Leave it to the French to turn a perfect phrase. One of our favorites is mise en place, which means "putting in place" or "gathering." As standard parlance for professional chefs, it refers to the process of organizing and arranging ingredients in preparation for cooking the menu items during that shift. A mis en place setup might include bowls or containers of freshly chopped vegetables, herbs, meats, liquids, spices, and other components of a recipe. It can also be used to describe a state of mind or way of thinking. A mis en place approach is focused on having a plan, putting things in place, using only what's needed, reducing clutter, and tending to the details as you go.In the kitchen, mis en place starts with having ingredients lined up and ready to use. Your tools can also reflect mis en place. These are the essential tools that you come back to time and time again, because they're perfect for their task. One of our favorites is a Viking 5-ply, 3-qt. stainless steel saucier pot. For 25 years, we've loved its high performance, comfortable handle, curved sidewalls, and the fact it's dishwasher safe. It's one of the most-used pieces of equipment in our kitchen, with the same one in use for 25 years. We also like Field Company cast iron for its high performance with clean design and a lighter weight than traditional cast iron. From serrated kitchen scissors, a French whip, and paring knife to the lowly vegetable peeler—the best tools aren't the most expensive or fanciest. They're the ones that always work, feel good to use, and last. Best of all, you only need one.
Extend mis en place to the bar, the office, and any other room in the home. Here, the best essential tools or comfortable accessories are at hand when needed, but there is never clutter. The whole point of a mis en place frame of mind is to be free to enjoy the moment or the process and to execute it well. In an age of overwhelming options, disposable tools, and excess, we don’t want you to spend endless hours—or dollars—sifting through possibilities. When you shop here, we've done the work for you.