Restaurant supply stores in San Diego?

[firecooked]

I'm almost ready to close on a house in San Diego... I love to cook, and the place has a fabulous kitchen! I'll be starting from scratch in setting up the kitchen, and hoping to hit a restaurant supply store to get the basics. Any recommendations? Looking for quality tools, but don't need name brands (and the house has pretty much already broken the bank).

[Jvsgabriel]

Yes I agree, SDRS is nice, but a bit overpriced. And I also agree that Lucy is nice, compared to the older lady. The other supply store, FSE is a good place for cheap, mostly aluminum cookware. It is east of SDRS, and I feel just as indifferent with the customer service.

I would also recommend Chef City, lots of fun and quality cookware, expecially if you are into Chinese cooking. Lots of woks and chinese cooking supplies, and they have cool Japanese woks. Yes I know it sounds like an oxy-moron, but the Japanese have cornered the market on really good quality woks, and other Chinese cooking equipment. And yes they do have CCK Chinese clevers as well. Have fun looking and buying stuff.

[Barbara76137]

You'd think there would be a Williams Sonoma outlet somewhere between LA and San Diego. I think the closest one is in Las Vegas. I got a great deal on my All Clad the the WS outlet Memphis, TN.

Check out the Crate & Barrel outlet in Carlsbad. I bought all of my dishes there, just wanted simple, white, basic. I think ten place settings along with some great small bowls & glass salad bowls were $60.

[SDGourmand]

The best place to go for dishes is home goods but you have to be willing to do a little work making a set. I've only been to the one in encinitas so not sure if they are all like that. They also sometimes have big stock pots for cheap.

[Island]

I forgot about Home Goods. It can be hit or miss depending on what yopu're looking for. I've purchased a lot of baking pans and a variety of serving pieces, platters from there. Got some great candle lanterns to hang over my patio dining table last summer.

[Island]

That's Home Goods in Poway.

[Island]

What do you guys think about Great News in PB? Not restaurant supply exactly. More like a local Sur La Table. I've been there for the sushi rolling class, and purchased a santoku knife and some condiments with the class discount, but that's about it. I was wondering how their prices compare to elsewhere or if they carry unique items worth purchasing there. I have a couple of gift certificates that can be used for the store or classes.

[DiningDiva]

They are well stocked with home use items, but I think their prices are high. Even SD Restaruant Supply is way cheaper than Great News!

[mliew]

Yeah, they are on the expensive side, although if you get their newsletter there is always a 20% off coupon on the back. Personally, I buy all my cooking supplies at Bed Bath and Beyond using their 20% off coupons, price is usually cheaper than buying online at Amazon although obviously you have to pay tax.

[Island]

i suspected they might be higher so thanks for the confirmation. Hate paying more when I can get a deal.
Yes mliew you're right about BBB. I had my eye on the Caribbean blue and purple Le Creuset french ovens at Sur la Table and they have those colors at BBB now. Sweet deal with 20% coupon and free shipping. Thanks for the reminder to check that online. I think I'll save my Great News certificate for classes.

[deeznuts]

Any opinions on the one on the east side of Kearny Mesa/Serra Mesa? Chef City or something?

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Kearny's
8310 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111

[mliew]

Been there a few times. They used to be located on Convoy and then relocated to their new (much larger) location about a year or so ago. Fairly good selection of cookware/utensils, etc. however the prices seem a bit high. I think you could probably get the same stuff for cheaper online.

[geekyfoodie]

I'm so glad they relocated... thought they had closed for good. Where's the new Chef City location?

[mliew]

Contact us anytime during our office hours:
Monday-Friday: 9 am - 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am - 3 pm

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

We are located at:

9150 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92123

[deeznuts]

I actually heard about them on knifeforums. I believe they carry CCK cleavers right? I may check them out.

[jennywenny]

This place sounds cool, I'll have to check it out!

Another place that has cheap cookware and bakeware is the carlsbad outlet mall, theres a le creuset shop and a couple of cook shops, especially good deal with an AAA card when you get the coupon book. Some of the stuff is a bit shoddy quality, but it might be worth a look!

[Island]

So far I've gotten all my Le Creuset pieces at that outlet and if they are imperfect I haven't found the flaws. They have a large selection and all colors except for the most recent "exclusives" sold else where like the purple and Caribbean blue that I want, but eventually they arrive. Get on their mailing list and you'll get notified of their frequent sales. I believe every month they have a deeper discount of a specific piece or color.

[deckape]

Talk to Lucy at San Diego Restaurant Supply at 619.239.8107, she's a fan of Chowhound and she'll know what you need.

[sdnosh]

SD Restaurant Supply is a good but very expensive source and unless your a big customer, customer service can be a bit indifferent. On the next block over is FSE, some of the same brands, some lower and some used. It looks a little like someone's garage, but much lower prices and they treat everyone the same. Also try on-line. You can get some really good deals on commercial grade stuff.

[firecooked]

Thanks, will definitely check them out. Do you have a favorite on-line supplier?

[DiningDiva]

San Diego Restaurant Supply. Downtown, on Market, close to Petco Park

[SDGourmand]

That's the best one around 14th and market I think is what it is. Www.sdrs.com

[Indirect Heat]

There's also another one next door to that. I forget what it's called, it has a larger (if lower quality) selection.