Is your dad a Foodie? And, no, we’re not just talking about Grill Masters—though they’re included—but also the dad who loves a sweet treat, is always your plus one to try a new restaurant, and who believes the best days include chilled oysters and an ice cold beer.
If that sounds like someone you know, check out our ideas for a Father’s Day gift that your guy will love.
Food Delivery from Anywhere
For those of us old (wise) enough to remember, there was a time when the only food you could get delivered was pizza and Chinese take-out. But now, the world is at your fingertips—or, at the very least, the continental United States. Treat your dad to a regional favorite he wouldn’t otherwise be able to enjoy.
Get nostalgic, whether it’s his favorite deep dish from his college days in Chicago or that Texas barbecue you shared on a trip to Austin. Or send something you know he’d love, even if it’s brand new to him. There are websites that let you pick from a collection of restaurants and bakeries, but a lot of popular restaurants ship directly from their website. The food usually comes chilled or frozen and may require a little work to heat up and serve, but that’s part of the fun.
Beer Bundle
It may be a stereotype, but a lot of dads really do just like beer. If yours is one, search for the biggest and most well-reviewed beer or spirits store in your general area. Most of these stores will let you build your own 6-pack, meaning you can bring your dad 6 (or more!) beers he’s never tried. Get an assortment of varieties, breweries, and regions. Ask the store’s staff for some suggestions. They’ll point you toward interesting, award-winning, or local favorites.
Though a perfect gift on its own, this is a great opportunity to get Dad a really nice beer stein or insulated cup for laying around by the pool.
Reservations
This one might be for next year, so file it away. One of the best gifts we can give anyone is our time and effort, so put yours to good use. Is there a restaurant or bar in your closest city with impossible-to-score reservations? On a bigger scale, has your Dad, with the means to travel, always wanted to go to Noma or The French Laundry, but never made it past the waiting list?
Check out the restaurant’s website and see when they post new reservations and mark your calendar. Search online for tips on maximizing your chances—maybe the restaurant is notorious for opening reservations five minutes earlier than stated, or you can go in ahead of time and put in your payment info. Ask your mom (or whoever is closest to dad) for some potential dates and be ready with your credit card to book online. Call in favors, if they have them! Who pays for dinner is up to you.
Grill Time, of course
We know. Not all dads love to grill! But yours might, so grilling accoutrements can make great gifts. Grill accessories like rotisserie attachments, pizza oven inserts, infrared thermometers, or nice all-weather grill lights are no-brainers, but as Foodies, we always have our eyes on the ingredients. Subscribe Dad to a few months of a local meat CSA or butcher program so he gets new cuts to try every month. Or, if you can find it in your area, sign him up for a butchery class so he can fabricate his own steaks, ribs, and other cuts. Some butcher shops offer this, but you may also find it at specialty grocery stores or cooking schools.
If your dad isn’t the kind of person to splurge, another great grilling gift is a pricier-than-he-would-normally-buy cut of meat suited to his preferences and grilling style. For a steak guy, nothing beats a tomahawk steak—a thick-cut ribeye with a long bone, caveman-style. Other special grilling and/or smoking options include pork belly slabs, porchetta, a whole leg of lamb, or a rack of beef ribs. Get the best quality you can to fit your budget, with the higher limits including dry aged or Wagyu steaks.
Knives Out
If your dad doesn’t already have a cool knife, this is a great time to start his collection. A 9-inch chef’s knife is a solid place to start, but santokus and vegetable cleavers are good all-purpose prep options. Or, if he has those, look to specialty knives like slicers, boning knives, or meat cleavers. And please, don’t be tricked by ultra fancy knives. You don’t need to spend hundreds (or thousands!) on a good knife. For less than $150, you can find a knife of great quality and comfort at kitchenware stores or online. Choose one that feels good in your hand and has a look your dad would like. Check out our breakdown of what you need in a knife here.
For a just as good gift at a lower price point, sneak your dad’s favorite knives out and bring them for a professional sharpening. You can return them in a new knife roll or knfe block, if you’d like, too!
