Latest news with #DookyChase
New York Times
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
We Just Updated Our New Orleans Dining Guide
Not long after moving to New Orleans to become restaurant critic at The Times-Picayune, a prominent local called me at the office — cellphones were still niche in those days — to inform me that he couldn't take my opinions about local dining seriously until I 'put down roots.' Twenty-five years later — nearly two decades of those spent in the job that brought me here — I feel qualified to make two declarations to anyone who finds themselves in New Orleans this summer: You will be hot, and you will have difficult decisions to make about where to eat. Our list of the 25 best restaurants in New Orleans, updated this week, can help with the second thing. You'll find classics of various generations, from Commander's Palace, Dooky Chase's and Tan Dinh to Compère Lapin, Dakar Nola and Pêche. The Kingsway and Saint Claire, which both opened last month, are too new to appear on the list. But they're worth looking out for, as they are offshoots of two of my favorite local restaurants: Saffron Nola, an Indian-New Orleans bistro, and Mosquito Supper Club, a Cajun seafood restaurant that feels like a dinner party. Here is a quick preview of the two new entries on our list: Coquette opened in the waning days of the second Bush administration. All these years later, I honestly still think about a dish from an early menu: tempura fried Gulf shrimp smeared with sambal, resting against juicy slices of grapefruit. I don't recall if that dish was served beyond 2008, but having eaten at Coquette for going on 17 years, I do know Michael Stoltzfus, the restaurant's chef and owner, hasn't stopped pushing himself to find harmony in uncommon pairings. Inside the 19th century brick-and-wood dining room, his intelligent, creative food still tastes like something new. 2800 Magazine Street, Garden District Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Forbes
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
James Beard America's Classics 2025: 3 Winners' Stories
The eager crowd outside Sullivan's on Castle Island isn't just waiting for a lobster roll; they're ... More stepping into an enduring tradition. This Boston landmark, a 2025 James Beard America's Classic, embodies the spirit of community and lasting impact shared by all six honorees, including Dooky Chase's and Lucky Wishbone, two others featured in this piece. In an era where the food world constantly reinvents itself, the James Beard America's Classics award celebrates a rarer, more profound achievement: restaurants that stay rooted. While the annual Restaurant and Chef Awards often spotlight innovation, precision, and new narratives of taste, this particular category recognizes places that have done something quieter—but no less impactful. They've endured, and they've fed communities across generations. And they've done it without chasing the spotlight. This year, the esteemed America's Classics award recognized six remarkable establishments: Dooky Chase's Restaurant in New Orleans, Lucky Wishbone in Anchorage, Sullivan's Castle Island in Boston, Lem's Bar-B-Q in Chicago, The Pioneer Saloon in Ketchum, Idaho, and Gaido's in Galveston, Texas. I had the unique opportunity to speak directly with three of these winners. What I heard from them wasn't just gratitude. It was something deeper: reflections on legacy, community, and the power of a shared table. Dooky Chase's Restaurant (New Orleans, LA) For 80+ years, Dooky Chase's has been a living archive of culture and community in New Orleans. We ... More spoke with Stella Chase Reese, Tracie Haydel Griffin, and Chef Edgar 'Dook' Chase IV about their 2025 James Beard America's Classics win and enduring family legacy. There's something humbling about watching a family receive an award for work they've done for over 80 years without asking for recognition. When I spoke with members of the Chase family—Stella Chase Reese, Tracie Haydel Griffin, and Chef Edgar 'Dooky' Chase IV—they described the honor not just as an achievement, but as a moment of deep reflection. 'The restaurant has been our lives,' Chase Reese said. 'We were born into it.' That sense of birthright isn't just biological—it's cultural. Stella, the daughter of Leah Chase, has watched Dooky Chase evolve across decades. Tracie, Leah's granddaughter, helps run the front of house today, while Edgar IV, her great-grandson, now leads the kitchen. Together, they represent three generations still at work in the same space, carrying forward a legacy that has long extended beyond the plate. Dooky Chase didn't just serve food; it served as a meeting ground during the civil rights movement, a living archive of Black culinary brilliance, and a testament to what it means to feed people with purpose. 'We want guests to feel like they've been fed in the home of the Chase family,' Haydel Griffin said. And it's not just about the gumbo or the fried chicken, but about feeling loved—about being seen. When asked what being named an American Classic says about their place in the country's culinary canon, the answer came without hesitation. 'Food is culture, food is history, food is tradition,' Edgar Chase IV shared. 