Serving Up Savings on Dishware

What is it about a cabinet full of lovely dishes that’s so satisfying? I particularly love dishware that comes in unusual shapes and sizes.

Dishes a la Carte, with stores in Glendale and Hancock Park, is a terrific source for bargains in pottery seconds. The day I stopped by one locale, pedestrians were coming from all directions to browse . . . and buy. The customers really love this place, as well they should.

Most of the inventory is seconds from local manufacturers, though not cracked or chipped--just a bubble here and there, usually on the bottom. (If any of your guests check the bottom of your dishes, remove them from your invitation list.) Even if there’s a chip on the back, it’s still OK to use an L.A. Pottery bowl--especially if it only costs $3, compared to $25 retail.

Durable, oven-proof Coorsware pieces are great deals at $4 (retail $12), with chili bowls only $2.50. Some huge Coorsware pasta bowls that retail for $45 are $19.95, and small pasta bowls are four for $14.95.

Do any of us have enough serving platters? Some close-outs that retailed for $35 are $12. John Domini’s wonderful broiler plates for $8 are intriguing. A good supply of some William Sonoma pieces from last year are marked $6.95 instead of the original $28. And some baking dishes at $12.50 are a deal since they originally were $38.

For fish lovers, some first-quality etched glass salmon platters that sold for $60 are a deal at $29.95. There’s a smattering of Libbey glassware that the owners carries as a convenience for their customers, but it’s hard to leave without the blown-glass Italian bottles (great as candlesticks) for only $5.75.

The most fun are the bargain bins, in which you’ll found some terrific ramekins for $1 and some odds and ends for a quarter. It’s a great way to replenish the china cabinet for a song.

* Dishes a la Carte, 113 W. Los Feliz Blvd., Glendale, (818) 240-2329; and 5650 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, (213) 938-6223. Open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.

Weekend Super Sale: If you’ve never attended the antique market in Long Beach, you’re missing the best flea market in Southern California. Over 600 dealers, spread out over acres, offer some terrific wares at bargain prices.

Normally held on the third Sunday of every month, this Sunday is the 10th annual special antique market. Admission is $4.50. Doors open at 6:30 a.m. for the really serious collector. Dealers start packing up at 3 p.m.

The Long Beach Veterans Stadium is at Lakewood Boulevard and Conant Street. Event is rain or shine. (213) 655-5703.