20.05.12

Cooking is hot stuff these days, with cooking shows gobbling up prime TV slots and viewers drooling over the culinary tools and gadgets. More than the money that gets spent, though, is the room this stuff takes up. Even so, one of my favourite pastimes is to head down to one of the restaurant supply stores and troll the aisles.

I’m such a fan I think every couple should have at least part of their wedding registry at one. The Steelite or Royal Doulton commercial china in plain white is guaranteed to last five years in a restaurant setting, where it’s used at least five times a day, so in your home it should last forever. And white china is like the little black dress — great for everyday use but easily dressed up.

A dozen dinner plates will only set you back $85, and they come with a chip warranty. A dozen wine glasses by Libbey or Arcoroc costs around $40, and if you entertain a lot, buying them by the case (36) makes sense. Theses stores also carry stainless steel cutlery, anywhere from $4.50 a dozen to $500 a dozen, depending on the nickel content. Robert Campione of Campione Restaurant Supply ( www.campionerestsupply.com ), tells me that most people would have a hard time telling the difference between 18/10 and 18/0 stainless (the second number is how much nickel is in it), and that both last for years without showing wear.

Source: Toronto Star