Geoffrey Zakarian's Father's Day Gift Guide

The celebrity chef and father of three shares the best gifts for dad -- and none of them are socks

On Sunday, June 16, millions of people will celebrate Father’s Day, the annual payback for all the times your Dad (or uncle, or stepdad, or mentor) opened their wallet, fixed your bike, and helped you in ways too numerous to mention.

For Father’s Day assistance, Broken Palate reached out to Geoffrey Zakarian.

The chef has three children - Madeline, Anna, and George. The Zakarian sisters co-wrote their first cookbook, The Family That Cooks Together: 85 Zakarian Family Recipes From Our Table to Yours, and have appeared at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival). “I’ve been a father for 17 years now, and I think it just gets better. When you’re a father, you’re happy just to be a father — it’s the best thing in the world,” says Zakarian.

Broken Palate asked the celebrity chef and co-host of multiple culinary shows such as the Kitchen and Chopped to choose some great dad gifts straight from his own line of cookware, accessories, and food products. “Everyone needs foundational items if you’re a home cook,” says Zakarian, adding, “I try to simplify items and I test them myself. Whatever I sell, I use in my home.”

Zakarian advises on purchasing long-lasting items that are classic workhorses rather than gadgets. “There are things you need and things you think you need,” says the sage chef.

Cast Iron Cookware

“Instead of spending $350 on another blender, why don’t you put $200 toward a beautiful cast iron nonstick pot that you’re going to use for the rest of your life?,” asks Zakarian. This 12” cast iron skillet ($49) can go directly on the grill, so it’s perfect for summertime cookouts, along with being the pan you’ll go to for just about everything in the kitchen.

Digital Meat Thermometer

Zakarian is adamant about this one point when it comes to cooking: “A thermometer will save you from disappointment. You’re going to buy a rack of lamb for $100 and you’re going to screw it up by not checking the temperature? The lamb has sacrificed its life — don’t kill it again.”

Zakarian says that a thermometer is the perfect tool — and gift. “When your steak is on the grill, don’t cut into it, just use the thermometer.”

When Thanksgiving rolls around, that Father’s Day gift will come in handy. “People go crazy with their turkey. They asked me how long should it go in the oven,” says Zakarian. The answer is easy —with a thermometer. “When the turkey is 155 degrees it’s done. Take it out and let it rest for two hours. It’s not a crux — it’s a foundational tool.”

At $20 for two, Zakarian’s digital thermometers are a budget-friendly necessity.

Vinaigrettes

Geoffrey Zakarian says that the vinaigrette is the foundation of his kitchen. “It’s the simplest thing to make - but it’s the easiest to screw up,” he says. Of course, the chef has perfected the art of the vinaigrette. “The best one is the one in my fridge and I use the same recipe in my restaurants,” Zakarian says his vinaigrette is superior because it’s made with real, simple ingredients. “A lot of stuff out there is emulsified with crap. There’s no garbage in these,” he says of his vinaigrettes that are made with extra virgin olive oil and select herbs and vinegars. A trio of vinaigrettes cost $49.68 (one each of classic, balsamic, and Greek) and are super versatile. “Add mayonnaise and you have a spread. Add taragon and you have a marinade,” says Zakarian, who adds that a good vinegarette is one of the most important items you can add to your pantry.

Balsamic Glazes

Want to liven up your everyday meats, vegetables, or even dessert? "A good drizzle of balsamic glaze awakens a dish,” says Zakarian, who adds that his glazes are all handmade without any GMOs. This trio of glazes (original, honey, and smoked) costs $28.98.

Zakarian describes his perfect Father’s Day: “I would probably go to the gym, have a nice breakfast, play a round of golf, go home take a swim, then take a nice shower and relax with a glass of rose. Then I’d love someone to cook me dinner. That’s a great day.”

After all, Father’s Day — like all holidays — are more about spending time with the ones you love than material items. “My kids are so sweet. They always come up with some fun stuff to do. If it makes them happy, I’m happy.”