Last updated on October 19th, 2018
Last week, Mr. Fox and I escaped to Manchester, Vermont for two glorious days. There, at the Equinox Resort (pictured above), we decompressed under the hands of two gifted massage therapists at the resort’s spa, and spent quiet time sipping wine and reading novels and memoirs on the hotel’s spacious porch. We fit in some shopping, too. Mr. Fox picked up some new shirts, while I snagged — what else? — some new kitchen toys. Let me un-box them for you:
Should you ever find yourself in Manchester, you might want to spend some time purusing Vermont Kitchen Supply. The shop is brimming with the kinds of things you always forget you need, until the moment when you actually need them.
Take, for instance, this 13-inch splatter guard. It’s an inexpensive item, but it’s oh, so useful when you are browning meats or sauteing veggies. The mesh screen permits air to circulate in the pan, but stops grease from bouncing out of the pan.
I also purchased these much-needed pot holders…
And these cool cookie cutters.
The pièce de résistance from Vermont Kitchen Supply was a high-sided, 5-quart saute pan with a lid.
Let me unpack the thing for you.
Honestly, I’ve wanted this very skillet for a long, long time. It’s perfect for frying chicken, browning meatballs and then finishing them off in sauce, and so much more. The same pan, without a trip to Vermont, can be had for $180 from Amazon.
Next stop: Le Creuset! I already own a ton of this French manufacturer’s first-class enameled Dutch ovens. What else could I possibly need? (Le Creuset was having a 40%-off Labor Day Weekend Sale.)Well, it seems I needed this black 4.5 quart casserole…
And this blue 4.5 quart soup pot.
And that, my friends, was how Fox and I spent our summer vacation.
And what about you? Did you get away at all during the summer of 2018? Talk to me in the comments field below.
xKevin
Amy says
I spent my first honeymoon in Manchester at the Reluctant Panther.
The memories of that winter in Vermont are much more pleasant than the memories of that starter marriage.
(now happily married for 16 years)
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Amy – I guess there are “starter” marriages as well as “starter” houses. Congrats on 16 years!
Janis says
Hi Kevin, hope your Labor Day is a lot better than ours (we are under a Tropical Storm warning). Visiting kitchen shops while on vacation or weekend getaways is a favorite pastime of mine too. If you and Mr Fox ever happen to find yourselves in Jacksonville Oregon (home of the internationally renowned Brit Festival) be sure to visit the Pot Rack. They have kitchen items you cannot find anywhere else. Jacksonville is a charming town with lots of lovely shops and the Brit Festival hosts music from every genre throughout the summer months. The Jacksonville Inn is historic and amazing. Beautiful area.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Janis – I have family in Portland, Oregon. Will put Jacksonville — and the Pot Rack — on my to-visit list! (Hope the tropical storm misses your area.)
Carolyn Contois says
you guys are so cute… I can’t stand it…. sometimes I find myself living vicariously through your your joints!
Selma says
Well, Kevin, “Better late than never”! We spent our summer vacation in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia… peaceful and serene! My brother in law has a 143 acre farm there. (You’d LOVE his huge canning kitchen. It takes up an entire floor of his new home. Love love love Manchester! We have spent many Sundays shopping there! Have a wonderful Autumn! Almost time for the leaves!
Kerry says
What a haul! Glad you enjoyed Vermont. I spent quite a bit of time there in my younger years. Loved it!
Donna says
Welcome home!
Maraya says
I envy your delightful weekend! At least I can spend hours in a kitchen shop without traveling far, because we have several good ones here. My friends won’t shop there with me because they can’t get me to leave.
I have a 6 Qt. All Clad Sauté Pan with lid that I bought last year on sale from Bloomies for $152. Love that pan! It’s especially perfect for a double batch of meat sauce, and so much easier to lift and empty when I have to sauté in batches than the enameled cast iron I previously used for those purposes.
