F
FOODIE
Tools the Trade of
CHEF ALEJANDRA PADILLA SHOWS US HER FAVORITE KITCHEN ESSENTIALS
Olive Wood Spoon
Tiny Whisk
“Wooden spoons are gentle, allowing me to lift and turn the food without scraping metal from the pots/pans into the food. There’s nothing magic about the olive wood—I just like the way it looks!”
“In the kitchen, space is a precious commodity.” This tool is easy to handle, and it doesn’t take up much valuable space.
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WRITTEN BY: TYLER MOUNCE PHOTOGRAPHED BY: HUNTER COLE
As a teenager, Alejandra Padilla was a bit of a troublemaker, which resulted in her being grounded quite frequently. In need of a way to pass the time, she began baking and cooking whatever she could find in the cupboards. But what started as a pastime quickly became a passion for the beauty and art of food. She went on to study at the former Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, beginning her career as a chef. Currently, Chef Padilla serves as the executive chef at Five Crowns in Corona Del Mar, which is known for award-winning prime rib and seasonal menus, the finest wine selections and exceptional service. And when in the kitchen of this Lawry’s prime rib concept, these are Chef Padilla’s five must-have tools:
FIVE CROWNS 3801 E Coast Hwy Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 949.760.0331 www.thefivecrowns.com
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Kunz Sauce Spoon
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Misono Knife “I’ve learned the important role that knives play in the work of a chef, and aside from being a great knife, this one has sentimental value.” It was given to her by the chef who originally trained her to move from cold to hot food.
Used for plating, this spoon is the perfect measurement for the amount of sauce on a dish. It also has a good weight which makes it easy to handle.
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Sifter
What started as a pastime quickly became a passion for the beauty and art of food.
Kunz Perforated Spoon Helps with plating items that are in a broth or sauce without getting unwanted liquid on the plate.
Ideal for delicate garnishes and dustings of spices on a plate
Measuring Tool Measures cuts of fruits and vegetables for precision.
CHEF’S CHOICE
ALEJANDRA PADILLA Executive Chef, Five Crowns Restaurant & Steakhouse
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LOCALE MAGAZINE
Chef Padilla serves as the executive chef at Five Crowns in Corona Del Mar, which is known for award-winning prime rib and seasonal menus, the finest wine selections and exceptional service.
