I bought these dang blasted wire wracks at Home Dept after much contemplation and consideration of various other alternatives. Average shelves – white, laminated – you know the type: like you see in ads for California Closets.
I called Kevin, one of the former cabbies and he came over to the loft this afternoon.
No good, he tells me. Flimsy. And the wall is hollow. What do you expect to put on them anyway?
Well, foods and stuff. Pantry things. Vanilla, chocolate, Arborio rice.
Flimsy. Take them back.
This from a man who owns a junk shop on Willie Street and seems to hoard everything (rather than himself returning things at Home Depot).
Okay, fine. Where did I go wrong and what do I do now?
Go to the restaurant supply store off of Atwood (we’re talkin’ deep east side Madison here) and buy Metro line restaurant units. (He would say that, being himself a former restaurant cook.)
We went together and I was mesmerized by the place. I cannot believe I have never shopped here before! Oh, I cannot believe I have never entered these hallowed halls and lovingly caressed the likes of these:
The Metro shelving units were perfect. We lugged them back to the loft and he set to work showing me how they fit together.
A Madisonian, he was. New Age this and that, with politics to match the neighborhood he inhabits. As he packs up to go, I tell him that I cannot give him a ride back – I am already late in cooking dinner for the family back at the (suburban, unsold, okay, lay it on - headache of a) home.
No, no problem, he tells me. I like to walk. Besides, I have to stop at the Soap Opera.
Why there?
It’s the only place in town that sells the Sandalwood soap I like. The one from France. I need to inhale its aroma to stay sound.
p.s. He loved the loft. The loft has bred no malcontents thus far. Yay loft.
For a variety of personal reasons this is by far one of your most delightful posts to date.
ReplyDeleteMel
Nina, Nina, Nina! I must warn you, restaurant supply stores are very tricksy and worm their way into your heart and brain and pretty much make you go and shop in them. So be careful!
ReplyDeleteI love those racks, they are just perfect.
I am enjoying living vicariously through you especially just now. I will be in this huge suburban home chauffering kids for at least another dozen years or so -- how wonderful it would be to chuck it all, move to the city, and live in a loft! (I'd even be ready for any drafts, I'm back to knitting cosy sweaters...) Someday.
Joan: There is indeed a problem with discovering a store that you associate more with, say, France, than Madison Wisconsin (all those tart pans! Of such fine metal!). It's a good thing that my loft kitchen storage area is small. It's no good to say "I'm downsizing!" and then wander in to a store that makes you want to upgrade and supplement!
ReplyDeleteAs for Kevin -- he was amazing in his helpfulness. I did not even mention the pictures he hung, the knife strip he installed, etc. And it was the type of helpfulneess where you found yourself working with him as a team, enjoying every minute. But the soap thing is precious, you have to admit.
You have to love the pin. He is a wonderfully different person. King of Willy ST.
ReplyDeleteCarefull! This man is very dangerous !! not to be trustred!! His art is sick and twisted!! He may have been helpfull but use caution when dealing with him a genius he is but odd and strangely gifted child.
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