Whether you’ve just moved into your first apartment, or you’re simply an inexperienced home chef, buying the proper tools for the kitchen may seem pretty overwhelming. Before you head out to the kitchen supply store, read up on this list of essential items that every kitchen should have — and avoid purchasing items that you’ll likely never use.

1. A chef’s knife. While it’s okay to purchase inexpensive, mid-level knives for spreading and slicing soft foods, every kitchen should have at least one high-quality chef’s knife. Splurge on this multi-purpose knife to avoid a potential injury when cutting something tough, such as meat or crunchy vegetables.
2. A cutting board. Instead of chopping veggies and herbs right on the kitchen counter, use a large wooden cutting board to make the job safer and more sanitary.
3. Kitchen shears. Cut fat from meat, stems from herbs, and slits in bread dough with handy kitchen shears.
4. A cast iron skillet. Because you can use it on the stovetop and in the oven, a cast iron skillet is versatile and useful.
5. Measuring cups and spoons. Instead of eyeballing amounts of ingredients, get more out of your recipes by carefully measuring each item. Invest in high-quality cups and smaller spoons that encompass the most common measurements.

Essential Kitchen Tools [Cooking Light]
The Kitchn's Guide to Essential Prep Tools & Utensils [The Kitchn]
My Essential Kitchen Tools [Ruhlman]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Didriks

Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers fulfills their “gourmet” moniker with an emphasis on culinary quality and crafting the perfect burger, your way, fresh and to-order. Juicy, char-grilled 100% all-natural Angus beef patties towering with your choice of cheese and toppings, fresh in-house baked buns and locally sourced ingredients create an elevated burger experience and the laid-back atmosphere makes Melt a popular destination for an office get-together, date night or family dinner.

Melt’s menu features unusual selections such as a sushi-grade ahi tuna burger and a garlicky bison burger. Specials rotate regularly, including the burger, milkshake and mac & cheese of the month. Crisp salads, abundant sides and a zesty black bean and corn veggie burger are available for herbivore consumption. A menu for children 10 and under features choices for the little ones.

Visit the Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers website to learn more!

Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers
525 East Market Street
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 443-2105
www.meltgourmetcheeseburgers.com
www.yelp.com/biz/melt-gourmet-cheeseburgers-leesburg

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/kadluba

The master chefs of Mikaku fulfill the eatery’s motto by creating “a true sense of taste” in every bite through the use of fresh ingredients expertly crafted into authentic Japanese dishes. Groups may choose to share a literal wooden boatload of sushi, running over with dozens of pieces hand-rolled maki.

In addition to standard sushi and rolls, Mikaku puts a unique spin on Japanese dining by offering small plate specialties akin to Spanish tapas. Small bites for sharing include steamed shumai dumplings and sake-steamed clams. Their comprehensive sake menu features over twenty varieties of premium sake, as well as more accessible varieties, available cold by the glass or heated in a traditional tokkuri flask.

With traditional artwork lining the walls and otherwise minimal décor, Mikaku’s atmosphere is quietly serene. A private dining area featuring a “zashiki” arrangement, complete with traditional tatami flooring, a low-standing table and comfortable floor mat seating may be reserved, too.

Mikaku
3065-J Centreville Road
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 467-0220
www.mikakurestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mikaku-herndon

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Takashi Hososhima