Chef Charlie Ayers in Food Arts Article "Favorite Gear"

Food Arts link

Charlie Ayers, chef/owner, Calafia Café and Calafia Market A-Go-Go, Palo Alto, California

Large: Wood Stone Pizza Oven “Wood Stone Pizza Ovens are indispensable for my wide assortment of California pizzas—duck confit and pumpkin/hempseed pesto, Wolfgang’s pizza, guanciale/burrata pizza, Vegan Love Fest pizza, goat’s milk cheese/beet/California walnut pizza—and my roasted Brussels sprouts/potato pizza.”

Small: Mercer Knives “But my favorite piece of kitchen equipment is my Mercer 10 Inch Renaissance Chef’s Knife. First of all, I must admit that I was a skeptic. The knife retails in the neighborhood of $43 to $55. From my experience, most quality forged knives in this class are over $100. After many years of cooking, bargain hunting, and buying kitchen toys, I have learned that, for the most part, you get what you pay for. I have knives in my collection that I have paid several hundred dollars for and others that were simply disposable. I’m exceedingly pleased to say that this Mercer knife is a huge value, and at this price point honestly a steal! I love that its bolster doesn’t have a wide heel. This will really help the inexperienced chef maintain and sharpen his knife. It also cuts down on the weight of wielding a 10 inch forged chef’s knife all day. It’s perfect for not only the student chef but also for the discerning well-seasoned professional. This knife is an awesome value.”