PEOPLE'S 50 Food Faves of 2023: Gordon Ramsay, Celebrity Liquor Brands, Best Kitchen Gear & More!

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The year's biggest culinary stars, trends and pop culture moments that inspired us — in and out of the kitchen

Chef: Gordon Ramsay

<p>Zoe McConnell</p>

Zoe McConnell

The Kitchen Nightmares host created a culinary empire on sharp criticism and saucy language, but at home, the father of five is "incredibly sensitive" — and working on his cursing! In his cover story for PEOPLE, Ramsay opens up about his home life and fatherhood telling PEOPLE, "the kids have brought the most emotion out of me." Of course, it's his tougher onscreen personality that made him a global star, one with an empire that includes four top-rated prime-time shows, 77 restaurants worldwide, seven Michelin stars, a frozen-food line and 33 books.

Service: Replacements

Stocked with the world’s largest inventory of discontinued and current tableware, crystal and silver, this is the place to turn to if your grandma’s vintage china is missing a salad plate or your wedding champagne flute took a shattering tumble. The site (there’s also an enormous showroom outside Greensboro, N.C.) sells full sets or individual pieces to complete your collection. replacements.com

Streaming Series: 'The Bear'

<p>Matt Dinerstein/FX; FX</p>

Matt Dinerstein/FX; FX

In the FX show’s second season, chefs Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and Sydney (Ayo Edebiri, pictured), along with their family and friends, race to turn a gritty sandwich shop into a fine-dining spot. From the performances and surprise guests to the food itself (Sydney’s omelet with Boursin and potato chips will inspire your next brunch), each episode is rich, tender and worth savoring.

Food Festival: Charleston Wine + Food

Visitors get a true taste of the South—and of the city’s diverse cuisines, wines and cocktails—with celeb-chef-led cooking classes, local culinary excursions and lively big-tent events. March 6-10

Mobile App: Flavrs

Short, TikTok-style food videos from pros (like chef Eric Ripert) and local restaurant hot spots allow users to instantly shop for ingredients or order takeout with just a few clicks. flavrs.com

Cocktail: Ranch Water

<p>Getty</p>

Getty

The margarita-like spritz from Texas bubbled to the top for good reasons. It’s cool and refreshing, and, with only three basic ingredients, it requires no bartending skills. To make, add 2 shots tequila and 1 shot fresh lime juice to a tall ice-filled glass. Top with sparkling water, and garnish with lime slices.

Star Foodie: Cameron Diaz

<p>Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic; Jen Causey</p>

Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic; Jen Causey

The “avid home cook” shares approachable recipe videos on social media for her “go-to weeknight dinners” and girls’-night gatherings—often paired with a glass of Avaline, the organic wine line she created with friend Katherine Power. “I love nachos as a concept,” says Diaz. “You can create the perfect bite.” In this spin on the game-day staple, she adds layers of rotisserie chicken, charred veggies and a tangy herb sauce but encourages everyone to “use what’s available in your fridge.”

Grocery: Korean Kimbap

<p>Getty</p>

Getty

Trader Joe’s heat-and-serve rolls—sautéed greens, root vegetables, pickles and braised tofu wrapped in sesame-oil-seasoned rice and seaweed—became a viral phenomenon in early September and sold out in stores. They’ll be restocked in October, so keep an eye out because the rolls won’t linger long.

Podcast: 'Pack Your Knives'

Hosted by NBA reporters Kevin Arnovitz and Tom Haberstroh, the weekly Top Chef recaps combine fanaticism with sports-style analytics. The hosts draft fantasy teams, do quickfire play-by-plays, interview contestants and break down new food trends. spotify.com

Muffin Man: Gary Janetti

The comedy writer’s quest for the perfect blueberry muffin—chock-full of evenly distributed berries—has captivated followers, who wait for his cross-section reveals and hilariously honest reviews.

Celebrity-Owned Liquors: The Gardener Gin

Brad Pitt, who also has a line of Miraval wine and champagne, debuted his dry, London-style gin at the Cannes Film Festival. the-gardener.com

Celebrity-Owned Liquors: Papa Salt Gin

<p>Victor Chavez/Shutterstock; Papa Salt</p>

Victor Chavez/Shutterstock; Papa Salt

Margot Robbie’s gin was a big hit after its initial launch in Australia, and the brand has plans for an American expansion soon. papasaltgin.com

Celebrity-Owned Liquors: Renais Gin

<p>Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty; Renais</p>

Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty; Renais

“It is an ode to the sun-kissed vineyards of Chablis where my family has been making wine [for] 30 years,” said Emma Watson, who teamed up with brother Alex. renais.co.uk

Celebrity-Owned Liquors: Sweet Grass Vodka

“The second I tried it, I knew I wanted to become a part of it,” Jeremy Renner said about the South Carolina-made potato vodka. sweetgrassvodka,com

Celebrity-Owned Liquors: Meili Vodka

It took seven years for Jason Momoa to make his sipping spirit a reality. “Vodka was old and tired, [so] we thought we’d dust it off a bit!” he said on Instagram. meilivodka.com

Celebrity-Owned Liquors: Gentlemen's Cut Bourbon

“It delivers a seamless sip of honey, fresh vanilla bean and rich caramel on the palate,” said NBA star Stephen Curry. gentlemanscutbourbon.com

Theme Park: Illumination's Minion Cafe

<p>Universal Orlando Resort</p>

Universal Orlando Resort

Located within Minion Land at Universal Studios Florida, the new eatery serves a despicably cute menu. Try to resist Otto’s noodle bowl (right) with udon, porchetta, tare egg and roasted corn or a melty grilled pimento cheese with Minion-shaped tater tots.

