7 Places To Shop Like A Chef Slideshow
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Trotter’s To Go, Chicago, Ill.
Since it's opening in 2000, Trotter's To Go has been a favorite of Chicago area residents looking to purchase expertly prepared foods including sandwiches and salads, spit-roasted meats, and vegetable and grain side dishes. While the initial vision was to sell the everyday foods Chef Charlie Trotter himself chooses to eat, the store has since expanded its offerings and is now a gourmet, one-stop shop for retail products. Everything from sauces and spices to artisan cheeses, wines, cookbooks — even culinary tools — consistent with Chef Trotter's culinary philosophy are sold there.
Aux Délices, Fairfield County, Conn.
Grab a quick bite for lunch, prepared foods for a restaurant-worthy dinner, and stock your pantry all in one trip at this three-store gourmet business run by Debra Ponzek, the former executive chef at Montrachet in New York City. In addition to freshly made salads and sandwiches to go, each store offers an array of dishes prepared by the chef, a selection of Aux Délices brand products, as well as a unique collection of domestic and imported specialty foods. Looking for a gift for a budding chef? Pick up one of Ponzek's three cookbooks sold at the shops. Their events team can even cater any event from an informal get-together to a large wedding.
Star Provisions, Atlanta, Ga.
From Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison, the chefs who brought us Quinones, Bacchanalia and Abattoir, Star Provisions is the place people go to shop like a chef (even if you're new to the kitchen). Broken down into departments, the store sells only the highest quality meats and seafood, handpicked artisanal cheeses from around the globe, and freshly baked breads made in-house — the same products used in their restaurants. There is also a section dedicated to tableware and small appliances that any home cook would need for entertaining or as a gift idea (they will even help you build a bridal registry). Shopping in the store is like having access to the restaurant's own walk-in refrigerator and larder.
Farmstead, Inc., Providence, R.I.
Located in the heart of Wayland Square in Providence, R.I., Farmstead offers one of New England's finest selections of both imported and domestic artisanal cheeses and accompaniments hand selected by owner, master cheesemonger, and executive chef Matt Jennings. Stop in for all the necessary ingredients and accoutrements for assembling a cheese or charcuterie plate, then stay for lunch at the shop's new casual dine-in area that serves lunch five days a week. Picking out one of pastry chef Kate Jennings' decadent, handmade desserts for a party? Make sure you head next door to La Laiterie, Farmstead's cozy bistro, for a memorable "haute farmhouse" dinner featuring the best locally-sourced ingredients and handmade seasonal foods before returning home.
Garces Trading Company, Philadelphia, Pa.
This one-stop shop in downtown Philadelphia from the famed Iron Chef Jose Garces is just the place to sit down to enjoy a cappuccino with a friend or for a quick, casual business lunch. Enjoy lunch, weekend brunch, or dinner in the 75-seat restaurant, or shop for Garces Trading Co. brand coffees, house-cured charcuterie, made-to-order mozzarella, honeys, olive oils, homemade breads, and more to take home. They even offer a selection of wines and flowers for purchase to round out the meal. Short on time? Garces even offers boil-in-a-bag meals that are Iron Chef-approved.
Eataly, New York, N.Y.
This Italian food mecca from chefs/restauranteurs Joe Bastianich, Mario Batali, and Lidia Bastianich is like no other we've seen in the States. With seven restaurants under one cavernous roof, finding something to eat at lunch will never be the same. Have a hankering for a cappuccino just like they make in Florence? The Lavazza Caffé will fix that (along with chocolate from the renowned Florentine chocolatier Venchi). Pick up ingredients for dinner from wall upon wall of imported foodstuffs, high-quality regional meats, local and imported fine cheeses, housemade pastas and breads, beer, wines, and more.
NapaStyle, Yountville, Calif.
Inspired by his Southern Italian heritage, chef, author, and TV personality Michael Chiarello (shown here at Eataly, in fact) founded NapaStyle in 2000. Through the retail stores and catalog, Chiarello seeks to share his passion for seasonal and sustainable living and bring wine country style into the homes of many around the world. At the five retail locations in Calif. (and via their web site or catalog), a hand-picked mix of home goods and artisanal products created under the direction of Chiarello himself are offered. The Yountville location is also home to a paninoteca and wine bar where you can grab a quick bite at lunch (or a box lunch to go) or relax after a long week with a glass of wine.