PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

Most foodies I know, myself included, do more than just hop from one restaurant and eatery to another: they do an awful lot of cooking at home, especially when trying to mimic or even rehash a dish they recently enjoyed! When it comes to all things that is kitchen supply, there really is only one place to go. No, not the place you get tacky wicker furniture, bed sheets and candles; leave that for the amateurs! Go to the place where the chefs and restaurant owners go - Northwestern Cutlery! It’s a little out of the way, but trust me, it is so worth the drive. And hey - their prices are so reasonable they won‘t have you running to the food pantry afterwards!

Before you go, be sure to grab all of your knives to bring down there with you, no matter what you think their value is. If you have never had them professionally sharpened before, then they definitely need to be, because any pro will tell you a good, sharp knife makes all the difference in the world. And why not - it only costs a couple dollars to do so! When you arrive, hand them to the guy behind the register and have him give his opinion of what you own. While it’s true he will probably try to talk you into upgrading, he will for sure tell you if what you have is even worth saving, with an explanation behind his opinion.

While you are getting all sharpened up, check out the store and be prepared to go into culinary overload! There is just so many wonderful items, many of which are nearly impossible to find in a store. (Hello? A fish spatula? Surely you won’t find this specialty item at Tar Gét!) The person shopping next to you is probably a chef or at least a fellow foodie, so if he or she seems to be in an amicable mood, go ahead and ask their opinion of what it is you’re looking for. The wealth of knowledge one can find here is truly beyond belief: you‘ll walk out feeling like a pro!

Now parking around here can seem a little daunting, but it is really necessary to drive in, so circling for a spot is mandatory. The best time to go is on Thursday mornings in the middle of the month, where the parking is a little more feasible and the store owners have more time to talk to you in depth. The effort more than pays for itself.