How do you know you're a "foodie"? Or better yet for you normal people, how do you know if you're a "food nerd"? Simple. You wait with great anticipation for a friend to give you the golden ticket for the recently opened restaurant super store.

Restaurant Depot is not just ANY store. You just can't GO there. You have to be special, part of an elite few that have the means to reach behind the veil to access this secret world of the elusive restaurant kitchen - or just a valid business license.

Membership is free at Restaurant Depot and they would prefer you own or work at a restaurant to shop there, but for some of us that don't (for now), we find sneaky ways to get in.  Friend and fellow Volcano scribe Steph DeRosa was able to provide me access until I, too, someday can swipe the magical bar code for myself. (Wipe away tear.)

So, the Depot looks a little like Ikea out front where you can park under a big awning if you're lucky enough to snag one of the few spots. On entering I get this whole vibe like Business Costco meets Cash-n-Carry, but a little more confusing. Most likely only confusing because I've been to the other two hundreds of times and I can shop those stores wearing a blindfold.

All these stores are similar, but different. They have a lot of the same stuff, but The Depot has access to way more commercial kitchen equipment. Have you been searching for that elusive 55-cup rice maker? They have it! And it is my personal opinion that if you entertain at all, you must have a chaffing dish, only $34.

Get your 32-cans of Coke products for $9.39 or the super hip Mexican Coke in the bottles, made with REAL cane sugar, only $18.49 a 24-pack. Add some limejuice to the mix in the 32-ounce bottle for $2.09, or in my case - vodka and soda. No sugar for me. ...

Did you know a king size tortilla (about 13 inches across by my guesstimation) is 360 calories? Sorry to ruin it for you, but geez, someone has to save you from yourself.

Don't forget the latex gloves - 100 for $6.24.

My favorite new find was the flexible ice blanket, a 16-inch by108-inch for $10.64. You can cut them to fit any size. Great for coolers or wrapping around your sore feet from all this shopping at warehouse stores.

Other cool stuff for your at home kitchen include good cutlery at a decent prices, 15-inch by 20-inch cutting boards in various colors for $13.99, a slew of items for your at home bar, and who doesn't need a five-pound of dried hibiscus flowers? I do.

My favorite food deal had to be the four-pound tin of dolmas. If you don't know what a dolma is, it's a small amount of seasoned rice, wrapped in a marinated grape leaf. Tasty and good for you! The best part is that the can is only $5.42. Entertaining made easy.

The frozen and refrigerated food walk-in is the size of my house and cold as hell. They even offer you neon bright orange coats to wear while you shop and thank gawd they do. Did I mention it is cold as hell in there?

There is way too much to mention in my limited word count, so I highly recommend finding a friend that can get you access. It's not that tough and it will be worth it. I'm not saying you need a five-pound can of pinto beans or 32-ounces of hoisin sauce, but you'll find something you can't live without.

Restaurant Depot

6130 12th St. E., Fife,
253.922.4704, www.restaurantdepot.com