Cook Culture

Unless cost is no object; shop around.
This place is for ultra high end, name brand, kitchen bling.
Bought an Espro coffee maker on impulse, then checked reviews. Found this somewhat expensive but trendy device was $ 20 cheaper at every other place in town, and at the manufacturer. I was nearby, so brought the pot back, expecting a refund of the difference from MSRP but was told they will let the manager know, so I refunded the Espro and bought it on Granville Island, instead.
Staff were cheerful and polite, gladly accepted the «unused» return and went on to the next customer, saying the pots had been flying off the shelf.
There is probably no limit to how high they might mark up an item.
Nothing to worry the affluent crowds entering the shop, I guess.

I can’t say no to a store full of food– and cooking-​related items. This place is small, but packed full of great stuff. I ended up buying a very, VERY light kitchen scale (the woman working there had to actually open the box to check there was something in it and I wasn’t going home empty-​handed!) and perused many fun gadgets, pots and pans, and dishes.
They had an amazing (–ly expensive!) KitchenAid electric teakettle that can set the temperature to an exact point for making different teas, coffee, etc. fIt was about $ 175, though. a bit much! If money is no object, you could spend a fortune here. For the more expensive items, you can get them much cheaper on Amazon — they had a slow cooker I was eyeing, for about $ 90, that’s $ 59 on Amazon for example. But if you’re going in for an emergency spatula or nice set of plates or what have you, this place is perfect.

This place is a dangerous luxury store of items for your kitchen, that you want or dream of having if you had an unlimited stock pile of money to burn. It’s a bright, neatly set up store, a boutique of kitchenwares welcomes you once you walk in, with the helpful staff. I never found a time when I have been in this store where you were ‘searching’ for someone when you felt lost. The sales people clearly tell everyone who comes what is on sale currently without you even looking. They also have cooking classes that are offered here, and even though I have not seen it, it’s probaby done right in the front, as I see a live kitchen there.
You can find their sales online, that are also the same in the store, but what you won’t get online is the informative service. The sales lady we had the other day made the extra effort to search online through her database when we were looking for a specific length for a boning knife. We did not buy anything on this day, but felt that we were helped out, even on a non-​slip mat they do not even carry the lady guided us to a good solution she uses in her own personal kitchen.
One of the places that if I’m around the area I will pop by, carrying all the better brand names, Shun, Global, Henkels, Wustof, Le Crueset, All Clad, and many others, even the nice pastel colored Kitchenaid blenders, there is so much more that I can name here, but the review would be a catalogue. The place is tough to find parking, even on the street, and if you find parking remember that if it’s paid, fill the meter, these guys will get you fast, another good store to fulfill your kitchen needs.

The products they carry are really really expensive but will last you a lifetime, so if you have the money it’s a good investment. I’m (slowly) building up a collection of le creuset kitchen goods and their prices are lower than large retailers here but not cheaper than any privately owned places. I read the complaints about the staff here making people feel second class, I didn’t get that feeling at all. I found the staff very helpful, even though I told them up front I wasn’t buying anything yet, I was comparison shopping. Generally that’s people’s cue to ignore me and let me look, but they still give me lots of information about different pieces and mentioned they could order certain things in also.

Hey guys, the Cookworks reviews are really stumping me!
I work in the area of the Broadway store and end up here sometimes once a week, either looking for a gift, something to pick up for my kitchen or just to look at pretty things and shake off the office blahs.
Not sure what days y’all are shopping here but I think the men and ladies that work here are lovely — most of the time they offer me an espresso while I’m checking things out, and I’ve had great conversations about al things cooking related and not!
Can’t speak for everyone, but lady who said she spent thousands of dollars at this store. then turned on her heels for good on one poor service experience? Wow makes me wonder how fabulous the previous times were that they actually managed to get your business.
Anyway, the best part of this store is that they have taken back items I have returned without any issue and this rates high with me and allows me to shop with confidence. I will continue to come to Cookworks, and recommend it to my family and friends.

