The key is in the name, folks, for mercifair is an absolutely lovely fair-trade store showcasing an…read morearray of products from Asia, So. America and Africa. I was bowled over by their selection of textiles, ceramics, jewelry, wooden sculpture, children's toys, and objets d'art made from recycled goods. The store is also attractively arranged and, therefore, very pleasing to the eye. I picked up a lovely, colorful, summer tote made in Tanzania, if I'm not mistaken. My Aunt, visiting from abroad, purchased knick-knacks to take back to the States. What really impressed me as a woman, and an aging one at that, is that the store is run by women who appeared to be over 60 years of age. I say: good on you, ladies!

Good selection of unusual candles and other small items, at friendly prices. English is spoken. Two…read moreblocks from Marktplatz. Much more interesting than the big chain candle stores.

Tucked away in Basel's downtown is La Cucina. This is a gorgeous shop, long and narrow in length,…read morewith much to see, touch and explore! I took as many pictures as I felt I could get away with, but only captured about half of the store's stock, it would seem. I was super impressed with their crazy array of cork stoppers for every size of jar, jug and bottle! Sadly, I didn't get a shot of 'em. La Cucina seemed to be a cookery shop with, perhaps, an eye toward Bed and Breakfast business. Among the cast iron ware and numerous baking tools, we saw signage (no smoking/WC) and industrial-sized (read: four foot long) stirring implements. The hubs thought the large spoons and such were meant to be for commercial use, but I thought that they might be used in making massive quantities of Glühwein during the holidays over an open fire, but what do I know? If one is tooling about Basel's Innenstadt, then a look-see in La Cucina is definitely a must.

From the owner: Das La Cucina am Gerbergässlein in Basel, ist ein professioneller Küchenartikel Laden für…read morejedermann. Wir bitten ein grosses Sortiment an Gusseisenware von Staub sowie Gourmetpfannen von Demeyere. Nebenbei bieten wir jegliche Backwaren , Patisseriewaren, Einkochutensilien, Küchenhelfer sowie ein grosses Sortimen an Ausstechformen. Natürlich findet man bei uns auch verschidene Kochmesser (Global, Kai, Burgvogel). Wir freuen uns auf Ihren Besuch Ihr La Cucina Team