'Food brings people together over a common bond.' In other words, this win isn't just a nod to the past—it's a call to keep setting the table for what's next. Lucky Wishbone (Anchorage, AK) his Anchorage institution has made generations feel at home for 70 years. Heidi Heinrich-Lervaag, ... More Carolina Stacey, and Patricia Brown-Heller shared what makes Lucky Wishbone a 2025 James Beard America's Classic. Some restaurants make a name for themselves. Others, like Lucky Wishbone, become part of the names people pass down—etched into childhoods, family rituals, and homecomings. 'Anybody that lives in Alaska brings people to Lucky Wishbone,' said Heidi Heinrich-Lervaag, who co-owns the restaurant alongside Carolina Stacey and Patricia Brown-Heller. 'It's part of their childhood. It's what they grew up with.' 'This year marks our 70th anniversary,' Brown-Heller said. 'It's validation for what you've been doing for so long. You can't describe it in words. It just feels right.' Her parents, Peg and George Brown, founded the restaurant in 1955. What they are part of is not just a menu—it's a community landmark that reflects Anchorage's rich cultural mix. Stacey, who began working at Lucky Wishbone when she was just 16, now helps lead the restaurant she once served in as a teenager. 'Anchorage is a multicultural city,' she said. 'We have more than 120 languages spoken in our schools. Our customers and our employees reflect that.' The food, however, remains beautifully unchanged. The fried chicken recipe dates back over a hundred years. The Cheeseburger Deluxe is still what regulars swear by. And the frozen strawberry milkshake? 'We're known for our milkshakes. Over 40 flavors—and people love to mix and match,' said Stacey. 'The strawberry is the one people remember.' That, perhaps, is the secret to their longevity. Lucky Wishbone doesn't just serve burgers and chicken—it serves a sense of connection and care, built over decades. 'Families come in together,' Brown-Heller said. 'Grandparents, parents, kids. And now those kids are bringing their kids. That's what makes it a classic.' Sullivan's Castle Island (Boston, MA) Where the line is the point and everyone's invited. Brendan Sullivan of Sullivan's Castle Island ... More shares why this Boston landmark, famous for 70+ years, is now a 2025 James Beard America's Classic. Get insights into their unique philosophy. For more than 70 years, Sullivan's Castle Island—known simply as Sully's—has been where Bostonians go to mark a moment. A seasonal stop for smash burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and lobster rolls, it's also where generations have brought their kids after Little League games, or grabbed lunch on a walk by the water, or found a familiar face behind the counter. Now, it's an America's Classic. 'We're just so honored,' said Brendan Sullivan, part of the fourth generation in the family to run the stand. 'It's truly an unbelievable experience, and we're thrilled that a place like Sully's could be recognized.' The beauty of Sullivan's, his wife Adrienne Sullivan explained, isn't just the food—it's the feel. 'The sense of community is what makes it special,' she said. 'Regardless of how long you've lived in Boston or whether it's your first day there, everybody stands in line like everybody else. There are no VIPs. If you're not sure what to order, just ask the person behind you or in front of you. Everybody comes in a stranger and leaves as friends.' That idea of shared space—of connection across difference—isn't just nostalgic. It's central to what Sully's represents. 'I think it's that sense of community, regardless of where you come from,' Adrienne said. 'Anybody who's worked in hospitality understands how hard restaurant workers work, and we're just humbled to be recognized on behalf of everyone who's walked through our doors—whether it was their first job out of high school, they were putting themselves through college, or making a living in the industry. Restaurants create that kind of personal connection, and that's something we need now more than ever.' Why These Stories Matter CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 16: (L-R) Nicholas Gaido, Edgar Chase, Stella Chase Reese, Carolina Stacey, ... More Heidi Heinrich-Lervaag and Brendan Sullivan winners of the America's Classics award speak on stage during the 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards on June 16, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo byfor James Beard Foundation) Not every restaurant is built to scale; some are built to stay. And the America's Classics award recognizes that kind of staying power—rooted in place, carried through people, and held together by memory, not marketing. The families behind Dooky Chase's, Lucky Wishbone, and Sullivan's Castle Island—like their fellow 2025 honorees Lem's Bar-B-Q, The Pioneer Saloon, and Gaido's—aren't chasing reinvention. They're showing up, year after year, for their communities, offering a quiet masterclass in enduring success. In a food world that often rewards what's new and trendy, these restaurants stand as powerful reminders of the profound value in what truly holds. Their authenticity isn't a marketing strategy; it's a living tradition. They serve not just meals, but belonging, fostering connections that span generations and cultures. Their presence matters—not just because of the iconic dishes they serve, but because of who they continue to serve, and how they remain unwavering anchors in a constantly shifting landscape. In an age seeking meaning and connection, the enduring table of an American Classic offers a deeply satisfying answer. This year's full list of James Beard America's Classics award winners includes: You can view the full list of this year's America's Classics winners on the James Beard Foundation site.
