Little Italy

In this episode of Kitchen Essentials, we visit the amazing Einat Admony, owner and head chef of Balaboosta, Kish-Kash and the Taïm chain in NYC. Einat is an expert on all things couscous - to the point that the entire menu at Kish-Kash is centered around the Moroccan preparation of these delicious semolina pearls. She talks us through her favorite, and ultimately essential tools, that she uses in the kitchen to make delicious couscous-centric creations. Everything from her favorite brand of semolina, to a kish-kash (Moroccan sieve specifically used to make the beads), a double boiler, a spray bottle, and an ancient cooking tool that is making a comeback, called spurtle. Watch to learn how Einat makes couscous by hand, and why these are her essential tools.

In this episode of Kitchen Essentials, we visit Jered Standing, owner and head butcher at Standing's Butchery in Los Angeles. Jered talks us through his favorite tools as he demonstrates how he breaks down a pig to make sausages. Everything from a boning knife, to a bone saw, all the way to the sausage stuffer, with an unexpected incursion from a utility knife. Watch to learn more about why these are Jered's essential tools and how he uses them in his butchery.

In this episode of Kitchen Essentials, we visit Antonia Lofaso, celebrity chef TV host, and cookbook author, at her restaurant DAMA in Los Angeles. Antonia talks us through her favorite tools, which include a 10" chef's knife, a Microplane, a portable gas cooker, a set of steel tongs, and a Mandoline slicer. Watch to learn more about why these are Antonia's essential tools and how she uses them in her kitchen.

Fans of the CW’s Supernatural will recognize Misha Collins as the angel Castiel, but in his newest role as cookbook author, Collins and his wife, journalist and historian Vicki Collins, help families become mealtime adventurers. The aim is to foster lifelong positive relationships for children with cooking and eating real food. Guillermo joined forces with TV Guide's Keisha Hatchett, and taking a literal page from Misha's book, set up an Inventor's Pizza Party to make some Supernatural-inspired mini pizzas with the actor. Get the recipes and buy Misha's book! Very special thanks to our friends at ICC (The International Culinary Center) for hosting us - and if you're in NYC check out their one-day pizza class!

In this episode Guillermo meets the queen of vegan cheese, Miyoko Schinner, and learns how to make a basic cashew cheese at home. They talk about the current state of the dairy industry, and how plant-based production can ultimately be its savior, and ours. Miyoko takes Guillermo on a tour of her animal sanctuary, and her vegan creamery, right in the middle of dairy country in Petaluma, CA.

Welcome to Kitchen Essentials, a video series showcasing the favorite tools of renowned chefs. In this episode, we visit Top Chef finalist Shirley Chung at her restaurant Ms. Chi Cafe in Culver City, California. Shirley specializes in Chinese-American cuisine and shares the five kitchen tools that are essential in her kitchen: a cast iron pan, medical-grade tweezers, her favorite spoon, a rolling pin, and an immersion circulator. Shop Shirley Chung's Kitchen Essential Picks

In this episode of Kitchen Essentials we visit Christopher Lier, Head Baker at Bub and Grandma's in Los Angeles, where he talks us through his favorite tools as a baker and pastry chef. Chris shows us his petty knife, bench scraper, French-style rolling pins, and more. Watch to learn why Chris is such a fan of these tools and considers them to be his kitchen essentials. Shop Christopher Lier's Essential Picks.

In this episode of Chow-To, Guillermo meets with kawaii foods master Hiroyo Belmonte at the Japanese cultural center, Resobox to learn how to make Kazari Maki Sushi, also known as decorative or cute sushi. Peach blossoms, penguins and jack-o-lanterns are just some examples - kawaii overload! Learn how to make the most adorable sushi DIY-style at home like a master sushi chef.

At her NYC chocolate shop Stick With Me Sweets, Susanna Yoon (formerly of Per Se) makes edible miniature works of art. These colorful, marbleized, portable chocolate domes are packed with the flavors and textures of some of Susanna’s favorite desserts, which include a kalamansi meringue pie, and the vero, a silver blue bonbon that houses a mix of sea salt caramel and crunchy pecan bits. In the words of the chef, handcrafted chocolate is the sweetest way to tell somebody “stick with me”.