My favorite store in the Chelsea Market (they film the shows for the food network upstairs) was the Italian Dry goods & Deli. I never did figure out exactly what type of bread this was -pictured above, some kind of panettone. But I loved the packaging with the piece of grape vine tied on to the paper wrapping. The selection in each category was amazing, authentic & totally imported, and very reasonably priced. Our hostess was duly impressed and bought some salt and tomato paste. She would have gone crazy, but we were on our way to Brooklyn, and my sister had already declined to carry shrimp and scallops in her backpack all day…
I totally would have purchased an olive oil jar or ceramic bottle, but I was already regretting two pairs of shoes, a large knitted wrap and at least one jacket. Suit case full. This is officially on my wish list!
Last fall I became enamored with the Quince. This jar of preserves makes me want to do better this year. Between now and the first quince at the farmers market, I am going to master the art of putting up some fruit! Kiely is completely obsessed with the in-laws blackberry jelly and will surely be my partner in the process.
Many, many kinds of salt and capers! Capers in salt, capers in vinegar. Pink, grey, volcanic…
This is the section that sort of blows your mind…tiny bags of pine nuts from Italy = $8. But, they are from Italy and it’s got to be quite a process to get the nuts out of a pinecone. And wow – two rows of anything dried that you could possibly imagine.
I think I have just figured out our next foodie field trip! Santa Fe Importers on the West Side may be the LB option for an awesome Italian Market. I have my fingers crossed…There is always the amazing Bay Cities if you’re in Santa Monica…but I think I’ll check out the local option next!
Green Acres 