Sandwich makers make life convenient by providing easy breakfast options. It can make toasts and grilled sandwiches as per our liking. As you are looking for sandwich makers under ₹500, these sandwich makers use gas flame for grilling and toasting. To help you buy the <keyword id="10875518" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Best-Sandwich-Maker">best sandwich maker</keyword>, here are the best budget options available on Amazon.<br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B0781M9N43" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B0781M9N43_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb>  <div type="image" title="Heat Efficient" msid="83837173" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B0781M9N43</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B0781M9N43_body"><bulletContentRow name="B0781M9N43_8076661667728127"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Warmeo Grill and Toast Sandwich Maker</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Warmeo Sandwich Maker helps you preserve nutrients with easy grilling and toasting. The product is heat efficient and uses less gas. The product is easy to maintain and can be cleaned easily. It is non-stick cookware that delivers your favourite sandwiches. It features a long handle that makes it safe to operate on top of a gas burner.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B0781M9N43_0821799581278436"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Warmeo Sandwich Maker is an eco-friendly product that is highly durable and efficient.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07YQ5SN4H" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07YQ5SN4H_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb>  <div type="image" title="Flameproof" msid="83837209" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07YQ5SN4H</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07YQ5SN4H_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07YQ5SN4H_2756071707242566"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Cello Non-Stick Aluminium Sandwich Toaster Maker</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Cello Sandwich Maker is made with highly durable aluminium. The cookware has a high gauge that provides efficiency while heating the toaster. You can easily grill your favourite sandwiches by putting the cookware on top of a gas burner. It is flameproof cookware that comes along with a heat-resistant handle.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07YQ5SN4H_6992188546562800"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Cello Sandwich Maker has a hard anodised construction that delivers heat evenly and efficiently.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B08WH8S1TJ" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B08WH8S1TJ_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb>  <div type="image" title="Heat-Resistant Handle" msid="83837239" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B08WH8S1TJ</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B08WH8S1TJ_body"><bulletContentRow name="B08WH8S1TJ_4112528155314893"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Konquer Sandwich Toaster</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Konquer sandwich toaster can deliver crispy sandwiches with ease. It preserves nutrients in the sandwich. The cookware is heat efficient and consumes less gas to make sandwiches. The sandwich-making process is easy in this non-stick cookware. The heat distribution is even.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B08WH8S1TJ_6647173555688758"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Konquer Sandwich Toaster comes with a heat-resistant handle that provides safety and a good grip.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07YCK2NW9" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07YCK2NW9_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb>  <div type="image" title="Hard Anodised Construction" msid="83837270" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07YCK2NW9</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07YCK2NW9_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07YCK2NW9_9952190909003572"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Cello Prima Sandwich Toaster</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Cello Prima Sandwich Toaster is made with pure grade aluminium that makes the product highly durable. It is a versatile cookware that delivers crispy sandwiches due to the even distribution of heat. The cookware is easy to operate with its flameproof body and heat resistant handle. The hard anodised construction aids the healing process.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07YCK2NW9_1323307497535190"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Cello Prima Sandwich Maker provides convenience and ease in making sandwiches.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B08XR1JCBG" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B08XR1JCBG_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb>  <div type="image" title="Easy Maintenance" msid="83837294" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B08XR1JCBG</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B08XR1JCBG_body"><bulletContentRow name="B08XR1JCBG_5511637117330567"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Sumeet Nonstick Grill Gas Toaster</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Sumeet Nonstick Toaster provides you with the convenience of making sandwiches with ease on top of a gas burner. The non-stick coating prevents food from sticking to the surface. The product is easy to clean and maintain. It is PFOA free which makes it safe for your health and the environment.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B08XR1JCBG_2146939794046560"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Sumeet Sandwich Maker features a long handle that makes it convenient to operate.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B08FY835LC" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B08FY835LC_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb>  <div type="image" title="Aluminum Body" msid="83837338" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B08FY835LC</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B08FY835LC_body"><bulletContentRow name="B08FY835LC_9387646591153394"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">DEVOTION Sandwich Maker</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Devotion Sandwich Maker is made with aluminium that is environmentally friendly and highly durable. You just need to hold the toaster on top of a gas burner to get crispy sandwiches. The non-stick cookware is easy to clean and maintain. The sandwich maker uses less gas while providing optimum heat to your toast.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B08FY835LC_2526117974648738"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">The Devotion Sandwich Maker is a suitable option for a toaster under a budget.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br />

Best Sandwich maker under ₹500 in India

Best toasters under ₹2000 in India for 2022

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Switzerland is an expensive country to visit.</li><li>On a recent trip to Basel, I paid $38 for a burger and $607 per night for a hotel room.</li></ul><p>If you're <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mistakes-i-made-switzerland-first-time-airbnb-restaurants-buses-2024-7">traveling to Switzerland</a>, a few things will likely be mentioned.</p><p>People will want to know if you did an <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mistakes-tips-bungee-jumping-new-zealand-2022-9">adrenaline-fueled activity like skydiving</a> in someplace beautiful like Interlaken. They'll be eager to hear just how many pounds of Swiss chocolate you consumed. And most likely, they'll ask how you afforded the trip in the first place.</p><p>That's because Switzerland is known as one of the most expensive countries in the world. According to a report by the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/rankings.jsp">online database Numbeo</a>, Switzerland is home to Geneva and Zurich, the top two cities in the world with the highest cost of living. The country is also home to the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/274326/big-mac-index-global-prices-for-a-big-mac/">most expensive Big Mac</a>, and budget travelers should expect to spend between $820 to $2,160 on a two-night trip, according to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.trip.com/guide/info/trip-to-switzerland-cost.html">Trip.com</a>.</p><p>I saw those high prices on a recent trip to Basel, where I spent $38 on a burger, nearly $100 on a round-trip train ride, and $607 a night in a five-star hotel.</p><p>But one thing helped me stay within my budget: finding a hotel with complimentary breakfast.</p><div type="image" title="The author's plate of breakfast from Hotel Euler in Basel, Switzerland." height="3024" width="4032" msid="112846395" hostid="261" sizebytes="913066"></div><h2 id="3bf39dc5-09f6-4067-8888-56678c9c6f96">Free breakfast is usually a perk, but it was a game changer in Switzerland</h2><p id="3bf39dc5-09f6-4067-8888-56678c9c6f96">Before arriving in Basel, I eyed several of the city's hotels. I debated the amenities I wanted for the four-night stay: did I need a hotel gym? Was proximity to a train station a must? Did I want a king or queen-sized bed?</p><p id="3bf39dc5-09f6-4067-8888-56678c9c6f96">Initially, complimentary breakfast wasn't on my radar. I'm familiar with hotel chains' free breakfasts, which consist of the basics: cereal, yogurt, and a waffle maker if I'm lucky.</p><p id="3bf39dc5-09f6-4067-8888-56678c9c6f96">As I eyed the reviews and photos of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.guestreservations.com/hotel-euler/booking"><u>Euler Hotel</u></a>, I realized a complimentary breakfast would be a strategic way to save money in Basel. I could tell the hotel had an enormous spread from the photos online. There were the basics like yogurt, waffles, and cereal, but also fruits, breads, pastries, smoked fish, cured meats, cheeses, eggs, bacon, and espresso.</p><p id="3bf39dc5-09f6-4067-8888-56678c9c6f96">It was a breakfast I would easily pay for, and if I ate a hearty meal each morning, I could have a lighter (read: cheaper) lunch.</p><p id="3bf39dc5-09f6-4067-8888-56678c9c6f96">And that's exactly what I did. Each morning, I headed to the bottom floor of the Euler Hotel and filled a plate with smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, and fruit.</p><p id="3bf39dc5-09f6-4067-8888-56678c9c6f96">Then, I'd snack on a quick sandwich or salad for lunch.</p><p id="3bf39dc5-09f6-4067-8888-56678c9c6f96">The breakfast and cheap lunch helped me save a couple hundred dollars on my Switzerland trip.</p><p id="3bf39dc5-09f6-4067-8888-56678c9c6f96">The money saved on food allowed me to splurge on experiences like a night in the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/switzerland-five-star-hotel-catering-billionaires-royals-les-trois-rois-2024-7">Hotel Les Trois Rois</a>, a historic hotel that has welcomed everyone from Queen Elizabeth II to the Rolling Stones.</p>

This one simple perk was the biggest way I saved money while visiting one of the world's most expensive travel destinations

