By Christine McDonald
In fashion-focused New York City, it’s often shoes, watches, and handbags that are the big splurge items. Why neglect your kitchen, which needs just as much inspiration for greatness? New York’s reputation for grand shopping extends to the culinary world, so when the season’s first autumn chill coincides with a weekend morning, and your oven hasn’t been turned on since May, get yourself to the stores highlighted below. Your kitchen will thank you.
Let Them Eat Cake
By Christine McDonald
In fashion-focused New York City, it’s often shoes, watches, and handbags that are the big splurge items. Why neglect your kitchen, which needs just as much inspiration for greatness? New York’s reputation for grand shopping extends to the culinary world, so when the season’s first autumn chill coincides with a weekend morning, and your oven hasn’t been turned on since May, get yourself to the stores highlighted below. Your kitchen will thank you.
Let Them Eat Cake
NY Cake & Baking
Don’t be alarmed by the somewhat shabby exterior of this Flatiron jewel; inside is a pastry chef’s paradise overflowing with every imaginable tool. Around each corner another indispensable baking gadget reveals itself, so you might want to bring along extra hands to lug back all the equipment.
56 West 22nd St., between Fifth and Sixth Aves., 212-675-2253, nycake.com
Modern Masterpieces
Alessi
The brand’s flagship store in SoHo is just as beautiful as the equipment it offers. Thankfully, it’s also home to a Joe Coffee Bar since there’s a good chance you’ll be craving an espresso after browsing through the coffee appliances.
130 Greene St., 212-941-7300, alessi.com
Sleek &Sexy
Korin
It’s hard not to be impressed with the selection of gorgeous chef’s knives in this small Tribeca store. Along with a varied collection of Japanese and Western-style blades, Korin also stocks a selection of fine tableware and sushi serveware.
57 Warren St., 212-587-7021, korin.com
Old-School Beauties
Bowery Kitchen Supplies
Tucked at the back of the Chelsea Market is a cramped but thorough collection of equipment for the professional chef. If you can manage to tear yourself away from L’Arte del Gelato, Ronnybrook Dairy, Sarabeth’s, and Fat Witch Bakery – all of which you have to pass by in order to get to the store – allow yourself plenty of time to wander through Bowery Kitchen.
88 10th Ave., 212-376-4982, bowerykitchens.com
Kitchen Whimsy
Broadway Panhandler
An aspiring chef can easily spend an hour admiring the collection of kitchen essentials and sets that adorn this Village institution. The cozy space makes it impossible to drop in and not pick up a new gadget or buy the five-quart Le Creuset pot you’ve had your eye on for ages.
65 East 8th St., 212-966-3434, broadwaypanhandler.com
Fun & Functional
Whisk
This summer, a Manhattan branch of this Williamsburg store opened in the Flatiron District. Both carry a lovely collection of goods, from baking needs to cocktail supplies. Cheers!
933 Broadway, 212-477-8680, whisknyc.com
