Five great … San Francisco kitchenware stores

Sunset, Nov, 2004

Cookin'. From blenders to eggbeaters, it's all here, somewhere, in Judith Kaminsky's deliciously jumbled secondhand-cookware store. In a former life, Kaminsky taught English lit; if Shakespeare came in here, he'd proclaim, "All the world's a kitchen." Closed Mon. 339 Divisadero St.; 415/861-1854.

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Culinaire. Find high-end antiques for foodies in the Ferry Building Marketplace. It's the best place for a set of one-of-a-kind lobster dishes, real French table linens, or whimsical antique wineglasses and carafes. Closed Sun. On the Embarcadero at the foot of Market St.; 415/576-1700.

Economy Restaurant Fixtures. You may not be ready for your own restaurant, but you can outfit yourself the way chefs do at this Potrero Hill warehouse. Shop for basics like stockpots and tongs, and drool over commercial appliances. Closed Sun. 1200 Seventh St.; 415/626-5611.

Fredericksen's Hardware. For creme brulee, find both beautiful white ramekins and inexpensive blowtorches at this versatile (and venerable--since 1896) Marina shop. Tons of gadgets, bamboo cutting boards, and fondue sets. 3029 Fillmore St.; 415/292-2950.

Sanko Cooking Supply. Set a gorgeous Japanese table with sake sets, teacups, and bowls from this friendly, family-owned shop in the heart of Japantown. Sushi equipment, rice cookers, and impossibly tiny bamboo tea strainers are also popular. 1758 Buchanan St.; 415/922-8331.--P.F. AND A.P.