If France is the French gastronomy epicenter of the world, then E. Dehillerin, the famous centuries-old Parisian pastry and cookware seller, is its capital.

Located in downtown Paris’ first district, this store is niched on a street corner not far from the Louvre, the French Stock Exchange, and the Church of Saint Eustache. Though if you walk by too quickly, you may miss its unassuming window displays which look more like a general hardware store on the main street of a Midwestern town than a famed purveyor of cookery wares for world-renowned chefs.

Once inside the doors underneath the green awning, you immediately bump into a crowd of people milling around the only available standing room that is as wide as a walk-in closet. These could either be customers or salespeople; usually the confused looking ones are customers. To the left and right and back of the store and in the basement, there are metal shelves packed from floor to ceiling with every imaginable cooking utensils, accessories, pots and pans, and storage containers. There are small items from tiny stainless steel dishes to measure your salts and spices to an exact quantity, to ladles so big they can double as foot baths, or cooking pots huge enough to bathe a child in. There are duck presses, Chantilly siphons, funnels for jams and preserves. These are the recognizable items; some others, like a jar filled with what looks like metal chocolate chips, have uses that are beyond the grasp of amateurs and tourists.

There aren’t any prices on the merchandise, just a cryptic code that you must ask a salesperson to decipher, tally up, and have your purchases rung up by a cashier behind a wooden counter that looked as if it could date from the French Revolution. These professionals know everything about cooking supplies. If they weren’t so swamped, they could probably take you on a tour of the store and describe every item’s use from the main floor to the basement and back again. The trick is to find one who seems rather friendly and amenable, which is quite a challenge as they all appear to be rather eccentric in manners and looks. Once you choose one salesperson to assist you, you will stick with that individual who will be your privileged advisor for all your buying needs now and forever more. So choose wisely.

E. Dehillerin caters mostly to restaurant professionals but the advanced cooks/chefs can surely find everything they need here, and even things they never knew existed. For instance, a cookie cutter in the shape of the Eiffel Tower — now who would have thought?

p.s. Dehillerin has a catalog that you can download and order from, as well as basic items that you can order online.

E. Dehillerin
18 et 20, rue Coquillière – 51, rue Jean- Jacques Rousseau
75001 Paris

Can you Canoe?  Well now you can!  This store, located in Portland, Oregon has a beautiful website that features their world wide product collection.   Their clean taste suggest the finest from an array of different categories.  I think I see a trend here…

So many designers are taking the minimalistic road these days.  You can see form the photos below that this is another “Scandinavian” inspired collection to the likes of “Ikea”, “Muji”, “MOMA” etc.

The constant theme that I see which is holding this line together is the ever popular “plywood’ used as a viable material in product design today.  Plywood is pretty nasty in it’s raw form, but when it is taken to a higher level it becomes the cream de la cream.  Remember the Eameschair?  Ray and Charles Eames were pioneers in the plywood arena.  Their first success story was this well known chair.

Click here  for more on chairs from Tchochkes.

As the frozen ground gives grudging way to timid bulbs, it’s safe to say that spring is at last on its way. Spring means not just cleaning but also shopping and revitalizing the look of the home and the self. And where better to do that than in that grand Parisian department store Printemps, which literally means “Spring”?

For any tourist, a visit to Paris is not complete unless you stop into Printemps, this resplendent temple of consumerism. As much as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or Notre Dame, this splendorous emporium is a tourist attraction in its own right. It’s like Bergdorf Goodman in New York, Harrod’s in London, South Coast Plaza in Los Angeles, or the great Mall of America in Minnesota.

More than a place of commerce, this sublime department store is an historical monument located in the heart of Paris’ 9th district. It was the vision of two entrepreneurs named Jean-Alfred Duclos and Jules Paris who in 1865 built upon opportunity, creativity, innovation, and good timing. For this was the beginning of the French Belle Époque that began during the late 19th century and lasted until World War I. With emerging technologies (cars, telephone, electricity), and industrialism combined with cheap labor, the terrain was ripe for an era of consumerism. Champagne was perfected during this period; exotic feathers and furs were prominently featured in fashion; haute couture was invented in Paris – the epicentre of the Belle Époque – where clothing collections began to move in a yearly cycle.

The first Printemps store was built on the corner of Boulevard Haussman and the rue du Havre. With its proximity to the Saint Lazare train station, the location was rife with potential. The two investors thus bought three floors of an upscale building and installed vast showcases that resembled an immense open air market supported by sturdy colums. To give their enterprise an extra measure of good luck, a priest from the nearby church of Saint Madeleine was called in to give the establishment a special blessing on its inauguration on November 3rd, 1865.

Immediately that same year, Printemps achieved its first great commercial success with the exclusive sale of a black silk called Marie-Blanche (go figure) that remained popular until the 1900′s. Business prospered with middle and upper class housewives forming a faithful clientèle. Emile Zola wrote about this new consumer trend in his novel “Au Bonheur des Dames” (“The Ladies’ Paradise”) in 1883.

Another significant innovation from Printemps on French commercial practices was the yearly sales, also known as “Les Soldes”, whose objective was to move end-of-year merchandise by slashing prices to make room for new collections.

