By Ben Rodgers
Staff Writer
HOWARD – Katherine Forrest knows how demanding a kitchen can be. She also knows how fun it can be, which is why she opened Season to Taste.
The kitchenware, gourmet food and gift store is located at 2300 Lineville Road, in the Urban Edge Town Center.
“I never wanted to do retail, but people that cook are happy. They don’t come in grouchy because they are cooking a meal for their family,” Forrest said. “This is the first job I had where I come in happy in the morning.”
Forrest spent time in a kitchen at Alpha Delights in De Pere as part of the advanced culinary program at Fox Valley Technical College.
With her previous experience she wanted to open a store where people could get top-notch equipment along with friendly expertise. It doesn’t matter if someone is a head chef or a beginner at home.
“Brick and mortar is tough right now so my niche is, if you are cooking and you’re stuck, or if you can’t get it right, I can help you,” Forrest said. “I’m selling my culinary knowledge right now as much as anything.”
Forrest wants Season to Taste to become a destination for all things related to fun in the kitchen.
Part of having fun while cooking is using the right tools, the right way.
“Having the right tool makes cooking much more pleasurable than struggling through a recipe when you don’t have the right stuff,” she said.
All of the items she sells are items she would use. Featured brands include Teak cutting boards, Swiss Diamond pans and Kyocera ceramic knives.
She also wants to host classes this winter. Some topics she discussed include fermentation, candy making and mushroom foraging.
But really the sky’s the limit as she has many friends in the industry who would be willing to come and teach a class.
Season to Taste will also be holding a grand opening on Friday, Nov. 17.
At the grand opening there will be a $100 gift card raffle, product demonstrations by local chefs, and holiday entertaining tips and treats.
Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturday. For more information Season to Taste can be reached at 634-2803 or can be found on Facebook at Season To Taste Store.
People can also watch for upcoming classes and other announcements by following the Facebook page.