Eater
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Eater
At Black Restaurants, A Legacy of Community Comforts in a Tumultuous World
The day after the 2024 presidential election results were announced, Nicole Nicholas's Flatbush, Brooklyn neighborhood was 'eerily quiet.' She recalls how her cafe Aunts et Uncles, which she runs with her husband Mike Nicholas, became a place for emotional processing. 'We sat outside, shared conversations with customers, and even shed tears.' At that moment, their cafe became a vital space for healing — an anchor for Flatbush amidst the turbulent times expected ahead. In a country where systemic racism has long shaped the lives of Black people, Black-owned restaurants have consistently been more than just places to dine. They are places to gather, organize, celebrate, and heal. At one of the most consequential moments in recent history, these spaces are once again revealing themselves as cornerstones of community, just as they have been for generations. From legacy institutions to a rising wave of visionary newcomers, Black restaurants continue to serve as vital hubs where history, activism, and everyday life converge. At Aunts et Uncles, the Nicholases focus on vegan cuisine and nurturing an atmosphere that honors Caribbean heritage and Black creativity. Following the 2024 election, their space has quickly become a cultural anchor. From the beginning, the couple designed Aunts et Uncles to feel like home, not just aesthetically, but spiritually. 'It's a space where Black folks — queer, creative, curious, tired, and joyful can come as they are and be received with care,' Nicole explains. In an industry where such spaces are rare, Aunts et Uncles fills a gap that many didn't even realize was missing. 'People don't just come for the food. They come to feel seen and safe,' says Nicole. Black restaurants remind us that nourishment can be an act of resistance, a celebration of identity, and a powerful place to claim both dignity and joy. Dining and activism have long coincided, extending from practices developed in the South during the civil rights movement. In New Orleans, activism was expressed through the aroma of Creole gumbo and sizzling fried chicken at Dooky Chase's. Opened in 1941, the restaurant became iconic not only for its elevated dining experience but also for its role in supporting the movement during precarious times. The 'Queen of Creole Cuisine' and restaurant founder Leah Chase used her restaurant as a congregational space for leaders to strategize for change, offering food and a forum for discussion when many other public spaces were unavailable to them. For her, the mission was never just about preparing food, it was about fulfilling a higher calling. 'I was taught that your job was to make this earth better,' she said in a 2018 interview for Garden & Gun . Chase died in 2019; today, her family continues that legacy, with grandson Edgar Chase acting as executive chef and several other family members in key roles. Now still, the blended scent of simmering collard greens and sweet undertones of freshly baked cornbread circulates the warm space as laughter and conversation softly rise above the clink of glasses raised in unison. Echoing through the room, toasts are exchanged over plates of heartfelt fare while patrons dress in their Sunday best, spreading with them sounds that carry a sense of camaraderie and celebration. During its earliest years, the matriarch hosted the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. and Duke Ellington, and maintained an atmosphere of warmth and inclusion, in a sharp contrast to the cold, exclusionary dining rooms of their white counterparts. 'You did things back in those days and you didn't consider yourself changing anything,' Chase told Garden & Gun in 2018. During the Jim Crow era, these safe havens, erected in cities like Selma, Los Angeles, and New York, offered sustenance and solace to Black patrons weary and burdened by the weight of daily oppression and the constant threat of violence. Today, many Black restaurants have aimed to recreate and model a similar atmosphere in their own businesses, making food that comforts a common thread. Californian farm-to-fare freshness is combined with Southern comfort food at Post & Beam in Los Angeles, while Virtue in Chicago serves fish and grits with sides of smoked turkey collards and mac and cheese, paying homage to classic Southern dishes with a contemporary approach. In Atlanta, Paschal's has been a key gathering place to convene and fuel the movement forward since it was founded in 1947. Located near the Atlanta University Center, a historically Black college, founders James and Robert Paschal provided support during the civil rights movement by frequently posting bail for students arrested for protesting. To create a central meeting spot, the Paschal brothers would offer free meals and extend their hours to families waiting for their loved ones' release. In Greensboro, North Carolina, Woolworth's Lunch Counter became a historical landmark for peaceful sit-in protests at white-only counters to advocate the end of racial segregation. From their inception to today, these food havens have continued to be essential pieces of the community puzzle and stand as symbols of resilience, where tradition is preserved, and the collective spirit thrives. Restaurants, after all, serve as gathering spots for folks from all walks of life to dine, socialize, and feel a sense of belonging, and while Black-owned restaurants have long stepped up to the plate by bridging the gap between food and activism, a new generation is taking the baton. Today, Black Americans face a political climate marked by racial inequality and apprehension that is eerily reminiscent of previous generations. Voting rights are once again under attack through restrictive laws that disproportionately impact communities of color, echoing the poll taxes and literacy tests of the Jim Crow era. Additionally, the rise in book bans and curriculum restrictions reflects a broader attempt to silence Black history and lived experiences. In the face of all this, Black-owned restaurants offer a safe space for Black Americans seeking community amid strife. The pressure of code-switching is lifted by the freedom to share stories and laughter in spaces such as restaurants, with folks that look like one another, communicating in a language understood without words and in a context that doesn't demand translation. Aunts et Uncles has been actively collaborating with other Black-owned businesses that share the same values and community building, such as Down North Pizza — a North Philadelphia-based pizzeria that serves the predominantly Black neighborhood, Strawberry Mansion. The pizzeria was founded on a mission to exclusively employ formerly incarcerated individuals while providing culinary career opportunities at a fair wage. Muhammad Abdul-Hadi, owner and author of cookbook, We The Pizza , founded Down North Pizza in 2021 and hired Michael Carter as the executive chef. Formerly incarcerated himself, Carter carries a personal mission to help, inspire, and lead by example. 'No one gives you a crash course in returning to society and it's hard to find a job because of your track record,' he says. So the mission of Down North Pizza is to educate and 'reduce recidivism,' says Abdul-Hadi, by helping new employees find housing and training them in basic culinary skills. This foundation 'uplifts the individual, not their mistakes,' Abdul-Hadi adds. 'As Black people, resilience is in our DNA, and we respond by holding onto hope and recognizing that even the smallest efforts can ignite meaningful change,' says Mike Nicholas. This attitude is at the heart of most Black-owned restaurants, where food becomes a means to nourish not only the body but the soul. Still, the path hasn't been easy. 'We built Aunts et Uncles without capital or investments — just us,' says Mike. 'And with that comes a deep sense of responsibility. We're aware that DEI rollbacks are happening in real time, but we've never relied on anyone else to validate our worth or our work.' In the face of shifting support systems, they've only deepened their commitment to expanding their location in Brooklyn that extends far beyond food. 'Fear is never a failure for us and now more than ever, Black culinary influence deserves amplification from our spices, our recipes, to our presence — it's all legacy.' History has shown that Black communities have always had to adapt to challenges, often with fewer resources. Resilience remains key while proactive pivoting is equally vital. As the landscape evolves, Black-owned restaurants remain crucial to the movement of change — Blackness will always be celebrated, cherished, and protected in spaces they've worked hard to create for themselves and their community.
