Try as you might, it's hard to get excited by the same old routine every night. Sure, you've tried to add some spice; experimented with Asian techniques; paged through magazines in search of new inspirations to wow him with. Still, it feels like the same old, same old. Maybe it's time to try some new toys -- in the kitchen that is! (Get your mind out of the gutter.)

If the question "what's for dinner?" brings sighs of boredom - or the words, "Take-out, again" - to your lips, a visit to Kitch n' Kaffe on 117 in Bedford Hills, can provide just the inspiration (and tools) you need to reignite your flames of desire to cook. This relatively new kitchenware and coffee bar, an offshoot of the long-established Mahopac venue of the same name, features over 10,000 products for cooking and entertaining: coffee presses and tapered rolling pins; pizza peels and cheese pulls; Lodge cast iron cookware and Cuisinart countertop electrics; soda siphons and chocolate fountains; tools to slice, dice, peel, julienne or inflict just about any other violence upon vegetables you can imagine (by the way, their Henckels knives are 30% off right now).

You'll also find a huge selection of gluten-free foods, Italian flavored syrups, Republic of Tea teas and all those delightful whole grains you should be eating (like quinoa) but haven't gotten around to stocking your pantry with.  While you're salivating and planning the next year's worth of meals to make with this gadget and that sauce, your kids will be happily entranced by the candy counter featuring classic American (Razzles -- remember them?) and British sweets (like the oh-so-addicting Cadbury Flake), retro chewing gum, Twisty Pops and more.

And suddenly, "Let's eat in tonight" is sounding like music to your ears.

Kitch n' Kaffe
800 North Bedford Road (next to Pier One Imports)
Bedford Hills
914-218-8860
www.kitch-n-kaffe.com