This Is the Most Important Kitchen Tool in ‘The Bear’

“The Bear” is a magical show, and now that Season 4 is out, I can’t wait to jump back in for more. As someone who previously worked in restaurants and now writes about cooking, I love the way it depicts professional kitchens, especially the recipe development (and the accompanying drama, obviously). But as great as the show’s plot is, I get equally excited about all the cool cookware, powerful appliances, and legendary cookbooks the show’s chefs use. There’s one kitchen tool, though, that excites me more than any pot, pan, knife, or apron: the humble notebook.

This series poignantly shows chefs tackling the early stages of their ideas — learning, dreaming, sketching dishes, and taking notes. To me, it’s one of the most moving things about “The Bear.” You see chef Terry talking to Richie about reading her father’s pocket notebooks; chef Sydney making notes about new dish concepts; and chef Carmy using a sketchbook to draw dishes and ingredients. It’s all amazing. I’ve kept an eye out for which brands of notebooks the characters use, but I’m usually too caught up in what’s on the page. That said, I have a few ideas.

Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Medium, Ruled/Lined

This 4.5- x 7-inch Moleskine notebook is the exact one I used when I was developing a bagel program at a restaurant, and I’ve seen a couple just like it on the show. I had this notebook with me at all times — fine-tuning recipes, writing down temperatures I was testing, recording proofing times and baking times, noting how everything tasted, and more. Whether you're cooking pizza in your backyard oven, deciding which spirits you want to make your house Negroni with, or improving your smash burger game, making notes is an absolute necessity. Write down what worked and what didn’t. Keep a grocery list. Take note of the classic cookbook your friend recommended. Remind your future self that you wanted to try out this crab cake recipe. Have your phone handy to play music, sure, but if you start using a notebook to write things down, you’ll never go back. It’s so satisfying. 

If you’re someone who enjoys having more space for drawing, however, you should try out an art sketchbook — and this is very close to the one Carmy’s using.

Leuchtturm1917 Medium Plain Hardcover Notebook

I’ve used this book at other times in my life, and it’s incredible for drawings and sketches. I also love the elastic closure, which keeps it shut and protects all your notes and art. The 120g weight paper gives the pages a formidable presence — they’re not too thin, like some other sketchbooks. It’s always a joy when one of these pops up on-screen, especially when it contains some stunning color sketches from Carmy. But is this the exact notebook he uses? It’s hard to say. He could also be using a classic Moleskine art sketchbook, which is another beautiful option that clocks in at only $19.

Regardless of your skill level, if you love cooking, you should have a notebook on hand in the kitchen. It’s fun to keep track of recipes you like, tools and ingredients you want to pick up, even bottles of wine you love — and doing it in an analog way just makes it more fun. If nothing else, you’ll look and feel like a pro with a Moleskine or Leuchtturm1917 sitting on your counter.

Shop More Notebooks and Sketchbooks

Moleskine Classic Notebook, Ruled

Paperage Hardcover Notebook

Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover Ruled Notebook

Amazon Basics Classic Lined Notebook

At the time of publication, the prices were $15 and $29.