Berkeley Bowl, which is arguably one of the East Bay’s most famous grocery stores, is a seasonal produce experience. It’s an experience that can be intimidating, however, as the store’s vast selection can leave shoppers spoiled for choice and unable to make a decision. Nosh asked local food stylist Lillian Kang for insider tips on how to shop like a pro at Berkeley Bowl, with the first part of her recommendations published yesterday.
Kang returns today to explain exactly what Berkeley Bowl’s best items are to buy, with an eye towards offerings that will be desirable year-round. Check out what she’s usually tossing in her cart, from the finest carrots in all the land to clutch snacks for the ride home. If you’re looking for a few ideas to start your shopping list, here are a dozen specific suggestions to get rolling — and if you have your own slate of Berkeley Bowl must-buys, please do share them in the comments.
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Cara Cara Oranges, Produce
Berkeley Bowl’s citrus section stacks extensive rows of oranges and grapefruits. For their brief but glorious season, Kang splurges on kishu mandarins, “that’s the oyster of citrus in our house.” But for an everyday affordable option she likes Cara Caras, which she said are a little more exciting than navels, with a sweet flavor and pretty blush hue.
Nantes Carrots, Produce
Once you nibble a Nantes carrot, there’s no turning back, Kang said, as they ruin you for conventional carrots for life. These heirlooms are the sweetest, crunchiest, and carrot-iest of carrots. “If I don’t buy them, my kids complain about it,” she sighed.
Shiitake Mushrooms, Produce
There’s a wild array of mushroom at Berkeley Bowl. Kang usually saves the foraged chanterelles and hedgehogs for special occasions, and reaches for the cute baby shiitakes, which are just the right size to pop into weeknight stir-fries.
Japanese Purple Sweet Potatoes, Produce
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“Anyone who’s a root vegetable fan will be impressed … ” Kang said of Berkeley Bowl’s tuber section. “If you’re into spuds, this is paradise.” There’s way more than regular russets and yams, at Berkeley Bowl, and Kang loves the rich garnet color of the Dianne sweet potatoes. Anyone who’s obsessed with ube should stick a fork into the deep dark purple fluff of the Japanese variety, which make for a show-stopping, kid-pleasing mash.
Dried Ruby Royal Apricots, Bulk Foods
The bulk foods area contains every variety of dried fruit that can shrivel under the sun. She seeks out Ruby Royal apricots, because “they’re so beautiful in color, and not too sweet and also tart, like a gummy bear.”
Honey Roasted Peanut Butter, Bulk Foods
The nuts are nuts, including a wide spread of freshly ground nut butters, from cashew and pistachio to hazelnut-chocolate. Kang is the kind of mom who sticks to unsweetened, but the most popular peanut butter does have a rich roasted flavor with a touch of honey.
Nutritional Yeast, Bulk Foods
Usually seen in the wild in small shakers, here nutritional yeast comes in a voluminous tub. Shovel out as much as your heart desires for a sprinkle of golden color and “cheesy” flavor without any actual dairy. “I have to have it for my hippy popcorn,” Kang said.
Applewood Smoked Bacon, Meat
In addition to the legendary produce, Berkeley Bowl also has a full-service butcher counter. Kang points out the house bacon, crusted in black pepper, smoked in sweet applewood, and cut thick.
Labne Cheese, Dairy
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Part of the fun is finding and trying new items, and a blue-and-white tub of fresh labne was a pleasant surprise. Somewhere between a yogurt and cream cheese, “It’s so good. And it’s cheap!” She dollops it on a plate, drizzles with olive oil, and sprinkles with aleppo, dill, mint and flaky salt, then digs in with cucumbers or crackers.
Midwife & Baker Country Sourdough, Bread
There’s an array of artisan sourdough from across the Bay, without having to cross bridges or wait in bakery lines. Kang can’t get over the country sourdough from Midwife and Baker in Mountain View, where they freshly mill their own grains, unlocking incredible aromas and flavors.
B-Dama Onigiri, Prepared Foods
Trailing after the cart, her little girls only get excited for onigiri snacks. “Onigiri is our jam,” Kang said. “Our treat is usually B-Dama.” The popular izakaya folds spicy salmon and sweet eel into perfect rice triangles. And the cool packaging manages to keep the seaweed separate and crackly.
Tony’s Chocolate, Candy & Chocolate
“Maybe just duck your head into the chocolate aisle on the way out,” she advised. Her personal reward is one last bar of Tony’s chocolate, either milk or dark, flecked with caramel and sea salt.
Not sure where to start? Click back for a guide to how to shop like a pro at Berkeley Bowl, all the inside scoop on what to know before you go.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHICH
