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Some of the better brands include: Hoerschner, Heinkels, Wustoff-Trident and Lamson Sharp. A 10" chef's knife, used properly is as effective as a food processor when it comes to chopping and dicing as even the best food processors (not to mention cheaper, and easier to clean!). Expect to spend anywhere between $60-100 for a good one. It might seem a bit steep, but consider that a good knife will last you a lifetime, if treated with respect. Most cookware shops worth their salt will have a decent selection. If not, you can order some nice ones through Williams-Sonoma, or a reputable on-line retailer.
Regardless of the advances made in today's electric ranges, natural gas, in my opinion, gives you better results. Also, you can't char peppers over an electric burner.
Get a membership to your local food co-op. You'll find some good local and organically-grown produce and other foodstuffs, and also bulk herbs and spices. Even if you're not a Hippy-Dippy, Earth-Mother, Granola type, you'll save some good money on some primo food that just tastes better. But when you shop at these places, make sure to bring some paper or plastic bags wit your to haul it home, and hit your local K-Mart for some plastic storage containers to keep out the bugs.
Regardless of whether you have cable or not, some of the best cooking shows on TV come from your local PBS station, including the Divine Ms. Julia Childs. Her emphasis on mastering the fundamentals of good cooking will definitely help you out, and prepare you for the more adventuresome forays into the world of food. Also, if you aren't a member of your PBS station, shame on you. She'll kick Wolfgang Puck's ass around the kitchen. What Steve Jobs is to Apple, Julia is to food. Rock on Ms Childs.
One of the smartest investments that I've made in my kitchen is a big cast-iron skillet - It costs about $10 at the local K-Mart and when it's been properly seasoned, it works like a charm for browning and pan-frying anything you desire. Just get into the habit of cleaning it with water and a sponge with no soap. It's also a great roasting pan if you need it in a pinch.
I also bought a nice cast-iron stovetop grill at Williams-Sonoma for $25 bucks that is one of the best grills I've ever used. It does have one rather significant drawback - It produces ALOT of smoke, and you should have a good fan in the kitchen to keep your home from smelling like a steak.
