Arming your inner chef
“Rare, even quirky”—that’s how owner Ron Eisenberg describes some of the objects lining the aisles at Chef Central (201-576-0100, www.chefcentral.com), his 15,000-square-foot Paramus megastore.
“Rare, even quirky”—that’s how owner Ron Eisenberg describes some of the objects lining the aisles at CHEF CENTRAL (201-576-0100, www.chefcentral.com), his 15,000-square-foot Paramus megastore. “Along with all the cooking basics, we have items such as 80-quart stockpots, unusually sized tart pans and pastry tips, and high-end European espresso makers,” he adds.
Indeed, the emporium is stocked with gizmos and gadgets aplenty, and it’s the shop’s more unusual offerings that draw aspiring chefs from near and far.
“They have appliances and tools you just don’t find in a typical culinary shop—plus great sauces, olive oils and marinades,” says Woodcliff Lake resident Stephanie Laub. “It appeals to both the chef and the foodie inside me.”
Hot items this summer include a “flash chill” iced-tea maker set from Takeya ($39.99); a collapsible salad spinner from Progressive International ($29.99); and the Big Green Egg ceramic kamado-style smoker and grill (from $549.99).
Need to sharpen your skills? Take a class at the on-site cooking school, taught by Culinary Institute of America–trained chefs. Offerings include sushi making, Italian cooking and home canning. And don’t forget to stop by for free book signings and chef demos. “We’ve hosted some big names, like Bobby Flay, Lidia Bastianich and Mario Batali,” says Eisenberg.
