish provides gentle, even heating for excellent results every time. Making an evenly fluted crust is easy thanks to the dimpled edge, and the thick enamel resists scratching. Durable stoneware features an industry-leading enamel interior that protects against utensil damage, staining and odor absorption. Bakers feature Le Creuset’s signature glazes in a variety of colors for striking oven-to-table presentation.”

shop black friday.png

French Gifts for the Chef | Holiday Gift Guide: Jour 6

Becoming a French chef is no easy feat. I say this from second-hand experience, since I watched my own maman graduate top of her class at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and I can vicariously confirm that it was no joke!

If you’re determined to give it a go, scroll down to find all the basics to get started, like gold standard Le Creuset cookware and must-have Wüsthof knife sets. If ovens and Pâtisserie are more your bag, try your hand at baguette baking or macaron making with a full starter kit from Le Gourmandise—and if you’re feeling ambitious, use the baking mold below to serve up a batch of classic French canelés.

More interested in just looking the part of a kitchen whiz? Make like Rémy the Ratatouille mouse and step into a traditional striped apron and ceremonial chef’s hat that’s sure to impress. It’s all happening today for Day 6 of The Chic American Holiday Gift Guide.

French Gifts for the Chef | Holiday Gift Guide: Jour 6

French Gifts for the Chef | Holiday Gift Guide: Jour 6

LE SPLURGE ($50 and Up)

Le Creuset 6 Piece Nonstick Cookware; $389.95 Sur La Table CLICK HERE TO SHOP ”Now four times stronger than their previous nonstick, Le Creuset’s Toughened Nonstick PRO cookware delivers superior results. The stainless-steel interiors feature textur…

Le Creuset 6 Piece Nonstick Cookware; $389.95
Sur La Table
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
”Now four times stronger than their previous nonstick, Le Creuset’s Toughened Nonstick PRO cookware delivers superior results. The stainless-steel interiors feature textured nonstick surfaces that heat up quickly and provide exceptional searing and browning. Glass lids seal in moisture while allowing you to monitor food as it cooks.”

French Macaron Kit; The Gourmandise School $52 CLICK HERE TO SHOP ”Our French Macaron kit includes everything you need to create these delectable treats. Your kit includes: heavy gauge half sheet pan, parchment paper, silicone spatula, piping tips (…

French Macaron Kit; The Gourmandise School $52
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
”Our French Macaron kit includes everything you need to create these delectable treats. Your kit includes: heavy gauge half sheet pan, parchment paper, silicone spatula, piping tips (2), piping bags (4), flour sack towel, and 1 lb of almond flour. You’ll also receive our own special French macarons recipe.”

WÜSTHOF Classic Knife Block Set; $699.95 Sur La Table CLICK HERE TO SHOP ”Precision forged from a single piece of tempered high-carbon steel, each Wüsthof Classic knife is engineered for outstanding strength and performance. Producers of fine cutler…

WÜSTHOF Classic Knife Block Set; $699.95
Sur La Table
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
”Precision forged from a single piece of tempered high-carbon steel, each Wüsthof Classic knife is engineered for outstanding strength and performance. Producers of fine cutlery for close to two centuries, Wüsthof pairs impeccable craftsmanship with modern materials and techniques to create knives fit for both amateur enthusiasts and professional chefs.”

Emile Henry Baguette Baker; $124.73 Amazon (Free Prime Shipping) CLICK HERE TO SHOP ”Made in France. Made of all natural materials and manufactured using Emile Henry's proprietary Flame technology. Easy to use, the holes in the base and lid help the…

Emile Henry Baguette Baker; $124.73
Amazon (Free Prime Shipping)
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
”Made in France. Made of all natural materials and manufactured using Emile Henry's proprietary Flame technology. Easy to use, the holes in the base and lid help the dough to rise and create a dry, crispy crust. Thanks to the ribs, the dough will not stick, and the lid creates the right level of humidity for baking delicious baguettes. The holes in the lid help creating a thin, crispy crust so special to French baguettes. Recipe book included.”

Brushed Copper Utensil Wall Rack; $149.95 Sur La Table CLICK HERE TO SHOP ”Running out of room in your kitchen cabinets, drawers and countertops? Create more space with this curved rack from Enclume. This easy-to-install rack includes six hooks to h…

Brushed Copper Utensil Wall Rack; $149.95
Sur La Table
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
”Running out of room in your kitchen cabinets, drawers and countertops? Create more space with this curved rack from Enclume. This easy-to-install rack includes six hooks to hang utensils, pots, pans, towels, mugs and more.”