<ul><li><strong><keyword id="18635" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="amazon" source="Orion">Amazon</keyword> is currently hosting the Great Republic Day Sale, offering discounts across a wide range of products.</strong></li><li><strong>The e-commerce giant has discounted gaming products such as monitors, keyboards, and more.</strong></li><li><strong>Here are the best deals on gaming products on the <keyword id="10589048" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="amazon-great-republic-day-sale" source="Orion">Amazon Great Republic Day Sale</keyword>.</strong></li></ul>The Amazon <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/amazon-great-republic-day-sale-2023-best-deals-and-offers/articleshow/96961163.cms">Great Republic Day Sale</a> is live, and the e-commerce giant is offering discounts across a wide range of products, including gaming monitors, keyboards, headphones, and more, making it the perfect time to upgrade your gaming setups.<br /><br />The Amazon sale will go on till January 20, giving you ample time to select the devices you wish to buy. In addition to the discounts being offered by Amazon India, customers can also avail themselves of an additional 10% instant discount using their SBI credit cards.<br /><br />In this post, we bring you some of the best deals on gaming products such as monitors, headphones, keyboards, mouse, and more.<br /><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Best deals on gaming products on the Amazon Great Republic Day Sale" comment="subhead" text="Best deals on gaming products on the Amazon Great Republic Day Sale"><span data-til="noop">Best deals on gaming products on the Amazon Great Republic Day Sale</span></cmsannotation><br /><br /><strong>Acer Nitro 27-inch gaming monitor<br /></strong><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="B09GYLKM14" comment="amazoncard" text="B09GYLKM14"><span data-til="noop">B09GYLKM14</span></cmsannotation><br /><br />The Acer Nitro 27-inch gaming monitor is a good option if you are looking for a large monitor with a high refresh rate. It features a 27-inch Full HD IPS panel with HDR10 support and a 165Hz refresh rate, making it an excellent option for gamers who like fast-paced action games. The monitor features AMD Radeon FreeSync technology that reduces image tearing by keeping the monitor and graphics card refresh rate in sync.<br /><br />The gaming monitor from Acer is currently available for ₹14,999, down from its original price of ₹26,999.<br /><br /><strong>Viewsonic 24-inch gaming monitor<br /></strong><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="B07H5GNR18" comment="amazoncard" text="B07H5GNR18"><span data-til="noop">B07H5GNR18</span></cmsannotation><br /><br />If a 27-inch gaming monitor is too big for you, this 24-inch gaming monitor from Viewsonic is worth considering. It features a 24-inch curved Full HD LED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate. It offers a 1MS response time and comes with AMD Radeon FreeSync technology. The curved panel ensures an immersive gaming experience and offers better angles while spotting your enemies.<br /><br />The gaming monitor is currently available for ₹10,499, down from its original price of ₹21,400, offering a discount of over 50%.<br /><br /><strong>HP K500F gaming keyboard<br /></strong><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="B08498D67S" comment="amazoncard" text="B08498D67S"><span data-til="noop">B08498D67S</span></cmsannotation><br /><br />A proper gaming keyboard is important if you play games regularly. The HP K500F is a good option if you want a reliable and affordable gaming keyboard. It is a full-sized membrane keyboard that features an LED backlight with monochromatic and mixed-color lighting options, allowing you to personalize it as per your preferences. It is fast and accurate and offers 26 anti-ghosting keys.<br /><br />The keyboard is currently available for ₹999, down from its original price of ₹1,800.<br /><br /><strong>Redgear A-15 gaming mouse<br /></strong><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="B08CHZ3ZQ7" comment="amazoncard" text="B08CHZ3ZQ7"><span data-til="noop">B08CHZ3ZQ7</span></cmsannotation><br /><br />In addition to a keyboard, you also need a proper gaming mouse to shoot your enemies quickly. The A-15 features multi-programmable buttons that allow you to set your favorite in-game actions or powerups to these keys to offer you an edge over your enemies. The mouse allows you to change the DPI up to 6400 based on your preference.<br /><br />The mouse is currently available for ₹549, down from its original price of ₹799.<br /><br /><strong>Cosmic Byte C1070T<br /></strong><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="B07336WDNJ" comment="amazoncard" text="B07336WDNJ"><span data-til="noop">B07336WDNJ</span></cmsannotation><br /><br />If you prefer a controller over a keyboard and mouse, the Cosmic Byte C1070T is worth considering. It can be used for computers and smartphones, making it an excellent option for gamers who play on both devices. It is equipped with double-vibration motors that offer realistic feedback while gaming. The device is ergonomic and easy to use, even for extended durations.<br /><br />It is currently available for ₹999, down from its original price of ₹1,499.<br /><br /><strong>Redgear Cloak<br /></strong><br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="B07T9FV9YP" comment="amazoncard" text="B07T9FV9YP"><span data-til="noop">B07T9FV9YP</span></cmsannotation><br /><br />The Redgear Cloak is a good option if you are in the market for gaming headphones. It has a 50mm driver that delivers enhanced bass and clarity. It features an omnidirectional microphone that can be moved easily when not in use. The headphone features noise-isolating memory foam that provides a comfortable gaming experience and reduces external noise.<br /><br />The headphone is currently available for ₹499, down from its original price of ₹1,799, offering a discount of over 70%.<br /><br /><em>Disclaimer - When you purchase through links on Business Insider India, we may earn affiliate commission.</em><br /><br /><strong>SEE ALSO:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/amazon-great-republic-day-sale-best-deals-on-monitors-mouse-keyboards-and-other-pc-accessories-and-components/articleshow/97026627.cms">Amazon Great Republic Day Sale – best deals on monitors, mouse, keyboards, and other PC accessories and components</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/amazon-great-republic-day-sale-2023-best-deals-and-offers-on-laptops-from-asus-hp-xiaomi-and-more/articleshow/97029088.cms">Amazon Great Republic Day Sale 2023: Best deals and offers on laptops from Asus, HP, Xiaomi, and more</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/best-deals-on-kitchen-products-on-amazon-sale/articleshow/97033987.cms">Best deals on kitchen products on Amazon sale — Discount and offers on Mixer grinder, toaster, sandwich maker and more</a></strong><br />

Great Republic Day Sale – best deals on gaming monitors, headphones, and more on Amazon

