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Outfitting or revamping your kitchen arsenal can be tough \u2014 especially because there are so many different opinions out there on what a home cook actually<\/em> needs to own. And, while many of us would love to have the space for a massive knife block<\/a>, three different stand mixers<\/a>, and a toaster oven<\/a> Chef Freeman is the driving force behind Cadence<\/a>, the award-winning vegan Southern soul food restaurant in NYC, and her new concept, Ubuntu<\/a>, where she cooks vegan West African-inspired cuisine in West Hollywood. With more than a decade of hospitality experience, a degree from the Institute of Culinary Education, a spot on Forbes\u2019<\/em> 30 Under 30 list, and<\/em> accolades from the New York Times<\/em>, Esquire<\/em>, Vogue<\/em>, and other publications, it\u2019s safe to say you can trust her picks. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nthat\u2019s smarter than we are<\/s> with all the bells and whistles, a lot of us (read: many of The Kitchn staffers) don\u2019t have giant kitchens and endless counter space to work with. That\u2019s why we have to be extra picky about which gadgets and gear we choose to keep in our cabinets. It\u2019s also why we often find ourselves consulting the experts for their takes on which items home cooks should absolutely keep within reach. This week, we spoke to award-winning Chef Shenarri Freeman of <\/strong>Ubuntu LA<\/strong><\/a> and <\/strong>Cadence New York<\/strong><\/a> about what she likes to have on hand in the kitchen and her recommendations for you, our beloved readers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n