Pastaworks
This is a high-end grocery store with an Italian flair. Pick up fresh pastas and sauces, produce at its peak, and meats and cheeses that you won't find elsewhere. Pastaworks is also known for an excellent Italian wine selection and a wide variety of fancy olive oils and vinegars. Pick up top-notch utensils, cutting boards, and beautiful glassware in the small cookware section in the back. None of it is inexpensive, so come here when you want something to splurge on something truly special. 3735 SE Hawthorne Blvd, (503) 232-1010.
Powell's for Cooks and Gardeners
The cookbook section at the downtown Powell's store is huge, but there's nothing like shopping in a store that specializes in your hobbies of choice. In addition to aisles and aisles of new and used cookbooks, there are colorful ceramics and tea sets, cookie cutters, and gadgets that you all-of-the-sudden must have. The gardening section is lovely as well, filled with beautiful books, flower pots, and other gifts for the green-thumbed. 3747 SE Hawthorne Blvd, (503) 235-3802.