Buzz Feed
15-05-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
27 Goldbelly Father's Day Gifts For All The Foodie Dads
A 4-pound velvety Snow's BBQ Brisket that is rated #1 by Texas Monthly. (Look, as a Texan, I'm telling you that means this brisket is LEGIT.) The best part? No matter whether the dad in your life is a grill master or not, he's definitely going to be a BBQ appreciator with this pop-in-the-oven, melt-in-your-mouth gift. Psst. If you're hosting a Father's Day meal and want to make your life extra easy and delicious, Snow's BBQ also has a feast that serves 30. Yep. Y'all are reviews: "It was hands down the best brisket I've eaten in my life." —Peter H."Absolutely incredible, I had company and they are still raving about the flavor." —Kathleen $239.95+ (also available with three sauces, pork steak, and an add-on tee for an additional cost) A pack of famous Pike Place clam chowder and seafood bisque straight from Seattle and into their eager bellies for the best Father's Day lunch around. (Don't forget to grab some oyster crackers to round out the most perfect Pike Place gift!) Includes a quart of New England clam chowder and a quart of seafood reviews: "Pike Place chowders are the BEST! And I know what I'm talking about, being a New England girl!" —June G."It was sooooooo good! Delivered on time. Both soups were FABULOUS!! Would totally order them again. I especially loved the clam chowder. Smelled and tasted amazing." —Sheryl B. Price: $99.95 A "Taste of New York" weekender box if they are constantly craving all their faves from The Big Apple. Includes one John's of Bleecker Street cheese pizza, one Eli Zabar's pastrami sandwich kit (sliced pastrami, six slices of rye bread, six packets Gulden's spicy brown mustard), a 6-inch Junior's original cheesecake, six Zucker's bagels, and six William Greenberg Desserts' black and white reviews: "The way the order was packed was incredible. Great job. The food was unbelievable." —Mom G. "Sent as a gift! NYC memories…" —Dominick V. Price: $229.95 A 12-pack of New Orleans creamy assorted pralines only for the sweetest dads with the sweetest sweet tooth. (And with plenty to share with you, too, obviously.) Promising review: "This service is awesome. So effortless to order with minimum redundancy. I love the e-mail option. My recipients LOVED their gifts. I can't wait to do more. I even ordered for myself. Very simple site and easy to navigate and the shop by video makes it so accessible." —Mary $44.95 Some creole jambalaya filled with smoked sausage, onions, diced tomatoes, and the kind of spices that will have them counting down the days until next Father's Day when they can ask for it again. The jambalaya serves 6–8 people!Promising review: "This was a gift for a 'hard to buy for' recipient who called me raving about how much he enjoyed the order from DookyChase. This is not my first time with Goldbelly or DookyChase and will certainly not be my last." —Matthew $99.95 Some mouth-watering chicken soup dumplings straight from New York's first and oldest dim sum restaurant, Nom Wah, which has been around since the Roaring '20s. And the dad in your life is SURE to have a roaring time working his way through 1.5 whole pounds of soupy deliciousness. Promising review: "Excellent dumplings! Great sauce, too! Easy to prepare. Delivery was right on time, too." —Matt $69.95 (available with five sauces) A four-pack of Philly cheesesteak to give a legend of a human a legend of a gift. These come from the OG CREATORS OF THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK (yes, really) so you know you can't get any more authentic than that! Promising review: "A regular go-to for my whole family. I ordered a four-pack for my two sons-in-law and me. Perfect delivery and so easy to prepare. Great taste and perfect quality. We'll do it again for sure!" —Mark $119.95 for a pack of four (available in six varieties) An around-the-world cheese basket because "girl dinner" is a gender neutral term and every father deserves 1) unlimited dad jokes and 2) big hunks of delicious cheese for the most optimal girl dinner on Father's Day. The basket includes five cheeses from five different countries (each 3/4 of a pound), a box of crackers, and a jar of review: "This was a gift and the recipients were very pleased." —Waldo $154.95 A Four & Twenty Blackbirds salty honey pie: Rich honey custard with notes of vanilla and flaked with Maldon sea salt? Your dad is simply ~not~ going to forget this gift. This pie serves up to 10, so it's perfect for a Father's Day get-together!Promising review: 'The taste of my pie was OUT OF THIS WORLD!' —J $84.95 A vegan taco kit so the Taco Tuesday love can expand to Father's Day Sunday, too! Plus, it comes