HOME > Chowhound > Southern New England >


Chef's Equipment Emporium is comin' to the Pike (Berlin, CT)!

Thought I'd share. Love this store in Wallingford and am happy to see a second location closer to home for me. Just north of Mickey Finn's, on the opposite side, x from Worthington Ridge...location was once a furniture store (?), then a fireworks store. Opening in August, so sez their website here:


  1. Click to Upload a photo (10 MB limit)
  1. Excellent news!! Great place for chef's of any level. Every time I go to this place, it's like being a kid in a candy store.

    1. Wasn't that site supposed to be a VIP? Ironic, as both stores sell turkey basters

      6 Replies
      1. re: BiscuitBoy

        HA HA HA, yes--believe so. That IS ironic! ;P

        And awm922, I'm like a kid in a candy store there, too...at CHEF'S, mind you, (NOT VIP!).

        1. re: BiscuitBoy

          I guess both stores are designed to spice things up. I went to the Classic Restaurant Supply in Hartford (I think it's the same concept) for a large pizza pan. Once i was there, I decided not to stop at one pan but three pans. And a large salad bowl. And 5 stainless steel mixing bowls. And two new cutting boards. And a big stock pot. And a big stock pot wooden spoon. And a new pizza peel. And cheese and red pepper flake shakers. And a new blender for cocktails. And a more powerful can opener. And a zester (still haven't used it). And large mouth quart sized Mason jars. And plastic ketchup and mustard squeezers because somehow condiments taste better out of a squeezer. And a garlic slicer. I overdosed on kitchen! I cant wait to go back. I can stop anytime though. I don't need to have new kitchen stuff, I just like them. I think I might need a meat slicer! Gotta go...

          1. re: foodwallguy

            For the win!!! <<I guess both stores are designed to spice things up.>> INDEED! :)

            Classic Restaurant Supply may be more focused on the restaurant side (is it?); Chef's definitely caters both to restaurants AND folks like us who love to mess around in the kitchen. So start saving now, buddy!

            I hear you re squeeze bottles, too. Don't forget, you also need one for simple syrup (as they have in one of my fave coffee shops) and for caramel, don'tchaknow?! Now you have an excuse to head to the Pike in August--not like you needed one--you know you were gonna get there, anyway. Thanks for the smile!

            1. re: kattyeyes

              The sign in the window now says grand opening 9/21!

              1. re: dennisl

                Was just wondering about this place the other day--YAAAAY! Thanks! :)

        2. Has no one else been yet? I dropped in yesterday. Held a knife I've been eyeing online for a bit. But my favorite find was the aisle of flavored vinegars and oils with little tasting cups so you can sample. I'll be heading back when I need to replenish. The cranberry and pear is delectable...as was the vanilla. Let's face it, how many can you taste in one visit--so I've gotta get there again soon. I picked up an interesting cake recipe using one of the specialty olive oils. Maybe olive oil gelato will be spinning up in the not too distant future.

          There's a sizable kitchen in the back. On offer yesterday--applesauce and pasta fagiole.

          4 Replies
          1. re: kattyeyes

            great selection...prices are way out of line and they don't discount to those in the business..

            Surprised a store with this unique a nitch would open anopther one...realtively close to the original...for who their customer is.

            I liked the comment about the turkey baster...

            1. re: jms123

              I've been to the Wallingford store a few times. Way overpriced. You can always find much better prices online.

              1. re: shoes

                I haven't been to the new store but I agree that their prices are high. If it is an everyday item I can find anywhere (Microplane grater, common brands of pots/pans, accessories, knives, etc.) then chances are good I can beat their prices easily. The only thing I find them handy for is finding those strange little items you can't just find anywhere. I bought odd sized loaf pans I wanted but couldn't find elsewhere, a stockpot larger than what your average home cook uses, and things of that sort.

            2. re: kattyeyes

              Nice toy store.

              Only been to the "Wally-world" one.

              Yes, prices for the stuff can be cheaper elsewhere, but at least you can check it out in person.

              You can do better on the copper by importing directly from France or Belgium - even with shipping costs.

              The bargain area for me is in the commercial section - where all the doo-dads you need like skimmers, noodle baskets are heavy duty & reasonable.