Colin Wyatt (Eleven Madison Park, DANIEL) is a pro when it comes to knowing his way around a kitchen. He recently returned to Maine to open Twelve, a seasonally focused restaurant that celebrates local ingredients. With the change in location, his must-haves in the kitchen continue to grow (and so does his herb garden!). Even if you aren’t an executive chef at a rave-worthy restaurant in Portland (a high bar to meet), anyone can enjoy and benefit from Colin’s kitchen essentials.
LINEN KITCHEN TOWELS
When we visited Paris, I bought some vintage linen kitchen towels in the markets on the outskirts of the city. They hold up better than any others.
aimeesfrenchmarket.com
MORTAR AND PESTLE
We have a small garden in our backyard, a good amount of which is herbs. I use our mortar and pestle to make quick pestos and chile pastes, and I love the way they look.
coleandmasonusa.com
Cole & Mason Granite Mortar & Pestle courtesy of Now You’re Cooking.
BOTTLE OPENER
For whatever reason, I have lots of bottle openers of all kinds. I love having them as little objects around the kitchen, and of course they’re helpful when I need a bottle opener.
shipwreckmontauk.com
JOYCE CHEN SCISSORS
The number one tool in my kitchen is a pair of Joyce Chen scissors. I use them for everything from clipping herbs in the garden to art projects for my kid and even breaking down chickens.
SERVING BOWL
Our kitchen counter always has a bowl of fruit or vegetables out, and they look stunning in these handmade bowls.
softsetceramics.com
Photo courtesy of SOFTSET Ceramics.
BRASS BOWL
I love burning palo santo in my home. I found a vintage brass bowl to place the wood into while it is burning, and it has been on an open shelf in my kitchen ever since.
Etsy.com/shop/HGTCvintage
Photo courtesy of Katrina Nutter of Hunter Gatherer Trading Co.
STACKABLE VEGETABLE STOCKER
I love this Japanese home goods brand [Yamazaki] and use these vegetable stackers for everything from onions and potatoes to tea and anything else I need organized.
theyamazakihome.com
