[One last word from Grant... who already gave us a tip for hard-boiling an egg, and a review of a Mezzaluna. Thank you, Grant!]
Excuse me, a familiar voice beckoned. I looked over and there, before me stood Ed McMahon. Do you know where the steel wool is, he asked. I shook my head no. Our exchange was interrupted by a young woman's voice calling out, Dad! I found it. Ed turned and walked off toward his daughter.
You never know who or what you'll find at Koontz Hardware, the store's website teases.
Located in West Hollywood, and boasting an inventory of over 120,000 items, Koontz Hardware is a mecca for the home. Founded in 1938, the store is a warren of sixteen foot tall shelves crammed full of the products one might find at their local Home Depot, but this unique hardware store also features an expensive kitchen and housewares department.
The store carries almost every cooking implement you could ever need, such as strainers, steamers, pepper mills, dish towels, aprons, French porcelain, pots, pans, and knives. Although they don't do knife sharpening, they will tell you were to go. They carry trusted brands such as Oxo, Cuisinart, Henkels, Le Creuset, Emile Henry, and Lodge cast iron.
They aren't open terribly late and the staff can be a little brusque but where else could you pick up a circular saw and a Coeur a la Crme mold?
Ooh, this place sounds wonderful and dangerous all at the same time. I am such a sucker for any cooking shop like this. Wished I lived in LA.
Great post Grant:)
I love this store. I lived in West Hollywood for a few years and Koontz Hardware is high up on the list of things I miss from my old neighborhood. Fun to see it mentioned on The Kitchen!
Don't live in CA - but just want to say that I really like Grant's style!
Great post. I want to get in my car and go pick up a few things at Koont. Never mind it'll take me 8-10 hours, depending on traffic.
hooray for koontz! i used to work around the corner and down the street from there, and it was our go-to place to make keys. every time i stopped in i would be amazed at all the items crammed into the space. i too think it's great you guys mentioned it here in the kitchen! for knife-sharpening: i hear there is a man that stops in the international silks & woolens parking lot on beverly bl., friday afternoons! haven't tried him yet, but have heard good things!
grant grant grant grant
Gotta love those strange combination stores. I've got one near my office where you can get hardware, housewares, great candy and obscure British foodstuffs (like killer marmelades) at the same time.
Yay for variety!