My boss/ sad Cleveland Indians fan and I stumbled upon Oceanic Restaurant Supply during our pho-making quest. As I examined the tattered, post-apocalyptic front entrance, my loins swelled with excitement, and my shoulders rolled back which consequently puffed my chest. I could smell the kitchen gods screaming in my ear... "Big savings. Big savings, man." I sighed. I was ready.
My first thoughts inside, though? "Oh my goodness, this place must have been featured on an episode of Hoarders (A&E)." With stacked brown boxes hugging the ceiling, dim sum steamer trays hovering overhead, and a grip of Japanese knives hanging from shelves, this store would probably wet an Asian restaurant owner's pants.
And mine became wet, too, when I saw the marvelous, thirty-plus quart pots near the entrance for only $45ish. Sure, I don't like aluminum all too much, but for one-time use, and when compared to high-end kitchen stores that charge north of $100--although, very nice-- for something less than 15 quarts, it's a solid deal.
But yeah, they have every kitchen supply one could ever want at an affordable price, such as a $2.79 soup skimmer. Hours earlier, we bought one for $20 at a fancy store. Crapppppp.
The owner, who also works at a nearby cafe, answered all our questions and worked hard to find an ideally sized pot. I would have a cold beer with him. Heineken, of course.
Dear homeboy or homegirl looking to cook pho -- peep this place to buy all the supplies you need. read more