So fun to browse! Little ceramic dishes just the size of a sardine can - how funny and delightful!…read more Cutlery, kitchenware, gifts, iron on food style patches for a bit of kitchen fun to add to your clothing Right inside the ferry building

Nice essential supply of cutlery. Probably a small representation of the larger inventory of their…read moremajor store in the Mission District. As a visitor to SF, and whenever I stop by the Ferry building shopping area, i never fail to peak in the store. This time I actually researched their website to see all that they offer. I found their "inaccurate" collection. A series of modified carbon steel knives cleaned up, reshaped and sharpened. Beautiful bone handle. I got a nice utility knife for a reasonable price. The store attendant was helpful. Patiently waited as I made my decision.

Randomly got a few things online and picked up on my way to a reading at SF Playhouse. So happy I…read moredid! I totally forgot what a warm and inviting holiday environment Williams Sonoma creates. It's the family feeling you wish your family had. Every single person is charming and friendly, starting with the offer of some peppermint bark the minute you enter. If you need a quick dose of holiday spirit, drop in!

I have been a B2B customer of Williams Sonoma and its portfolio of brands for six years and have…read morespent tens of thousands of dollars with these companies on both personal purchases and business purchases for client homes. That history is why this review matters. Based on my experience over the past year and a half, this has not been one isolated mistake. It has been a repeated pattern of fulfillment issues, poor follow through, and online customer service that often did not lead to a meaningful resolution. As a result, I have lost confidence in Williams Sonoma and its portfolio of brands. What makes this especially disappointing is that my experience was not always this way. Up until about a year and a half ago, I found the customer service team friendly, personable, and helpful. That contrast has made the more recent decline in service and follow through especially clear and is the reason for this review. One example involved a wedding gift valued at around $300 that was delivered to the wrong address. A replacement was then initiated for the correct address and later canceled without explanation. After more than an hour on the phone, I was told I would need to work through UPS. UPS then declined to assist because too much time had passed. Whatever happened internally, the result for me was that the issue was never resolved and I did not receive that wedding gift. Last winter, I ordered stainless steel toasters for two clients. Instead, both clients received the wrong color and finish. I called customer service four separate times, and the matter still was not handled correctly. One client received the wrong item for a second time, and the other client's replacement was delayed for months because, as I was later told, it needed internal approval and had not been processed. I had to call again to find out why nothing had happened. This did not just consume my time. It also reflected poorly on me and my business in front of my clients. Other orders followed a similar pattern. Custom coasters ordered as wedding gifts, valued at over $100, never arrived. Instead, an oven mitt was sent. After speaking with customer service, I was told the correct item would be sent, but after six months and still no coasters, the order was canceled and I did not receive a clear explanation or resolution. I also recently experienced delays with bookcases because the delivery team was, according to what I was told, waiting on payment authorization before completing the delivery. The result was that our items remained undelivered while the issue sat unresolved for weeks. Recently, I received a white lampshade with what appeared to be blood on it, still sealed in the plastic. I reported it and was sent a return label, but I did not receive the level of follow up I would have expected for something of that nature. I have also found the over the phone customer service experience increasingly difficult to navigate. In my experience, many representatives sounded highly scripted and had limited ability to resolve anything beyond the most basic issue. The online chat directed me to a blank page for refund information, then offered to connect me to customer service, only to say they were too busy and instruct me to try again later. I also attempted to submit delivery feedback by text and received an error saying my response was too long, even though I had only answered the prompts provided. In my experience, there was a great deal of language suggesting customer care, but the process often led nowhere. These experiences have been especially disappointing because Williams Sonoma and its portfolio of brands present themselves as premium retailers. In my experience over the past year and a half, the service, follow through, and quality control did not match that standard. I understand that mistakes can happen with any company. What changed my view was the repeated nature of these problems across multiple orders and brands within the portfolio, along with the difficulty of getting straightforward resolution. Based on my experience, I would be very cautious about relying on Williams Sonoma or its related brands for personal items, weddings, client purchases, gifts, custom items, or important deliveries. Attractive branding means very little when the execution is this unreliable. From fulfillment to customer care, this has been one of the most consistently disappointing retail experiences I have had. I no longer trust these brands with purchases where accuracy, timing, and follow through matter. That is not a minor concern for a premium retailer.

I heard about The Wok Shop through social media and happened to be in the market for a new wok, so…read moreI decided to stop by. Walking in can definitely feel overwhelming at first because the shop is packed wall to wall with kitchen tools and woks in all different sizes and styles. If you're not sure what you're looking for, I highly recommend asking for help. Tane, the older woman who works there, is definitely a character. She's very blunt, which caught me off guard at first, but I quickly realized it's just her personality. Having worked in a bank in a past life and dealt with all kinds of people, I didn't take it personally. Honestly, it felt like she was testing whether you actually know what you're doing in the kitchen. I even overheard her being very direct with someone else who clearly didn't, which was kind of interesting to witness. Once we got talking, we ended up having a great conversation about woks and cooking in general. She really knows her stuff. I left with a wok and a few other items, and since I spent a decent amount, she even threw in some freebies, which was a nice surprise. Overall, the whole visit was an experience in the best way. If you're looking for high-quality, special woks and don't mind a little personality, this place is absolutely worth checking out.

