Like any bad chef I always blame my tools for the outcome of a crappy, under-cooked meal. But…read morebecause of Superchef I can no longer do that... Damn them for stocking high quality products! However they have made the job of cooking a lot easier and painfree. I didn't realise you could cut onions practically tear-free if you have a good quality, sharp knife! They also stock a good variety of crockery and cooking utensils so even if you still screw-up dinner at least your guests will appreciate the lovely plate it came on.

As a part-time ninja I often find myself in the market for some cheap but good quality knives. Well…read moreSuperchef Warehouse has provided for me on many an occasion. As an added bonus their well priced steel pots can be melted down into ninja stars with relative ease. For those of you after cooking equipment for it's intended use there is a delectable range of cutlery, ceramic ware, wine glasses and every other imaginable kitchen item the average gourmand may desire in their kitchen.

If you are a tea drinker of any presuasian, Tea Too is your mecca. Being a sucker for bright…read morecolours and pretty things, TT instantly has my vote on that front- their packaging is super cute and instantly recognisable. TT stocks the most amazingly extensive range of any tea shop I have been to. White tea, exotic tea, fruit tea, chai tea; its all here. TT also changes many of its teas seasonally so in summer you will find a whole range of delightful iced tea variations. TT also stocks teapots, cups and other tea-related accoutrement, but these items can get a little pricey. The tea on the other hand is really good value for money and comes in a range of sizes.

Key Ingredients is culinary cuteness incarnate. From its quaintly encouraging slogan - 'real…read moreinspiration for pretend chefs' - down to its brightly coloured cooking utensils and not just metaphorically sweet ice creams, Key Ingredients is a cute, sweet little Clifton Hill cooking shop. Selling a range of cookware, utensils, gifts and gourmet foods such as truffle gnocchi and ice cream in flavours such as Turkish Delight and ethically sourced Vanuatuan vanilla, Key Ingredients could turn even the most ardent mageirocophobic into a keen cook. I lust after Key Ingredients' solid wood chopping boards, bags of pink peppercorns and the like but cookware and ingredients this pretty and unusual don't come cheap. More the shop for the occasional indulgence than somewhere to buy all of your kitchen accessories and ingredients, Key Ingredients is the perfect place to go for something special to take to a friend's house in lieu of a bottle of wine. A lovely place for a browse.

This is the kind of shop where gourmands and amateur chefs go to desire every gourmet ingredient…read moreand interesting little kitchen gadgets. It is also the place where many people probably walk in to have a look around, come away with some fantastic ideas, and then go internet shopping. You see the very vibe of the place inspires one to think expensive thoughts at which point you do and then start thinking you'll be ripped off if you actually do buy something from here. Well I have to say that by taking a closer look around Key Ingredients that it is not really a rip off store at all. Everything is quite well priced. For sure, it does stock all kinds of French cheeses, single origin extra virgin olive oils and top of the range chef knives etc - so of course it is not a cheap shop. It is just not a rip off - that is all I am saying. So if you are in the market for some kitchen inspiration. Or maybe and most likely, you need to buy your rich aunty a Christmas present, because she has invited you round for organic turkey served up on 17th century porcelain plates, then Key Ingredients is just the kind of place you need to start looking.

In 2010 Magic Kitchens designed, (Patrick) built and installed our kitchen…read more This was an enjoyable experience unlike some other building renovation experiences. From the beginning Patrick was happy to listen to what we wanted in our kitchen and used his expertise to make sure it all happened. The kitchen has a bay window which presented problems for other designers though not Patrick who listened to us and made it all work with no space left unused. Even the drawers use every possible space unlike some other designs. Everything that we needed to put in drawers and cupboards were measured and the dimensions provided to Patrick and then those measurements were then used to produce the most amazing kitchen so that everything fitted perfectly without wasted space. We were able to see our new kitchen laid out in the workshop prior to the installation so we were reassured that what was about to be installed was what we wanted. The installation was amazing to see as everything is delivered in pieces then the installer starts from the bottom up and works his way thru it all. Ours took about a week from start to finish and the wait was truly worth it. Magic Kitchens really live up to their name. Check out their website and also Patrick's 10 top tips as we used most of them to ensure that what we purchased was the best. After 7 years we had a few minor issues that they were more than happy to rectify for us. It helps when the you buy from Magic as it is a long standing family business. A year after the kitchen we were back for a vanity for an ensuite. Once again custom built to suit what we wanted to fit in it. It is still looking as good as the day we had it installed and so is the kitchen.

Tucked away from the bustle of Sydney road is the no car traffic street of Sparta. A little oasis…read moreof small unique stores, cafe, and artists hangout. The design store sits here, and sells a range of handmade kids clothes, blankets and other crafts. They also stock amazing Marimekko collection and small collections from independent jewellers, cards, and other things. It's a lovely little shop that you will surprisingly spend Way too much time in.