Foodie Gifts for Foodie Fathers – I know the shops will be full of gift ideas for Fathers’ Day (Sunday 15 June this year) but I thought I’d give you some reasonably priced suggestions to make life easier:
On the book front, a couple of suggestions…for the man who likes to be in charge of the barbecue (and let’s face it, there are lots of them!) This book – A Kiss of Smoke is by Jackie Weight, the only Brit ever to win the World Barbecue Championship (the Jack Daniels Trophy) and a perfect gift. The book comprises many of Jackie’s favourite recipes and tips on getting the best from your barbecue. Her website bbqworkshop.co.uk sells a number of other barbecue items, including her special meat rubs (which are delicious)
Behind Bars is packed with fascinating stories about what happens when alcohol meets crime, from illicit stills in the Scottish Highlands to moonshine in the US and lots more. It highlights the most bizarre – and expensive – alcohol related crimes, while revealing the inside world of spirits. It will certainly whet his curiosity! Available for around £15 from bookshops and of course, Amazon.
If he’s travelling to work and/or into fitness, he’ll need to carry a water bottle. This CITY COOL Water Filter Bottle — a sleek, double-walled design that keeps water chilled for up to 24 hours – is perfect. Built for durability and daily use, it features AQUAPHOR’s advanced ion-exchange, activated carbon filter made from renewable coconut husks. Thoughtful details like a non-slip silicone grip, leak-proof lid, and smooth, tactile finish make CITY COOL as functional as it is stylish. The new collection is available in a palette of colours — Sky Blue, Mineral Red, Rose Pink, Carbon Black, and Fresh Teal — combining high-performance filtration with style. £20 from John Lewis and other retailers.
How about sending him a specially iced cookie? This You’re The Best Trophy Letterbox Iced Cookie from Baked by Steph is the perfect way to do it with flair. This hand-iced cookie gift is crafted from a buttery vanilla biscuit base topped with vibrant royal icing, making it as tasty as it is thoughtful. Handmade, packed with care, and delivered right to their door, £12 from bakedbysteph.co.uk
If he’s a wine fan, treat him to something extra special with this Codorniu Organic Chardonnay – a vibrant Spanish white crafted from organically grown Chardonnay grapes. It offers fresh aromas of citrus and tropical fruits, complemented by subtle herbal notes. On the palate, it delivers a crisp, balanced profile with a clean finish. It pairs well with seafood, grilled vegetables, or light poultry dishes, making it a refreshing and thoughtful Father’s Day gift. £11 a bottle from Amazon
Or if red is more to his taste, this Calvet Prestige Bordeaux Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon (£8.50, Tesco) offers delicate flavours and a well-balanced palate.Calvet Prestige embodies all the expertise and reputation of Maison Calvet. Named in honour of the very select “Diplôme du Prestige de la France” received by the latter in 1958, this Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon pairs very well with Bordeaux specialities such as duck confit, truffles or meat in sauce
Try a New Cuisine
Bring the flavours of another country into his own kitchen with the newly launched range of cuisine sets from Sous Chef. For example this Japanese Store Cupboard Ingredients Set (£49.99), includes everything you need to create authentic Japanese dishes – from ramen and miso soup to sushi rolls and dipping sauces.
Whether you’re building flavour with dashi, seasoning with miso and soy, or finishing with toasted sesame oil, these are the essential ingredients Japanese home cooks rely on.
The set is perfect for beginners and seasoned chefs alike – a ready-made foundation for Japanese cooking. Cook your way through classics like miso aubergine, tamagoyaki, or teriyaki glazed salmon. Add a spoonful of Kewpie mayo to your next rice bowl and you’ll see why it’s a cult favourite.
It’s one of a number of different cuisine sets from Sous Chef at varying prices, depending on the contents.
The Seasoned Gastronome