Thyme To Cook

Gadgets, tools, gizmos, appliances, they're all just words designed as another way to say "toys for the big kid in all of us" and when it comes right down to it, I can't help but get a little excited over them, especially in the market of kitchen accessories.

Over the years I've watched my kitchen grow from a tiny little tool chest of cool and unique utensils, to shelves, cupboards and drawers full of extremely handy and well-used supplies. It seems that as my desire for knowledge and experience in cookery increases, so too does my obsession with finding some new little invention to make my life in the kitchen a little simpler, or at least a little more geeky. So infatuated am I with the idea of gadgets, that if a store crosses my path which may carry a useful or undiscovered tool, I must enter.

More often than not, I admit that I end up leaving these stores thinking "Cool, but really not practical." See, I may love the idea of these shops and their products, but most of them are full of little more than useless gimmicks invented to bleed you dry. However, now and again I will stumble across a place that offers above and beyond my expectations, and delivers some new, actually useful and handy item for that already overcrowded third drawer of mine; every now and then I stumble across a place like Thyme To Cook.

My first venture into Thyme was actually a while back, when I was in frantic search of a local butcher and needed some direction. I entered a plaza which had seemed promising for my needs and, though it failed to present a butcher, it did provide me with a new supplier of fun little toys, practical accessories, and other kitchen needs.

The store itself is fair in size, with more to look at and explore than just one visit could properly satiate. From pots and pans to cutting boards, pepper mills, whisks of all sizes, timers, infusers, you think of it and they've likely got it. They carry brands well known, and others new to me, but all in the name of quality; Le Creuset, Microplane, Danesco (Jamie Oliver), to name only a few, all of which are very reliable and worth investing into, and a true sign of a supplier who researches their product, as well as their clientele. And while their service is top notch friendly and their products both intriguing and reliable, they offer another service which you would be hard-pressed to find in those cookie cutter shopping mall stores: cooking classes.

Though, judging by their quickly sold out schedule, it does appear you would need to book early; and in doing so, you could take part in one of many monthly classes offered, all on varying subjects, taught by professionals and trades-folk, and done from their on-site test kitchen. These courses are available to the public and are intended for all skill levels. So, whether you're looking for tips and advice, new ideas, or simply wanting to join a social network of culinary aficionados, they are bound to offer an evening right for you.*

*let it be known that they offer private function classes as well.

It has been thanks to Thyme that I no longer need to ask where in this city I might find that tool missing from my ever-growing kitchen, and should ever they not have what I seek, well, they are willing and able to order it in.

Owned and operated by Lorraine Gray, who is no stranger to this business, Thyme To Cook has always been notably friendly to me (they even pointed me in the direction of that great butcher those many months ago) and because of this and their dedication to the Guelph community, they have earned my loyalty and vote as one of the best kitchen stores I've come across in my travels.

Located at Edinburgh and Kortright, you can visit this inviting and cozy little store between 10 and 5 on weekdays, with extended hours on Thursdays, and on Sundays between 11 and 4. Oh, and also be sure to check out their blog, linked below, for some pretty delicious looking recipes and a list of upcoming events.

Happy eating, happy shopping and a Happy New Years to all!

Phil

Thyme To Cook
160 Kortright Rd West
Guelph, Ontario

http://www.thymetocook.ca/

http://thymetocook.wordpress.com/