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I grew up near <keyword id="11910868" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="philadelphia" source="Orion">Philadelphia</keyword>, and there are so many great eateries there.</li><li>Get giant breakfast sandwiches at Middle Child and try a refreshing latte at La Colombe in Fishtown.</li><li>Grab vegan donuts at Dottie's in Society Hill or West Philadelphia or get Sicilian <keyword id="11894142" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="food" source="Orion">food</keyword> at Irwin's. </li></ul><p>In addition to boasting world-class cultural institutions, Philadelphia is home to <a href="https://www.insider.com/everything-you-have-to-eat-in-philadelphia-according-to-a-local">top-notch restaurants</a> and a <a href="https://www.phillymag.com/sponsor-content/an-insiders-guide-to-phillys-underground-music-scene/">lively music scene</a>. </p><p>As a life-long resident of the Greater Philadelphia area who also lived in Philly after college, I've compiled a list of places you should <a href="https://www.insider.com/everything-you-have-to-eat-in-philadelphia-according-to-a-local">definitely get food from</a>.</p><h2>Middle Child serves giant breakfast sandwiches</h2><div type="image" title="Middle Child in Philadelphia." height="733" width="977" msid="85579135" hostid="261"></div><p>Giant breakfast sandwiches filled with fluffy eggs, arugula, and sharp American cheese are the star of the show at <a href="https://middlechildphilly.com/">Middle Child</a>, a luncheonette in <a href="https://www.visitphilly.com/areas/philadelphia-neighborhoods/washington-square-west/">Washington Square West</a>. You have the option of customizing your breakfast sandwich with items like avocado, bacon, and even a hash brown.</p><p>It also serves specialties like The Phoagie (a cross between a hoagie and a banh mi) and The Surfer (a turkey-and-Swiss sandwich).</p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>Meat-lovers should try The Herschel, eggs and corned beef stacked between slices of seeded rye bread.</p><h2>Mission Taqueria is a fun place to get tacos and margaritas </h2><p><a href="https://www.missiontaqueria.com/">Mission Taqueria</a>, a lively restaurant in Rittenhouse Square decorated with plants and bright-colored decor, serves tacos with fillings such as carnitas, fried mahi-mahi, and roasted cauliflower. Since the owner has Celiac disease, Mission Taqueria's menu is entirely gluten-free.</p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>During happy hour, tacos are $2 and house margaritas are $6.</p><h2>Good Karma Café is an eco-focused local chain with seasonal specialties</h2><div type="image" title="Good Karma's pink-petal latte." height="733" width="978" msid="85579136" hostid="261"></div><p><a href="http://www.thegoodkarmacafe.com/">Good Karma</a>, a café with four locations around the city, serves coffee, tea, soups, and sandwiches. True to its name, Good Karma's coffee beverages are brewed from fair-trade beans.</p><p>In addition to its regular menu, this eco-friendly chain offers seasonal drink specials, such as the Pink Petal (an iced latte crafted with beetroot powder, honey, and rose) and the Dandy Lion (iced green tea mixed with lemonade and lavender). </p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>Good Karma's Pine Street and S. 22nd Street locations have "secret" patios and front sidewalk seating.</p><h2>The Tasty dishes out vegan diner food </h2><p><a href="http://www.thetastyphilly.com/">The Tasty</a>, a South Philly favorite, serves vegan iterations of diner eats - think biscuits with meat-free gravy, breakfast burritos filled with scrambled tofu, and tempeh bacon BLTs. There are daily pastry specials as well. </p><p><strong>Tip:</strong> The Tasty is open Wednesday to Sunday and currently accepts call-ahead orders for pickup only.</p><h2>Bloomsday Café has a vegetarian-friendly menu and happy-hour specials </h2><div type="image" title="Headhouse Square." height="826" width="1100" msid="85579138" hostid="261"></div><p>Located in Headhouse Square, <a href="https://bloomsdaycafe.com/">Bloomsday</a> borrows its name from James Joyce's novel "Ulysses."</p><p>This all-day, vegetarian-friendly café is open for brunch, dinner, and happy hour. Bloomsday is closed on Monday and Tuesday.</p><p>It offers new spins on comforting classics, from a "waffled" croissant to seared mushrooms with polenta, and has <a href="https://www.insider.com/reviews/out?platform=browser&amp;postSource=in%7C60b7b7ba7c964f3ff36ff48b&amp;sc=false&amp;sessionid=1629741692764y1buhwek&amp;type=ALREADY-AFFILIATE-LINK-NOT-AMAZON&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic1.squarespace.com%2Fstatic%2F590895d8440243daba088e39%2Ft%2F60a6ee89a61eac7108a50a29%2F1621552780801%2FWINE%2BLIST%252C%2BMFer%2B5-20%2Bpdf.pdfFer%2B5-20%2Bpdf.pdf">an extensive wine list</a>. If you want to take a bottle of vino with you, there's an in-house wine shop, too.</p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>During <a href="https://www.insider.com/reviews/out?platform=browser&amp;postSource=in%7C60b7b7ba7c964f3ff36ff48b&amp;sc=false&amp;sessionid=1629741692765rov0j075&amp;type=ALREADY-AFFILIATE-LINK-NOT-AMAZON&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic1.squarespace.com%2Fstatic%2F590895d8440243daba088e39%2Ft%2F60b00503450936338686c0c0%2F1622148356469%2FHAPPY%2BHOUR%2B5-27%2Bpdf.pdfOUR%2B5-27%2Bpdf.pdf">happy hour</a>, you can order a riff on Philly's <a href="https://billypenn.com/2019/10/19/is-the-citywide-special-one-drink-or-two-a-billy-penn-investigation/">Citywide Special</a>, a 3-ounce burger and a can of Lambrusco, aka a "Lambrewski." </p><h2>Suraya, a Lebanese café, market, and restaurant, serves brunch and dinner </h2><p>For a taste of Lebanon, try <a href="https://www.surayaphilly.com/">Suraya</a>. This Fishtown restaurant has a cafe and a market, and offers full-service dining indoors or outside in a garden area.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.insider.com/reviews/out?platform=browser&amp;postSource=in%7C60b7b7ba7c964f3ff36ff48b&amp;sc=false&amp;sessionid=16297416927652e4nvzmx&amp;type=ALREADY-AFFILIATE-LINK-NOT-AMAZON&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic1.squarespace.com%2Fstatic%2F5f4fe0387ebfe016cfd8cdf4%2Ft%2F6076ffb2294cf24f611b156d%2F1618411442802%2FUpdated%2BTake%2BOut%2BMenu%2B4.13.21.pdf2BMenu%2B4.13.21.pdf">dinner menu</a> spans from hummus and labneh (creamy strained yogurt) to kafta kebab (seasoned beef kebabs) and kawarma (slow-roasted lamb).</p><p>On the weekend, you can order from a <a href="https://www.insider.com/reviews/out?platform=browser&amp;postSource=in%7C60b7b7ba7c964f3ff36ff48b&amp;sc=false&amp;sessionid=1629741692765c7mrq7ra&amp;type=ALREADY-AFFILIATE-LINK-NOT-AMAZON&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic1.squarespace.com%2Fstatic%2F5f4fe0387ebfe016cfd8cdf4%2Ft%2F60705c6f9e99b66d44e31c19%2F1617976431974%2FGarden%2BBrunch%2BMenu%2BNO%2BESPRESSO.pdf%2BNO%2BESPRESSO.pdf">brunch menu</a> featuring dishes such as ful mudammas (stewed fava beans with poached eggs) and samke harra (grilled branzino fillet), not to mention a pastry basket ladened with <a href="https://www.eater.com/2016/4/13/11410646/kouign-amann-pastry-france-america">kouign amann</a> (a sugary pastry), olive-oil cake, and other baked goods.</p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>If you can't decide what to order, opt for the prix fixe Taste of Suraya for a little bit of everything. It costs $65 and serves two. </p><h2>Nomad tops pizza with gourmet ingredients </h2><div type="image" title="Nomad Pizza" height="733" width="978" msid="85579139" hostid="261"></div><p>Located near South Street, <a href="http://www.nomadpizzaco.com/philadelphia.html">Nomad</a> is a pizzeria that tops pies with gourmet ingredient combos like fig and guanciale (cured pork) or arugula and buffalo mozzarella. Pair your meal with a classic Italian cocktail such as a Negroni or a spritz.</p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>Nomad has some can't-miss appetizers, from arancini (fried risotto balls) to a salad with roasted beets, carrots, and goat cheese. There are also two locations in <a href="http://www.nomadpizzaco.com/new-jersey.html">New Jersey</a> with a few menu items you can't order in Philly. </p><h2>Abyssinia is an affordable Ethiopian restaurant</h2><p><a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/abyssinia-philadelphia">Abyssinia</a>, an Ethiopian restaurant in West Philly, is perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.</p><p>This is a great choice for budget-conscious travelers since entrees cost between $10 and $15. If you'd like to sample multiple dishes, order a combo platter.</p><p>Meat combos include items such as qey wot (beef simmered in berbere sauce) and yebeg alicha (curried lamb stew), while veggie platters contain things like ye'misir wot (split lentils in berbere sauce) and ye'gomen wat (sauteed collard greens with onions, tomatoes, and garlic). </p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>Abyssinia has a "secret" upstairs whiskey bar called <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/venue/drink/philadelphia/bar/fiume">Fiume</a>. It's temporarily closed, but it's worth frequenting when it reopens. </p><h2>Try a creamy draft latte at La Colombe's Fishtown flagship</h2><div type="image" title="La Colombe's draft latte." height="826" width="1100" msid="85579140" hostid="261"></div><p>La Colombe, a Philly coffee chain with <a href="https://www.lacolombe.com/pages/cafes">30 locations</a> in six US cities, has a flagship cafe in Fishtown with an airy, industrial vibe.</p><p>Several signature drinks are available on tap, including the draft latte (a cold, creamy beverage) and the black-and-tan, a creation that melds the draft latte with iced black coffee. </p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>While you're in the neighborhood, check out the shops along Frankford Ave and E. Girard, such as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jinxedstore/?hl=en">Jinxed</a>, a vintage furniture and home-decor store, and <a href="https://www.harriettsbookshop.com/">Harriett's Bookshop</a>, which specializes in books by Black authors and women. </p><h2>Dottie's Donuts is a vegan bakery that sells eye-catching creations</h2><p><a href="https://www.dotties.com/">Dottie's</a>, a vegan donut shop with locations in Society Hill and West Philly, produces innovative, eye-catching pastries in flavors like raspberry vanilla, cold-brew Oreo, and maple tahini.</p><p>You can also choose from classics such as rainbow sprinkle and Boston cream. </p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>Flavors change daily, so <a href="https://www.insider.com/everything-you-have-to-eat-in-philadelphia-according-to-a-local">ask what's available when you go</a>. </p><h2>Franklin Fountain is an old-fashioned soda and ice-cream shop</h2><div type="image" title="Franklin Fountain." height="733" width="978" msid="85579142" hostid="261"></div><p>Cool off with a retro treat at <a href="https://www.franklinfountain.com/">Franklin Fountain</a> in Old City. This old-fashioned soda fountain churns out ice cream flavors ranging from vanilla bean and Hydrox cookie (known today as cookies and cream) to caramelized banana and butter pecan.</p><p>There's also a rotating selection of seasonal flavors, such as honeycomb and peppermint stick. If you'd prefer a beverage, you can opt for a float or a rickey. </p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>Go early in the afternoon to beat the crowds. Additionally, be sure to mention any food allergies when placing your order. The chain keeps some ice-cream cartons separate to avoid cross-contamination.</p><h2>Kalaya serves Thai curries and dumplings </h2><p><a href="https://www.kalaya.net/kalaya-thai-kitchen">Kalaya</a> is a cozy Thai restaurant in Bella Vista named for the owner's mother. Curries, dumplings, and salads are all on offer.</p><p>Some of the <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/kalaya-philadelphia-3">most popular</a> items are kang gai kow mun (chicken curry), som tum (green papaya salad), and sakoo sei hed (tapioca dumplings filled with shitake mushrooms and peanuts). </p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>For an appetizer that looks like a work of art, order shaw muang, blue, flower-shaped dumplings with ground chicken, peanuts, and cucumber. </p><h2>Tattooed Mom is a funky bar on South Street</h2><div type="image" title="The outside of Tattooed Mom in Philadelphia." height="733" width="978" msid="85579143" hostid="261"></div><p>A mural of mermaids greets patrons at <a href="https://www.tattooedmomphilly.com/">Tattooed Mom</a> (affectionately called TMoms), a funky bar on South Street currently offering outdoor seating and takeout.</p><p>With a graffiti meets rococo aesthetic, this watering hole serves playful cocktails like the Pop Rocket, a drink made with raspberry vodka and Pop Rocks candy, and the Fortune Fish, which contains blackberry schnapps and Swedish Fish.</p><p>There's also a full food menu that includes a section dedicated to fries and tater tots.</p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>Tattooed Mom's cheesesteaks, burgers, and fried-chicken sandwiches can be ordered with plant-based protein substitutes.</p><h2>Tuna Bar serves sushi named after Philly neighborhoods</h2><p><a href="https://www.tunabar.com/">Tuna Bar</a>, a raw bar in Old City, serves traditional sushi rolls like California and yellowtail scallion in addition to specialties named for Philly streets and neighborhoods.</p><p>The Broad Street roll contains spicy salmon and avocado, while the Rittenhouse is filled with ingredients such as spicy tuna and lobster tempura.</p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>The dessert options are just as mouthwatering as the sushi. Conclude your meal with matcha lava cake or yuzu cheesecake.</p><h2>Eat Sicilian food with city views at Irwin's</h2><p>Situated on the roof of the <a href="https://www.buildingbok.com/">Bok Building</a>, a former high school in South Philly repurposed as a maker space, <a href="https://www.irwinsupstairs.com/">Irwin's</a> offers natural wine and Sicilian fares such as caponata (a vegetable dish similar to ratatouille), bucatini with monkfish, and agrodolce chicken (a sweet and sour take on poultry). </p><p><strong>Tip: </strong>Free parking is available nearby. The Bok Building is also on SEPTA's 47 bus route, which stops at 8th and Mifflin Streets.</p>

