CrateChef Subscription Box Review + Coupon – October 2016

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 you may purchase a one-time gift box for $49 a box (plus $6 shipping)

COUPON: Use code ADDICTION to save 10% off your first box!

The Products:  food products and cooking items from a top-name chef (different chefs curate each box)

Ships to: US

Check out all of our CrateChef reviews lots of food-related boxes in the Food Subscription Box Directory!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

Each box comes with a letter from the chosen chef. This box was put together by Jason Dady, based out of San Antonio, Texas. He has numerous restaurants in San Antonio including Tre Trattoria, Tre Enoteca and Shuck Shack, as well as a food truck called Duk Truck.

Chef Jason Dady included three recipe cards which featured included ingredients.

Microplane Premium Classic Zester – Value $14.95

Microplane is THE name in zesters and I’m so happy to have another in my kitchen. I’m reaching for my Microplane all the time for zesting citrus fruits, parmesan cheese, knobs of ginger, even blocks of chocolate. It’s sharp, easy to clean, and I love the bright orange handle on this one from Crate Chef. Much nicer than the boring black one I own.

Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler – Value $4.00

I have been meaning to get a new peeler as mine has really lost its sharpness. This peeler is much wider than the one I’m used to and I wasn’t sure I’d like it, but wow is it sharp! The carbon-steel blade is meant to stay sharp over many uses and the plastic handle makes it lightweight. This peeler is great for both right and left-handed people too.

Blood Orange Vinegar (2 oz.) – Value $2.50

This blood orange vinegar has a bright, fresh taste. I used it to make a basic quick vinaigrette with olive oil, salt, and pepper and put it on an arugula salad with red onions, parmesan and tomatoes. I loved the citrusy, orange flavor with the peppery arugula.

Mitica Marcona Almonds (4 oz.) – Value $13.98

I love Marcona almonds and these were fabulous. They taste slightly buttery, mild and nutty. They are better than regular almonds in my opinion. These had some sunflower oil and salt on them which was delicious.

Gochujang Red Pepper Paste (17.6 oz.) – $9.85

This is a huge tub of red pepper paste. I’ve never cooked with red pepper paste and I was anxious to try it. It’s a beautiful deep, red color and it has quite a spicy kick with a hint of sweetness. The paste is thick and spreadable and is a key component in Korean cooking. I tried it mixed into some hummus and liked it a lot.

Kewpie Mayonnaise – Value $5.00?

This Kewpie mayonnaise has a cult following among chefs and fans of Japanese cuisine. It’s definitely good eats! I found this mayonnaise a little more salty and vinegary tasting than the Hellmann’s mayonnaise we typically use. It can be used in dips, spreads, and sandwiches or mixed with sriracha for a spicy dipping sauce for sushi. 

Texas Trash by Susie’s South Forty Confections – Value $3.95

This Texas trash is addicting. It’s a combination of cereals, pretzels and pecans drenched in a vanilla flavored candy coating and then generously dusted with powdered sugar. It’s crunchy, sweet and a little salty. This little bag disappeared fast in our house.

Verdict: I really enjoyed my CrateChef box. I think Chef Dady did a great job curating a box with a nice variety of ready-to-eat snacks, useful kitchen tools, and ingredients. My favorite item is the Microplane, but I will be able to use and enjoy everything that was sent. The value this month was $54.23 which I am happy with.

What do you think of CrateChef?