Cary Neff says he loves his private-chef job, his line of work since he sold his last restaurant 11 years ago. He also has a small kitchen that he caters out of, “but if I’m not doing any parties, I’m bored out of my mind.”
So in a free-standing brick building off the corner of 13th and Federal Streets in South Philadelphia, two blocks from his home, Neff recently opened his own cooking-supply shop of new and used merchandise.C.M. Neff: Cook Sup. Co. — even the name sounds vintage — is 500 square feet. But it’s filled almost floor to ceiling with blenders, pots, pans, coffeemakers, bar supplies, pantry items, small wares — some new in boxes, others brought back to life.
“These are all ’30s and ’40s cast-iron that I restore and season,” he said. “And these are all a fortune.” He hefted a three-notch skillet with both hands. “This was on eBay the other day for $400.” Part of the buying experience is his Q&A. “If you don’t want to spend $300 on a Le Creuset, I can give you a cast-enamel, restaurant quality, same kind of cooking experience, for about $80,” he said.