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<p><em>The<span> </span><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Insider Picks</a><span> </span>team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.</em></p><p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Xi97Pv" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c701c8e26289823dc730803-1500/71pqai8noqlsl1500.jpg" border="0" alt="Interesting Amazon Finds Under  Dollar 25" data-mce-source="Amazon" /></a><p class="source"><span>Amazon</span></p></div><p></p></div></div><p></p><p>Whether it's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/unique-gifts-amazon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">finding a gift</a> for a friend who already has everything or trying to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fixes-for-everyday-problems-around-the-house-2018-4#a-pot-lid-organizer-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fix  apartment issues</a>, I always seem to turn to Amazon as my go-to shopping destination.</p><p>The site is stocked with goods that fall into my price range and the more I take advantage of my <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-included-in-amazon-prime-membership-best-benefits-2018-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prime membership</a>, the more annoyed I get with browsing the city on foot or paying for fast shipping on other sites. What I'm basically trying to get across is that Amazon offers me tons of choice <em>and</em> a convenient shopping experience. It's no wonder I - and millions of other people - keep coming back.</p><p>I recently browsed the site and discovered 21 of the coolest and most affordable things to add to your cart - from <a href="https://amzn.to/2U0XxX3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a fast wireless charger</a> we named <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-wireless-charger" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one of the best you can buy in our buying guide</a>, to <a href="https://amzn.to/2XgMbzY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a breakfast sandwich maker</a> Insider Picks reporter Mara Leighton <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hamilton-beach-breakfast-sandwich-maker-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently tried for herself and determined is not a gimmick</a>, but actually a huge time saver in the morning. You can currently grab all of these products for less than $25.</p><p>Be sure to scroll through more of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cheap-amazon-purchases-under-25-dollars" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our all-time favorite cheap Amazon purchases we've made and use all the time</a>. You may also want to check out <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/startups-to-shop-on-amazon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">these 14 cool startups you probably didn't realize were sold on Amazon</a>.</p>

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<p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/576463b9dd089559158b479b-1500/breakfast.jpg" alt="breakfast" data-mce-source="Hamilton Beach"><p class="source"><span>Hamilton Beach</span></p><p class="caption">The Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker.</p></img></div><p></p></div></div>Holiday season is officially here, which means it's time to think about what gifts to buy for your friends and family. And gadgets&#xa0;for the kitchen can be great for anyone.<p>From new cooking devices&#xa0;to innovative utensil redesigns, there are&#xa0;loads of&#xa0;cool products that&#xa0;can spice up any stove, pantry, or dining room.</p><p>Here are a few affordable must-have tools for the home cooks&#xa0;in your life.</p><p>&#xa0;</p>

18 incredible gadgets under $50 that every kitchen should have

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/576463b9dd089559158b479b-1500/breakfast.jpg" alt="breakfast" data-mce-source="Hamilton Beach" /><p class="source"><span>Hamilton Beach</span></p><p class="caption">The Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker.</p></div><p></p></div></div>Stocking your kitchen with the basics - knives, pots, plates - is a rite of passage for any adult. But not everything you keep in your cupboards needs to be boring. </p><p>There are loads of cool products that can spice up any stove, pantry or dining room, from new cooking gadgets to innovative utensil redesigns.</p><p>Here are a few affordable must-have tools.</p>

16 incredible gadgets under $50 that every kitchen should have

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I'm a <keyword id="6356585" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Mom">mom</keyword> of two who spends $500 <a href="https://www.insider.com/popular-american-traditions-that-are-canadian-2018-7">Canadian</a> (around $413 US) during each <keyword id="294127" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Costco">Costco</keyword> trip. </li><li>I love my FoodSaver from <a href="https://www.insider.com/things-worth-buying-at-costco-this-spring-2021-photos">Costco</a> and use it when I freeze pork loin, ground turkey, and sausages. </li><li>I also buy Kirkland Signature breakfast-blend K-Cups, chicken taco kits, and maple syrup. </li></ul><p>Growing up on a farm, my mom used to buy in bulk to ensure that our freezer, pantry, and cold storage always had everything we needed to make our daily meals.</p><p>Although I no longer live on a farm, I've learned from my mom and <a href="https://www.insider.com/costco-best-things-for-moms-to-buy-for-a-big-family">always stock up on my groceries</a>. I also love to cook and bake for my family of four, and having the basics available in my house makes my life so much easier. </p><p>I've been going to Costco for over 10 years and always purchase bulk items to fill up my freezer and pantry. Since I <a href="https://www.insider.com/american-who-moved-to-canada-experience-2018-6">live in Canada</a> and the closest Costco requires a four-hour round trip, I don't get there often - when I do, I typically spend $500 Canadian dollars (around $413 US dollars). </p><p>Keep reading to see <a href="https://www.insider.com/trying-best-bacon-at-costco-review-kirkland-signature-bacon-5-2021">what I buy from Costco</a> to make my long trips worth it.</p><p><em>Note: Prices are in Canadian dollars and are based on one Costco in <keyword id="6356687" type="LOCATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="canada">Canada</keyword>. They might differ from location to location.</em></p><h2><strong>The FoodSaver is one of the best things I ever bought from Costco - and it helps make my big hauls possible</strong></h2><div type="image" title="TZeller_FoodSaver" height="2274" width="3024" msid="82550426" hostid="261"></div><p>Before I delve into <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-you-should-always-get-at-costco-in-bulk">the things I always purchase</a> at Costco, I have to talk about the FoodSaver vacuum-sealing system, which makes all of my bulk buys possible. </p><p>I use it to portion our bulk purchases into family-sized servings, vacuum-seal them, and store them in the freezer for future meals. </p><p>The vacuum-sealed <keyword id="6181" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Food">food</keyword> lasts longer and doesn't get freezer burned. I label everything with dates, too, so we eat the older portions first. This makes planning weekly dinners so much easier because I have a ton of options available in my home.</p><p>Priced at $149.99, the FoodSaver has probably saved me hundreds of dollars by <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-frozen-food-aldi-2019-5">ensuring my frozen food stays properly preserved</a>. </p><h2><strong>I like to fill my freezer up with meat, and a big pork loin is one of my favorite buys </strong></h2><div type="image" title="TZeller_PorkLoin(1)" height="2268" width="3023" msid="82550427" hostid="261"></div><p>When we bring this home, we cut it into five or six chunks that can be vacuum-sealed and later used as a roast or cut into chops.</p><p>I like to toss a small roast <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-easy-meals-to-make-in-air-fryer">in my air fryer</a> for a juicy pork dinner or slow-cook one in my Crock-Pot for pulled-pork sandwiches. My family also enjoys it when we toss pork chops on the barbecue in the summer.</p><p>Around 8 pounds of loin can cost me between $23 and $28. </p><h2><strong>I also like to buy these packs of roast beef</strong></h2><h2><div type="image" title="TZeller_RoastBeef" height="2274" width="3024" msid="82550430" hostid="261"></div></h2><p>Each pack contains around a pound and a half or so of meat, and I vacuum-seal each separately for two Sunday-night meals. </p><p>I like to cook my roast beef in the oven, then make homemade gravy with the drippings. I serve it with mashed potatoes and a veggie dish. </p><p>I can buy around 3 1/2 pounds of Canadian beef for just under $25. </p><h2><strong>These honey-garlic sausages are $11 a pack and my family loves them </strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="TZeller_Sausage(1)" height="2274" width="3024" msid="82550434" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Every time I got to Costco I usually buy three or four packs, which contain nine sausages each. </p><div type="image" title="TZeller_Sausage(1)(1)" height="2268" width="3023" msid="82550436" hostid="261"></div><p>I vacuum-pack four or five links together for quick and <a href="https://www.insider.com/costco-best-cheap-dinners-to-buy-photos">easy weeknight meals</a>. I think these are best cooked on the barbecue and served with homemade mac and cheese and a big ol' side salad.</p><h2><strong>These chicken and pork souvlaki packs are perfect for barbecuing</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="TZeller_PorkSouvlaki" height="2274" width="3024" msid="82550437" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Once barbecue season starts, chicken ($16.99) and pork ($14.49) souvlaki packs are also a must to add to our freezer. Souvlaki is a popular Greek food consisting of meat that gets grilled on a skewer and eaten off of it.</p><div type="image" title="TZeller_ChickenSouvlaki" height="2274" width="3024" msid="82550440" hostid="261"></div><p>I usually cut off a bunch of skewers for a dinner and then leave the rest in the freezer for a future <a href="https://www.insider.com/trying-best-air-fryer-chicken-recipe-to-make-review-photos">meal</a>. They cook really quickly on the barbecue and I usually pair them with a side salad.</p><h2><strong>This pack of ground turkey is incredibly versatile</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="TZeller_GroundTurkey" height="2268" width="3023" msid="82550442" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>I like to use ground turkey in our tacos, meatballs, and in my kid-approved Instant Pot turkey goulash (mixed with veggies, pasta, and sauce). I find that ground turkey is a nice alternative to ground beef once in a while.</p><p>This pack of ground turkey costs $22.48 and contains four individually wrapped portions that are just under 18 ounces each.</p><h2><strong>I love buying these frozen chicken breasts in bulk</strong></h2><div type="image" title="TZeller_ChickenBreast" height="2274" width="3024" msid="82550446" hostid="261"></div><p>Buying <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-and-worst-foods-to-get-frozen-according-to-chefs">pre-frozen meat in bulk</a> also increases my options when it comes to meal planning. I don't need to use my FoodSaver, and I can easily grab as many as I need for the recipe of choice that day.</p><p>I like to either bake these in the oven or put on them on the barbecue, then serve them with rice or homemade sweet-potato fries. I also cook extra chicken and add it to my salad lunch the next day for extra protein.</p><p>These frozen chicken breasts are $24.99 for nearly 4 1/2 pounds.</p><h2><strong>These seasoned, breaded chicken tenders from Hampton House are perfect for a quick meal</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="TZeller_ChickenFingers" height="2274" width="3024" msid="82550447" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>I can quickly cook these <a href="https://www.insider.com/ways-youre-using-air-fryer-wrong-2019-5">in the air fryer</a> when the kids want supper as soon as possible.</p><p>I also recently just made a delicious chicken parmesan dinner with these chicken strips - I just served hem with spaghetti and topped them with cheese and sauce.</p><p>This nearly 4 1/2-pound bag of Hampton House tenders costs $21.99.</p><h2><strong>I buy tons of flour since I make a fresh loaf of bread every week</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="TZeller_Flour" height="2274" width="3024" msid="82550449" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>After I ensure my freezer will be packed, I stock up on my pantry basics because I love to bake. </p><p>I make a fresh loaf of bread every week with my bread maker. My kids also love pancakes and banana chocolate chip muffins, so I'm always into the flour bin.</p><p>This bag of flour from Costco is about 22 pounds and only costs me $6.99.</p><h2><strong>My kids love Kirkland's maple syrup on their pancakes</strong></h2><div type="image" title="TZeller_MapleSyrup" height="2268" width="3023" msid="82550451" hostid="261"></div><p>I like to buy Kirkland's organic, pure maple syrup. It costs $8.99 for over 33 ounces of syrup, and the jug <a href="https://www.insider.com/cheap-breakfasts-you-can-buy-at-costco-photos">lasts us for a while</a>. </p><h2><strong>Simply Campbell's chicken broth is always on my shopping list </strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="TZeller_ChickenStock" height="2268" width="3023" msid="82550453" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>I like to use chicken broth instead of water as the liquid in my rice to give it a nice flavor. I also use it to make homemade soups, like corn chowder and my classic leftover-turkey noodle soup.</p><p>This six-pack of chicken-broth cartons is $9.99.</p><h2><strong>The Kirkland canned tomato sauce is a pantry staple </strong></h2><div type="image" title="TZeller_TomatoSauce(1)" height="2274" width="3024" msid="82550455" hostid="261"></div><p>I use Kirkland tomato sauce as a base for the chicken parmesan and turkey goulash I mentioned earlier. It's also a key ingredient when I make homemade sauce for spaghetti and lasagna.</p><p>I love that these cans have easy-open lids that make it <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-the-best-costco-deals-according-to-employee">easy for me to prepare meals</a> without having to dig for my can opener.</p><p>Twelve 15-ounce cans cost less than $16.</p><h2><strong>My husband and I appreciate convenience and a good cup of coffee, so we stock up on Kirkland Signature K-Cups</strong></h2><div type="image" title="TZeller_KCups" height="2268" width="3023" msid="82550457" hostid="261"></div><p>Kirkland's breakfast blend is our favorite and <a href="https://www.insider.com/employees-share-what-not-to-do-at-costco-2020-2">we always keep these in our pantry</a> for when we need a quick caffeine fix. </p><p>A box of 110 K-cups costs us $36.99 - so every mug of coffee we brew costs less than 50 cents.</p><h2><strong>We like to have Premier Protein shakes on hand</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="protein shakes" height="900" width="1200" msid="82550458" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>I like to have a shake with my breakfast or <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-lunches-to-get-at-costco-ideas-2019-10">lunch</a> when I need the extra protein and I don't have the time (or energy) to make anything substantial. </p><p>This box of 18 shakes that are just under 8 ounces each is $36.99.</p><h2><strong>The Ecos liquid laundry detergent is a must-buy for me at $16.99</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="TZeller_Detergent" height="3024" width="4032" msid="82550459" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>My son has allergies, and after much trial and error, I was able to find that this Ecos brand does not irritate his skin or make him itchy. </p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/best-things-for-moms-to-buy-at-costco-2019-10">I think it's a great deal</a> - I do at least six loads of laundry a week, and this huge bottle with nearly 2 gallons of detergent lasts me more than a month. </p><h2><strong>The Kirkland chicken taco kit is great after the 2-hour drive home</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="Street Tacos from Costco" height="900" width="1200" msid="82550462" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>After a busy day of shopping and preparing for the two-hour drive home, the last thing I want to think about is what we're going to eat for dinner when we get back. So I always grab <a href="https://www.insider.com/costco-best-things-for-single-people-to-buy">a chicken taco kit from Costco's deli section</a> before we leave. </p><p>This kit makes 12 tacos and it's a quick, filling dinner that my whole family enjoys.</p><p>At $16.55, it's an affordable meal for my family of four - plus, the cilantro-lime cream sauce is amazing.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/category/costco-diaries">Click to keep reading Costco diaries like this one</a>.</strong></p>