Le Creuset Eiffel Tower Rectangular Baker; $119.95 Sur La Table CLICK HERE TO SHOP ”The versatile shape of these limited-edition bakers makes them ideal for casseroles, desserts and roasted side dishes. The enameled cast iron is fired at high temper…

Le Creuset Eiffel Tower Rectangular Baker; $119.95
Sur La Table
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
”The versatile shape of these limited-edition bakers makes them ideal for casseroles, desserts and roasted side dishes. The enameled cast iron is fired at high temperatures for increased strength, while the nearly nonstick glazed interior releases your food for easy cleanup. The Eiffel Tower embossed lid adds a chic French flair.”

12 Copper Canele Molds; $98.90 French Copper Kitchen CLICK HERE TO SHOP ”The canele is a must-eat delicious classic French pastry. To be eaten as a dessert, with a cup of tea or even breakfast, it is the pride of the Bordeaux region in France. With …

12 Copper Canele Molds; $98.90
French Copper Kitchen
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
”The canele is a must-eat delicious classic French pastry. To be eaten as a dessert, with a cup of tea or even breakfast, it is the pride of the Bordeaux region in France. With milk, flour, eggs, sugar, vanilla, butter and a beautiful copper canele mold, you can make gorgeous home-made caneles with a crisp outer-edge and a melting custard interior and have a bite of France in you own home.”

French Laguiole 5 Piece Serving Set; $82 Sur La Table CLICK HERE TO SHOP ”Serve your homemade creations with an extra helping of Parisian charm with this stylish five-piece serveware set. Featuring a traditional design that translates effortlessly t…

French Laguiole 5 Piece Serving Set; $82
Sur La Table
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
”Serve your homemade creations with an extra helping of Parisian charm with this stylish five-piece serveware set. Featuring a traditional design that translates effortlessly to the modern table, French Home's classic Laguiole collection is modeled after a style that originated in 1820s France.”

LE STEAL ($50 and Under)

Screen Shot 2020-12-16 at 11.53.48 PM.png
The Commis Signature Chef’s Apron; $49.50 Sur La Table CLICK HERE TO SHOP ”Designed by cooks, for cooks and built to handle life in restaurant kitchens, our new signature aprons can take whatever comes their way. The Commis Chef apron is made of hea…

The Commis Signature Chef’s Apron; $49.50
Sur La Table
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
”Designed by cooks, for cooks and built to handle life in restaurant kitchens, our new signature aprons can take whatever comes their way. The Commis Chef apron is made of heavyweight 9.15-oz. cotton with sophisticated Breton stripes and contoured silver hardware that won’t snag.”


French Rolling Pin; $46.90 AG Fine Wood Turning CLICK TO SHOP ”The French Rolling pin is a tapered pin that is used for rolling out any kind of dough. It is more efficient at flattening a ball of dough in comparison to the traditional pin. We use fl…

French Rolling Pin; $46.90
AG Fine Wood Turning
CLICK TO SHOP
”The French Rolling pin is a tapered pin that is used for rolling out any kind of dough. It is more efficient at flattening a ball of dough in comparison to the traditional pin. We use flame to give the pin a beautiful patina and then hand sand it until it is silky smooth. No lacquers, stains or chemicals used in creating this rolling pin. Moisturized with food grade mineral oil to bring out the depth and beauty of the grain.”


Screen Shot 2020-12-14 at 6.55.23 PM.png


French Country Cooking; Mimi Thorisson; $40
Amazon (Free Prime Shipping)
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
”Readers everywhere fell in love with Mimi Thorisson, her family, and their band of smooth fox terriers through her blog, Manger, and debut cookbook, A Kitchen in France. In French Country Cooking, the family moves to an abandoned old château in Médoc. While shopping for local ingredients, cooking, and renovating the house, Mimi meets the farmers and artisans who populate the village and learns about the former owner of the house, an accomplished local cook.”


Classic Chef’s Hat; $9.95 Sur La Table CLICK HERE TO SHOP ”Even a novice cook can look and feel like a pro in this timeless white chef’s hat. Made of comfortable 100% cotton, featuring a Velcro closure to ensure that one size fits most cooks.”

Classic Chef’s Hat; $9.95
Sur La Table
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
”Even a novice cook can look and feel like a pro in this timeless white chef’s hat. Made of comfortable 100% cotton, featuring a Velcro closure to ensure that one size fits most cooks.”


Le Creuset Eiffel Tower Petite Cocotte; $19.95 (reg. $25.95) Sur La Table CLICK HERE TO SHOP ”Embossed with the iconic Eiffel Tower, these petite cocottes are perfect for mini mac and cheese, crème brûlée, personal ice cream sundaes or individual po…

Le Creuset Eiffel Tower Petite Cocotte; $19.95 (reg. $25.95)
Sur La Table
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
”Embossed with the iconic Eiffel Tower, these petite cocottes are perfect for mini mac and cheese, crème brûlée, personal ice cream sundaes or individual pot pies. They’re also great for holding condiments, spices and meal prep ingredients. The superior heat retention of the enameled glazed stoneware and small size means that food cooks quickly and stays warm longer.”


