GASTRONORMOUS

I know one shouldn’t judge so important and potentially dangerous a piece of kitchen equipement as a mandoline on superficialities, but, look how cute! I just love the cheery colors this mandoline comes in, plus the hand protector isn’t as anemic as it is on a lot of other models, and this “restaurant quality” one seems to do everything a mandoline should. I guess you could buy one for less money, but will it be lime green? I think not. [$99.99 at Chef's]

There is nothing extraordinary about this egg slicer. But, do you see anything wrong with this picture? I am not sure slicing an egg shell-on would work so well. Unless you really can’t stand everyone at the picnic to which you were asked to bring your famous egg salad. [$18.99 at Amazon]

Not only is this an exquisite objet that will complement your modern kitchen, but it is also a way to keep steak knives out of sight and yet always at hand. What is this kooky double talk, you ask? See, every single spire sticking up from this small sculpture is actually the handle of a steak knife (see thumbnail below). It is available

in chrome, gold, green, black, and red. I don’t remember the last time I used a steak knife, but seeing this cool thing makes think I ought to look into aquiring a set. [$118 at Amazon]