"In our world, food is consumed visually as well as physically, and setting the stage allows us to pause, reflect, and relish wholeheartedly." Our newest sponsor, Kettle & Brine supports craftsmen and makers who believe just that. Naturally food should be nourishing to the body, but it's exciting to find a shop that considers the plate and setting in which said food sits upon as well. At K&B, tucked away on West 12th Street, you get the full package for a happy kitchen: an assortment of small batch food items, smart kitchen tools and some of the most gorgeous serving pieces you could hope for.
Name: Kettle & Brine
Business:Kitchen and Home Gifts
Location: 908-C west 12th st, 78703
Astrological sign: Libra
What you had for breakfast: Omelet with bacon, spinach, tomatoes, and avocado. Coffee
Kettle & Brine is new to Austin, right? Tell us about the shop!
Kettle & Brine is a gift shop for those who like to cook, gather and entertain. We sell ethically sourced quality home provisions as well as select gourmet food goods. We are committed to ethical sourcing, promoting local craftsmen, and global artisans. We strive to foster the domestic food culture by elevating the home dining experience, connecting people through stories, living everyday more beautifully, and sharing the gift of health and happiness with friends and family. The name Kettle & Brine represents the special things that make the ordinary better, and everyday more enjoyable. The kettle represents the utilitarian accessories, while the brine stands for the extra little efforts that go a long way in making a great meal. They both communicate our affinity for slow living and slow foods.
What sparked your interest in the world of cooking? Are you a big cooker at home?
I've always loved to cook, and entertain friends and family. I grew up in Thailand, a culture where the average person was passionate about food. I enjoy testing out new recipes and developing some of my own. As a mom of two little budding foodies my interest in food and cooking also comes from a nutritional standpoint. Dining out is always a challenge so we typically bring the party to us and invite friends over to join us at home. I believe in clean eating as much as possible, and so my homewares reflect that viewpoint as far as honoring the true materials for what they are.
What tool do you find most indispensable in the kitchen?
A good cutting board and knives are vital. I could never find a board big enough for my needs, so I turned our entire kitchen island into a prep top and entertaining space. What we carry in the shop reflect that in the sense that all serve boards were meant to be used functionally in the kitchen and are beautiful as a stand alone piece to be served at the table. A good knife of course, if you cook a lot can make or break a session in the kitchen. I keep mine razor sharp with our blade oils.
Pro tip time: tell us about an app/hack/website/thing that has made your life easier.
I have 2 kids, so utility and minimizing prep is important. I use cookware that double as serve ware, meaning they go from stove top, to oven to table seamlessly requiring less prep time, and less clean up. Besides, showcasing your actual cookware on the table is a great way of connecting people with how food is actually prepared and they're great conversation pieces.
