The Gift I'm Buying Everyone This Year Is an Olive Garden Cheese Grater

How often do you think about cheese? I probably do at least once a day. You might be inclined to think that it’s because I’m a food writer, but that’s not the whole story. I studied abroad in France, where I became obsessed with cheese—specifically, comté cheese. It’s named after the region of France where I studied, but you can also buy it at Trader Joe’s. I love eating it on its own or adding it to my cheese blend when I make baked mac and cheese.

For me, cheese is life. But honestly, grating cheese is my least favorite kitchen task. I’d rather do almost anything else when I’m preparing a meal. In fact, my roommates from years past made fun of me because when they asked if they could help me with dinner, I said they could grate the cheese. I hated to dig out the box grater and spend my precious time shredding a block of cheddar.

But not all cheese graters are created equal. And no one knows that better than the fine people at Olive Garden, who patiently grate cheese tableside atop your Zuppa Toscana and never-ending salad. If you’ve ever eaten at Olive Garden and wondered how to bring this level of cheese preparation into your home, then I have great news: Olive Garden is selling its famous rotary cheese graters. I think this will make an excellent holiday gift.

The best gifts, in my opinion, are any gadgets that you think are more of a “nice to have” than a “need to have.” Sure, maybe your trusty box grater works fine—I happen to have major beef with them after using one too forcefully ruined a particularly good manicure. Wouldn’t it be nice to keep your hands safe while simultaneously elevating every meal? That’s where the elegant Olive Garden grater comes to the rescue.

I think kitchen gadgets in the under-$20 range are the most perfect gift option ever. Don’t believe me? I gave my mom a Microplane for Christmas one year, and now every time she uses it, she texts me. I like to be thought of whenever she zests a lemon. And my friend Victoria gave me a set of Pyrex measuring cups as a housewarming gift, and I do think of her whenever I use them!

For $19.99, you can get an Olive Garden grater for everyone on your list. If you buy it directly from Olive Garden's website, it even comes with a block of Romano cheese. It’s a perfect price point for a gift for anyone in your life: coworkers, neighbors, cousins, and friends. Anyone you know who likes cheese will appreciate this. Which is hopefully everyone you know.

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