I absolutely loved my experience at The Wok Shop in San Francisco. Walking in, you immediately feel…read morelike you've entered a true local gem -- shelves stacked with every kind of wok and tool you could imagine, and the kind of no-nonsense energy you only get from a place that's been doing this forever. Yes, the woman working there is straightforward -- some might even interpret it as blunt -- but honestly? It was one of the best parts of the experience. She was incredibly helpful, hilarious in her delivery, and absolutely knows her stuff. After watching customer after customer ask the same questions, I completely understood her style -- it's her shtick, and it works. She tells it like it is, gives you exactly what you need, and doesn't waste a second of your time. I left there with more wok knowledge than I ever expected to have, and the perfect pan for my kitchen. I highly recommend stopping by if you're looking for authentic tools and an experience that feels real, memorable, and uniquely San Francisco. I'll definitely be back -- sass and all! If you know you know, those complaining about her attitude just don't get it.

Perhaps I missed the point. Perhaps I need to increase my flow before I step foot in here again…read more Perhaps, when I hear that a place is a "mecca" for gourmet foodies; a palace containing an abundance of spices, I believe I'm about to set foot into a shop that has at least one wall lined with spices. No, dear friends, this was not the case. Instead, i walked into a practically empty (as is the "less is more" style, I suppose) shop, featuring essentially one brand per genre of cookware (ie. one brand of knives, one brand of kitchen gadgets, one brand of dish ware, silverware, you get the point). Their selection of books was the only standout aspect of Le Sanctuaire for me, lining a few shelves in the back -- not really a redeeming factor, if you ask me. No worries though, because I am on the hunt for obscure spices that folks have been claiming I would definitely be able to find in this "sanctuary". Well, shocker, the "less is more" goes for their spices as well. I was unable to find one obscure spice that I was searching for. Not only that, but they carry only one brand of spices, all prepackaged, all outrageously priced, and rather underwhelming to boot. Am I disappointed? Yeah, you could say that.

Last week I decided to make my first foray into molecular gastronomy (chronicled on my blog…read morehttp://mockeel.blogspot.com) and discovered online that people all over the country order their supplies from La Sanctuaire, just a few blocks from my office. After waiting an hour and half later than I was told on the phone for them to open, and surviving one of the scariest elevator rides of my life, I stepped into the serene showroom, which housed a sterile, gallery-like display of cookbooks, high end cutlery, copper and machinery. Along the wall, shelves of every obscure spice or seasoning you can imagine sat in little Tupperware boxes with handwritten labels. I was asked to sign in, which I did, leaving the line for "my restaurant" blank, and one gentleman asked eagerly if I was a cook, but when I replied "just a hobbyist," he smiled politely, nodded and made a bee-line for anywhere I wasn't. I browsed for a while before getting down to business, but all I really needed was a bag of sodium alginate and some calcium chloride. I told the man at the desk that I heard this was the place to come for my food chemical needs and he agreed enthusiastically and went to dig out my supplies. He even offered me a smaller than usually sold bag of sodium alginate, so I wouldn't have to shell out for a whole pound. When I inquired about the pipettes on the back table, he told me that they only sold them in bulk, but suggested the ideal plastic syringe for the task, of which he informed me "most of the guys who are into this stuff use something like this." The other customers who came in were clearly culinary professionals, but despite my inability to contribute to a conversation on the woes of working in a "union kitchen" everyone was friendly and welcoming. I had a good experience, and although I felt way out of my league, they took good care of me and made sure I was satisfied with my experience.

My son recently bought his first home--a true fixer-upper--and that's how our journey with KZ…read moreCabinet and Stone began. We walked into their showroom in South San Francisco not knowing what to expect, and were greeted by a friendly gentleman named Bailey. Little did we know, that moment would mark the start of both a great project and a lasting connection. Bailey is professional, knowledgeable, sincere, and incredibly patient--everything you'd hope for in a salesperson. I originally was just looking for flooring at KZ but Bailey made us feel so comfortable we ended up getting pretty much everything here. One stop shop to save time and energy . He offered thoughtful advice every step of the way and was always there when we needed help. Even on his day off, he went out of his way to make sure everything was prepared for us. That level of dedication is truly top-notch. Their pricing is competitive, but for me, outstanding service makes all the difference--and Bailey delivered exactly that. If you're planning any remodeling, I highly recommend giving KZ Cabinet and Stone a try. Be sure to ask for Bailey--you won't regret it. The only negative feedback I have is the warehouse pick up staff may not be the most friendly but the job gets done.

This review is long overdue. Terry was the one who helped us at KZ Kitchen, and he was great to…read morework with--knowledgeable, patient, and very responsive throughout the entire process. There was a lot of back and forth due to changes in our renovation, but thanks to his help, everything went smoothly. Overall, KZ Kitchen offers a good selection of home renovation and kitchen products with decent quality for the price. While some items may take time depending on availability, our experience was positive, and we would definitely consider KZ Kitchen again for future renovation needs.

