Pintxos

For those of you in Seattle and Pacific Northwest, what is a better store to get quality cooking supplies for an aspiring home cook, without breaking the bank? Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma? I used to shop at the store on 4th & Pike, can't remember the name. It's closed now.

obxgirl

There is a Sur La Table right next to Pike Place Market.

Gardyloo

Both are pretty pricey, at least Sur La Table is home grown.

However, we like the Mrs. Cook's store at U Village - http://mrscooks.com/ or the restaurant supply store up on Aurora - http://www.seattlerestaurantstore.com/

travelgourmet

I don't live in Seattle, but prefer Sur la Table to Williams Sonoma. Better variety and more focused on cooking.

If you want value, though, I'd consider a restaurant supply store. In addition to the one Gardyloo linked to, I order from webstaurantstore.com and have been very pleased with their service and products. For cookware, Vollrath is an especially good brand that you see in many restaurant supply stores.

The savings from buying via restaurant supply outlets can be substantial. For example, compare these two nonstick skillets:

http://www.surlatable.com/product/PR...stick+Skillets
http://www.webstaurantstore.com/voll.../92269110.html

Both are excellent, but the Vollrath is roughly 1/3 the price of the Scanpan (though shipping can eat into that a bit). Both are ceramic nonstick and both are fully clad.

Things like sheet pans, silicone pan liners, mixing bowls, etc. are also usually much cheaper from restaurant supply stores, and are incredibly useful. I've commented to my wife that I get more use out of the two $3 sheet pans and $5 broiler racks that fit inside than any other item in my kitchen. I use them virtually every time I cook.

That being said, I tend toward instant gratification and like to hold things before buying, so I have more than my fair share of stuff from Sur la Table and WS, but if budget is a concern, go to the restaurant supply shop.

Pintxos

Thank you! such great advice. I rue the day I gave up my right to the Lounge by erasing my previous profile. There is so much good information in the collective wisdom of Fodorites.

garyt22

Don't beat yourself up... It's not that great anymore....

happytrailstoyou

City Kitchens is the name of the store that used to be
on the west side of 4th Avenue between Pike and Pine.
I bought some favorites there, including a hot pad I've
used for over ten years with no sign of wear and my
beloved Rosle can opener.

Now I shop on line.
The selection is good: Everything.
The price is good: I pick the low one.

HTtY

janisj

>>I rue the day I gave up my right to the Lounge by erasing my previous profile. There is so much good information in the collective wisdom of Fodorites.>Don't beat yourself up... It's not that great anymore….

Fodorite018

In Ballard, look at Kitchen N Things. It is right on Market, at about 21st or so, that general area anyway. It's on a corner, so easy to spot.

suze

The Lounge is the same as it's always been, I am sorry you gave up your keys to the kingdom, Pintxos ;-)

I live in Seattle so will give this a shot.

love Sur le Table but it's too pricey for me. City Kitchens was a great store! There's a fun shop down in Madison Park called Cookin At Madison Park. I like the Mrs. Cooks at U-Village, as mentioned. Not a Williams Sonoma fan.

But honestly, for myself, I just shop at Bed Bath & Beyond (with a coupon) or Macy's.

IMDonehere

If you go the Internet route, try Bridge Kitchenware who has an incredible selection. For example, they have a choice of a dozen melon ballers. The had a store in Manhattan for professional chefs and serious amateurs. When the irascible Mr. Bridge died, his children moved the place to New Jersey. You won't find aprons with "Kiss The Chef" crap here, just quality kitchen stuff with an extensive inventory.

http://www.bridgekitchenware.com/

Tabernash2

If you can find a restaurant supply store, they have great prices. Or try on-line, too. Even Costco.

From what I've seen at Sur la Table and Williams Sonoma, prices are high and geared to the mall shopper.

Pintxos

I agree that online or Costco are great places to shop, but you have to know what you want and what is good. I liked City Kitchen because they had very knowledgeable staff. I ended up at Sur La Table and dropped $200 on a Scanpan set. I am not sure it is a good deal, but the lady that helped me convinced me that it is a better investment.

I guess I am gullible, but I have bought cheapo cookware before. At this stage of my life, I would like to invest in a few quality pieces that would last a long time. I guess that dream sailed away when China started mass-producing everything under the sun. They claim Scanpan is made in Denmark, whatever that means.

Thank you for your contributions. I will check out restaurant stores.

On the Lounge note, I appealed to Katie for reinstatement. We will see what the mighty moderators will decide. My fate is in her hands.

Tabernash2

Not for gift-giving, but thrift stores sometimes have treasures, like the vintage Denmark Copco grill pan I found. Also a great place to find Pyrex, Corningware serving dishes, bread pans, roasting pans, etc.

IMDonehere

Other people have asked that I be re-instated in the Lounge and they were thrown off.

Pintxos

Yes, crickets, so far, for me...

suze

I've found brands like Cuisinart (pans) at TJ Maxx.

Tabernash2

Yes. I've found Le Crueset Dutch ovens at TJ Maxx and Marshalls, too.