Sur La Table

 

7

27

Callie G.

Santa Monica, CA

So, you are either a Sur La Table kinda person or a William Sonoma kinda person.  Sur La Table has a little more street cred (kitchen cred?) than WS.  With all those gadgets you never knew existed, it's easy to be inspired.  The green bean slicer in my gadget drawer is proof of that!

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Elite '08

87

270

jin n.

CA

Crappiest Sur La Table out of the other branches (Pasadena and Grove).  

The place doesn't have as much stock, and I'm giving crap review for the crap service I got at the store.   It was 1 hour before closing, and the guy behind the counter was yapping away with a buddy.  No excuse, service should be service.

Then I asked about some product, and got treated like I was some moron for not knowing my cooking supplies.  

SCREW YOU...I forgot your name but YOU SUCk.  If you think you're such a cook snob, why don't you get a job working in a kitchen at some restaurant instead of the supply store.

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Elite '08

154

168

Zizi B.

Santa Monica, CA

Sometimes you wake up from a nap at 7pm and think, "Y'know what I need in my life? Creme Brulee!" So, you venture the three blocks to the nearest supplier of culinary torches and ramekins only to find very helpful and friendly people willing to help you achieve your custard and caramelized sugar fantasies.
Each time I've been here the staff was helpful and knowledgeable. They seem to be people that really know what's going on in the kitchen and can make recommendations. The place is a bit pricey, and I wouldn't come here to buy things like knives or pots and pans, because they'd be the price of a small island, but simple things, or items you can't find everywhere (like the creme brulee torch) are safe bets. Their own line of china is reasonably priced and made very well.  They also had a homemade marshmallow mix back when I was in my marshmallow phase. How great is that? Maybe when I go back to pick up a Salt Pig, I'll try some of the cookie mixes. Stay tuned!

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0

56

Jennifer P.

Santa Monica, CA

I am pleased to report that I had a very different experience from Elise's while shopping here.  While shopping for the equipment we needed for Thanksgiving (roasting pan, brining bags, etc.), we were helped by a very nice lady who recommended great products (without pushing the most expensive stuff in the store).  She even gave us great tips for dressing up store-bought gravy (instead of reacting in disgust, which is what I expect from most of these foodie stores).  The space is much more cramped than you'll find at The Grove location, but with public parking, we were in and out in under 30 minutes (try that at The Grove in November-December).  All in all, a good experience.

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1

17

Elise E.

Van Nuys, CA

This Sur la Table location is not as good as its peers.

I live very near this store, and so I shop here quite often.  Despite the fact that I'm here almost weekly, I've yet to receive good customer service.  The sales associates just seem tired and bored of talking kitchen.  More often than not, if I ask "Do you have any more of these?" or "Do you have this in another color?", they mumble that what they've got on the floor is it.

I'd recommend this place for trying out new kitchen gadgets, but when it comes time to buy - go to Amazon.com or another kitchen supply store.  Not worth the cost for the shoddy service.

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Elite '08

97

237

Jenn L.

Los Angeles, CA

With all the gourmet classy-ness this place oozes u would expect to be purchasing a high-end set of pots or some fancy infused oils. no, actually it was these corny looking cow silicone pot holders, my cousin luvs cows. i saw the little heifers as i passed by, i must admit they're kind of cute in a country-kitchen type way.
If ur looking for specialized cooking utensils or delicious speciality foods look here. i saw a special knife that u use to chop ur greens and it doesnt make them turn brown - i didnt want it before i saw it but now i NEED it.  
They also sell Stonewall sauces which i approve of (the citrus and tamarind ones are my favs). The sales associates were VERY friendly and helpful. amen to that

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34

168

Stve W.

Santa Monica, CA

Sure, it's overpriced crap, but I love walking around and looking at all the refined cookware. Although I've only ever bought oil and a paring knife, I seriously contemplated a Francis, Francis espresso machine, but couldn't bring myself to unfist the $400 for something that only makes espresso. I can't imagine anyone shelling out $1100 for one of these things, no matter how electronic or automatic it is.

They have  an inexhaustible supply of pans, knives, microplaners, baking goods, mixers, placemats, truffles, chocolate, corn on the cob holders, tongs, Le Cruset, etc. All available at a premium.

Don't expect any bargains. They stock high value stuff with the prices to match. I, myself, drool over the cooper pots and pans, which they've kicked me out of the store for, citing health code.

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Elite '08

180

526

Scott M.

Los Angeles, CA

Probably one of the best culinary hardware places there is. Loads of specialty tools and cookware. If you can't find the right whisk or spatula here, it doesn't exist.

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Elite '08

793

835

Joan S.

Los Angeles, CA

This place is all about cooking.  They sell cookware and every cooking utensil & gadget you could think of.  Quality merchandise, not cheap.  There is a kitchen-type area for cooking demonstrations.  Julia Child used to come here to do demos.  Interesting place.

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Elite '08

143

568

Cathleya G.

Berkeley, CA

If I had a ton of money and the extra space in the kitchen I would buy this place up.  Nothing is cheap like Joan S. says but its all great.  There are usually celeb chefs stopping by this particular location and I'm sad that I missed Giada DiLaurentiis' book signing a few months back.  She is the cats meow.

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124

569

Andrew W.

Los Angeles, CA

How did foodies survive before Sur La Table? I don't know but they probably weren't very well-equipped.

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