“Chef Confidential” is one of the articles in the Austin Monthly annual food issue, on the stands right now. This is a Q&A section, with categories such as “favorite restaurant and dish,” “insider secret,” and “favorite gadget. Robert Brady, of Aquarelle, reports that Callahan’s General Store is headquarters for cast-iron cookware, and without the shipping costs that their weight entails when bought elsewhere.

Callahan’s always has these: a deep deep-fat fryer complete with fry basket and a thermomenter, at least two kinds of Dutch owens for your campfire cookery, pans for your cornbread, including for corn sticks, and the item I thought I’d never, ever find, which is a cast-iron popover pan, so much better than using a muffin pan. If for any reason there’s any desired item not in stock, Callahan’s happily places a special order.

Beyond all sorts of additional kitchen, cookery, and general household items, Callahan’s carries bulk seed, hunting-related items, western tack, western wear for men, women, and children, work clothes, hardware of many kinds, and many items that are recognized as must-haves only when seen. There’s usually bent-willow rustic furniture. Callahan’s is locally owned and was way out on the Bastrop highway before Austin came out and grew up close around it.