erudition in the kitchen
kelly herold
enhancing knowledge, skill, and confidence in the kitchen
"Everything is easier with the right tool."
~my dad
While he may have been talking about construction, the same concept applies to cooking. With the right tools, preparing a meal becomes exponentially easier and more enjoyable.
Whether you are compiling a wedding registry, outfitting a new-to-you kitchen, or providing the essentials for a rental property, I can assist you. As your consultant, I'll offer guidance on choosing what best suits your needs which will prove invaluable, saving time and avoiding costly mistakes.
benefits of registry consultation
Save time and frustration. You’ll be able to make an informed decision on brands and styles that suit you best without having to research each item.
Get the full picture. Retailers who provide complimentary registry consultation are limited to only the products that they carry and therefore are not unbiased in their endorsements. I have no sponsorships or affiliations that might influence my recommendations.
Avoid costly mistakes. Since my newlywed days, I have replaced many items and often wondered why I thought something was a “must have” when in reality I rarely used it. I wish I knew then what I know now. (Do you really need an avocado dicer? In a few rare cases you might, but otherwise the answer is a resounding “no”.)
Boost confidence in the kitchen. After discussing each of the items you choose, you will feel confident that each tool is an essential part of your kitchen and you will know how and when to use it.
Learn how to maintain those beautiful gifts. When applicable, you’ll learn how to care for your new products such as knives, cutting boards, cookware, etc. including the absolutes such as never put sharp knives (it dulls them) or wooden utensils (they will split) in the dishwasher, never run cold water in a hot pan (it can warp it), never use metal utensils on a nonstick pan (it will damage the nonstick finish), etc.
kelly
herold
For many years I worked as a manager at Williams Sonoma. While there, I led product training for employees, served as a registry advisor, and taught cooking classes. I also offered private cooking instruction. Those experiences of educating people on what to look for and how to use kitchenware were always the highlight of my day. Equipping clients with the knowledge to make the best decision for themselves was very rewarding. Frequently, clients asked “what is the best '' in what they were shopping for, which of course differs from person to person depending on many variables. That is where my years of experience and extensive research provide great value.
When my daughter and her friends started getting engaged, I offered my knowledge in the kitchenware space to help them narrow their choices in what can be an overwhelming field. Based on their feedback, I discovered there is a genuine need for this service.
how it works
You are embarking on a new adventure! Let's take the stress out of it and make it fun!
Do you want to know why copper is considered the best material for cookware and what the trade-offs with aluminum are, or do you just want cookware that meets your needs? Would you like to understand the basic differences between western or German knives (Wusthof, Henckel/Zwilling) and eastern or Japanese knives (Shun, Global, Tojiro), or do you only need to know which suits you better? Should you invest in a Le Creuset or Staub Dutch oven, a Vitamix blender or Breville compression ice cream maker or will something less costly suffice (or do you even need it to begin with)? I will provide as much or as little information about a product as you are interested in learning.
Three Easy Steps:
Consultation and Questionnaire: In an initial consultation, I’ll learn a little about you. We will go over a questionnaire that will help me understand your goals for your kitchen.
Review of Potential Registry Items: After our initial consultation, I will provide you with a detailed list of kitchenware, from pots and pans, to knives, electrics, tools, and gadgets. You will determine if you “definitely want”, “don’t need” or are “uncertain” about each item.
Recommendations: For those items you want, I will provide you with information about the choices along with recommendations based on in-depth research and personal experience. If you are uncertain, we will go over the pros and cons, taking into consideration budgets (whether yours or your guest’s) and space constraints. I will also make recommendations relating to your registry in general to help you make the most of it.
what people are saying
~Christie and Marco Z.
"Kelly made one of the most daunting tasks in wedding planning feel easy, accessible, and even exciting. Most importantly, Kelly met us where we were, catering her advice to our specific situation. We live in a tiny NYC apartment, and she helped us prioritize what we needed in our kitchen based on 1) how we cook/eat and 2) the space we have. She helped us be practical based on the chefs we are and aspirational based on the chefs we hope to be :)
Now that we are almost a year married, we can say that we use the knowledge Kelly shared with us every day, we feel more confident in the kitchen, and we eat MUCH better than we did pre-Kelly :) We could not recommend this service enough! It was one of the best decisions we made during wedding planning! Thank you, Kelly!!"
"Despite the fact that I am already a proficient cook, I learned so much! I thought Kelly’s detailed knowledge and instruction was great"
He~Morgan M.ading 6
"Thank you. Kelly, you know your stuff. I appreciate not getting just the Williams Sonoma point of view also"
~Ashely R.
"I loved the attention to detail and that we were able to ask questions. It was a comfortable environment."
~Nicole L.