In 1881, tragedy struck, though for a good cause a posteriori. A fire took down major parts of the store and a new construction had to be erected. It was an unforeseen opportunity for architectural innovations. The new development ensured a functional space and is today recognized by art historians and architects as the prototype of a large and modern industrial building. Iron emerged not only as the building’s frame but also as a visible element of decoration. Optimal lighting such as incandescent lights set off merchandise to its best effect.

With successive improvements, the building style of the Printemps evolved over the years and it was eventually endowed with a stained glass dome and a terrace. (To avoid destruction during World War II in 1939, this dome was completely dismantled and stored away for safety.) In addition, the octagonal hall showed off a new bold look with wrought-iron balconies and staircase railings to reflect the Art Nouveau style. To top it all, three elevators were installed to the thrill of old and young customers alike.

Printemps’ retrospective:

• In 1975 , the facade and the dome of the Printemps were classified as historical monuments.
• In 2001, Printemps devotes an entire floor to luxury brands: Cartier, Boucheron, Chanel, etc.
• In 2003, it opens the world’s largest space dedicated to beauty products.
• In 2006, a floor of 3000m² is entirely consecrated to shoes (equivalent of 90,000 pairs!)
• Since 2007, projects are underway to strengthen the image of Printemps as a Decorative Art masterpiece, and to promote its buildings as avant-garde architecture.

Key figures about Printemps:

• A surface of 43 500 m², spread over three buildings and 27 floors
• More than 1 million items for sale
• 40 000 visitors per day (and up to 100 000 during Christmas)

and…

• 7,5 million visitors per year, of which 20% are foreign visitors. Will you be among them this spring?

Printemps Haussmann
64, boulevard Haussmann
75009 Paris

New People Store Floor, art by Yuichi Yokoyama

My recent visit to SanFrancisco introduced me to an interesting venue designed by Japanese designer Seiji Horibuchi.  New People  is not just a store, it’s a mini mall in the heart of Japan Town that is filled with the finest in Japanese conceptual art.  The four floors of wondrous finds took seven years to actualize.  The most interesting thing about the place is that it is not just a shopping experience, there is a cafe, art gallery, movie theater and a store all in one space.  The space is a reflection of modern Japanese culture.

New People Entrance

You can’t miss the modern facade of the building which is nestled among older structures.  Upon entering there is a cafe that is home to this colorful, very Japanese artwork by Yoshitaka Amano which graces the lobby.  The piece is brightly coated with auto paint and metallic glitter.

Word Wall by Noritake a Japanese Illustrator

Store Interior Detail, Japanese toys are some of the most fanciful around. 

Lolita Dresses are the Japanese Goth expression.  There is an entire floor devoted to this style under the title of  the “Peace Now” collection.  They asked me if I wanted to try one on but that just seemed rediculous, I don’t think I could have buttoned the first button!

In addition to the black line of clothing there was an interesting twist on costume, I believe it was called “Valentina“.  These dresses were very colorful and ornate with ruffles and themes and I was told that this style has been around in Japan for 400 years and that adults wear it regularly as an evening dress option.  Here are some look-a-likes.

Maids Dresses (seriously)

A visit to New People in Japan Town  is in order if you are in the area of San Francisco, CA.  It’s one step up from China Town with all the bells and whistles.

I could have parked closer to the souk in Jaffa – but I saw this store and I had to stop. Wow. Wow. Wow. One bedroom is one of my favorite stores now. The owner has such good taste and combines everything in such a wonderful, fresh way. It’s a feast for the eyes and imagination.

It’s not just the items in the store that are wonderful, but the design of the store itself.

Such as the wallpaper woman behind the checkout counter.

The store features everything from home accessories to furniture to clothes. I fell in love with this kitchen counter with the French country style sink and tile counter top. This is exactly what I want for my next kitchen, whenever that is.

I love that the bed is made with a simple quilted coverlet, but made luxurious with embroidered cushions. Every space on the wall is used – be it for wire shelving that holds kitchen textiles and dishes, tchochkes or pictures. However, the space doesn’t feel cluttered because the floor is relatively empty.

Instead there are vignettes of spaces, like this industrial table and mesh wire chair.

Shockingly, she even makes a chandelier of twigs look good.

Industrial designed softened by classic pieces and strong doses of color. One bedroom is a must see in Jaffa.

I had heard so many wonderful things about Sue Fisher King from my friends in SF that I had very high expectations when I went to go check out the store. The store didn’t disappoint.

What an eye. So many wonderful accessories for the home in one place.

This is a place to find high-end exclusive accessories. Small run from designers – not exactly inexpensive – but also not items you’ll be able to get for less at Walmart either. What wonderful things. I love the purple chandelier. This would have been perfect in the flat my husband and I shared before we moved to Zichron Yaakov – our ceilings were 5 meters high (in Neve Tzedek.)

White was the predominant color for the kitchen accessories.

The color was there, albeit off to the side.

