On a recent trip to the other side of town, I made a quick detour to check out Surfas, a wonderful restaurant supply store that sells everything a cook could ever dream of. A friend of mine, who is a struggling chef, works there part time so he can take advantage of the thirty percent discount to stockpile cooking supplies. I had never been before and was I ever impressed. For someone who loves to cook, it was like a kitchen Disneyland. They have everything: wines, a zillion olive oils, chocolates, bulk spices, pots, pans, and anything you would possibly need to cook, eat or bake. 
Since I was in a hurry, I didn't really have time to check out the whole place, (it is huge) but what I saw I really loved. They also have the cutest cafe and I've heard the lemon lavendar bars are fabulous. I only got a few items, one of them being Valrhona Cocoa Powder , which was twice the price of Hersheys, but I am sure it is worth the extra money. The most unusual thing I saw were the maraschino cherries that were blue, green or yellow. 
My friend said I could use his discount so I am surely going back to get a few items that I can't live without. They also have mail order for those who don't live in the Los Angeles area. I can't wait to go back and the next time I will definitely eat at the cafe. Surfas is located on the Corner of W. Washington and National Blvd. in Culver City.
Looks like fun! Lemon Lavendar bars sound delicious!
Posted by: Janet | August 08, 2006 at 01:17 PM