Screen Shot 2020-12-14 at 7.41.03 PM.png

The Art of French Pastry By Jacquy Pfeiffer; $24.99
Amazon (Free Prime Shipping)
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
”What does it take to perfect a flawless éclair? A delicate yet buttery croissant? To pipe dozens of macarons?By teaching you how to make everything from pâte à choux to pastry cream, Pfeiffer builds on the basics until you have an understanding of the science behind the ingredients used, how they interact with one another, and what your hands have to do to transform them into pastry. This yields glorious results! Expect to master these techniques and then indulge in exquisite recipes.”


Copper French Whisk; $29.95 Sur La Table CLICK HERE TO SHOP ”Chefs have known for centuries that egg whites beaten in the presence of copper form more voluminous and stable foams. This clever whisk delivers all the advantages of copper without the b…

Copper French Whisk; $29.95
Sur La Table
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
”Chefs have known for centuries that egg whites beaten in the presence of copper form more voluminous and stable foams. This clever whisk delivers all the advantages of copper without the bulk and expense of a copper bowl.”


Paris Michel Oven Mitt; $14.99 Amazon (Free Prime Shipping) CLICK HERE TO SHOP ”Beautifully designed padded oven mitt with coordinating solid color back. Extra length for added protection; quilted interior. Classic landmarks, poppies and roses combi…

Paris Michel Oven Mitt; $14.99
Amazon (Free Prime Shipping)
CLICK HERE TO SHOP
”Beautifully designed padded oven mitt with coordinating solid color back. Extra length for added protection; quilted interior. Classic landmarks, poppies and roses combine in a chic but playful tribute to a beloved international city.”

*This article may contain affiliate links. TCA only promotes products we love, whether we make a small commission or not, so rest assured that you’re always getting our best. Merci for your support!

Gifts for the Chef Gift Guide.png

Le Dîner + Le Cinéma | A French Twist on Dinner & and a Movie

A snapshot from the new documentary film, A Chef’s Voyage, premiering virtually this Friday, Sept 18.Fun fact: My own maman is a proud alumna of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she graduated #1 in her class and went on to work in a coveted apprentice…

A snapshot from the new documentary film, A Chef’s Voyage, premiering virtually this Friday, Sept 18.

Fun fact: My own maman is a proud alumna of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she graduated #1 in her class and went on to work in a coveted apprenticeship for the French Ministry.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on—Ratatouille style—behind the scenes of a celebrated, Michelin-rated traditional French restaurant, this weekend you can take an up-close-and-personal glimpse inside the authentic French kitchen experience, and experience a full tasting menu at the same time—all without leaving la maison.

This Friday marks the (virtual) premiere of the highly anticipated documentary, A Chef’s Voyage, which chronicles American Chef David Kinch (of the Bay Area fine dining locale, Manresa) as his team travels to France to work alongside three iconic French chefs in their 3-Star Michelin rated kitchens in Paris, Provence, and Marseille respectively.

For context, three stars is the highest Michelin rating, and there are currently 29 restaurants with this honor in all of France, far more than most countries which only have a few—The US has 14; Italy and Spain have 11; the UK has five; China, Switzerland and the Netherlands have two; while Sweden, Belgium and Taiwan only have one.

To supplement the cinematic experience for those of us who are currently land-locked, Chef Josiah Citrin of the beloved Santa Monica French eatery Citrin + Mélisse (which re-branded last year when the original Mélisse transitioned and divided into a more casual dining experience with a separate tasting menu) has created a five course, pre-fixe culinary collaboration that you can pre-order here and pick up this weekend (Sept 17-20) so that you can feel like you’re along for the ride, and vicariously taste your way through France.

For $75, you can eat your way through the entire menu (see below) and watch the Rémi Anfosso-directed film with a complimentary ticket and link for viewing at home—this weekend only.

To mark the 15th anniversary of Manresa, Kinch decides to close shop for a month so he and his staff can embark on their France voyage. Planning the trip takes months; to represent the refined Californian cuisine of Manresa, the team must bring their own seasonings, sauces that take days to make, and lots of abalone. But the logistics are tricky: how to sneak the food on flights; unfamiliar host kitchens; a language barrier and more.

A Chef's Voyage takes us behind the scenes as the Manresa crew attempts to stage nine major meals over 10 days in the world's most cinematic venues, alongside culinary superstars, with the world watching (and tasting) - all to celebrate 15 years of Manresa excellence by doing what Chef Kinch and his team do best: creating meals and experiences worthy of those three stars.

Preview the film trailer here, and pre-order your French feast here.

Screen+Shot+2020-09-14+at+10.43.30+PM.jpg
Images courtesy of Wagstaff Marketing.

Images courtesy of Wagstaff Marketing.

With formulas at the cutting edge of skin care technology, the Sisleÿa collection is a complete anti-aging ritual for skin that looks visibly younger for longer.
le diner + le cinema.png