Preview - Williams Sonoma Opens in Edmonton

Any foodie worth their salt will have heard of Williams Sonoma. I certainly have, thanks to my partner-in-cooking-crime Kathryn Joel, who rates them pretty highly. Almost every time I cook at her place, I am always drooling over all those cool kitchen toys and wishing I could have a Williams Sonoma here in Edmonton.

Well my dreams have finally come true, as the first Williams Sonoma store is opening up in Edmonton tomorrow (the 22nd September) Even better, just in time for my birthday... yes, the husband has been pointed in the right direction, armed with a catalogue and some very not-so-subtle hints.

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Williams Sonoma Edmonton's media preview yesterday evening, and our hosts knew exactly what our merry band was looking for. Cakes and cookies and pies were already on hand, made by their in-house chef NAIT trained Casey Bond, who knows that the best way into the hearts of food bloggers is through their tummies... naturally.

Casey is the epitome of enthusiasm, and she spent a while talking us through the WS range of goodies that are to come, which include guest chefs, cooking demonstrations and lessons. She was particularly enthusiastic about her liberal use of local produce, some of which is going to be sourced from our very own Greens, Eggs and Ham. WS have also partnered with local eateries like Crave Cupcakes, Bon Ton Bakery and Lux, and they will be doing tastings and demonstrations at the grand opening on Saturday.

 

We were shown around the store by Shannon Gomes, the PR manager for Williams Sonoma. Shannon's exuberance is only matched by her sheer unbridled enthusiasm for her work at WS. She started us off with a walk down WS history, talking about their founder, Chuck Williams and his first store, started in the California town of Sonoma in 1956. The history of WS is matched only by its committment to uniqueness and quality which we soon found out as we started browsing around the store. 

I was, naturally, drawn towards the beautifully set autumn tables, and the whole harvest range of tableware. Everywhere we turned, there were squeals of delight from (the usually) mature bloggers... be it when I spotted my dream Mauviel copper cookware, or the stunning range of cutting and serving boards, especially the European 19th century reclaimed boards... the food photographer in me was in prop heaven, at which point I was highly put out to find that the cash register wasn't working just yet and I had to wait... WAIT!! for my feeding frenzy restrained consumerism. 

Along with cookware, tableware, linens, glassware and kitchen gadgets, Williams Sonoma also has a range of artisan mixes, pastas, braises, condiments and sauces. Perfect for those lazy days when you want a perfectly cooked meal without putting in the effort. Part of the range is the the popular Foods from Chef Thomas Keller (of the French Laundry)

There is also a section of the store devoted to cookbooks, with Shannon promising that they will be soon getting together a programme of book signings and author showcases, a feature that I am really looking forward to (David Lebovitz to Edmonton, anyone???) 

For more pictures and a photo essay, please check out my Facebook page. And while you're there, why not 'like' it too? I post a lot of behind the scenes pictures and working recipes on there, and I love to hear back from my readers and friends. 

Check out Lillian's review.
And Karlynn's post is here. 
Diane's post is over here. 

The newest Williams Sonoma store in Edmonton, Alberta opens Saturday, 22nd September 2012 with the opening celebrations starting at 10.00 AM. There will be something for everyone, including a kids station, food samples, cookery demonstrations and much more. Its located on the second level of West Edmonton Mall, opposite the Apple store. Nearest mall entrance is No. 9. 

 

If you do go out there, don't forget to come back and let me know how you liked your Williams Sonoma experience. If it was as great as mine (and I am heading back very soon!) then I am sure you'll have a lot to say.