So, they may not actually sell food here, but just stepping inside is enough to make your tastebuds tingle. Hill's Kitchen is an independent gourmet kitchenware store with a decidedly DC community feel.

Located just across from Eastern Market in a renovated and extended townhouse, this bright and colorful store is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

Seasonal items and DC specialties, such as cookie cutters shaped for each US state, are featured throughout the store. Owner Leah Daniels even had the company she orders her cutters from make a District shape especially for her.

Hill's Kitchen knows that many of their neighborhood clientele live in smaller row houses and apartments, and the store keeps that in mind when stocking specialty items. Cutting boards and baking sheets that roll up, as well as easily stored and stackable baking tins, are displayed prominently.

They will soon offer a full schedule of classes and demonstrations in their upstairs test kitchen, completing their community feel.

With today's "changing" economy it's great to have such a fabulous resource for practical gifts for the home. Gifts for the kitchen are a great way to encourage people to eat out less and save money!

-- Post and image by DC blogger Caroline

Related: Store Review: Cookin'

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