November 15, 2023 By Marisa Olsen
Hingham’s premier boutique ASSEMBLY is expanding once again. The his and hers fashion company run by Matt Gallagher and Evan Shuman is adding a new feather to its (very chic) cap, with the launch of ASSEMBLY Test Kitchen. The original Hingham ASSEMBLY his and hers shop has moved to a new space on 88 North Street to make room for the latest concept, ASSEMBLY Test Kitchen at 24 North Street.
With home and design in mind, ASSEMBLY Test Kitchen features an array of elevated houseware items for your kitchen and table. Items and brands include Hudson Valley ceramics by Hawkins; neutral-hued, earthenware porcelain by Hasami; thick, textured linens by Mi Cocina; American-made, restaurant-quality knives and cookware by Made In; nostalgic kitchen essentials by Jacob Bromwell; unique angled glassware by Aaron Probyn; and stainless steel, rust-free serveware and flatware by Vatya. Most items are curated by Evan and come from smaller-run producers, designers, and artisans.
Evan reflects, “Just as food can transport you to other places, what you cook with and what you serve on are equal players in the overall experience.”
It’s no surprise that the reimagined space is beautiful and thoughtfully staged. The boutique is filled with calming neutrals and eye-catching design elements. Throughout the shop there are two set tablescapes with glassware, linens, flatware, and vases. The perimeter of the space is outlined with bookshelves of tinted glassware (wine, coupes, tumblers), ceramics, cookware, and creative denim aprons. There is a cookbook table displayed with tomes dedicated to the art of cuisines, such as Greek, Jewish, and Mexican cooking. Even if cooking isn’t in your wheelhouse, the aesthetically-pleasing artistic books would look fabulous on your bookshelf or coffee table.
There is an area dedicated to cookware, such as Dutch ovens, bakeware, cutting boards, and knives, which is useful and functional as customers can touch, and get a sense of the materials and items before making a significant purchase. And, if you’re searching for smaller items, there are plenty of dish towels, sponges (I love mine), kitchen tools, and even incense. Plus, candles, notecards, and a few kid-friendly items are highlighted throughout.
While there is not a proper “kitchen,” the team hopes to unveil exciting events throughout the year, including cookbook signings and intimate chef’s dinners within the space.
The concept of the test kitchen was born from Evan and Matt’s cookbook club, which they hatched over the past few months. Each month, Evan would curate and delve into a cookbook, testing and sampling recipes and writing about his experience. As the idea took off and grew, Evan began looking at his own kitchen and cookware tools. He realized he could create a space for offering tailored housewares and kitchen items that are thoughtfully sourced and produced. He gets his inspirations from various trade shows, travel, and his own love for cooking and design.
ASSEMBLY Test Kitchen is a wonderful addition to Hingham’s downtown and is reminiscent of former small kitchen shops that used to exist. Whether you’re in the mood for a culinary adventure cookbook, looking to elevate your flatware, or you need gravity-lock tongs (I definitely need this), you’ll most certainly enjoy perusing Evan and Matt’s homeware and tabletop boutique.
ASSEMBLY Test Kitchen
@assemblytestktichen
24 North Street, Hingham
(781) 740-1421
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday by chance