«The Le Creuset? It’s beyooshiful, isn’t it?»
«Are you just happy brahsing?»
«What shall I do now? Nothing?»
Those of you who have seen the Australian show Kath & Kim will recognize these quotes from Prue & Trude — the two inept but inhumanly snobby saleswomen characters who work at a Cookworks-​style shop. If you need your fix of real-​life Prue & Trude, here’s somewhere you may consider visiting. If you feel that there aren’t quite enough grey-​haired ladies whispering to one another & snickering at you while you plan to drop hundreds of dollars on something from their store, then run — don’t walk — to Cookworks.
I’ve never had a problem with the younger members of staff in this store, but the older ones? Good lord. Catty, weird, & evasive. The last time I was here, I had one of them jerk her head in my direction & mouthe, «Follow her» to another member of staff, who then clipped my heels as I walked around, ensuring that I didn’t try to pocket a Dutch oven. She didn’t even bother waiting until she was out of my eyeline before sending her minion after me. Nor did she respond to my cheerful, «Good afternoon.» I mean, hey — here’s me being friendly! How about at least a smile before you release the hounds?
The time before, I asked if they stocked a particular soap dispenser. An older woman icily informed me — several times — that this particular soap dispenser was VERY expensive. VERY expensive, and not easy to acquire. I found the soap dispenser at Ming Wo for $ 15.95.
So, yeah — this place is strange. I’ve been here about four times now, each time thinking that maybe I’d misjudged the staff. Nope! I walk out empty-​handed every time, and end up finding whatever appliance or kitchen-​related doohickey I needed at another store, for cheaper and without having to deal with Prue & Trude.

So incredibly overpriced. I also found the staff unpleasant. Found the same product at another store for a fifth of the price!

I needed a lid for a specific All-​Clad pan that I don’t have the corresponding pot size (so no lid), you would think it was a simple request and some time for delivery, well short story, it can’t be done by Cookworks and was easily done elsewhere.
They got 3 stars becuase I buy stuff here.

***I’ve made all my other purchases at their Howe street location. This was my first time in this location. The service level in their locations significantly differ from store to store. I’m starting to think that maybe they only like old people here, and discriminate against younger demographics? Who knows i’m not one to pick at a 50 year old’s brain.
Never have I felt more like a second-​class citizen when I was in this store.
CAUTION: the ladies working at this location are not your typical kind spirited sweet grandmas that you would expect. Growling over-​due cougars would be a more suitable description.
I’m so glad there are endless amounts ofother Unilocalers on here who can agree with me on the rude and snotty attitudes of the old ladies working in this store! I just had the worst customer experience ever and I will not be returning.
My boyfriend and I have spent thousands of dollars at this store and for the high price tag of the merchandise you would expect the same level of customer service, if not better.
I went in here today because of a faulty thermometer that we had purchased a few months ago. I think the battery was broken? I’m not too sure but bottom line is it wasn’t turning on. So I went in to ask one of the ladies how to replace the battery (I couldn’t figure out how to take the damn thing apart). First she treated the situation as if I was there to get a refund?! Then she tells me that I’ve been tampering with the thermometer and broke it myself?! Wow lady, I just came in to ask you how I can go about changing the goddamn battery. I never complained about it being broken. Then she goes on taking it apart and then tells me there’s moisture in there and that I mustve submerged it into water… Sorry to break it to you but I’m not dead from the neck up, why the hell would I submerge a battery operated item into water? So after she looks up my profile and decides to give me a replacement. Glares at me and tells me «well that’s what we do here.» Wow jeez it was $ 18.00 effing dollars, should I be bowing down to your gracious $ 18.00 replacement item when I’ve spent thousands of dollars at your store?
Honestly, you are 50+ years old. I’m also assuming that you’ve been working in the service industry for 30 or so more years. It’s called the service industry for a reason, and you are a sales associate/​representative. Please do us all a favour and go review your job description, study it, and learn how to treat people with respect. I know your life sucks and that you’ve probably been living with cats your whole life but that’s no excuse to be treating your customers like shit.
Don’t come in here spending thousands and expecting some sort of decent customer service. These ladies are just full of it. They should probably change the name to C*nt Works instead :)

This store is larger than the store in the Downtown location and has similars product but a larger selection.
I pop into here whenever I’m in the area to have my food prep fantasies!

