lacy@saturn.UUCP (Sharon Lacy) (08/22/84)
This is a summary of the responses I received from my spice shop / meat market inquiry. My sources are not listed, because they were lost in the process of sorting the information. Thanks to everyone who contributed. Sharon Lacy ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The Spice House in Palo Alto ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Monterey Fish Market in Berkley The fellow who runs it is generally agreed to be the best wholesale fish man in the area. Don't recall the street, sorry. He's also written an excellent fish cook book. The best fish market I've found on either coast (I used to be an aquaculturist [the arnold schwarzenegger of mussels], until saner minds prevailed) is in Berkeley. Its called Monterey Fish, visit it early as they run out by late afternoon. This guarantees fish fresh that day incidentally. This is in proximity to Monterey foods a vast vegetable market, and a fine deli (Made-To-Order) which does a good job with production of their own sausages. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Lhasa Karnak in Berkeley I don't know about Peninsula or South Bay spice shops, but Lhasa Karnak in Berkeley is a real EXCELLENT one. They have spices and herbs I have never heard of, and I like to read obscure cookbooks for fun! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The Whole Earth Market Main street in Los Gatos Bulk spices, every one I've checked has been fresh. They also have a good selection of bulk foods, including flours, pasta, nuts. Also, bulk products like hand cream, shampoo. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Rainbow Groceries - bulk spices 15th and Mission Streets, SF ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Rattos is an international grocery in Oakland. A varied selection of Oils, vinegars, mustards and a vast selection of bulk spices are to be found. It's a 75 year old emporium with a bend towards middle east and french and italian items. I buy most of my staples and many of my frivolities here. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Housewives market, an Oakland landmark and worth the look. Around the corner from Rattos. This is all within a few blocks of the oakland Chinatown area. This CT lacks souvinir shops and is a true ethnic center. -----------------------------------------------------------------------