Like a lot of people, when it comes to food, it has become more natural to think and shop local. Food is fresher, tastes better, and there is the feel-good element of supporting local farmers and communities. The farm-to-table movement may be becoming a bit of old news, but we have it to thank for elevated eating in so many of our local towns and around the country.
I know I’m grateful for the restaurants blossoming in our area that support eating local – Common Lot, Tillie’s, and more on the way. I’ll admit that mindset didn’t always extend to the products and goods I purchase to turn my own raw ingredients into meals.
photo by roberta sorge via unsplash
Looking around, there were clear opportunities to improve my support of local businesses. It was also a chance to explore, to venture a few towns over to check out the speciality food and kitchen stores throughout the area. Not surprisingly, I found a few gems. I vowed to shop local more regularly, not just because I wanted to act local, but because they were superior products.
photo by brooke lark at cheeky kitchen via unsplash
I know what you’re thinking. I’m talking about shopping local, and yet there are national chains on my list. Yes, they can be the behemoths that threaten and displace small businesses. But here’s my view. I treasure the “downtowns” of our local communities, both large and small, and hope they continue to mark the traditional commuter town landscape. An outpost of Williams-Sonoma, Anthropologie, or West Elm creates a larger shopping destination that builds higher pedestrian traffic. I don’t see it as competition, but rather an anchor that maintains the viability of the area as a convenient and charming shopping destination over the “one stop convenience” of Target.
photo by jakub at foodiesfeed
So here it is – my list of favorite local specialty food and kitchen stores.
Shop Maplewood, South Orange, and Millburn
| shop | what it’s known for | why I love it |
| Kitchen a la Mode
19 South Orange Avenue, South Orange |
Officially kitchen supply, also known as “accessories for cooking and entertaining”, or my favorite, “a toy store for grown ups” [The Star-Ledger]. | They have every kitchen gadget you never knew you needed, which is helpful when I need gift inspiration. They also offer knife sharpening – if you aren’t getting your knives sharpened regularly, you need to start. It’s a perfect excuse to visit. |
| Freeman’s Fish Market
155 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood |
Fish. Pretty simple. They also have fish accessories, such as lemons and old bay seasoning, so you can grab and go and get cooking. | The service. Everyone, even the teenagers, is so helpful, offering tips and tricks for preparation, plus good old-fashioned smiles. |
| Squirrel & The Bee
515 Millburn Avenue, Short Hills |
A grainless bake shop, featuring breads and sweet treats. | Sometimes you need gluten-free for a friend. I like that they don’t just make it gluten-free – they focus on reducing all grains, preservatives, and sugars. |
| Coffee Mill Roasters
41 Main Street, Millburn |
Coffee, plus a small selection of breakfast-oriented snacks. | The cold brew. All the coffee is good, but I stop by weekly to refill my cold brew growlers and grab a large nitro to go. My fridge is well stocked. With a splash of cream it is reminiscent of melted chocolate ice cream. |
| Unwined Boutique
345 Millburn Avenue, Millburn |
Smaller scale wine and liquor shop, with a more curated selection and occasional wine tastings. | The owner is very friendly and extremely helpful, particularly when you’re shopping for a gift and need to figure out what someone else will like. Give him just a nugget of taste preference and he will gladly steer you towards a range of options. |
photo by jakub at foodiesfeed
shop Summit
| shop | what it’s known for | why I love it |
| Summit Cheese Shop
75 Union Place |
Cheese. Lots of glorious cheese. | It’s so lovely in its old-fashioned, mom and pop cheesemonger way. The owners could chat cheese with you all day. And they stock a small selection of gourmet items like Maldon salt and Gary’s favorite barbecue sauce. |
| Sweet Nothings
26 Beechwood Road |
Candy. As my son says, it’s candy paradise. | I’m a big fan of the fancy chocolate plate as dessert, especially after a big complex meal [check out my post on entertaining tips]. The chocolates and truffles are excellent. |
| Natale’s Summit Bakery
185 Broad Street |
Breads, pastries, and sweet treats, including gorgeous custom cakes. | There is nothing like fresh bread purchased first thing in the morning. Damn you carbs. If you’re going to do it, this is the place to do it right. |
| Foraged Feast
Currently at the Winter Farmer’s Market, 31 Woodland Avenue |
This time of year, mushrooms, but always seasonal, including ramps in the spring. Yes, I said ramps. | Dan Lipow, Maplewood resident, is a professional forager. He picks local weeds and fungi and sells them to local restaurants and direct to eaters. It doesn’t get more local than that. |
| Hummus Boss
Currently at the Winter Farmer’s Market, 31 Woodland Avenue |
More than freshly made hummus – all of his mama’s traditional spreads and sauces, such as labneh and roasted tomato bruschetta. | The boss will tell you all the childhood stories that accompany his wares. Something about James’ style even gets picky toddlers to try [and usually love] the samples. |
| Boxwood Coffee
17 Beechwood Road |
High quality coffee in a beautiful, bright environment that begs you to stay all day. | Far better food options than I’ve come to expect from a coffee-focused shop. Try all the varieties of eggs and things between fresh biscuits. |
photo by jakub at foodiesfeed
a few more favorites
| shop | what it’s known for | why I love it |
| Savory Spice Shop
138 E. Broad Street, Westfield |
Every possible type of spice you could need. | I’ll admit I miss the Penzey’s in Summit. This shop is a good replacement in a pinch [pun intended], and if you’re in Westfield, a highly recommend checking it out. |
| Patricia & Paul
20 Elm Street, Westfield |
Artisan oils and vinegars | The staff are super knowledgeable and passionate about oil and vinegar. Taste a bunch and find the perfect one [or two] for you. |
| Williams-Sonoma
Westfield and Montclair |
Kitchen supply, cooking equipment, and gourmet food. | I know it’s a big chain [see discussion above]. And I love it. It’s my happy place and source of endless inspiration. |
| Anthropologie
470 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair |
You probably think of it as a clothing store, but I love their selection of housewares and linens. | Also great when you need gift inspiration [including gifts for yourself]. Check out the beautiful selection of unique dishes, kitchen linens, and cookbooks. |
| Wine Library
586 Morris Avenue, Springfield |
Wine, of course, but also a good selection of craft beer and liquors. Also features a gourmet food shop and cheesemonger. | I can sample cheese while shopping for cheese and other fun gourmet foods. And then I can buy wine. What’s not to love? |
| Bowery Kitchen Supplies
Chelsea Market, 88 10th Avenue, New York |
No-frills kitchen supply store. | I love the simplicity of this place, and the prices are often really good. I know it’s not super-local, but if you’re a commuter like me, it might be easily accessible. If not, Chelsea Market is a great place to spend a date night. |
photo by Daria Yakovleva via pixabay
I’m sure I missed someone’s favorite! Leave me a comment and send me to my next food and kitchen destination. And follow me on Facebook for more food shopping adventures!
![the best of the Barefoot Contessa [or, how I learned to cook]](https://i0.wp.com/foodwithaview.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Mustard-roasted-fish-Barefoot-Contessa-on-foodwithaview.jpg?fit=800%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=200%2C200)
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