Viral Food: Cottage Cheese

<p>Getty</p>

Getty

The obsession is real. With nearly 1 billion views on TikTok and new recipes popping up every day, the once-humble cottage cheese has become the most in-demand ingredient on the Internet. The protein powerhouse is spread on avocado toast, mixed into scrambled eggs and even churned into ice cream.

Space-Saving Gear: Nespresso Vertuo Pop+

<p>Nespresso</p>

Nespresso

Available in eight colors, the pod-based machine can brew five sizes of coffee, hot or with ice. $130, target.com

Space-Saving Gear: Drinkmate OmniFizz

It not only produces light, bubbly seltzer, but it can also carbonate other liquids, like juice, iced tea and wine. $120, amazon.com

Space-Saving Gear: Hamilton Beach Hand Blender

<p>Hamilton Beach</p>

Hamilton Beach

Use it to easily blend soups, dressings and smoothies—it’s powerful enough to pulverize ice. $35, walmart.com

Space-Saving Gear: Nesting Measuring Spoons

<p>Sur La</p>

Sur La

Made of stainless steel, they’re narrow enough to fit inside any container, including small spice jars. $22, surlatable.com

Restaurant Chef: Pinky Cole

<p>Will Sterling Photography; Jennifer Causey</p>

Will Sterling Photography; Jennifer Causey

“When you come to the restaurant, you see old people, young people, White, Black—and I’m like, ‘Damn, this is beautiful,’ ” says the founder of Slutty Vegan, the plant-based fast-food chain that attracts lines of diners waiting for a taste of her meat- and dairy-free meals—like this at-home version of her popular “Chik’N Head” sandwich.

Pantry Shortcuts: Brown Rice & Quinoa Medley

<p>Bibigo</p>

Bibigo

Brown rice typically takes 45 minutes to cook, but these grains steam in the microwave in 90 seconds. $3, bibigousa.com

Pantry Shortcuts: Sichuan Dan Dan Noodles

<p>Mila</p>

Mila

Available with pork or plant-based meat, the springy noodles tossed in a sesame-based sauce are restaurant quality. $36 for 4, eatmila.com

Pantry Shortcuts: Good & Gather Birria Sauce

Simmer meat, veggies or tofu in this Mexican-style sauce, made with chipotle, guajillo and arbol chile peppers. $3, target.com

Pantry Shortcuts: Avocado Ranch Salad Kit

<p>Bowery</p>

Bowery

Skip the chopping! It comes with crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, roasted pumpkin seeds and tortilla strips. $5.50, bowery.co

Pantry Shortcuts: Cheddar & Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese

The macaroni stays gooey while the cornbread crumbs keep their crunch. $11, tillamook.com

Pantry Shortcuts: Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

<p>Scotch Boyz</p>

Scotch Boyz

The fiery spice blend, sourced from small farms in Jamaica, gets its kick from ground Scotch bonnet peppers. $13.50, scotchboyz.com

Hotel & Resort: Wildflower Farms

This nature-focused retreat in New York’s Hudson Valley serves fresh, indulgent dishes using eggs gathered from their chicken coops and ingredients picked from the on-site farm. Relax with a glass of wine on the patio, feed the animals (they also have donkeys and sheep!), and learn new skills at the cooking school. aubergeresorts.com

Cookbook: 'The World Central Kitchen'

<p>Francois Nel/Getty</p>

Francois Nel/Getty

Chef José Andrés shares stories from people affected by natural disasters and wars, as well as recipes from WCK supporters. Try Meghan Markle’s lemon olive oil cake and Michelle Obama’s breakfast tacos.

Accessory: Stanley Travel Tumbler

<p>Stanley</p>

Stanley

The colorful, insulated cup has become the must-have accessory for keeping hydrated on the go. The 40-oz. Quencher keeps drinks cold for hours (ice even stays frozen!) and features a no-spill lid and tapered base to fit into cup holders. $45, stanley1913.com

Dessert: Doan's Coconut Cake

<p>Mike Coppola/WireImage; GOLDBELLY</p>

Mike Coppola/WireImage; GOLDBELLY

It’s become the gift of legend. Every December, Tom Cruise sends his friends — including Angela Bassett and Miles Teller—a white chocolate and coconut Bundt cake from Doan’s Bakery in Woodland Hills, Calif. The coveted confection is now available on Goldbelly, so everyone can get a taste of the sweet treat. $126; goldbelly.com

Food Blogger: Dan Pelosi

<p>Courtesy of Union Square & Co; Jennifer Causey</p>

Courtesy of Union Square & Co; Jennifer Causey

His affability and viral vodka “sawce” recipe gave @grossypelosi followers comfort (and comforting meal ideas!) during the COVID lockdown. Now his debut cookbook, Let’s Eat, showcases his family’s Italian American and Portuguese dishes. “We’re the kind of family that’s talking about dinner at lunch,” he says. “Cooking is in our DNA.”

