Kitchen Supply Stores?

[Flynnster]

Hey everyone, finally got a decent part time job, actually an internship, but I can get some of the little things my apartment kitchen is missing. I've found a couple of kitchen supply stores here in chicago and was wondering if anyone else here likes to shop at them? I've yet to go in yet with my schedule being quite hectic but I'm excited by stories of great prices on quality stuff. One is a Sir la Table, but the others are one off shops.

[dpm802]

Sur la Table is a wonderful store, but their prices are pretty steep. For some reason, I keep buying things there, and returning them unused a week later when I discover it cheaper (a LOT cheaper) on Amazon. Still, they have some high-end gear you just don't see anywhere else. And they offer free cooking classes to demonstrate their products and teach you the basics like knife-skills. Other good stores to shop in (but not necessarily buy from) are Williams-Sonoma and Kitchen Kapers.

You want to seek out a "Bar & Restaurant Supply Store" ... these are found in every metropolitan area, usually a dusty, cramped and crowded little store in a warehouse or industrial district where the rents are cheap. You'll find all sorts of stuff like pots and pans, plates and dishes, cutlery and small appliances, things that a professional would use all-day, every-day, selling at wholesale prices. Most of these stores are open to the public, and their prices will knock your socks off when compared to an expensive place like Sur la Table, and in many cases, they are even cheaper than WalMart or K-Mart.

PS: Congrats on the new job!

[_JP_]

Sur a Table is not a commercial restaurant supply store. It is aimed at the home cook. I have made use of a couple of local restaurant supply houses that are local to me. You can find things there that are not available otherwise.

[jwhite]

My hometown supply was GFS, Gordon Food Service, it was a true kitchen supply store and was an invaluable resource. I'm from NW Indiana and was considered part of the Chicago market for food-service distribution - they may have an outlet local to you.

[saf]

What is it you are looking for exactly? There is Northwestern Cutlery on Lake and Halstead. THey have a good selection of cooking tools and the best knife selection around.

There are a few kitchen supply stores in the west loop on Washington maybe but I forget exactly.

These both are more for professional kitchen so don't go looking for a decorative ceramic rooster but they carry everything you need for a kitchen.

[Flynnster]

Just odds and ends, little prep bowls, loaf pans, boards, things like that. I know of GFS but that's always been more a food place to me with some prep stuff, but not the same as what I'm tlaking about. Northwestern cutlery is one of the ones I Was gonna make a stop at.

[jwhite]

The one by me had all manner of prep stuff from hotel pans and boards to ramekins and prep bins.

[saf]

The stores I was thinking of are on Madison west of Halsted there are some great things there. I would go here before you go to any of the chain decorative stores. They are not far from North Western Cultlery so you can do both. The problem are the hours so check those out before making a trip.

[pipskicks]

My girlfriend got some good deals on craigslist I know...

[Acmemfg]

Restaurant Depot..anything you can possibly want or need. Well worth a look

[Amir]

Fante's and Kitchen Kapers in Philadelphia have both store-fronts and an on-line presence.

You might wander into a Williams-Sonoma every once in awhile. They're generally more expensive, but have terrific sales. I bought a marked down Le Creuset dutch oven (enameled cast iron) this past winter for about $150, marked down from about $340.

Another hidden secret, this place called Cookware and More (on-line), has marked down All-Clad and other items, that are seconds...with blemishes you'll never notice.