Welcome to InsideHook’s Staff Picks, a compendium of all the stuff our editors have been digging on recently.
Shiroi Hana Chef Knife Collection by Edge of Belgravia
I first became acquainted with Edge of Belgravia when they sent me some devastatingly handsome and functional teak cutting boards to test out earlier this year. Now they’ve released a set of chef’s knives intended for use with those boards: these AUS-10 Japanese steel numbers, which are on par with what you’d find in an industrial chef’s kitchen. They’re supremely sharp and durable, priced to move during their Kickstarter campaign (they’re funded 10 times over with a week remaining) and also lovely to look at. Get yourself one of those knife magnets and display them front and center in your galley. — Walker Loetscher, Editor in Chief
Hanskie Beer Mitten
I recently picked up a wool beer mitten from a gift shop in Bay Bulls, Newfoundland, right before a boating tour that was half booze cruise, half puffin watch. We were drinking Icebergs (a local lager infused with 20,000-year-old iceberg water) and my snug drinking paw was the talk of the trip. You can make the journey up to the shop and grab one of your own (though they’re selling like hot cakes, I got the last one) but this Hanskie model will do the job just the same. Perfect for cold ball games, crisp outdoor gatherings as the weather starts to turn and watching adorable, capelin-stuffed puffins struggle to fly over the swells. — Tanner Garrity, Associate Editor
Vuori Banks Short
A short that is as versatile as MacGyver’s favorite pen. Super stretchy with quick-drying and anti-odor properties, along with multiple zippered pockets and a great fit. Take ’em on a jog, run an errand, maybe grab a beer at your local. The world is your oyster. — Eli London, Director of Partnerships and User Acquisition
Sleepgram Adjustable Pillow
I never knew about adjustable pillows until the Sleepgram, but it’s an exciting introduction, and just as I tired of my aging, heat-holding foam pillows. One tall, washable, zip-up case fits two down-alternative pillows inside — one’s thinner and softer, the thicker one is a medium. Put them both in and a firmer third option is available. Between the three configurations, I’m hoping to have better, more comfortable sleeping posture over time. Other perks: hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant. — Athena Wisotsky, Deputy Editor
Zachary Prell Principato Short Sleeve
I can’t stand the summer-fall style transition. Right now, my mindset is all firewood-chopping and flannel-lining, but we’re still getting slapped with 100-degree scorchers. My solution: Zachary Prell’s skier-print shirt. Look at those evergreens! The cold-weather antics! The lack of sweat dripping down my back because of the cool cotton construction! — Alex Lauer, Senior Editor
The Après Collection by Taylor Stitch
Man, this looks cozy. And feels socially responsible! The tees are a soft tri-blend of upcycled cotton, recycled polyester and Tencel (eucalyptus wood pulp), the pants and shorts have some real texture (waffle and crepe weave) and that olive stripe fleece hoodie is 55% hemp … and 100% my lazy weekend wardrobe this fall. — Kirk Miller, Nation Editor/Managing Editor
THE BEST THING WE DRANK THIS WEEK
Not gonna lie: The espresso martini is a top-five cocktail (don’t @ me). And relatively easy to do well, provided you’re dealing with good coffee and a solid vodka. While it’s simple enough to try on your own, Cocktail Courier can deliver you a kit, filled with Reyka Vodka, La Colombe Coffee Pure Black cold brew and simple syrup, during the month of September — a month that is host to two wonderful holidays, National Espresso Martini Day (Sept. 2) and National Coffee Day (Sept. 29).
Your recipe, should you aready have the ingredients at home:
Reyka Vodka x La Colombe Cold Brewtini
2 parts Reyka Vodka
2 parts La Colombe Pure Black cold brew
.5 parts simple syrup (1:1)
Combine all the ingredients into shaker with ice. Shake, strain into martini glass and garnish with coffee beans.
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