Gathering around the dinner table with your loved ones is a classic scene every holiday season. But in order to cook up the perfect meal, there are essentials every kitchen must-have. San Joaquin County is home to many outlets where you can find all the items you’ll ever need to transform your kitchen into the perfect holiday entertainment space. Don’t forget that there are plenty of cooking blogs like Prepared Cooks that share useful tips on how to cook. You may even collect a new recipe or two along the way!
LODI COOKS – Meyer Puzon (left) and his wife Teresa have owned Lodi Cooks since March 2002. The shop is a family-run business and offers a wide variety of products that every chef can enjoy.
“We have a huge inventory ranging from stocking stuffers to top of the line cooking tools,” Meyer says. “We have extensive product knowledge and product confidence. There are gifts available for everyone, from the beginner to the wellseasoned cook/chef.” Holiday shoppers will enjoy the perks of cappuccinos and lattes being served in-store, drawings, weekly specials, and extended store hours. Customers can also
make after-hour shopping appointments or create a wish list for family and friends. “Holiday shopping at Lodi Cooks is an experience,” Meyer explains. “We at Lodi Cooks all love to talk cooking with our customers and eat good food. We willbe providing the highest customer service to get the right cooking product for the cooking task at hand.”
Some of the most popular holiday items at Lodi Cooks are festive aprons, the Nespresso Espresso machine, Charles Viancin silicone lids, a citrus sprayer, and more! To complete your shopping experience, most items have complimentary gift wrapping, which saves you the hassle during the busy holiday season. “Expect Christmas songs during your shopping,” Meyer adds. “Come on in and enjoy the bustle and joy of Christmas with our family.” Whether you’re celebrating New Years Eve, Christmas, or any other holiday, Lodi Cooks offers customers all the must-have resources to prepare a delicious dinner this month. “Cook with a smile and equip yourself with the best tools to keep that smile on your face, creating a dining experience that exudes joy for you and your guest,” he says. “This is your moment to get in the kitchen and cook.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
LODI COOKS
5 N. School Street, Lodi,
(209) 334-5751 lodicooks.net
HOME THYME can fulfill all of your kitchen needs in San Joaquin County. Lynn Fochs recently opened the shop in Stockton on October 2. Customers can expect a variety of kitchenware, home décor, and gourmet food products in-store. “The kitchen and dining area is the central area of the home,” Fochs says. “My store has anything you would use with your time at home. Anything that will make my customers’ time at home better.” One of the most unique aspects of Home Thyme is the small kitchen that is located inside. Fochs is planning to have a variety of cooking classes and demonstrations that customers can participate in. “I wanted to create an ambiance that there is always something simmering or baking,” she explains. “It’s a social thing for a lot of people to want to get together and try something different.” The classes will be intimate and feature appearances from both Fochs and local chefs. Topics will differ in each class including the basics, sauces, entrees, baking, seasonal, and kids’ cooking. “I like working and talking with customers,” she says. “When they come in, I want people to feel like it’s their store.” This holiday season, Fochs will be decorating the store with a winter wonderland theme that will feature trees, snowmen, and other seasonal décor. Customers shopping for the chef or foodie in their life have an extensive number of products and brands to choose from. Pressure cookers, rice cookers, dishes, and cutting boards are just a handful of the items you can purchase in-store. Home décor and gourmet foods are another key part of the shop. From candles to soup mixes, Home Thyme has a little something for every cooking enthusiast. “We carry all the essential items for a successful kitchen,” added Fochs. “People are always going to cook no matter what, and I want to give people the tools they need to do it.”
Whether you’re shopping for the chef in your life or are preparing to cook up a storm yourself, Home Thyme and Lodi Cooks can help make the best of your experience this holiday season. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn about the next great recipe or cooking gadget by stopping into one of these local hotspots. Once you have your tools, let the cooking inspiration begin and mouthwatering aromas fill the air.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
HOME THYME
2111 Pacific Avenue, Stockton,
(209) 451-3986, homethymeonthemile.com