I also have a similar 3 Qt. from Tramontina that came in a set from Bed Bath and Beyond (20% off coupon!). The tri-ply cookware from that brand (made in Brazil) seems to be comparable to All Clad, and much cheaper.
JoAnne says
Those pot holders are my favorite, Kevin! I used to get them Bed, bath, & beyond. Now they don’t carry them. Purchasing info on those would be appreciated.
Your new skillet is beautiful.
Martey says
I love the square potholders, so much so that I order them in packages of 6. You know, because fire happens… The LeCreuset blue soup pot is one of my workhorses. It does soups, braises, my aunt’s baked beans, and even no-knead bread! Just remember to order a metal knob for the lid before you try that one…
Pamela McRae says
You and Mr. Fox live an enviable life! Your getaway sounds perfect, and you certainly did get some amazing stuff. I love le Creuset pots, but I don’t cook enough to justify having one, so I gave mine to my daughter. I hope she appreciates it. 🙂
phyllis says
We spent a few days in Kennebunkport, Maine last week and enjoyed all the shops and restaurants: lots of lobster and New England clam chowder. Haven’t been to VT in ages but this would be a good time to go.
Michelle Collins says
Kevin, ssssh don’t let everyone know how lovely Manchester, VT & The Equinox is to visit. We want to keep it to ourselves!! Love Vermont !! BTW- Your kitchen finds were wonderful. Happy Autumn. 🙂
Michelle
Julie R says
Kevin, your weekend get away trip sounds like the perfect way to spend the weekend. How nice that you were able to fit in so much fun in a couple of days. I too love shopping in kitchen stores, and get lost there for hours.
As for my summer, I didn’t stray too far from home, but it was a fun and busy summer, just the same as if I had gone away. I went with friends and family to several local Fairs in cities near by, where we enjoyed food and shopping. There are so many talented folks that bring their unique handmade items to these Fairs, which I have a great appreciation for. Also, I enjoyed my oldest daughter coming home to visit us ( She currently lives in Germany with her hubby, who is stationed there in the Air Force) It had been over 6 months since I had last saw her, so it was a wonderful and fun reunion with her. Now she is back in Germany with her hubby and their new puppy, who they just adopted. The puppy was a stray rescue dog, who they lovingly took in.
Now it feels like summer is over and Fall is in the air here in Michigan, with the leaves starting to change colors….such a pretty time of year.
Susan says
You will love that sauté pan. I have the same one and bought it last year when I decided it was past time to embrace saturated fats–chicken thighs fried in lard, oh my! It also puts the loveliest sear on scallops wrapped with prosciutto and holds enough for a dinner party of six. Your guests will think you are brilliant when they watch you whip these up, and yet nothing could be easier. Why is it all my guests seem to congregate in the kitchen?!
Cindi says
LOVE THE DUTCH OVENS..NOW Iwant another one!..I use it alot!Got mine while I was attending North Conway,Nh chili fest! ( which my boss won 2nd place chefs award) Also picked up some nice sabatier knives.Awesome little shops there & so pretty in Autumn! Come visit!..
Elizabeth says
Love your purchases especially the Le Creuset. Unfortunately it is beyond my budget but I do have their grill pan which I use a lot. Visited Vermont many years ago & loved it.
Judy Hines says
Your new kitchen toys are terrific! Still so many tomatoes we are giving them away here in Central Illinois.
Sunni says
No jaunt seems complete without a visit to a kitchen supply shoppe. Don’t know what my “disease” is but the symptom is that I can’t leave empty handed, Dr. LOL
Let us know how you are using your new ‘toys’. Would love to see them in action.
Lyn says
We spent a week in the Finger Lakes in July – beautiful wine country there. But, my favorite place is the Jackson House in Woodstock, Vermont. What a gourmet breakfast Rick does. The Inn is gorgeous as well.
