Kitchen Thyme

I found this little shop near Sugar Momma's and Urban Arts and Crafts, in Briarcliff Village. The word "Sale" got me in. I entered, and was greeted by the clerk who asked if I needed any help, just ask. She seemed to herself. This is a gourmet kitchen gadget and sauce store. I guess most of the shops at Briarcliff Village are all specialty shops, some have better service than others. I watched as the employee went from behind the counter, and glance at me with a smirk. OMG, did she just smirk at me? I am not snobbish, and don't get it when employees are. I looked around the shop, with the sauces that caught my eye: pineapple habenero, and a few others that I'd buy, but maybe not today. She has a mediocre supply of specialty dips, (the chipotle looked really good in the jar.). To market as a gourmet food store, you'd need more food items, and less gadgetry. I didn't see much that would qualify for the name, "gourmet". This store is a tiny Function Junction, and a very small smidgen of Pryde's Olde Westport, which is a shorter drive for me. I wanted some more seasoned skewers, most stores with the word "Gourmet" in the title, carries these. Around the alcove of the store, there's a sign that says "Wine tasting." I didn't go over there, I didn't want to drink any wine. I think they also must offer classes. When I saw the employee reading the sauce jar's label, (yeah, total back turned to all the customers, and reading the sauce label) I decided not to ask about the skewers. A bit on the snobbish side, I dare to think. Meh.

When I stepped inside, I couldn't help but think, "Oh, cute little kitchen shop." There was tons of little trinkets to make any budding chef feel at home. As I wandered around looking at what else my kitchen would need, the saleslady attempted to make conversation. She started out by asking me if I was looking for something so I can cook for Easter. I responded by saying that I don't celebrate Easter because I'm not Catholic or Christian. And that's when I got the stinkeye.The rest of my time there, I felt completely ignored but not in the way that sales people do so that you can peruse. I felt judged (doesn't Christianity preach not to judge?) and not wanted in the store. I browsed a couple more minutes in really uncomfortable silence and then left.Sure it's a local business but that means they need to work that much harder not to ostracize their customers. It's a shame because there were some cute things in the store, albeit a bit overpriced, and cooking classes. The cooking classes looked interesting enough but I doubt my heathen self would be welcome so I guess I'll never know.

This eclectic little store is nice for meandering about after the Thursday farmer's markets in Briarcliff. The prices are in line for the area (i.e. a bit high) but if you're looking for a unique gift or some fun kitchen gadgets, Kitchen Thyme fits the bill. They have a wide range of foods, spices, accessories and kitchen gear. Foodies will love the various flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars, which are available for tasting. The owner was in the store when I went, and she was very friendly, informed and helpful in guiding my shopping. In the Briarcliff area for 3 years since moving from the Liberty area, the owner said the shop has a rotating range of items and always takes customer suggestions on what to stock. I went with a fig balsalmic vinegar ($12), a wine-a-rita mix for making wine-margaritas, and a bleu cheese dijon mustard. The cooking classes ($50) they offer seem great as well with updated listings on line. While maybe not for everyone, this little place has some fun offerings and is a nice addition to the area.

I saw these reviews when I was looking to see if I could find the shop's number or website and was very surprised at what I read. I shop at Kitchen Thyme frequently, and have never found them to be anything but cordial and helpful! I felt that I must comment. Maybe I have not encountered the same individual these people did, but I am not sure there are many different people that work in there. They have a great assortment of unique kitchen items, and I love the individual coffee packets in the assorted flavors. Yes...prices are a little higher than you might find at other places, but they are a small shop that I am sure pays a pretty penny in rent to be in the shopping area.

Kitchen Thyme is a very cute kitchen store with clever gadgets and dishes, unique gift items, and wonderful gourmet food items. They offer great cooking classes in a very comfy in-store kitchen. The classes are very popular and always fill up quickly, so register early. The sales staff has always been very friendly and helpful, making it a fun shopping experience. It's a small store with a lot of punch.