The Lunar New Year is here, and you’ve got a craving for handmade dumplings, citrus fruit wrapped in red paper, and red bean sweets. But hitting San Francisco's Chinatown isn’t an option - the already crowded streets, bakeries, and produce vendors will be overrun with tourists and festival-goers in town for the Year of the Rat parade and related celebrations. Besides, you’ve never much cared for the faux pagoda décor installed after the ’06 earthquake anyway.

Those in the know head for the other Chinatown: San Francisco’s Clement Street in the Richmond District. More

In the world of intense coffee passion and - dare we say it - geekery, Sweet Maria's looms large. If you have ever even considered roasting coffee yourself, then you've almost certainly checked out Sweet Maria's.

Sweet Maria's is known as the expert source of in-depth, DIY coffee advice. They specialize in green coffee beans, home roasters, tutorials, and DIY guides - all written in owner Tom's friendly and witty style. But even if you haven't ever fired up your popcorn popper for the perfect coffee roast, Sweet Maria's probably still has something for you. More

This retro kitchen table and matching chairs with grey vinyl seats - they are pretty hot. There is something about the shape and look of this sort of vintage table that I love; it may be because some dear friends and I had many great meals and talks around a nearly identical table. It's going for $200.

And don't forget that you can post your own kitchen and tabletop items for sale at The Kitchen's classifieds!

OTHER KITCHEN STUFF
• Stainless steel sink and faucet for $27
• Paden City vintage dishware for $150
• Two beautiful wood trays for $80
• Oak kitchen cabinets for $900
• George Foreman grill for $15

Thanks, Craig!

These blue and white dishes were too pretty to pass up. This is a another great set of vintage Franciscan dishware, with enough plates, bowls and cups for up six people with a few extra pieces left over. Two serving bowls and a platter are included. It's in San Jose, and it's going for $50.

And don't forget that you can post your own kitchen and tabletop items for sale at The Kitchen's classifieds!

OTHER KITCHEN STUFF
• Krups burr grinder for $45
• Apartment-sized dishwasher for $150
• Six vintage coffeepots for $65
• Countertop wine cellar for $60
• Art Deco Wedgewood stove for $100

Thanks, Craig!

Do you know anyone who's setting up their kitchen for the first time? This new California Culinary Academy Chef kit could make a great gift. It includes seven knives and a host of tools. Depending on the quality of the knives, this may be a steal at $150. Anyone familiar with these chef kits?

Remember that you can post your own kitchen and tabletop items for sale in The Kitchen's classifieds!

MORE KITCHEN FINDS
• Great Circulon pan for $60
• Weber gas grill and patio chairs for $75
• Antique gas stove for $200
• Wedding cupcake stand for $50
• Breadmaker for $30

Thanks, Craig!

Oranges are a signature product of California, and these vintage orange labels - presumably from crate or box packaging - would make great kitchen art. They're cheery and bright, and they are already matted and framed, too! They're going for $75, but maybe you can bargain down.

Don't forget that you can post your own kitchen and tabletop items for sale at The Kitchen's classifieds!

OTHER KITCHEN STUFF
• New kitchen food scale for $70
• White refrigerator for $85
• Dual drawer dishwasher for $250
• 12-speed blender for $15
• Noritake Sweet Leilani china for $325

Thanks, Craig!

This intriguing item is billed as an Indoor Cooker. Problem is, it's not a commonly seen item and the seller gives no indication what one would cook indoors with it.

So let's guess. It's obviously sterno-fueled and the vessel and plate below seem like they could work for Hot Pot. The other picture the seller provided looks to my hopeful eyes like its mounded surface could work for Vietnamese tabletop grilling. How fun! The piece is in good shape and for the price, why not give it a whirl?

And don't forget to post your own listings at The Kitchen's classifieds by clicking that pretty yellow button to the right.

OTHER COOKS' STUFF
• Collector Wines for $ various
• Baccarat - Pair of Equinox Tumblers in original box for $150
• KitchenAid K45SS Classic 250-Watt 4-1/2-Quart Stand Mixer, White for $99
• 4 spice racks for $12
• Wedgewood "Blue Jasper" Tea Cup for $50
• Half Size Fridge for $20

Thanks, Craig!

The seller decided he or she “wasn’t the cooking type after all”, after buying this brand new 11-cup Cuisinart Food Processor.

It’s never been used, has all its blades and goodies and would make a real nice holiday gift for yourself or someone else. A smokin’ good deal at $150. Think of it: Holiday Pie crusts and cookie dough, compound butters for basting, nuts for baking, So many uses this time of year.

I think this one might go fast.

And don't forget to post your own listings at The Kitchen's classifieds by clicking that pretty yellow button to the right.

OTHER COOKS' STUFF
• New 7-piece Sculptured Pyrex set for $15
• New 5-peice Oneida Bakeware Set for $25
• Wine Preservation System by PEK for $55
• New Whirlpool Conquest Stainless Steel 25.6 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator for $725
• Mini Sanyo Refrigerator for $50

Thanks, Craig!

Like a well-stocked bakery entices the passing sweets addict, the doublewide storefront of Kamei Restaurant Supply beckons kitchen junkies inside.

With its unparalleled selection, this is one of the best kitchen supply stores in the city. It’s really two stores in one. There are rows of commercial goods like hotel pans, industrial stockpots and plain white, deep soup bowls. They also have vinegar cruets, salt and pepper shakers, syrup pitchers and anything you need to open your own restaurant. More

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the various tea ceremonies, here’s a good start. This Kung-fu Tea Set has never been used and is still in its original box inscribed with the Chinese characters for “fragrant” and “clear”. The Kung-fu Tea originated in the Song Dynasty. In the Kung-fu ceremony, there is a special pitcher for pouring the tea and a sniffing cup for appreciating the tea’s aroma. This ceremony is used as a social activity to promote friendship and greet guests. Learn more about the ceremony here and here.

And don't forget to post your own listings at The Kitchen's classifieds by clicking that pretty yellow button to the right.

OTHER COOKS' STUFF
• Tatung 10-Cup Rice Cooker for $5
• Ten etched crystal and ruby wine glasses SAKS 5th Ave. for $100
• 1948 Wedgewood Stove for $500
• Silver Bullet Food Prep Gadget (processor) for $40
• Like New Kitchenaid Mixer for $100
• Tiffany & Co. Crystal Candlesticks for $50

Thanks, Craig!