CrateChef is a bi-monthly subscription box curated by top-name chefs. They send artisan foods, recipes, and kitchen supplies in each box, typically with a cookbook or recipe cards from the featured chef so you can put your items to use!
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.)
About CrateChef Subscription Box
The Subscription Box: CrateChef
The Cost: $45 a box (plus $6 shipping per box) or $44 a box when you choose a 3-month subscription. You may also purchase a one-time gift box for $49 a box (plus $6 shipping).
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 10% off your first order!
CODE: ADDICTION10
The Products: Artisan foods, recipes, and kitchen tools, curated by a different chef each month– usually from the Southern region of the US.
Ships to: U.S.
CrateChef Chef Frank Bonanno Review
Each CrateChef box starts off with an introduction of the Chef curator(s). In this box, the curator is Chef Frank Bonanno, the chef and owner of ten Denver restaurants. TEN. RESTAURANTS. This month starts out with a letter from him about why cooking is so personal.
Next, we have a lobster recipe card with a list of the included items on the back. I don't eat lobster (thanks a lot David Foster Wallace) but the items in this month's box appear to be super useful in a variety of dish preparations.
Recipe cards are included that utilize all of the ingredients and tools included. This month the tasty recipes included Lobster Mac N Cheese, Wild Mushroom Fusilli, and Spring Carbonara.
Pappardelle's Sea Shell Pasta
Pasta always gets used in my home right away, so I am always pleased to find it in a box. This Pappardelles pasta is handmade in Denver Colorado. This pasta company has even made pasta for the Pope! They focus on small batches, quality ingredients, and innovative flavors. I plan on serving these cute shells with cream, brie, and mushrooms.
The Spice Guy Fresh to Death Flavors Spice
The Spice Guy is another Denver company that specializes in fresh spices and custom blends. This particular blend was specially made for Chef Bonanno and CrateChef, which is really cool! This is a spicy blend of three peppers specifically designed to enhance Chef Bonanno's included Carbonara recipe. My husband enjoyed them on his pizza and also with buttered pasta.
Urbani White Truffle Oil, 1.8 fl oz - Retail Value $11.90
Oh, sweet truffles. I love you. This truffle oil is exquisite! More mellow and delicate than black truffle oil would be, this oil is the perfect addition to a simple bowl of pasta or your favorite fish dish. I tossed fresh pasta with this oil, parm, butter, and lemons for a very easy yet special dinner. This oil would also be a great addition to a dish served to guests, as they will think you quite fancy!
Fine Chef Tongs/Plating Tweezers - Retail Value $6.99
I never knew I needed giant tweezers, but not that I have a pair I totally understand why many chefs consider these kitchen essentials. Used to pick up smaller and more delicate foods (think little scallops, asparagus, strips of bacon, etc) they certainly are an upgrade to chasing these foods around your skillet with a fork or spatula.
Alessi Pignoli Pine Nuts, 1 3/4 oz - Retail Value $5.92
Pine nuts are one of my favorite additions to many recipes. My favorite salad is spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, and pine nuts, with a balsamic drizzle! You can also use these little guys in pesto, or just eat them raw.
Koppers Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans, 1.76 oz - Buy 1 pound for $10.99
These were super yummy and an awesome little treat after a rough day. The dark chocolate is not too sweet and I loved the crunch of the espresso beans.
Ravioli Pasta Wheel - Retail Value $12.55
One of my chef related goals this new year is to make more homemade pasta, so this little tool picked a perfect time to arrive in a sub! You can use these handy little blades to cut different lines in the pasta, but also in pie crust for a fancy lattice.
Verdict: I had a hard time calculating an actual value estimate for this box, but I thought the curation and overall theme was really well done. They included many items you could use immediately to cook yourself a pretty elevated pasta dinner. I also like how CrateChef selects an industry professional each month and found Chef Bonanno's included notes very personable. I am excited to add the tweezers and pasta wheel to my kitchen arsenal.
To Wrap Up:
If I sign up today, will I get this box? Yes, if you choose! When you join CrateChef, you can select which box you receive first. This box is currently available.
COUPON– Use code ADDICTION10 to save 10% off your first box!
Value Breakdown: At $51 for this box ($45 + $6 US shipping), each of the 7 items has an average cost of $7.29.
Check out all of our CrateChef reviews lots of food-related boxes in the Food Subscription Box Directory!
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