I drive 4 hours and spend $500 for every Costco trip. Here are 16 things I always stock up on.

<p><a href="https://amzn.to/2Y9MVal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d110f5ce3ecba48386b55ce-844/5149768320350845165690154482228802113503232n.jpg" border="0" alt="bread maker" data-mce-source="Zojirushi Facebook" /></div></div></div></strong></a></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>A high-quality bread machine should be easy to use, produce scrumptious loaves with a nice crust, and packed full of features that allow you to make a variety of baked goods too.</strong></li><li><strong>I like the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Y9MVal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker</a></strong><strong> because it has 14 pre-programmed courses for dozens of different breads and baked goods. It also has dual heating elements for an even bake, and it was easy to use - my five-year-old son was able to help me bake delicious bread. </strong></li><li><strong>Though it's one of the most expensive bread makers on the market (<a href="https://amzn.to/2Y9MVal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">currently $339.95 on Amazon</a>), you'll save on buying baked goods - and your house will regularly smell like a bakery.</strong></li></ul><p>Years ago, when money was tight, I decided to put <em>The Joy of Cooking</em> and my KitchenAid Stand Mixer to good use and started making bread. This was a fun and relaxing activity that produced exquisite results. However, it was time intensive.</p><p>Now that I'm busier, I still like to make my own bread, but I find that a bread machine is an excellent tool for getting the job done - and it's more efficient. It still allows me to customize my loaves, but I don't have to keep setting reminders to knead the dough, punch it down, put it in the oven, and take it out of the oven.</p><p>The best bread machine I've ever come across is the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Y9MVal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker (currently $339.95 on Amazon)</a>. The Osaka, Japan-based company with more than a century of history has really developed a reputation for high-quality kitchen appliances.</p><p>Below, we'll explore what makes the Virtuoso Plus so incredible - and why it's worth the price.</p><h2>Specs</h2><p>The <a href="https://amzn.to/2Y9MVal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus</a> is unique because it has two kneading blades, instead of just one. I found this did a superior job of kneading the dough.</p><p>There are also two heaters installed in the unit - one at the bottom of the main compartment and one in the lid - for even heating and baking. </p><p>The large LCD display is easy to read, and there is a viewing window in the lid so you can track the progress of your loaf without taking off the lid and disrupting the rise or bake temperatures. </p><p>Here are some important specs:</p><ul><li>Dimensions: 18-inches wide by 10.5-inches deep by about 13-inches high</li><li>Weight: 24 pounds</li><li>Electricity consumption: 100W motor, 600W main heater, 40W lid heater</li><li>Cord length: 1 meter</li><li>Comes with a large liquid measuring cup, four nested measuring cups, a measuring spoon, and a recipe book featuring 50 easy-to-follow recipes.</li><li>Makes two-pound loaves</li><li>Crust control: light, medium, and dark</li><li>13-hour delay timer</li><li>1-year warranty</li></ul><h2>Set-up process</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Y9MVal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d13954be3ecba2d3c264d61-800/bread maker.jpg" border="0" alt="Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker" data-mce-source="Amazon" /></a></div></div></div></p><p>Set up is incredibly simple.</p><p>First, you rinse out and dry the bread pan. Then, fill it with ingredients, plug in the Virtuoso Plus, and select the course depending on the recipe you're using. The directions are intuitive, and there are dozens of recipes that spell out exactly what to do with step-by-step directions. The whole process from the moment I opened the box until we had the ingredients for white bread in the machine took about 15 minutes, and most of that time was spent carefully measuring the ingredients.</p><p>The reason I say "we" is because my five-year-old son Bucky helped - he was as excited about the bread machine as I was.</p><p>We chose to start with a simple white bread as a baseline test. I measured out the ingredients using a kitchen scale - a must for precise baking - and Bucky dumped them in the pan. When the ingredients were all set, I let him press the course button to set the machine for white bread.</p><p>Then, the machine just sat there - idle. This perplexed me. Did we do something wrong? After about 40 minutes of idling, it started kneading the mixture. I had always let my bread rest when I was baking it manually in the oven, but somehow didn't assume I had to do the same with a machine too. I mention this so you can plan accordingly for a long rest period, which is meant to stabilize the temperature of the ingredients.</p><p>Once you set the course on the Virtuoso Plus, it will tell you precisely when your loaf will be ready. And when it's done, just remove the bread pan carefully by the handles using oven mitts.</p><h2>What makes the bread machine stand out</h2><p>There are 14 different courses to choose from, like gluten-free and sugar-free bread, and even other baked goods like cake. You can also create your own custom course, for which there are several recipes in the accompanying book. For instance, with the dough course, you can make doughnuts, butter rolls, breadsticks, bagels, and more.</p><p>Following the recipe book, I made basic white, rapid white, Italian herb, honey, chocolate, and light sourdough breads, as well as pizza dough and pound cake. The flavors for each were relatively subtle, but they all tasted great.</p><p>No matter what recipe I use, once the bread enters the baking stage, the scent will set off a frenzy in my house.</p><p>"Is the bread done yet?" "When will the bread be done?" My wife and two sons can't wait to get a slice of the latest loaf. Typically, I'll let it cool on a rack for an hour after it's done so that it slices easier. But they can't wait that long, so when I go to slice the bread, I'll often find that someone has absconded with an end piece.</p><p>The <a href="https://amzn.to/2Y9MVal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2-pound loaves produced by the Virtuoso Plus</a> are quite large, and because you're slicing it by hand as opposed to a machine, the slices will usually be much larger than what you'd expect from a store-bought loaf too. My teenager takes this as his cue to make massive sandwiches. The rest of the family prefers to just cut the bread in half widthwise and make sandwiches from one slice. I tried halving a recipe to make more reasonably-sized loaves, but the bread didn't come out as delicious and was a little too small.</p><p>As a pizza aficionado, I usually make my own dough by hand with recipes that require a day or two for long fermentation. Still, sometimes, I just don't have the time. When that happens, the pizza dough made by the Virtuoso Plus is a passable substitute for my fancy fermentations.</p><p>I like that I never have trouble getting the bread to come out of the pan. Thanks to the nonstick coating, it slides right out after a couple of bumps on the countertop. The blades and pan are also easy to clean, though you'll want to scrub the blade shafts to get the last bits of bread off.</p><h2>Cons to consider</h2><p>On our first attempt making bread with the Virtuoso Plus, we learned the hard way that you need to be careful that you keep the yeast away from moisture - or at least remind your kids that.</p><p>We added the ingredients in order according to the recipe, but Bucky was kind of making a game out of getting all of the ingredients wet, so this messed with the yeast and made for a dough-y bread in the end. The directions clearly say to be careful about getting the yeast wet, so if you're careful and your child doesn't play with his food, this shouldn't be a problem.</p><h2>The bottom line</h2><p>I've used a few bread machines in my time - mostly secondhand units - but the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus blows these bread machines away. It's so easy to make a wide range of baked goods, and the results come out consistent and yummy. Clean-up is also a snap.</p><h3>Should you buy it?</h3><p>Due to the $339.95 price, I'd only recommend the Virtuoso Plus if you plan on using it at least once or twice per week.</p><p>It's going to take a while to get your money's worth from no longer buying store-bought baked goods, but it does allow you to get creative and make treats you won't find anywhere else. If you want the best bread machine around, this is the one to buy.</p><h3>Which model should you get?</h3><p>The Virtuoso Plus is an updated version of the popular <a href="https://amzn.to/2X9ifcY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virtuoso, which costs $360 on Amazon</a>.</p><p>The main differences between the two units are that the Virtuoso Plus has four more courses - and thus can make more recipes - and all the recipe times are slightly shorter.</p><p>I like the clean look of the Virtuoso Plus more, as the control panel is black as opposed to silver. Oddly enough, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-BB-PAC20BA-BB-PAC20-Virtuoso-Breadmaker/dp/B0067MQM48/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=zojirushi+virtuoso&amp;qid=1561055208&amp;s=kitchen&amp;sr=1-1&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=biip_062419_zojirushi-bread-maker-review-20&amp;linkId=9b21b6c90ccabce67e26fcf330e7f54f&amp;language=en_US">the Virtuoso currently costs $20 more</a> than the Plus on Amazon, so I'd definitely go with the Virtuoso Plus if you're choosing between the two.</p><h3>What are your alternatives?</h3><p>In our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-bread-machine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">guide to the best bread machines</a>, the older Virtuoso came out on top. However, it does cost much more than the other options on our list. For more affordable solutions:</p><ul><li><a href="http://amzn.to/2C6EZur" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunbeam Programmable Bread Maker ($55.69)</a>: The least expensive alternative in our guide, the Sunbeam machine has an intuitive interface and 12 pre-programmed settings. Unfortunately, the recipe book leaves you guessing, and the unit runs quite loudly.</li><li><a href="http://amzn.to/2C4Z1pi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oster Expressbake Bread Maker ($69.50)</a>: Another inexpensive option, the Oster bread maker is versatile and user friendly. However, there are several reports of the machine "walking" across countertops when kneading large loaves.</li><li><a href="http://amzn.to/2C6uZS1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Breville BBM800XL Custom Loaf Bread Maker ($243.95)</a>: We think this is the best machine for making unique loaves. There's an automatic fruit and nut dispenser, 13 pre-programmed settings, and four loaf sizes. But, there are durability concerns, and this unit is loud.</li></ul><p>Or, you could just do it the old-fashioned way.</p><p>In its review of the best bread machines, <a href="https://www.cooksillustrated.com/equipment_reviews/1586-bread-machines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Cook's Illustrated" recommends</a> making your loaves by hand and popping them in the oven. I did this for years, and the bread does come out delicious. However, when it comes to simplicity, I much prefer a bread machine. If there's a difference in quality, I haven't noticed it.</p><p>Overall, the Zojirushi Virtuoso Plus is your best option if you want homemade bread with minimal hassle.</p><p><strong>Pros:</strong> 14 pre-programmed bread courses, comes with 50 recipes, dual kneading blades, heated lid and pan for even heating, see-through lid window, easy-to-read LCD display</p><p><strong>Cons:</strong> Expensive, must be careful to follow directions closely to get the best results</p><h3><a href="https://amzn.to/2Y9MVal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy the Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker on Amazon for $339.95</a></h3><p class="tagline"><p><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a><br><br>Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>.<br><br>Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</br></br></br></br></p></p>

