You know how frustrating it can be sometimes when you can’t find “just” the right kitchen tool or ingredient? I certainly do!  That’s why I’m very happy to share some of my favorite Internet and Mail Order sources, where you can find most everything you need—from tools for a perfectly-equipped kitchen to “everything you ever wanted to know about mushrooms” to information about nutrition to just-plain-fun “foodie” sites. This page will be constantly growing and changing since I am always on the lookout for new sources for all things “kitchen related.”

So check back often, since I’ll be adding to this list regularly.  And if YOU find a really terrific website or mail order catalog that you think should be on my list, I hope you’ll let me know by emailing me at asklauren@laurengroveman.com.

Happy browsing! 

Bridge Kitchenware
www.bridgekitchenware.com

(212) 688-4220
214 East 52nd Street
New York, New York 10022

A mail order catalog is a recent feature of this New York store that focuses on supplying the professional chef. They have an incredibly extensive list of imported as well as domestic cookware, baking equipment, tools, cake decorating equipment, parchment paper, and pastry bags (disposable and regular).

Best Butcher Block Kitchen Islands
http://www.butcherblockco.com

Find the best Butcher Block Kitchen Islands at Butcher Block
Co. Free Shipping, secure online ordering, and the widest selection!

Chef's Catalogue
www.chefscatalog.com

(800) 338-3232
3215 Commercial Avenue
Northbrook, IL 60062

This website and catalogue contains an extensive list of high-quality cooking and baking equipment as well as gadgets, tools, utensils and appliances.  

Chef Shop
www.chefshop.com

This is a great site for purchasing best quality ingredients like vinegars, olive oils, assorted condiments and even fresh Alaskan salmon!

Community Alliance with Family Farmers (Organization)
www.caff.org

To order the National Organic Directory, visit the website or call: (800) 852-3832

This organization is working to bring people together for sustainable agriculture.

Cooks.com
www.cooks.com

Go here for recipes, food facts and articles.

Culinary Parts Unlimited
www.culinaryparts.com

Outside California: (800) 543-7549
California residents: (800) 722-7239
80 Berry Drive
Pacheco, CA 94553

Replacement parts for appliances—what a great idea! This company stocks accessories and parts for household appliances made by twenty of the most popular manufacturers. These include Cuisinart, Braun, KitchenAid, Krups, Oster, Farberware, Salton, Hamilton Beach, Proctor-Silex and many others. Personally, I’m so glad this company is here!

Environmental Nutrition Bulletin (Organization)

(212) 362-0424
E-mail: envnutr@compuserve.com

Food Web
www.foodweb.com

This Web site links "foodies" all over the place.

Gourmet Mushrooms & Mushroom Products
www.gmushrooms.com

Learn about Fresh and Dried mushrooms such as: Shiitake, Morel, Oyster, Chanterelle, Porcini, and Portabella. Discover mushroom oils from White Truffles and Black Truffles. Organic home mushroom growing kits are also available from this site. Products can be purchased by calling a toll free number or through secure on-line ordering.

Gourmet’s Pantry
www.gourmet-pantry.com

Here you will find a catalog of wonderful foods and culinary items, recipes, cooking and serving tips and interesting articles for any "food connoisseur." All products listed in their catalog have been specifically chosen for their outstanding quality and unique character and appeal.

King Arthur Flour Baker's Catalog
http://shop.bakerscatalogue.com/items/

(800) 827-6836
P.O. Box 876
Norwich, VT 05055

This terrific company provides many different hard-to-locate flours, grains, extracts, tools, and baking equipment. This website and catalog are a must for the serious baker.

Mugnaini Imports (Wood-Burning Ovens)
www.mugnaini.com

This California based company imports fine (authentic) wood burning ovens from Florence, Italy. Italian manufacturer: Refrattari Reggello s.r.l.

Nutrition Information
www.nal.usda.gov

On this site, you will find nutritional information offered by Ed Blonz, a nutrition scientist and nationally syndicated columnist.

Spitjack
www.Spitjack.com

This is a great site (I love it) geared toward those determined to get things cooking no matter what the weather! I use their Spitjack Fireplace Grill all winter long, as well as their Spitjack Electric Fireplace Rotisserie. They also have hand-tools and other accessories for hearth cooking, both in and out of doors. If you love to cook, the Spitjack products are a lot of fun and produce delicious results.
Click to hear an interview with Bruce Frankel, the creator of the Spitjack website.

Sweet Celebrations
www.sweetc.com

(888) 328-6722
3244 Raleigh Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55416

This company has a fabulous catalog for any serious baker! The website and catalog list everything you could possibly want -- from edibles such as extracts, chocolates and specialty colored sugars to whimsical cake pans and tools of the trade.

The Vanilla Company (Your Source For All Things Vanilla) 
http://www.vanilla.com/

As a devout “vanilla person” I can’t recommend this site highly enough! Not only does this website provide you with the very best assortment of aromatic extracts, incredibly supple vanilla beans and a delicious assortment of exotic vanilla sugars, but you also get in depth information on the growing, harvesting and the production of all of their vanilla-based products.  And, even more important, Patricia Rain, the owner of the company, shares her true passion for helping to bring a higher consciousness to daily living in her monthly newsletters which expound on the importance of sustainable agriculture. In addition, there are plenty of recipes that celebrate the beloved flavor and aroma of the finest vanilla.

To hear an interview I did with Patricia Rain (aka: The Vanilla Queen!), also the owner of this very passionately produced and user-friendly website, click here.

Zabar's 
http://www.zabars.com/

(212) 787-2000
2245 Broadway
New York, NY 10024

Anyone who's been to Zabar's in New York knows that this store is one of a kind! Their catalog has a huge selection of cookware, baking equipment, small electrical appliances, kitchen tools, coffee beans and specialty foods (like smoked fish and assorted jarred condiments).