Shopping for gifts? Wok this way...
By Barbara B. Covell
For the TODAY
If shopping inspiration is lacking, let Tu Tu Tu Kitchen Cottage be a solution. Located in historic Nye Beach, this gem of a shop has something for chefs, occasional cooks, even the kitchen novice.
“We try to have something for everybody,” owner Genae Collett said. “Even if you don’t cook there is inventory to suit any palette. Whether it’s searching for the perfect gift or a treat for yourself, everybody has choices here.”
The shop’s inventory ranges from exotic to practical usable items. High end cookware featured includes Le Creuset, Staub and Mason Cash mixing bowls, as seen on the show, The Great British Bake Off. Collett also stocks Japanese Hot Pots, Spanish paella pans, Latin American cazuelas and American pans, bakeware, loaf and muffin pans.
There is an outstanding selection of knives, including the German Wustof Classic and Classic Ikon series, Lamson's Fire and Walnut series, crafted in the United States, and the Swiss Classic Victorinox brand. Another standout is the Baltique Marrakesh steak knives with layered birch wood handles."
“We try to cover a lot of bases,” Collett said.
Peruse the shelf displays and find a vast collection of cookbooks covering multiple cuisines at every skill level. There are books that feature Pacific Northwest ingredients, including a few local authors LaDonna Gundersen and the Newport Fishermen's Wives cookbook.
There is a large assortment of linens hand blocked and hand printed in India. Anything that adorns a table can be found in Tu Tu Tu Kitchen Cottage. Tablecloths, runners, dish cloths, placemats, napkins and table settings in traditional, colorful or whimsical designs. Good quality aprons adorn the walls and shelves with humorous or print motifs. Collett selects these for durability and ease in washing.
There’s woks, pizza making supplies, barbecue items, barware, crystal wine glasses, brandy snifters, infusion kits and mixes. The shop carries Polish pottery, including the new “Sea Life” series which is already popular. And don’t miss the retro clocks which reinforce the kitchen atmosphere.
Every kind of kitchen gadget imaginable is accessibly displayed on shelves; each shelf has a distinct theme for ease in customer browsing.
Food items are sourced from Oregon products, including salts, caramels and spice blends from the Jacobsen Salt Co. and chocolates from Moonstruck and Seahorse. There is also an inventory of cleaning products consisting of natural recycled products.
There is something for every budget and prices are competitive with large online retailers and stores in the valley. Collett’s philosophy is to encourage locals and visitors to come and experience this one of a kind shop.
“We don’t have a website because we want people to come and see, feel the quality linens and vibrant displays,” she said. “I think many people don’t know about Nye Beach. There’s so much to offer from shopping to restaurants to coffeehouses. The Newport Performing Arts Center and the Visual Arts Center are here. This is a great niche place to walk around, whether you’re visiting or live here.”
Tu Tu Tu Kitchen Cottage has been in Nye Beach for nine years. Collett worked in the store and became well versed in a variety of boutique kitchen products. Approximately one year ago, she and her husband purchased the business.
Collett plans to have a Holiday Open House, Friday Nov. 17 from 5 to 8 pm.
“I want to transform the shop with decorations to have a festive theme,” she said.
Tu Tu Tu Kitchen Cottage is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm except Sunday. Gift certificates are available.
For more information, call 541-265-8065 or go by the shop at 222 NW Coast Street, Suite A, Newport.