I used to make my own bread but this $340 machine has saved me so much time - it only takes me 15 minutes to prep a loaf

<img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/57043a6c9105842a008baeb9-2400/2016-03-30t223533z_2_lynxnpec2t173_rtroptp_4_us-california-minimumwage.jpg" alt="minimum wage" /><p class="source"><span>REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/Files</span></p><p class="caption">Fast-food workers and their supporters join a nationwide protest for higher wages and union rights in Los Angeles, California in this file photo taken November 10, 2015.</p><ul class="summary-list"><li>Paul Constant is a writer at Civic Ventures, a cofounder of the Seattle Review of Books, and a frequent cohost of the "<a href="http://www.pitchforkeconomics.com/">Pitchfork Economics</a>" podcast with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/nick-hanauer">Nick Hanauer</a>.</li><li>In this opinion piece, he speaks with Media Matters senior fellow Matthew Gertz about what media coverage often gets wrong when discussing economic issues - particularly raising the minimum wage.</li><li>Think critically about the sources that pieces cite and "know that the overwhelming body of evidence proves raising the minimum wage allows more people to participate in the economy."</li><li>For more on this topic, listen to the latest episode of "<a href="https://megaphone.link/TYT3531374666">Pitchfork Economics</a>."</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.</a></li></ul><p>In <a href="https://megaphone.link/TYT3531374666">this week's episode of "Pitchfork Economics</a>," we talk with Media Matters senior fellow Matthew Gertz about, among other things, what the media often gets wrong in its economic coverage. Gertz, who has been dogged in his coverage of Fox News' various lies and thinly veiled conservative agenda pulling, has a keen eye for the manipulation and mishandling of stories. So he offers plenty of insight into why and how reporters can wind up botching coverage of basic worker rights.</p><p>It's important to make clear up front that we're not talking about "fake news" here or discrediting journalism. A strong and independent media is one of the central institutions of democracy. What this episode of "Pitchfork Economics" is about is the importance of media literacy and media criticism - particularly as it pertains to economic issues.</p><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5d94e8cd270f2d0cb8787cad-2400/paulconstant.jpg" alt="Paul Constant" /><p class="source"><span>Angela Ciccu</span></p><p class="caption">Paul Constant.</p><p>This subject couldn't be timelier: On January 1st, 2020, <a href="https://www.laborlawcenter.com/state-minimum-wage-rates/">more than half of the United States</a> and <a href="https://www.dcbar.org/pro-bono/newsletters/summer-2016/Minimum-Wage-2020.cfm">the District of Columbia</a> will raise their minimum wage. All of these increases are a real cause for celebration. We've led the way on a $15 minimum wage here in Seattle, and the results have been roundly great. Despite the loud complaints of a few surly business owners and conservative pundits, raising the wage <a href="https://civicskunk.works/seattles-15-minimum-wage-experiment-is-a-success-2fd7c921031d">hasn't killed jobs, raised costs for consumers, or closed restaurants</a>. The University of Washington research team that initially published a tepid report on the minimum wage in 2017 has had to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/22/business/economy/seattle-minimum-wage-study.html">publicly reassess its findings</a>, and the biggest public skeptic on the team, Jacob Vigdor, has freely admitted this year that his early anti-increase writings were "<a href="https://perfect-free.typepad.com/the-perfect-and-the-free/2014/02/the-minimum-wage-is-a-lousy-anti-poverty-program.html">wrong, or off-point</a>."</p><p>But Seattle isn't the only proving ground anymore. Now that wage increases are commonplace, studies around the country show that <a href="https://civicskunk.works/raising-the-minimum-wage-is-good-for-everyone-ea9e59db6148">raising the wage is great for everyone</a>. Researchers found that after New York City adopted the $15 minimum wage, <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-15-minimum-wage-was-supposed-to-hurt-new-york-city-restaurants-but-both-revenue-and-employment-are-up-2019-10-28">"revenue and employment" are both up at NYC restaurants</a>. We have learned that <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3097203">increasing the minimum wage helps decrease recidivism</a> in Americans who have been to prison. A higher minimum wage saves lives: When wages go up, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-suicide-wages/higher-state-minimum-wage-tied-to-lower-suicide-rates-idUSKCN1RV17R">suicide rates have been found to decrease</a>. And the most comprehensive study in decades proves that minimum-wage increases are <a href="https://civicskunk.works/the-most-important-minimum-wage-paper-in-decades-is-good-news-for-everyone-1c47a0559f3b">great for workers</a>. </p><p>But just as it brings wage increases for workers around the country, the first day of the new year also delivers a more malicious tradition: It kicks off a flurry of concern-trolling news stories about how the minimum wage is killing jobs.</p><p>See, the process usually goes like this: Restaurant owners realize that they're going to have to pay their employees more in the new year. They take to Facebook, or they complain to their friends, that labor costs are killing their bottom line. Why, the way things are going, the owners opine, they might even have to close!</p><p>Then a local reporter catches wind of the complaint. They credulously repeat the owner's claims in a scary piece about the so-called "unintended consequences" of the higher wage. These reports always rely solely on anecdotes, and they almost never look into the abundant economic data arguing that minimum wages are an unalloyed good for everyone.</p><p>If you look around, you'll see that 2019's batch of year-end minimum-wage scary stories have already started trickling out. <a href="https://fox40.com/2019/11/11/opa-opa-owner-says-hes-closing-due-to-states-15-minimum-wage-law/">Here's one from Sacramento</a>. <a href="https://bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/cafe-med-announces-its-closing-next-week">Here's one from Bakersfield</a>. <a href="https://mynorthwest.com/1536621/rantz-celebrated-seattle-restaurant-closes-minimum-wage/?">Here's a particularly irresponsible one from Seattle</a> that tosses a fistful of unrelated anecdotes into a slurry of scaremongering. The Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/seattles-wage-mandate-kills-restaurants-11576195087">just published a horror story</a> from a very concerned Seattle restaurant worker who just so happens to <a href="https://www.restaurantworkersofamerica.org/board-of-directors">serve on the board of directors of an anti-minimum-wage organization disguised</a> as a labor rights group.</p><p>These sensationalized stories, of course, get clicks. Then they start to drip into the conservative media echo chamber. Eventually, some enterprising young right-wing commentator will aggregate a few anecdotes together into a fact-free piece arguing that the minimum wage is killing the economy and we should eliminate a minimum wage entirely. That piece will circulate even further on Facebook with a super-scary headline, and eventually even some well-intentioned liberals will start to question the worth of a minimum wage. It's all as predictable as an annual flu outbreak.</p><p>Luckily, there's a vaccine for this outbreak, too. You can fight this conservative clickbait virus with a healthy dose of media literacy. A few things to keep in mind:</p><ul><li>First, I urge you to bookmark <a href="https://gen.medium.com/is-that-minimum-wage-study-real-or-is-it-bogus-f330ae5091b1">my easy, 10-point checklist that helps you determine if a minimum wage study is real or bogus</a>.</li><li>Beware of stories that cite mammoth restaurant chain closures as a victim of a $15 minimum wage - outfits like <a href="https://civicskunk.works/meet-the-latest-anti-15-poster-child-c1b0b7d2ae1d">Restaurants Unlimited have plenty of problems on a macro level</a>. It's more a failure of out-of-control vulture capitalism than the plight of a restaurateur.</li><li>Keep an eye out for stories built on a single anecdote of a closure - unless the restaurant owner is willing to open their books to public scrutiny, their complaints about the minimum wage as the sole reason for closure are beyond suspicious. Skyrocketing rents are becoming a leading driver in restaurant closures, for instance, and restaurants that fail to adjust to changing customer tastes are a perennial reason for closures. (Both of the restaurants mentioned by name in the above Wall Street Journal piece, incidentally, <a href="https://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2019/10/15-now-nah-chef-matt-dillon-says-try-triple-net-when-sorting-out-why-hes-closing-capitol-hills-sitka-and-spruce/">come down to Seattle's booming real-estate market</a> - and <a href="https://seattle.eater.com/2019/11/27/20984981/tom-douglas-closing-tanakasan-assembly-hall-home-remedy-early-2020">not labor costs</a> - as the reason for closure.)</li><li>And finally, if the restaurant in question is a franchise, it's much more likely that the closure is due to <a href="https://civicskunk.works/who-killed-the-5-footlong-42ab41c73015">a parasitic business model</a> than what the sandwich makers are earning.</li></ul><p>If you see a friend or loved one sharing these stories, you'll be doing workers everywhere a favor if you try to correct the record. Feel free to commiserate about the closure of the pizza place - nobody likes to see a business fail - but then share some of the links from this piece to the studies which prove that this one sad story isn't representative of a larger trend.</p><p>And if you're having a conversation with a Trump-loving relative who claims that the president has finally raised wages for American workers without raising the federal minimum wage, gently point out that the vast majority of wage growth that the economy has seen is <a href="https://truthout.org/articles/wages-have-risen-due-to-minimum-wage-increases-and-the-feds-obama-era-policies/">due to the $15 minimum wages</a> that have been implemented in cities and states around the country.</p><p>Finally, it's important to make sure people know that the overwhelming body of evidence proves raising the minimum wage allows more people to participate in the economy. This ensures that restaurant workers can afford to eat in restaurants, which of course is great news for restaurant owners, too. You won't convince everyone - some people just aren't willing to believe the happy news that we all do better when we all do better - but the odds are good that you'll help someone think more critically the next time a scary piece of anti-minimum-wage fiction crosses their feed.</p><p class="tagline">This is an opinion column. The thoughts expressed are those of the author(s).</p>            <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-jay-z-and-diddy-made-millions-off-of-cheap-alcohol-zack-omalley-greenburg-2018-3">How Jay-Z and Diddy used their fame to make millions off of 'cheap grapes'</a></h3>                    <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/qhWHAjCo-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;"></iframe>            