to them straight from Dallas — a taco capital FOR CERTAIN — so you know you're sending the crème de la crème. (Er, crèama de la crèama.) Includes 16 corn tortillas, your choice of two types of soy-based protein (each 1-pound), rice, red salsa, green salsa, beans, pico de gallo, and two review: 'OMG — so good!! Some of the best vegan/veg tacos I've had. The tortillas are incredibly fresh, and the accompaniments are all well-flavored.' —Aditi $94.95 (available in eight vegan protein varieties) A pack of Chicago deep-dish pizzas from the Windy City to their doorstep, no matter how far from Chicago they might actually be. Promising review: 'I used to live close to one of the restaurants, and without being there, this certainly was the next best thing. The flavors and taste were great. Sometimes, pizza doesn't always taste the same when shipped. Not the case here. It was delicious.' —Jeff $83.99 for two (available in 17 varieties) Or a four-pack of New York-style pizzas if thin crust pizza is more their ~style~. No matter their preference, they're gonna be SO PSYCHED to celebrate Father's Day with some 'za. Promising reviews: "Great pizza! Fantastic crust, sauce, and stringy cheese." —Steve H."The pizza was delicious!! Will order it again." —Laurie $129.95+ (available in Margherita and pepperoni) A Stan's Donuts gift pack that dollars to donuts will make the dads in your life bust into spontaneous dad jokes of glee. (You know, they donut know how they could love you more after opening this gift.) The donut flavors include cinnamon sugar, vanilla sprinkled, lemon pistachio, coconut cake, glazed old-fashioned, and apple fritter. Three of them are traditional cake donuts; two are blooming cake donuts made with buttermilk and sour cream; and then, of course, there's the fritter, which is…well, a fritter, and therefore yeasted. Promising review: 'LOVED the sour cream donut the best, although they all were delicious. It was nice to also have the mug, coffee, and the cold drink cup/straw. Thank you!!' —Joye $79.95 (also available with add-on accessories for an additional cost) A three-pack of whole bean coffee to give them some small-batch and delicious pep in their step. And for the true Red Truck Bakery fan, pair with one of their coffee mugs for the ultimate morning coffee Father's Day glow-up. Promising review: 'Red Truck Bakery is fabulous, and we would not have access to their wares if not for you! Delivered on time and with outstanding care.' —Sara $64 (available in three varieties) A Blue Ribbon sushi night kit for the dad who is basically 50% wasabi at this point. Skip the tie — he has so many, trust me — and give him the kind of at-home dining experience he doesn't even know to dream about. (But he sure will after this, so be ready to get the kit again for next Father's Day, too!) The kit includes six types of fish, crispy rice, cooked rice, nori sheets, and a whole bunch of sauces and garnishes, plus a bamboo sushi mat — no need to spring for extra supplies! The whole thing feeds 2–3 people, just review: 'Blue Ribbon ALWAYS delivers top quality fish, sliced and prepped to enjoy immediately. It is all packaged in beautiful and organized packaging.' —Cathy $199.95 (also available with add-ons for an additional cost) A Maine lobster roll kit so they can have all that buttery, delicious goodness without having to leave their fave chair. (Why does every dad have, like, the ultimate seat check?) Promising reviews: "This was easily the best lobster roll I've had in many years. I was pleasantly surprised by how fresh the lobster was, and there were so many pieces of lobster tails along with claw meat. It was absolutely delicious! I'm going to tell everyone how good this is!" —Sharonda A. "It was fun to get a little something fun delivered to our door for our daughter's birthday. We live in the mountains of Virginia, and not a lot of lobsters are available. :)" —Katie L. Price: $159.95 (also available with add-ons for an additional cost) A Maine blueberry pie with locally sourced Maine ingredients to give them the truest taste of the Northeast, no matter which part of the country they call home. Promising reviews: "My 94-year-old dad's favorite. Maine blueberry pie! He looks forward to its arrival. This is the third time I have ordered it from this bakery! We lived in Maine growing up…a little taste of home." —Paul K."Pie crust was like my great-grandmother's, grandmother's, and mom's! Blueberries were fresh. Excellent product!!" —Gail C. Price: $79.95 A rib eye and filet mignon prime steak gift box the Ron Swanson dads will have no trouble at all pan roasting or grilling to perfection. This is basically a two-fer because they get to cook a steak *and* eat it. Each box serves 