Gadgets from the decorative to the practical will make healthy eating a breeze. Then, of course, there are the macarons.
If home cooks are shopping for a $3 rubber spatula, a $300 state-of-the-art chef’s knife or are eager to hone their baking skills, they’ll find these offerings at Sur La Table.
The Seattle-based cooking and dining retailer opened its 120th store in early June at Hilldale, in a 7,000-square-foot space that includes a 1,000-square-foot kitchen. It’s the second in Wisconsin for the company (the other is at Bayshore Mall in Glendale).
The company cultivates the “art and soul of cooking” by being a one-stop shop for home cooks, says store manager David Curtis, who transferred to Madison from the Glendale store. It’s a draw for everyone from culinary students to novices. “When they’re under our roof, they’re all here for the same reason. They all love to cook,” Curtis says.
Sur La Table executives have wanted to set up shop in Madison for a long time, Curtis says, and saw appeal in the revitalized Hilldale. They liked the mall’s proximity to downtown and the University of Wisconsin campus.
The first Sur La Table was opened in 1972 by Shirley Collins, an avid traveler and cook, with the intent of selling cooking trinkets and gadgets that she had trouble finding in the United States.
Today, products exclusive to Sur La Table are cutlery designed by master bladesmith Bob Kramer and honey-colored Le Creuset cast iron and stainless bakeware. Curtis says the most popular in-store product has been an $8 garlic peeler. The most expensive item is an automatic coffee machine that sells for $4,000.
Cooking classes ($69-$89) held almost daily max out at 16 participants. Several classes on the October schedule include “Fantastic Fall Soups,” “Mediterranean Fall Favorites” and “Spanish Paella at Home.” Private classes or parties may also be held in the kitchen space.
Some classes will be taught by Punky Egan, who started the baking/pastry program at Madison College in 1996 and is one of 200 certified master bakers in the nation.
“We’ll be adding some specialty baking, pie and tart classes that won’t be offered at other locations because she’s a master baker and will share incredible information,” Curtis says. “When you get the chance to taste one of her macarons, you’ll be so impressed.” n
Sur La Table, 712 N. Midvale Blvd., Madison, 608-236-4857, surlatable.com