Went here to buy a bamboo steamer and large jar to make makgeolli and ended up getting those things…read moreand more. This place pretty much as everything you'd need for an Asian kitchen. It's pretty dank and dusty inside but well stocked.

I went here yesterday to buy a new electric fan. I have been coming here for so many years now…read more This place is great!! It has kitchen appliances, such as rice cookers and electric kettles. In the back of the store there is a wide variety of affordable housewares, kitchenwares, folding tables and chairs, throw rugs, picture frames and other stuff you may need around your home. There are also brooms, mops, dishes, utensils and cleaning supplies on display in front of the store. Also, this store is located in a quieter part of China Town.

I am amazed at how complicated it is to redo a small simple bathroom. Working with Keoki at the…read moreFerguson showroom made it easier, as did sourcing almost everything from Ferguson and its cousin, Build.com. The showroom is well laid out, two floors, attractive, not confusing, with a range of prices from, say, Delta, Moen and Kohler to higher end brands. (I think lower costs on the bottom floor, higher-end upstairs.) Free parking lot to the side of the building, which you need in the Mission. It's important to see and touch as many of these products as you can. We worked with Keoki Garner. He was well informed, timely, easily available, and collaborative. He stayed cheerful when I overrode him and then changed things last minute (due to my own mistakes.) I loved that I could do research on Build.com and then bring it to Keoki. He never upsold or resisted when I went, say, for Kohler over Grohe. Everything so far has been delivered impeccably and undamaged. Build.com offers an enormous range of products, and I like that too. You can return within a reasonable amount of time. We haven't started construction yet but almost everything is sourced and in the garage.We have a clear billing record so much came from Build.com. I ended up gravitating to some more expensive fixtures, but not because of pressure, because of my own preference. I'd definitely do business with Keoki and with Ferguson again.

I purchased Rolf kitchen faucet about 6 years ago. I called a plumber company because water…read morepressure was low and they recommended purchasing a new faucet set. I went back to the Ferguson Connecticut site and they carefully listened to me and helped me get a new filter which was sent to my home and installed by me. The plumbing company I had originally called was more interested in selling me something I did not need. I really appreciated the help of the Ferguson customer service person who helped me find the appropriate solution. I am so pleased with my water pressure and lovely faucet now.

High-end selection and world-class service from Edward!…read more We had a fantastic experience with Townsend Showroom. If you are looking for a Washlet or high-end bathroom fixtures, this is definitely the place to go. The Showroom: The space is beautiful and very well-organized with a big selection of products. Expert Guidance: We worked with Edward, who was incredibly knowledgeable and easy to communicate with. He helped us find exactly what we were looking for and made the entire purchasing process seamless. Above and Beyond Support: The true test of a company is how they treat you after the sale. Months after our purchase, we ran into significant issues due to a poor installation by our independent plumber. We reached out to Edward for help with replacement parts, and he provided exactly what we needed right away. It is rare to find this level of post-purchase support. Edward really saved the day for us. Highly recommended for both their quality products and their integrity!

Super helpful. Very clear and responsive communication. I called with a question, they took some…read morenotes, and then they called me back very shortly after -- just a few minutes -- with an answer that solved my problem. I will be going to them next time I have some bath / kitchen stuff I need to attend to, for sure.

this place has been in business for over 40 years. it is a major place to get things any asian…read morekitchen will need & more. they additionally sell gardening stuff, asian food sundries, antiques & house hold decorative items. the prices are very reasonable compared to the rest of chinatown & its almost all one stop shopping. there are always a bunch of interesting nick nacks to be had & things that you would not have believe existed. additionally, they sell some martial arts supplies & lion dancing equipment (northern & southern). the store is located in the center of chinatown but it does not have the mark up as most other places. this is the place i go, to find certain unique & obscure items that are not available in the asian stores in the sunset or richmond districts. the only draw back is that it is in chinatown where the street parking is difficult at best. portsmith square parking garage is about 1/2 block behind & various other parking garages in the area.

Kind of an everything you can find store, but with lucky cats and good luck emblems and fortune…read more There's a lot of everything here, from gifts, decorative wallets, to positive rocks with traditional Chinese characters on them. They also have incense of all kinds, including Japanese ones and Indian ones. Guess you can say this is a variety store, but quality of things looks on the upper end. There's also some cute pet costumes that are upfront, especially for the Chinese New Year season. Fun place to shop.

I love this store more than I love life itself. I've been on the hunt for cute & unique plates,…read morebowls, and other eatery-ware for my collection, and this little shop was an absolute goldmine. A treasure trove for trinkets, household goods, and more. I also bought a bunch of adorable and designed paper lanterns, which are hung up in my apartment. The lady at the counter helped me dig through the massive stack to find ones that I liked the best. It was only $3.99 for each lantern, and the bowls ranged from $5-$25. Great deals, great vibes, great purchases. I'm going to visit again to buy more plates and paper lanterns.