There's a lot of misinformation around the 'harms' of a $15 minimum wage. Here's why it's really a win for everyone, and how to spot a bogus claim.

<p><div type="image" title="david nayfeld" height="2640" width="3520" msid="75608953" hostid="261"></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li>David Nayfeld is the co-owner and executive chef of San Francisco <keyword id="34615" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="restaurants">restaurants</keyword> Che Fico and Che Fico Alimentari, which he was forced to close in March due to the spread of COVID-19.</li><li>Nayfeld says that government relief loans won't help dying restaurants survive long-term and that he'll probably end up returning his.  </li><li>Among his proposed solutions for how to help the industry: Landlords should offer a lower base rent to restaurants, cities should lower property taxes for landlords who keep their buildings full, and restaurant owners should be allowed to pay a lower minimum wage to tipped staff. </li><li>Nayfeld also says that, realistically, food prices will need to be higher. </li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul><p>My partner and I closed our two San Francisco restaurants, Che Fico and Che Fico Alimentari, on March 15, without knowing when or how we would reopen. </p><p>Nearly two months later, I now have a sense of when our restaurants will reopen — but no idea how.</p><p>Since our opening back in 2018, we've been considered one of the hottest new restaurants in the country. Reservations were impossible to get. Although we would set aside half of our tables for walk-in business, we often ran a three-hour waitlist. After two years of being jam-packed every night, our accounting firm told us that we are in the top percentile of profitability. </p><p>What's sad is that this translated to our earning a pittance — single-digit profit margins. </p><p>Pre-coronavirus, we were doing incredible business but barely making ends meet. Post-coronavirus, we must consider how to open our doors again alongside lengthy restrictions that will hamper our ability to generate revenue. It's a scary prospect. </p><h2><strong>The US <keyword id="446560" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="restaurant-industry">restaurant industry</keyword> has been on life support for the last 10 years. </strong></h2><p>If it wasn't a global pandemic, it would have been something else spelling our demise. And unfortunately, the $2 trillion CARES Act (<keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="coronavirus">Coronavirus</keyword> Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) Congress passed last month hasn't helped much. Restaurants that take out loans — adding debt to their balance sheets — will have to deal with them in a matter of months. </p><p>What we need is more time. </p><p>The eight-week timeline prescribed by the Small Business Association (SBA) for businesses to spend on labor is disjointed with the reality of what most cities are expecting. As re-openings occur — depending on local governments weighing risk, density, and healthcare — there is little to no guidance on what the new guidelines will be. </p><p>For my partner and I, we would need to accrue 1,200 hours a week of labor for the loan to be forgiven. This is incongruent with local shelter-in-place regulations, which mandate that essential businesses must provide six feet of distance between each employee's work area. With that distance we would barely fit 15% of our staff. Che Fico will more than likely return our loan because we won't be able to fully staff up in the time allotted.</p><h2>The current CARES Act sets us up to fail, and I don't see anyone in our government who understands what we need.</h2><p>When people ask me when I began to get nervous about the outcomes of the countrywide coronavirus closures, I almost want to laugh. "I've been nervous since before we opened our restaurant. I'm always nervous." </p><p>It costs between $1.5 to $2M dollars to build and open a restaurant in San Francisco. If we're earning an 8% margin (after expenses), it comes out to about $320K a year in profits. However, most successful restaurants operate on an average of 2 to 6% margin. I know chefs that somehow manage at zero percent.</p><p>According to the <a href="https://restaurant.org/covid19?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWVdVeE5HRTVPV001T0RjeiIsInQiOiJHUmhpWGZkbVpxQzF5NTZrMnk4bzVKVVcrUjlUYVljZ0E4S3RnY2R2MHNvdytNa0R1emxqK210SnBTMUhOY0QyMjFqa043a2l0OFM1V21MZWxtdlNsOGNyMnJrTDNjZ21CRldtaGFVK01hZFJHUjdHcVh0UHNcLzlWazFmbEN6VHAifQ%3D%3D">National Restaurant Association,</a> our industry has lost more than 8 million restaurant employees (from layoffs or furlough), and it will have lost $80 billion in sales by the end of April. Roughly 50% of operators anticipate more layoffs this month. The CARES Act will help many employees who are in desperate need of assistance, but it won't help those that are undocumented who pay taxes on their checks into fake social security numbers. Business operators won't see much relief in the form of no-strings-attached cash. </p><p>Despite its flaws, the SBA was crushed with demand. The website crashed, calls couldn't go through, and possibly the worst offense was that large chains like Ruth's Chris, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, and Shake Shack all received big chunks of our small business funds. But not everyone is like Danny Meyer, who gave back Shake Shack's $10 million dollar loan. </p><p>While this wildly broken system is sorted out, businesses have and will continue to disappear, never to be heard from again.</p><p><div type="image" title="david nayfeld friend" height="4320" width="5760" msid="75608960" hostid="261"></div></p><p>The cost of doing business in America is too high, and there isn't enough money going to the bottom line. Now's the time to look collectively at the industry — from fast food to fine dining — and make major changes so that our country can enjoy our dining rooms and drive-thrus for years to come.</p><h1><strong>Let's start with rent.</strong></h1><p>The golden rule in the restaurant business is to keep occupancy costs under 6% of total revenue. In San Francisco, the average lease offered to first time operators is a 10-year lease with a 5-year option at market value. This means that after 10 years the landlord can raise my rent to "fair market value." In SF, where nothing is fair market value, commercial rents have gone up roughly 120% since 2010. If my rent doubles at the end of my 10-year lease, my 8% margin (I should be so lucky) just went to 2% overnight.</p><p>Landlords need to have skin in the game. If we're running a tight ship with good numbers in other areas of the P&amp;L, landlords should renegotiate in good faith. Explain that keeping occupancy costs at 5% or lower will benefit us both, and add longevity to the relationship. Demand pre-negotiated escalations. Include a lease assignment clause that allows you to sign your lease over to someone else if your business fails or you need to move. Offer up a lower base rent that includes a predetermined percentage of gross sales at an agreed-upon trigger. This means they prosper with you, not in spite of you. We're partners now with our landlord, and he's happy to help us get through this time because our goals are aligned. To further entice property owners, cities should offer lowered property taxes based on signed contracts. No one benefits from vacant storefronts.</p><h1><strong>This brings me to wages.</strong></h1><p>In the past 10 years, I've seen minimum wage go from $11.54 to $15.59. One problem is that not every state (including California) allows businesses to factor in a "tip credit," which allows businesses to pay a lower minimum wage to tipped employees. While controversial, most tipped employees at moderately-priced restaurants and bars make well over minimum wage, yet we must continue to pay them more.</p><p>In California, it's nearly impossible to pay everyone a fair wage. When a server makes nearly $400 a night (as they do in my restaurant), I should be able to pay them $5 an hour. This would allow me to pay my cooks $25 an hour, and my dishwashers $22. At wages like these, more staff could afford to live near their place of work and spend more money in the local economy. </p><p>For states that do offer tip credits, but the restaurants still struggle, let's bring back the concept of the apprenticeship. When I was a cook you had to learn to be a butcher and a sauce maker before you could dream of becoming a sous chef or landing a management position. </p><p>We need legal apprenticeship programs that allow people to learn for less money. To cover their education, let's offer government subsidies to pay a portion of their salary. This will give skills and upward mobility to people rather than career stagnation. Business owners could instead teach and mentor unencumbered by the burden of costs.</p><p>Finally, let's not put limits on how many people can be on salary. If every employee could receive a minimum salary, they would have a higher likelihood of earning a livable wage with one job, and the operator would save money on overtime and other fees, which don't always go to the employee.</p><h1><strong>This next one is going to be a bitter pill: Food prices need to be higher. </strong></h1><p><strong><div type="image" title="david nayfeld farmers market" height="3230" width="4307" msid="75608966" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>The public needs to know that a burger, fries, drink, labor, packaging, and occupancy should never cost $5.99. We need to demand that the price of food be higher, which in turn will lead to better wages. Until the day that robots are whipping up dinner, labor and food costs will be universally linked. The solutions here are uncomfortable. How do we convince people, especially those that are being underpaid, to pay more for food? How do we convince the largest companies to charge more and pay more?</p><p>One idea: Let's tax businesses that have a significant amount of their workforce on welfare programs. Let's get ahead of automation, which is happening already (have you seen the robot dishwasher?), and put a tax on any job taken by a machine. These taxes can go directly to a Universal Basic Income or some form of welfare. For businesses that are already doing it right, let's give them a tax break.</p><h1><strong>Finally, let's reward those who are leading the way. </strong></h1><p>Let's give grants to local farms that support biodiversity, which betters the environment; trade schools that improve our workforce; companies that would be inclined to grow and will hire more staff. And most importantly, we need a true and honest path to citizenship for the people that are the backbone of our food and beverage industry. They pay taxes, they work hard, they do jobs that most Americans won't.</p><h1><strong>Without real systematic changes, our favorite restaurants will not be resuscitated.</strong></h1><p>The restaurant industry's survival is good for everyone: Our survival and success impacts tens of millions of jobs in parallel industries, and to get there we need comprehensive, bipartisan solutions that completely shift the paradigm.</p><p>As we navigate this "new normal," my partner and I stand committed to making things work for our team, and our families. This could mean higher pricing, additional fees to generate cash flow and make up for past losses, and switching compensation away from tipping and towards a more inclusive model. After two months of being apart, we hope that if we make these changes our customers will understand and support us. Maybe there's a silver lining here for chefs like me. I sure hope so.</p><p><em>David Nayfeld is a Bay Area-native who boasts a venerable restaurant pedigree, having gained culinary experience working alongside some of the most esteemed names in the industry. He is the co-owner and executive chef of Che Fico and Che Fico Alimentari in San Francisco's Nopa neighborhood.</em></p>Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/restaurant-owner-cares-act-sets-us-up-to-fail-2020-5">Business Insider</a>