Anne says
Next weekend headed near Rocky Mountain National Park. The views just take the stress away and give us a new perspective on life. The leaves are turning color so I’m bringing the camera (one of my joys!), celebrate my birthday, our doggie stays with us, AND the RMNP Alpine Center (at the top and so windy) has the best hot chocolate I have so far savored. A sweater, hot chocolate, my dear husband, camera, the dog and a great view around every corner. And the fire place. Not all in that order 🙂
Though Kevin, your vaca sounds delightful!
Hope everyone had a wonderful summer!!
Kim Miller says
Kevin you are the best for sharing. Enjoy reading about your adventures, tips and wisdom.
Char says
The best (and cheapest) place to buy All Clad pots, pans, and utensils is at their semi-annual sale at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Washington, PA. This is a “seconds” sale held in June and December. Honestly, I can never find much wrong with a pan except a small scratch or rough spot. They also have other brand name deals available. This year I bought Rowenta floor fan. Powerful and quiet; best fan I’ve ever owned. All Clad prices run between 40 and 60 percent off regular price.
Ardelle says
You will love the All-Clad skillet. I have 5 All-Clad pieces and they are used every day – well balanced – The BEST COOKWARE by far.
Susan Iseman says
We spent the week in Nantucket- the weather was gorgeous and we love to shop, eat and did some 4wd over the beautiful beaches!
Toni says
Happy you had a refreshing holiday. Speaking of kitchen gadgets, every once in a while one comes along that you wonder how you lived this long without. One such gadget for me is the STOP, a boil guard. I use it every time I have a pot on the stove. They work. If you don’t have one, check this out.
http://alwaysfinaltouch.com/chefs-tools/boil-guards/
Sandy Evans says
I watched your video for easy English muffins and will order those metal rings today. I have found that my cast iron fry pan makes the most delicious toast and those English muffins would be perfectly toasted. I hardly ever use my actual toaster! Thanks for the recipe!
Kara says
HO! The thing about a starter marriage still going after fifty-six years, is that we have all that gorgeous stuff. Collected Le Crueset as we could. Bought beautiful cookware. However… we still find a need for new kitchen towels (newlmartied, we neve had enough), replenishing potholders and new scrubbing brushes, so still enjoy kitchen shopping
Your Vermont weekend sounds a delight. Two day “vacations” are another perk of our getting old. So glad you and Mr Fox can enjoy them all along! My very best wishes for a continuing delightful autumn season!
Charlene Stewart says
Agree with others who have said All Clad is THE BEST cookware. Have had several pieces for years. As a former Pittsburgher, I couldn’t resist! Also the tip about buying ‘seconds’ … there are very minor dings. I love your writing … trips, re-decorating, gardening … all things I love! Thanx.
DeeDee says
Hi Kevin
You don’t need to order a metal knob for your cookware, just cover the knob with aluminum foil. I do it all the time and never had a problem
Love your English Muffin recipe. It’s much different than the one I use. I will be using your recipe on this rainy Monday. I will let you know how they turn out. Well, got to go need to start mixing. You’re fabulous Kevin!!
Lee Lawrence says
Oh, Kevin,
Your picture of the Equinox Resort takes me back to my childhood. From Philadelphia, we would travel every other weekend to our farm at the base of Mt. Equinox in Manchester. The buildings have apparently had a facelift since those days. What a wonderful outing the two of you had!
Peejau says
I like the cookie cutters . Are they smallish, though? It seems nowadays you are expected to use these HUGE cookie cutters (at least here in Texas). Small cute little cookies seem vastly underappreciated.
Lynn says
I too always buy kitchen stuff when I go on holiday. Mostly, though, we travel to Asia so I look for unusual (read quirky) tools. The best ever is a large cast iron okonomiyaki pan that I bought in Osaka Japan. It’s about 34cm in diameter and is great for pizza as well as okonomiyaki, and comes in handy for frying lots of bacon if we have guests. I have to say it wasn’t easy to get home as I only had a carry-on bag.