The Shabby Gourmet: On Kitchen Tools In San Francisco

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In another exploration of the Shabby Gourmet, this guide exposes the secrets of those with a tenderness for all things culinary, yet a toughness that will lead them fearlessly into the grungiest of kitchenware stores. Who needs Vera Wang aprons and art deco ice cream scoops, when there are knives to be sharpened, and skillets to be bought? Here’s where to go if you want the real deal, without having to sell your soul to Williams-Sonoma.

REMEMBER:

Figure out which things to splurge on, and avoid unnecessary features. You may be tempted to spend $20 on an automatic avocado slicer, but it would probably be better to throw that money toward a really good knife. When it comes to the simple stuff, like strainers, steamers, tea pots, spatulas, spoons, etc., don’t be afraid to buy on the cheap. But the first step to becoming an authentic Shabby Gourmet is to come to terms with buying kitchen supplies somewhere that doesn’t offer cheese samples.

Ichiban Kan

1625 Post St San Francisco, CA 94115

A veritable junk palace. Get your Koala yummies and dumpling fryers all in one shot!

Another place to look for deals on the stuff that doesn’t need to be fancy. Watch out, you’ll probably return with armloads of yo-yos or a giant pair of party sunglasses too.

Another place to look for deals on the stuff that doesn’t need to be fancy. Watch out, you’ll probably return with armloads of yo-yos or a giant pair of party sunglasses too.

City Discounts

1542 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Good quality kitchen essentials at very fair prices. Go here if you value a little bit of style in your kitchenware.

Good quality kitchen essentials at very fair prices. Go here if you value a little bit of style in your kitchenware.

Probably the best, most reputable place to get your knives sharpened in the city, and for a great price. This guy knows what he’s doing. Appointments recommended, though you can often get your stuff sharpened on the spot.

Probably the best, most reputable place to get your knives sharpened in the city, and for a great price. This guy knows what he’s doing. Appointments recommended, though you can often get your stuff sharpened on the spot.

Columbus Cutlery

358 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

Another reliable place to get your knives sharpened. They’ve also got a pretty good selection for sale.

Another reliable place to get your knives sharpened. They’ve also got a pretty good selection for sale.

HARDWARE HYBRIDS & BEYOND

Cole Hardware

2254 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109

This place is as cute as a hardware store can get. It’s pretty small, but you’d be surprised how many necessities you’ll find. I’m partial to them ever since I visited in a state of panic over spilling green paint on my white carpet, and the nice man calmed me down and rented me a carpet shampooer. Way to go, Cole!

This place is as cute as a hardware store can get. It’s pretty small, but you’d be surprised how many necessities you’ll find. I’m partial to them ever since I visited in a state of panic over spilling green paint on my white carpet, and the nice man calmed me down and rented me a carpet shampooer. Way to go, Cole!

Soko Hardware

1698 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115

They know their knives at Soko. Plus they’ve got all kinds of other very pretty little kitchen accessories.

They know their knives at Soko. Plus they’ve got all kinds of other very pretty little kitchen accessories.

Go here if you know what you’re looking for. The customer service definitely isn’t catered to a novice, but the prices can’t be beat. They carry everything from tongs to industrial ovens, so come when you’ve got some time. And if you work in the industry, you get a little discount.

Go here if you know what you’re looking for. The customer service definitely isn’t catered to a novice, but the prices can’t be beat. They carry everything from tongs to industrial ovens, so come when you’ve got some time. And if you work in the industry, you get a little discount.

 

Find bargains on knives, woks, peelers, strainers, bowls, iron teapots, etc. at this kitchen supply smorgasbord. Some of the stuff may not be of the best quality, but use your judgment, and keep your eyes peeled for great deals.

Find bargains on knives, woks, peelers, strainers, bowls, iron teapots, etc. at this kitchen supply smorgasbord. Some of the stuff may not be of the best quality, but use your judgment, and keep your eyes peeled for great deals.

Get Your Knives Sharpened At Jivano's

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photo courtesy of jivanos.com

Bernal Cutlery

1706 Church St. San Francisco, CA 94131

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I’ve never left Soko without buying some completely unecessary eye candy.

The Wok Shop

718 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108

Come here for a cast iron wok and a companion meat cleaver without getting ripped off. The staff is knowledgeable and won’t try to rip you off.

Come here for a cast iron wok and a companion meat cleaver without getting ripped off. The staff is knowledgeable and won’t try to rip you off.

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Discussions

-618919168

I’ve always wanted to get my knives sharpened; in Brooklyn, there is a knife sharpener who rides around in a little truck, ringing his bell to alert everyone he’s around. So old school.

-619772048

I am a total sucker for kitchen stores and kitchen gadgets!