Clean, spacious and bright. Staff were very helpful and friendly. It was lit brightly like a show room so that most items look like more than they’re actually worth. You can buy most of the same platting, bowls and cups from the Dollar Store, saving you at least 75%. I always find this place amusing for over the top gadgets you would use once and never again. The stuff that people get your for your wedding or B-​day and are used as nothing more than a conversation piece. I am referring to the $ 119 soda pop machine. Should adults and children really be drinking that much soda? You can buy a 4L bottle generic for $ 1. You would have to make 119 bottles just to make it worth while? Talk about diabetics in the making for the new generation. Now the ice cream maker on the other hand… I need to save up for that.
I did look at their class list, therefore, will be returning in the future to take some culinary courses.

I love the layout of the store!
There was a whole section just for Bodum products!
I absolutely adore the colors from Le Creuset! Especially all the french trivets! LOVE the caribbean colours!
I looked around and I didn’t end up finding the size or colour I wanted, but I’ll definitely be back!
Loved the girl who was showing me the items that were available from Le Creuset.

I occasionally fantasize that I’m standing in my 8′ x 7′ pantry, as stew simmers in a Le Creuset dutch oven, while my Kitchen Aid is whisking a soufflé. In reality I’m standing in Cookworks with my eyes glazing over dishes, pots, pans, kitchen gadgets, knives, countertop appliances, stemware, and bakeware. For those several minutes I truly am Martha Stewart in her lavish Connecticut farm house. I’ve purchased a coffee canister and a few spatulas a while back, and I kept them in pristine enough condition to be placed in Martha’s home. I’ve been to both Broadway and Howe St locations and staff at both locations are friendly. I only wish that they were a little more knowledgeable about their products (i.e. how much coffee a canister holds). Pop in during a free cooking demonstration to nibble and window shop.

I take it back, I take it back! This place is way more reasonably priced than I first thought! It is, that OXO salad spinner was at least $ 10 more at this other place…
I’m coming back… I’m coming, I swear!

Bad taste in my mouth from uninformed nasty staff. They are absolutley not cooks and they don’t want to be there. Standing in corners in uneasy little groups complaining about management.Yikes. Prices are high and you are better just about everywhere else. Avoid this copycat wanna be WS. Tried not to trip running out the door.

*Disclaimer* review is of Cookworks Cooking Classes.
Had the pleasure of attending the first in the 2010 Spring/​Summer series of Cookworks cooking classes, held @ their Broadway and Granville location in the Western Living Test Kitchen.
Eats by Chef Ned Bell of Cabana Bar and Grille, Kelowna
Drinks by Road 13 wine guru Joe Luckhurst.
More cooking demonstration and less hands-​on cooking class, I found this particular class and menu were well suited for the cook with a fundamental understanding and knowledge of cooking (which clearly not everyone had).
Semi-​circle seating around the demo kitchen in the front of the store creates an intimate setting, and a certain level of skill is required to balance one’s wine glass and dinner plate whilst taking notes on recipe cards (providing pens/​pencils would be much appreciated). CCTV provides additional viewing opportunities, so there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. However, if your seating vantage point is particularly important to you, then I suggest getting there early to secure a spot in the front row. The 2hour class is well structured to include a shopping break, which would be more enticing if discount was given for purchases made that evening and perhaps more lucrative for Cookworks with product (cookware) placement.
Incredibly personable, Chef Bell did a great job weaving personal anecdotes with instruction; touching on career achievements and milestones, whilst simultaneously highlighting local producers and merchants and impressing upon us his culinary knowledge of the region.
For ($ 89) ‘The Best of Okanagan’ cooking class gives you three courses paired with wines, and in this instance a copy of Vancouver Cooks 2 (which Chef Bell contributed to).
On the menu:
Appies: Grilled asparagus with Okanagan goat’s cheese, shaved prosciutto and BC Belgium Endive. Paired with Road 13 Riesling.
1^st Course: Classic Carnaroli Risotto ‘Waldorf Slaw’ with toasted hazelnuts, radicchio, Okanagan Fugi apples and shaved Jersey Farms organic Parmesan. Paired with Honest Johns White.
Main Course: Whole Roasted wine fed beef tenderloing from Sezmu Farms, sweet potato and yam press with roasted garlic cream and red wine glaze. Paired with Road 13 Fifth Element.
Dessert: Okanagan Grocery chocolate bread pudding with local pears, raisins, caramel sauce and almond praline. Paired with Road 13 Sparkling Chenin Blanc.
To Note: current schedule online @

