When Martha Kaemmer opened Cooks of Crocus Hill on Saint Paul’s Grand Avenue in 1974, she wanted to bring high-quality kitchen utensils to people who enjoyed cooking in the Twin Cities. There was a “culinary awakening” on the rise in America, with stars like Julia Child and Jacques Pepin inspiring people to spend more time creating in the kitchen.
Karl Benson, owner of Cooks of Crocus Hill with his wife Marie Dwyer, joined Kaemmer 18 years ago as a visual merchandiser, and the couple has since taken ownership of the business. “I always liked cooking, which is how I came to know Martha,” Benson says.
The Grand Avenue shop features a vast array of food products, equipment and resources for customers to employ on their culinary adventures. Benson has a few personal favorites and strongly recommends the citrus lemon vinegar. “Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite products,” he says. “It makes the best salad dressing, but is also great for a splash in a dirty martini.”
In addition to offering top-quality cooking equipment, spices and nifty gadgets, Cooks of Crocus Hill offers educational courses at all three locations (one in Edina and the other in Stillwater). Returning for 2015 is the ever-popular Food and Spirit Date Night; there’s also the addition of new hands-on courses featuring ethnic cuisines. Check the website for class details.
Cooks of Crocus Hill
877 Grand Ave.
651.228.1333
