Like a Kid in a Candy Store

A trek to Limerick Bowl on Saturday night amounted to an unplanned stop at the Philadelphia Premium Outlets. How I made it this long without getting sucked in is surprising, especially as a few of my teens have been there several times and rave about it.

Time was a factor, as I had two 10-year-olds with me who were more interested in eating than shopping, and I had a pending pick-up time on the child who was bowling. So we drove around the megaplex to get a handle on what stores were there and to see if there were any good eats—there were not. I was pretty surprised by this because part of the shopping experience is being able to take a break and eat something that feels like a “treat." This is definitely a weak link for the Premium Outlets folks. The food element is grim.

However, the Le Creuset store more than made up for my disappointment on the edibles front. For seconds, the pieces I procured are in excellent shape—no chips on the enamel finish at all! Sharonda, the store’s fantabulously helpful saleswoman, was a true sport about me and my “helpers” picking practically everything up and taking photos with my iPhone. She also filled me in on all the specials, which amounted to me spending some greenbacks—though not as many as I would've if I'd been at Williams-Sonoma or Kitchen Kapers. I bought four pieces, plus a mini chopper that my inspired son insisted we buy (it was also 20 percent off) for $221.85, down from $334.48.

Le Creuset is definitely worth the trip if you’re a fan. Not only is this stuff pretty to look at, but it's also highly functional. Check it out.