Have you ever been to a restaurant supply store? For people who love to cook, it's culinary paradise.

For chefs, restaurant supply stores are part of the job. It's where they go to pick up the kitchen equipment, plates, flatware, and even work tables they need for work. It’s fast, convenient, and above all, inexpensive.

But many restaurant supply stores are open to the public. And it's cheap. (Yes, we know we just said inexpensive, but it is cheap.) If you can deal with industrial style shelving, concrete floors, and harsh fluorescent lighting, this is the place for you.

But don't despair. Local restaurant supply stores have experienced staff well-versed in all-things-cooking who welcome home cooks and will point you in the right direction. Just walk through the aisles of endless goodies and you will soon be saying, “I want this, I need this, and how cool is that? ”

Of course, the treasures found in these stores are for the pros. You won't find over-priced Dutch ovens pitched by the latest Food Network star or heirloom quality sterling silver escargot forks here. But you will find loads of sturdy pots and pans in every size that last a really long time. And, the knives - oh, the knives! There are so many, from paring and boning, to steak and chef knives, as well as knife accessories such as knife sharpeners, cutting gloves, and cutting boards.

Now, you probably don't need the $545 industrial strength can opener, but there are plenty of other items you can use. For instance, will you be hosting a backyard BBQ or birthday party this year? Restaurant supply stores have economy china, flatware, and glassware by the case. These items add a bit of flair to your event that paper plates and plastic flatware could never do - and if a fork up ends up in the trash, who cares? It only cost a few cents.

Speaking of that party, you will find bar mixes, maraschino cherries, and margarita glass rimming salt there, as well as catering supplies, blenders, and fancy bartender tools like strainers, jiggers, and pourers. Planning a Cinco de Mayo party? Grab some tortilla warmers and impress your friends by serving salsa in a traditional molcajete.

Restaurant supply stores are a great resource for gifts, too. The grilling section is a great place to buy a steak weight, hamburger mold, or professional grill mitts for your personal Pitmaster. Check out the bakery section for cake/pie pans, biscuit cutter set, or pastry bag/tips for the baker in your life.

Of course, they have everyday utensils for your own kitchen. Whisks (called whips, to the trade), peelers, tongs, measuring cups, metal mixing bowls (like on TV) and spatulas abound in every corner of the store.

So, stop by your local restaurant supply store today. Whether you are a chef-in-training or simply want to be a chef on the weekends, they have the tools to make it so. They even have chef aprons and jackets, so you can pretend to be a contestant on Hell's Kitchen or Iron Chef!