Social Media: @cookingforlevi

<p>Cooking for Levi</p>

Cooking for Levi

Jack Zhang prepares gourmet meals from scratch—like slow-braised oxtail and seared sea scallops—for his 2-year-old son Levi, who happily digs in, asks thoughtful questions (“Did you put yeast in this?”) and offers compliments to his chef (“It’s pretty ten-dah!”).

Pantry Essential: Graza Olive Oils

<p>Graza</p>

Graza

The EVOO in the green squeeze bottle is worth the hype. Made from flavorful Picual olives from Spain, Sizzle is great for cooking at high heat while Drizzle is ideal for dressings or as a final flourish. $16 and up, graza.co

Top Celebrity Cookware: Eva Longoria

The pieces in her Risa line feature gently curved handles for resting lids and are truly nonstick—foods glide right out of the pan. risakitchen.com

Top Celebrity Cookware: Stanley Tucci

<p>David M. Benett/Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty; GreenPan</p>

David M. Benett/Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty; GreenPan

Tucci by GreenPan “is about aesthetics but also about functionality,” he said of his ceramic and stainless-steel line made in Italy. williams-sonoma.com

Top Celebrity Cookware: Tan France

<p>Monica Schipper/Getty; Caraway</p>

Monica Schipper/Getty; Caraway

The Queer Eye expert brought fashion flair to his Caraway designs, with trendy pink blush, moss green and cream options. carawayhome.com

Top Celebrity Cookware: Selena Gomez

<p>ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty</p>

ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty

In her second collaboration with brand Our Place, the Selena + Chef host chose shades of powdery blue and earthy taupe. fromourplace.com

Restaurant Pop-Up: Chain

<p>Courtesy of Chain LA Restaurant</p>

Courtesy of Chain LA Restaurant

It’s one of the hardest tickets to snag in L.A. Founded by actor B.J. Novak and chef Tim Hollingsworth, the immersive dining spot serves gourmet versions of familiar chain-restaurant classics, such as the McDonald’s McRib or Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme—but made with wagyu beef. eatatchain.com

Airline: Hawaiian Airlines

Following Maui’s devastating wildfires, they coordinated a food and supply drive and pledged to donate $150,000 to local Hawaii food banks.

Organization: Fresh & Save Cubes

<p>Zwilling</p>

Zwilling

Soggy snacks are a thing of the past. A vacuum pump pulls all the air out of the stackable canisters, sealing in freshness and flavor. $13 and up, zwilling.com

Fast Food: Dairy Queen

<p>Dairy Queen</p>

Dairy Queen

They say the Blizzard—soft-serve ice cream blended with mix-ins—is so thick it can be tipped upside down and not spill. Whether that gravity-defying claim is true doesn’t seem to matter to DQ loyalists, who enjoy the expanding menu of seasonal flavors like pumpkin pie and snickerdoodle cookie dough.

Kitchen Gadget: SmartSharp Knife Sharpener

<p>Faberware</p>

Faberware

Give your blade a new edge! Run a knife through the LED sharpness detector (a red light means it’s dull; a green light indicates it’s ready for use), and then pull it through the coarse sharpening grooves until it’s razor-like again. Farberware, $60, hsn.com

Celebrity Food Launches: Millie Bobby Brown

<p>S Meddle/ITV/Shutterstock; Florence by Mills</p>

S Meddle/ITV/Shutterstock; Florence by Mills

The Stranger Things actress’s Florence by Mills Coffee includes boxed concentrates, brew bags and flavored syrups. florencebymillscoffee.com

Celebrity Food Launches: Snoop Dogg

<p>JC Olivera/Getty; Dr. Bombay</p>

JC Olivera/Getty; Dr. Bombay

Named after Snoop’s NFT character, Dr. Bombay launched with seven ice cream flavors like Tropical Sherbet Swizzle, Bonus Track Brownie and Syrupy Waffle Sundaze. drbombaysnax.com

Celebrity Food Launches: Ed Sheeran

<p>Gilbert Flores/Penske Media via Getty; Tingly Ted</p>

Gilbert Flores/Penske Media via Getty; Tingly Ted

The musician created Tingly Ted’s because, “I felt like something was profoundly missing in my life, and after much soul-searching, I realized it was a proper hot sauce.” tinglyteds.com

Celebrity Food Launches: Tom Hanks

<p>Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock; Hanx</p>

Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock; Hanx

Profits from the Oscar winner’s Hanx for Our Troops coffee line go toward foundations that support the military veteran community. “Good products for good reason,” he said. givehanx.com

Beauty Trend: Food-Inspired Makeup

<p>Getty</p>

Getty

From glazed donut skin and “strawberry girl” makeup (a dewy palette of fruity pinks and reds) to smokey latte eyes and blueberry milk nails, the latest beauty looks are truly delicious.

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