16 things we're buying that are inspired by Hulu's 'The Bear'
Janelle Randazza, USA TODAY
Updated 7 min read
Stuff we're buying that's inspired by season 2 of "The Bear."
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.
The second season of the blockbuster FX hit, "The Bear" dropped this week and we are beside ourselves with excitement. If you're looking to binge the most anticipated series of the summer, all episodes are available to stream right now on Hulu.
Season 1 immediately launched the series to cult status, inspiring viewers everywhere to wonder what Chicago beef actually tasted like, while home chefs barked "Yes, Chef" to their housemates and partners when things got intense in the kitchen.
There's clearly not enough room for you to join Carmy, Sydney, Tina, Richie, Marcus and friends (and cousins) in their hectic and high-paced Chicago kitchen, but you'll feel like you are right there with them with these favorite kitchen finds and collector's items inspired by "The Bear."
1. A Original Beef of Chicagoland T-shirt
Stuff we are buying that's inspired by season 2 of "The Bear."
We know priorities are changing for Carmy and company, but they are the type of crew that will never forget where they came from.
Stuff we are buying that's inspired by season 2 of "The Bear."
If we could write a love letter to a food storage container, it would be to Cambro storage containers. These durable and multi-use containers enjoy a cult following among restaurant chefs and home cooks alike.
Our Senior Commerce Writer Jaime Carrillo is a long-time devotee of the brand and can't praise these containers enough. They are perfect for storing dry pantry goods, they are fridge and freezer safe and they are perfect for marinating and defrosting large portions.
"Restaurants use it, you should too. They're durable, and the modular design makes them perfect for stacking and storing in just about any pantry or cupboard," says Jaime.
Stuff we are buying that's inspired by season 2 of "The Bear."
While we aren't sure of the exact aprons Carmy and company wear on "The Bear" Hedley & Bennett aprons wouldn't be a bad guess, especially for a French Laundry alum.
During our testing for the best kitchen aprons, our Cooking Editor couldn't praise these enough for being bodily protection against hot oils, holi powder and errant flames.
This apron was also touted as being a veritable "sous chef" for its well-placed pockets and appropriately sized loops that fit a variety of items, including kitchen towels and cooking utensils.
Stuff we are buying that's inspired by season 2 of "The Bear."
If we tell you our favorite knife you have to promise not to stab anyone in the butt with it.
Our Cooking Editor says this Hedley & Bennett chef's knife is her current favorite and the best we've tested—and she promises you'll feel like a back-of-the-house rock star when you're using it.
She describes it as "lightweight yet sturdy and well-made, with a blade so sharp out of the box it makes cutting an onion feel like cutting soft butter."
Stuff we are buying that's inspired by season 2 of "The Bear."
Kitchen mats are the MVPs of every grueling kitchen to-do list. They take pressure off your feet and back and make doing dishes, chopping vegetables and working over a hot stove infinitely more comfortable and more enjoyable.
This highly-rated Gorilla Grips kitchen mat comes in 12 different colors and a variety of sizes to fit any kitchen size or style.
Stuff we are buying that's inspired by season 2 of "The Bear."
You won't have to hold up the order line when you make donuts with this Dash Mini Donut maker. Our reviewers praised the non-stick design and the light, airy and crispy results. What's more, these donuts can be made in minutes, unlike Marcus's full-day donut-making endeavor.
Stuff we are buying that's inspired by season 2 of "The Bear."
For a deep and golden sear, you're going to need an excellent grill press. This one by Made In is made from durable stainless steel and is even strong enough to withstand open-fire cooking. We like this press for searing beef and fish, browning bacon and getting a golden crust on veggies. A good grill press is a true kitchen workhorse and makes just about anything it touches better.
The raised handle and ergonomic design allow for excellent leverage when you're working fast over a hot cooktop and they make it easy for you to bang out smashburgers with speed.
Stuff we are buying that's inspired by season 2 of "The Bear."
No time to make the jus? Chicago Johnny's Italian Beef Gravy Seasoning gets the highest marks from reviewers for having an authentic Chicago beef flavor. Carmy might call it cutting corners, but you won't be disappointed by the robust flavors of this small business Chicago export.
Stuff we are buying that's inspired by season 2 of "The Bear."
What is giardiniera, you ask? It's only a spicy, acidy, kinda sweet bite of heaven in a jar—and it's essential to a Chicago beef sandwich.
This is a Chicago Italian special, made with a mix of olive oil, pickled serrano peppers, carrots, cauliflower, celery and a whole ton of spices. Think of giardiniera as sort of a dense relish that will make all your other sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, pastas and pizzas taste incredible, too.
Also, if you eat this by the spoonful we promise not to judge.
Stuff we are buying that's inspired by season 2 of "The Bear."
This season Carmy and Sydney will be focusing more on fine dining, but last season it was all about the beef sandwich. If you're still salivating over the thought of the staff meals, you can bring that Chicago-style beef sandwich home with a kit from Goldbelly.
These kits come from the iconic Buona Italian beef sandwich chain, which was ranked the "Best Italian Beef in Chicago" by the Chicago Tribune and one of the "10 Best Italian Beef Sandwiches in Illinois" by, your's truly, USA Today—so it's gotta be good!
Stuff we are buying that's inspired by season 2 of "The Bear."
Season one of "The Bear" was all about meat. In season 2 it's likely they'll branch out a bit, but this Cook's Illustrated meat-centric cookbook is a meat bible that will give you every bit of insight you need to cook up everything from a perfect t-bone to a stellar beef sandwich.
Stuff we are buying that's inspired by season 2 of "The Bear."
You're going to need some good tunes when you're in the kitchen, and this double-LP ode to Chicagoland is just the thing to get you in a Windy City state of mind.
Beloved children of the Chicago music scene, Wilco's songs feature prominently throughout "The Bear" in both seasons 1 and 2.
"Yankee Foxtrot Hotel" is what solidified Wilco as THE Chicago band to outsiders. Popular with Wilco die-hards and new fans alike—it's emblazoned by the iconic Sam Jones image of Chicago’s Marina Towers. If you already own this album you'll love this vinyl remaster. If you're just dipping your toe into the Wilco cannon this is the perfect place to start.
Stuff we are buying that's inspired by season 2 of "The Bear."
Not to give any spoilers if you haven't started watching season 2, but just know that this Original Berf t-shirt is a collector's item. Richie says so.
