Different Drummer's Kitchen

I can't believe I didn't write about this immediately, but hey the blog is like 3 days old so cut a gal some slack right?

Different Drummer's Kitchen located in Stuyvesant Plaza Albany just relocated to bigger digs next to Jean Paul Spa. I was in the shop both Friday & Saturday and (I'm a real sucker for prize give-aways and great kitchen equipment and they had both!) and couldn't believe the selection of tools and equipment along with the store layout and the new demo kitchen (more on that in a minute!).

They have everything you need to pimp out your kitchen-from basics like pots, pans and tea kettles to items for the true culinary aficionado-fondue pots, ravioli press, cake pans that look like butterflies. And then they have everything you didn't even know you needed-corn cob shuckers, strawberry stem removers (my technical term not theirs...), spoon rests that attach to the pot! My oh my.....

The store is logically organized with open shelving by category. If you want a fondue pot they are all in one spot (happens to be right in front by the door towards your right...), and along with the fondue pots you will find accessories like fuel and cookbooks. Like I said the shelves are very open and not too crammed so you can have a very touchable experience. The entire store pretty much follows this layout scheme and I applaud them for making it so consumer friendly.

In regards to pricing, I won't sugar-coat this....some of their items are not budget shopper friendly. However, ALL of their items are of high quality and well worth the cost if you can fit it into your budget. This is a great place to shop for the dutch oven that will last you for the next 20 years or a wedding gift. And if you can afford to completely stock your kitchen here I say do it-you are supporting a local business who has great expertise, getting a high quality product and having a pleasant shopping experience...None of those things are true at any of our big box stores, right?

Fear not, if money is a little tight right now they have plenty of high-quality inexpensive baking pans, gizmos and gadgets. I personally fell in love with a set of pink and gold cupcake liners that look like princess crowns. They are too short for an actual cupcake but a chocolate dipped strawberry will look lovely in them and my daughter will feel like royalty. My point is, you can easily pick up a little treat for the utensil bin for less than $10, in some cases less than $5.

One thing that I didn't mention was the new demo kitchen. Oh my gravy, is it beautiful! Stainless steel appliances, huge demo area, surrounded by high tables for the students. They have already scheduled a number of 3 hour classes that range from about $55-$75 each. I don't have the list with me but I know they are hosting an Indonesian foods class, croissant making and the one I want the most-Italian Cheeses. I am salivating at the thought of that one. This is a great way to get a little hands on experience on a new topic or just get out of the house for a few hours. I am considering checking to see if they will allow me to do my birthday there and invite my girlfriends to do a cooking class with me. I think that would be a hoot!

Finally, I would be negligent if I didn't mention that Different Drummer's Kitchen has locations in Lenox and Northampton, MA as well! So if Albany is not in your reach maybe the other spots are...

Please check out Different Drummer's Kitchen! You won't regret it....

It will be delicious!