August 2025 - Chef's Companion
Chef’s Gourmet Box – A Journey Through Flavor & Tradition
👨🍳 Did you know? The French word "gourmet" is gourmet (masculine noun) or gastronomique (as an adjective). While "gourmand" also relates to food, it generally refers to someone who enjoys eating a lot, whereas "gourmet" implies a connoisseur of fine food and drink with a refined palate. Our Chef’s Gourmet Box is designed for just this person — a curated selection of artisan oils, vinegars, broths, noodles, and seasonings designed to inspire your inner chef.
🌿 Hongar Farms – Old World Craft Meets Modern Kitchens
With a heritage spanning over 450 years in the Austrian Alps, Hongar Farms blends tradition with modern innovation. Today, from their facility in Georgia, they craft 100% natural oils and vinegars free of additives and preservatives.
Hon Foo Spicy Sriracha Oil – Garlic, vinegar, and sweetness come together with a fiery kick. Perfect for marinades, stir-fries, or finishing your favorite dishes with heat.
Basil & Tomato EVOO Blend – A Mediterranean classic in a bottle. Fresh basil and sun-dried tomato infuse premium olive oil, elevating pasta, pizza, salads, and grilled vegetables.
Melina’s Balsamic Vinegar of Modena – Imported from Italy and presented in a grape cluster bottle, this rich, tangy balsamic is as beautiful as it is delicious. Ideal for roasted meats, fish, sauces, or as a gourmet gift centerpiece.
🥩 Fatworks – The Defenders of Real Fat
For centuries, traditional fats like tallow, lard, and duck fat have been staples of gourmet kitchens. Fatworks brings them back with integrity — organic, pasture-raised, and crafted using time-honored kettle-rendering. Their mission: celebrate flavor and debunk the myth that fat is the enemy.
Organic Grass-Fed Tallow – Versatile, nutrient-rich, and packed with flavor. Great for high-heat cooking, frying, or even pastry crusts that rival Grandma’s.
Duck Ramen Bone Broth – Simmered for 18 hours with ginger, shiitake, and kombu, this protein-rich broth is pure comfort. Sip it from a mug, or use it as the foundation for restaurant-quality ramen at home.
🌴 Gustus Vitae – Small Batch, Big Flavor
From a Venice Beach farmers market to kitchens across the country, Gustus Vitae is known for its sustainably sourced seasonings in signature magnetic tins.
Shichimi Ramen Seasoning & Meat Rub – Inspired by Japan’s beloved spice blend, this mix enhances ramen, noodle dishes, and doubles as a flavorful meat rub. A pantry essential for Japanese-themed meals.
🍜 Umami Insider – Bringing Japan to Your Kitchen
Since 2017, Umami Insider has been on a mission to make authentic Japanese cooking accessible at home. They source directly from passionate Japanese food makers who carry centuries of tradition.
Ibonoito Tenobe Hand-Pulled Ramen Noodles – Crafted with a 600-year-old method from Hyogo Prefecture wheat and Ibo River water, these noodles are braided for texture and durability. Smooth, firm, and perfect for ramen lovers seeking authenticity.
Why We Love This Month’s Box
The August 2025 Chef’s Companion Box is a culinary passport: Italian balsamic, Austrian oil traditions, Japanese ramen essentials, and bold American fats — all in one giftable box. Each product has a story, each maker a mission, and together they create more than just meals — they create experiences.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or an adventurous home cook, this box transforms your kitchen into a playground of flavor. It’s also the perfect artisan food gift for anyone who loves gourmet discoveries.
👉 Ready to cook like a chef? Explore our Chef’s Companion Box today and taste the world in every dish.