Can you have a crush on someone you’ve never met?

Chuck, as he’s called by his friends, started Williams-Sonoma in 1956 selling professional and restaurant quality kitchenwares for home use.

Since my post about kitchens was just day before yesterday, I thought I’d fill the kitchen with dream accessories while that part of the home is fresh on your mind. This post is for you my dear friend, Linda… a faithful reader of my ramblings and always comments

When I think of kitchens I think of food, and when I think of food I think of cooking…with All-Clad pans.  It took me many years and many lousy pans to figure out that where pans are concerned you pretty much get what you pay for.  All-Clad isn’t inexpensive but they are the last pans you’ll ever buy

Specifically with Williams-Sonoma accessories and gadgets that make your job of cooking easier, your kitchen look good, and are just so slick you are certain you “need” one of the _____________[fill in the blank].

I happened to pick this (grill pan) up during one of Williams-Sonoma’s All-Clad sales—I highly recommend it, it cooks meats almost better than the outdoor grill!

Charles E. Williams visited France in 1953 and fell in love with French kitchenware, especially copper cookware.  Upon his return to America he settled in Sonoma, California and began importing French cookware.

This is my all time favorite knife…Wusthof  Santoku knife and sharpener.  It never looses its edge, in fact you have to be careful that you don’t slice your finger off!

Once he opened his store he made customer service a priority and along with a talent for savvy marketing, Williams-Sonoma became a destination.  His first catalog was published sometime after he relocated his store to San Francisco in 1971…and the rest, as they say, is history.

I don’t personally own this set but I’ve always thought these would be a handy tool for prep work.

Since my kitchen is on the small side, especially where storing too many kitchen gadgets I try to stick to the necessities.  Sometimes that presents a challenge when the new Williams-Sonoma catalog comes with it’s excellent images of hard to resist goodies.

 

These are my favorite towels…they have lasted for years before needing replacement.

 

 

 

 

These glasses have such an European flair…I love the look of them and the next time I have to replace glassware I’m hoping the Siena glasses are still available.

 

 

 

Son #1 and his lovely wife and my darling granddaughter bought this tablecloth for me for Mother’s Day…can’t wait to dine alfresco and use it on our patio table.

Aren’t these great…they are new to Williams-Sonoma and I know they would look so nice on the patio table this summer.

This is another new item at WS…It looks a little old to me and I think it would look great with fresh lemons and limes, what do you think?

 

 

Williams-Sonoma now carries a great selection of herbs and spices.  I’ve heard that the Pure Maple Flakes are amazingly tasty.

 

 

I’ve heard from enthusiasts that a mandoline is essential, I don’t have one but I do like what it can do.

I know this probably seems like a “gadget” you can live without, and I’m certain you can but I must say, it’s one of my favorite things in the kitchen.  If you like grilled sandwiches you will love a panini.  I think you can prepare sandwiches that are a complete meal with this thing.

I’m going to finish with dessert—the Emile-Henry pie plate is one best pie plates ever.  I’m hungry for cherry pie a’ la mode!

I promise I’m not a Williams-Sonoma spokesperson, although I’d certainly be open to an offer!  I just happen to like the quality and variety they offer the home cook.  Do you have a particular gadget that you can’t live without?