I'm a San Francisco restaurant owner who will probably return my government relief loan. Here's why — and what really needs to happen to save our industry.

<p><img class="float_right" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/530166ba69bedd5452f0408b-1000-750/josh-tetrick-headshot.jpg?maxX=480" border="0" alt="Josh Tetrick Headshot" width="480" />Hampton Creek, a San Francisco-based startup <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/plant-based-eggs-from-hampton-creek-2013-12">developing plant-based replacements for eggs</a>, has raised its biggest round of funding yet. </p>
<p>Today, the company announced that it is taking $23 million in a series B round led by Li Ka-Shing's Horizon Ventures. Li is Asia's richest man, with a net worth of $29.2 billion, according to <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/2014-02-14/cya">Bloomberg's Billionaire Index</a>. </p>
<p>Josh Tetrick, CEO of Hampton Creek, told us he's thrilled to have Li as an investor. There were plenty of suitors, but Tetrick was attracted to Li because of his connections in Asia.</p>
<p>"<span>Money matters, but we'll have a platform to take what we've done and extend it out," says Tetrick. He notes that "38% of egg production is in China. It's a<span> massive market, growing every day. Horizons has experience and connections into the Asian environment."</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Hampton Creek makes egg-replacement products based on plants. It sells to consumers and enterprises.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Tetrick says Hampton Creek is working with two Fortune 500 companies to take eggs out of baked goods. It has deals with four other Fortune 500 companies to replace traditional mayonnaise with Hampton Creek's eggless mayo.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Hampton Creek's plant-based mayonnaise tastes pretty much the same, if not better than traditional mayo. (<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/hampton-creek-mayo-cookie-dough-taste-2013-12">See our blind taste test video here</a>.) Some Whole Foods are using it in chicken salad instead of mayo. And some fast food chains will start using Hampton Creek mayo on sandwiches.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">"Our c<span>ost structure is our advantage," says Tetrick. "We're 48% more cost effective. The cost of eggs comes from feeding chickens. Unless egg makers are willing to lose money, they don't have a structure to compete with us. Unless they come up with a way to not feed the chickens."</span></span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span>For consumers, Hampton Creek sells mayo directly in grocery stores. Right now it's only in a few stores, but Tetrick hinted that it would be in more stores in the near future. It also sells a plant-based version of cookie dough that's quite tasty. That will be in stores in a few months.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span>One of the biggest things Hampton Creek is working on is a plant-based replacement for scrambled eggs. Tetrick is optimistic those will be done by the end of the year. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span>While that would be a big breakthrough, the goal isn't necessarily to replace eggs you eat for breakfast. It's to cut back on the use of eggs that work their way into every other product.</span></span></p>
<p>Says Tetrick, "<span>1.8 trillion eggs get into all these different spots" - Baked goods, fast food, chicken salad, and so on. </span></p>
<p><span>The chickens that make the 1.8 trillion eggs aren't treated so well. As Tetrick previously explained to us the, "<span>eggs are coming from rusty cages with chickens sh**ing all over each other."</span></span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Tetrick says he will use the new funds for expansion. It's going to get a new testing facility, triple its sales staff, and expand the R&amp;D team. </span></p>
<p><span><span>Tetrick says the hope is that in the next year, or year and half it won't "<span>sound too delirious when we say the conventional egg isn't going to be around anymore. "</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Here's the full release on the funding:</span></p>
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<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span>Hampton Creek Raises $23M in Series B Funding </span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span>Bringing Healthier and Affordable Food to Everyone, Everywhere </span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span>SAN FRANCISCO, California - February 17, 2014 - Hampton Creek,TM a technology company pioneering in food, announced today that it has completed a $23 million Series B financing round. </span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span>The financing was led by Mr. Li Ka-shing's Horizons Ventures and includes participation from Jerry Yang and AME Cloud Ventures, Ali and Hadi Partovi, Jessica Powell of Google, Scott Banister, and Ash Patel. Early investors Khosla Ventures, Collaborative Fund, and Kat Taylor and Tom Steyers' Eagle Cliff also participated. Hampton Creek has received a total of $30 million in funding to date. </span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span>Hampton Creek will use the funds to accelerate its rapid growth in North America, expand its operations to Asia, pursue strategic partnerships, and grow their team. Hampton Creek has built a unique technology platform to enable the production of healthier food at a lower cost, starting with the displacement of the conventional chicken egg. In the last 90 days, the company has signed partnership agreements with 6 Fortune 500 companies, including some of the largest food manufactures and retailers in the world. </span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span>"I'm excited about Hampton Creek's technology and its promise. Everyone wants a clean and sustainable world and we love that Hampton Creek is committed to that goal - egg by egg," said Mr. Li Ka-shing. </span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span>CEO and founder Josh Tetrick said, "We live in a time where the unhealthy choice is dirt cheap and convenient. And the healthy choice is pricey and inconvenient. When my Dad walks the grocery aisles to buy mayo or chocolate-chip cookies or eggs, the inputs that make them possible often come from bizarrely unhealthy places. Our goal has always been to build a company that brings healthier and affordable food to everyone, everywhere. Solving a problem means actually solving the problem for most people - not just the folks that can afford to pay $5.99 for organic eggs. We're thrilled to have such world-class investors joining forces with us." </span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span>About Hampton Creek </span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span>The mission of Hampton Creek is to bring healthy and affordable food to everyone, everywhere. The company received the Best of What's New 2013 Grand Award by Popular Science for their "plant-based egg." Hampton Creek's partners include The Humane Society of the United States and Global Viral, an organization dedicated to addressing the world's most pressing infectious disease threats. Josh Tetrick, a Fulbright Scholar and former college football player, co-founded Hampton Creek in 2011 after spending seven years working in Sub-Saharan Africa with the President of Liberia and the United Nations, among other initiatives. </span></p>
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