Restaurant Supply Part 1: Economy Restaurant Fixtures

If you were fitting out a restaurant or bar, Economy Restaurant Fixtures (1200 7th St), part of the national Trimark chain, could sell you everything you'd need, from industrial-sized mixers to pizza ovens to china, wine glasses, and flatware. Even if you're not, it's still fun to browse through the Costco-sized warehouse and check out the vast array of random hardware: real mandolines; industrial french-fry slicers; triangular, rectangular, and diamond-shaped ice cream scoops; steel and wooden mixing bowls three feet across; a five-foot-long steel whisk.

There are some bargains: I bought a knockoff or gray-market version of a Shrimp Master shelling and deveining tool, which sell for more than $20 online, for $3.89. Generally, though, the prices are higher than at competitors such as Forest and Kamei, though there isn't as broad a selection, or always the same quality -- so you might want to shop around before making a big purchase. (Click the images for a larger version.)