4–6 people and includes two prime ribeyes (14 ounces each), two prime filet mignons (8 ounces each), signature steak seasoning, herbed steak finishing butter, a thermometer, and a cooking guide in a beautiful black gift review: "The box arrived on time and neatly packaged. The steaks I will order again." —Jennifer $279.95 A Brooklyn Blackout Cake if their favorite pick for family movie night is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory because they're just in it for the chocolate river. This is a chocolate factory in cake-and-buttercream-icing form, and they'll be happier than an Oompa Loompa watching kids make poor decisions when it arrives. This cake serves 12–15 review: "This cake was incredible. We knew it would be good, but it was even better than we could've imagined! Absolutely delicious." —Billy $99.95 A burrito dinner box to wrap them up in as much love as they give you year-round, but in the form of chewy, soft tortillas and the most scrumptious of fillings. It's like a hug, but with food! Each box serves four people and includes four beef birria burritos, four frijoles y queso (bean and cheese) burritos, and one container of review: "These are the best burritos ever!! Sauce and meat on the birria are amazing, and the frijoles y queso are the best beans, and so cheesy. And tortillas are awesome. Very happy with these, it's my second time buying." —Shelly $89.95 Nancy Silverton's favorite gelato gift box for really putting yourself in prime "favorite child" territory. Which is *not* what gift-giving is about, but why not go the extra mile with desserts that taste as wonderful as they look? Promising review: "This was a home run! I ordered this for two different family members and they LOVED it!" —Jeanette $99.95 A Guy Fieri BBQ trash can nachos kit because their midnight snack game is about to reach new This vertical tower of cheese sauce, boraccho beans, sour cream, and more is almost as fun to make as it is to eat, no matter the hour on the microwave clock. Promising review: "I got my adult grandkids and parents the trash can nachos. They called immediately upon receiving and raved about a total of worth it!!!" —Eric $89.95 (also available with add-ons for an additional cost) A luxury grandmaster chocolate chess set strategists and dessert enthusiasts alike will call a checkmate of a gift. With all 32 edible chess pieces and a keepsake crocodile-printed green briefcase, this lavish gift is one your dad will talk about for years to come. Price: $299.95 (also available with add-ons for an additional cost) A box of gourmet Baklava if one layer of pastry dough is simply not enough for the father in your life. This box comes to you from Baltimore's luxurious Ritz-Carlton Residences and yes, that means it has to be good. Promising reviews: "My brother-in-law said the baklava was delicious." —Amy H."This was a gift, but our friends raved about how delicious everything was." —Kim $59.95 A Chicago-style hot dog kit that's the next best thing to getting it straight from the cart. (But maybe even better, because they get to cook them to perfection on their own!) The kit serves 16, so get ready for an A+ Father's Day cookout! Heads up that the tomato, onions, and pickles are *not* included, so you'll want to pick those up before the big day!Promising reviews: "The Chicago dogs were DELICIOUS! Exactly like the hot dog carts in Chicago! Will definitely order again! And a generous portion for the price!" —William F. "A little taste of home for a family member. Arrived on time and cold." —June $95.95 A Primanti Bros sandwich pack complete with french fries and coleslaw so they can make the famous Pittsburgh sandwich in their own kitchen. Promising reviews: "So special to be able to order from my husband's favorite restaurant." —Kathy T."It was the taste of Pittsburgh I remember. It would only have been better if I were in the shop amidst the hustle and bustle." —Rechienda $104.95 (available in five varieties) And finally, a ribs and pulled pork dinner because what dad *doesn't* love going hog wild on a rack of ribs? (That's a freebie pork pun/Dad joke for y'all.) With a bottle of sauce and a container of rub that comes with it, they'll be the belle of the rib ball when this arrives for Father's Day dinner. Promising reviews: "I purchased the full rack and pulled pork duo as a gift for my father's birthday. He said, 'Best ribs I have ever had!'" —John H."This order was a surprise gift…it was a much-appreciated and enjoyed gift. As the giver, I enjoy the wide selection of food choices and the reasonable prices for great food and overnight shipping." —Kathy $125.95 (available with four spice options, four sauce options, and with add-ons for an additional cost)