Although I have to say, out of all of the gorgeous tchochkes at Sue Fisher King, this table left me a bit confused. It’s like Out of Africa meets Married With Children. Can’t say I was feelin it. Perhaps I just need to get closer to my Cougar years. I do like the green glass lamp in the back though.

Here is some more kitsch, but here I better understand its appeal.

Linen style modern bath accessories – they remind me of classic Calvin Klein.

This line is much more fun, as Peace and Love are all you need.

Stunning bedding.

Sue Fisher King – you’ll drool over their accessories.

This  shop caught my eye as I was walking down Herzl street in Tel-Aviv.  It looked like every type of brush and broom ever made was crammed into this tiny place.  And if they don’t have it – they’ll make it for you.  But it’s a dying craft.

The Zindstein family has been in the brush business since 1896 in Lublin, Poland. In Israel the Arie Brushes factory was established in 1925 and is now owned by Ami Zindstein – third generation founding member. The friendly lady in the shop tells me there used to be people from Romania and Poland who were specialists in broom and brush making, but there are no more experts to be found – it’s a dying trade.

It’s hard to imagine but this is their factory where all brushes are produced and supplied for a wide variety of industries (security, hi-tech, textile, and printing). Arie-Brushes also supplies the service industry (labs, hospitals and cleaning companies). Besides mass production the factory is willing to even manufacture a single product unit.

The bottom brushes are for cleaning your keyboard and computer. And the blue and white ones are for cleaning espresso machines.

Besides their helpful attitude I think a sense of humour is what has kept this business going for so long.

The sign states: ” To unblock plugged ears. Place brush in one ear and out the other. Good that you asked! Yes the wooden knobs do unscrew.”

“Massage Brush. Imported from India”  The metal looks pretty scary to me. Ditto for the “Carpet to keep from slipping in the bath. Can be ordered according to size”

” Collar to prevent sleeping while driving or watching television” ! Two other signs at the bottom of the photo: ” Hair Brush for bald people” and “Brush for potbellies and pregnant women”. Sorry I didn’t manage to get them in the photo.

So sweep all your troubles away and have a happy 2010!

Italy is cutting edge when it comes to cool, new, inventive things and here is one great idea the “Design Supermarket”  in Milan.  It’s white, it’s bright and it looks super chic and oh so designer.

This store is a cool reminder of “The Conran Shop” which is under the Queensboro bridge in Manhattan.  This supermarket has opened in the basement of La Rinascente, the largest department store in Milan and carries the most current home decor, travel items with designer boutique inserts.

The space also has a beautifully designed cafe, the colors alone are so upbeat they make you want to shop and eat.  I love that the cafe is in the center of the space with open visuals to the rest of the store and not holed away in the basement like the cafe at Barneys NY.  There’s something about light and air that makes a place inviting.

If you are going to Milan today, tomorrow or sometime in the near future a stop at the Design Supermarket is a sure bet for wondrous designer finds.   

We encounter a lot of things that are made in China these days, but in this store you’ll find things that are really Chinese. There’s something to be said for Chinese decor. It’s kitsch, yes, and I really love it. It’s always colorful and somewhat dainty.

There’s a store near Nahalat Binyamin, in an alley that connects between Nahalat Binyamin and the Carmel market where you will find this store… which has no name at the moment. It’s the China store.

I loved the teapots! I can’t choose which one I’d like to have most.

I ching charms will always add color to your apartment as well as luck.

These floating lotuses are fantastic. You can float them in a bowl of water on the dinner table. I think they are really pretty and they’re reusable, of course.

They also have these amazing screens with all sorts of designs. I have a thing for screens, they’re so romantic.

You can’t say that the Chinese aren’t a colorful bunch. At this store, they also sell the regular lucky cat, paper lanterns and vases and stuff like that, but these are things I thought were special.

Blue Bandana is one of the most beautifully designed stores I have ever seen. It’s clean, fresh and so inviting. The store was opened about 19 years ago by Betty Gehorsam  (On my cellphone – Betty Blue Bandana) and Limor Gorali, two mothers who met because their kids were in the same class.

The two ladies go on shopping trips a few times a year to Europe and India (green with envy here) and have the following policy : “If we wouldn’t put it in our homes, we won’t sell it in our store”. You can definitely feel that, despite the cold metal shelving, the products and atmosphere in the store are very homely. Unlike some stores that sell fashionable items, this store sells products that exude warmth and a cozy atmosphere.

I love the way that the shelves are arranged.  In the front here, crockery from Italy with little chickens on them. Very cute.

These knitted pillows and blankets look so cozy. They make me want to curl up on the sofa with a good book and a cup of steaming tea.

Candle holders and bowls, again – love the shelf display and earthy colors:

Italian ceramics for cooking and serving. Love the white.

Close up on the crockery. I think it’s handmade.

Table decor, table cloths, I guess from India because of the delicate hand stitched embroidery. I love the coffee and cream colored candles.

Elegant French cutlery and leaf bowls

There is one store in Ramat Aviv Mall and another in Herzliya Pituah. They don’t have a website yet, so you’ll have to go there yourselves. As you can tell from the photos, there’s a sale on, which makes the prices pretty reasonable, which they are already. Please tell them that you came from Tchochkes.