Ask the Experts: What to Register For

• By Rachel Wolff
• Published Winter 2007

(Photo: Davies + Starr)

ALEXANDRA GUARNASCHELLI’S PICKS
Starter Set by Victorinox Swiss Army “Register for smaller-size knife sets. If they’re great, you can always buy more. Those ten-piece sets are too much of a commitment!” ($119.99). Bloomingdale’s, 1000 Third Ave., at 59th St. (212-705-2000).

(Photo: Davies + Starr)

J. A. Henckel’s Twin Cuisine Chef and Bread Knives
“These are kitchen must-haves: an all-purpose chef’s knife that’s sturdy and easy to clean, and a serrated knife ideal for sawing through artichokes and citrus” ($96–$129). Bloomingdale’s.

(Photo: Davies + Starr)

Le Creuset Dutch Oven
“It conducts heat evenly, so food tastes good even if you’re amateur chefs. Brown a pork roast, make a fruit cobbler, and because it’s so good-looking, keep it out on the stove top and free up valuable cabinet space” ($80–$350). Williams-Sonoma, 121 E. 59th St., nr. Lexington Ave. (917-369-1131).

(Photo: Davies + Starr)

Cameron Stovetop Smoker
“It’s not extremely difficult to use and is the best tool for gussying up a chicken Caesar salad or roasted veggies” ($52). Bridge Kitchenware, 711 Third Ave., at 45th St. (212-688-4220).

(Photo: Davies + Starr)

Cookbooks and Foodie Literature
“It’s time to start a cookbook collection. Marion Cunningham’s The Fannie Farmer Cookbook has tons of easy recipes, Elizabeth Andoh’s Washoku makes Japanese cuisine extremely accessible, and I’d ask for Julie Sahni’s Classic Indian Cooking for the cabbage and Basmati-rice recipes alone” (from $26.95). Kitchen Arts & Letters,, 1435 Lexington Ave., at 93rd St. (212-876-5550).