This place is like a funhouse for me! They have so many cute and fun and quirky things to play with in the kitchen. I could easily spend hours in kitchen stores like this. One day, when I have more money, I shall buy it all.
They even have a demo kitchen. Today’s menu: beef fondue! Mmmmm…
Downfall: Definitely pricey.

I am a kitchen gadget and gizmo whore… that’s right I said whore. and so… when in a kitchen store there is no telling what I may do… drool on some les creuset pots and pans… fondle some silicone heat proof gloves or even swoon over the latest addition to the kitchen aid series… no matter what happens I always leave feeling satisfied and maybe a little dirty…
I am more of a looker then a buyer these days as being a home owner has left me a bit hard up for cash… but I still like to look and drop hints to my partner that his culinary experiences could be enhanced if I had some new wares for my kitchen:)…Im kinda dropping that hint right now actually…
The service is. well…I always see the same 2 associates. I assume one is the manager and the other a full timer… it must be a great place to work as they have been there forever. but I can’t say they have ever been that friendly or helpful. I am pretty self sufficient when it comes to kitchen goodies so I really haven’t needed too much assistance… but if you do you may be hard pressed to get it…

When I think of how I could make my food look more like a magazine spread, I think of Cookworks. This sleek and sexy kitchenware store carries a ridiculous array of those white dishes you always see in cooking magazines and lifestyle bibles like Martha Stewart Living or Donna Hay. There are white dishes from Wedgewood, Sophie Conran, and I think another Conran person. It was blinding, I tell you. Especially when that’s all next to a virtual wall of wineglasses by oenophile favourite Riedel.
Oh you have to actually cook? Poor thing. Cookworks has droolworthy array of mid to high end gadgetry and supplies — stainless steel Cuisinarts, Good Grips, Krups, Calphalon pans, Le Creuset stoneware, and many more names. Just everything you need to put on, as one friend called it when I cooked, a gadget show.
It’s a lot of fun to come in to the store and just fantasize about what to make with these cool kitchen toys, and then how pretty they’d look on that dinnerware… with these placemats… and that napkin ring. Cookworks is always there for me on those culinary and style daydreams.

If any of you know, you are probably wondering why I of all people would review a cooking store. Well for the simple fact that I luv to see my partners face light up every time we go in. He gets SO excited about all the gadgets and gizmos that they have to offer and in turn I begin to get excited because I am fully aware that if he gets some new fan-​dangled gadget, it means he will be whipping up some new culinary delight in the kitchen and I will be reaping the rewards. some say selfish… I say supportive! anywho. this is a great destination for all thing in the kitchen. skillets, reamers, and blenders ohh my! I mean where else can one get a Pasta drying rack by Marcat?
Cookworks offer you an opportunity to hone-​up on your cooking skills from one of the premier cooking schools in Vancouver, Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. They have also partnered with Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts to offer you a discount when you make a purchase at Cookworks. This discount can be used towards one of their short programs.