32 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 4, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com LOCAL SHOPPING In the time he has owned Nielsen Brothers Market in Carmel, which is closing in on a year, Michael Cohen has observed that tourists seek out local products—wine, certainly, but also jam, olive oil and other goods. When it comes to the holiday season, Monterey County residents also turn to food items produced locally as gifts. And there is a lot to choose from. The county is known, of course, for its produce. But shoppers can also find fruitcake rivaling the famed Collin Street Bakery in Texas at New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur. Carmel Honey Company set up shops in its home city and on Cannery Row in Monterey. Schoch Family Farmstead north of Salinas is known for its cheese. Besides owning Other Brother Beer Company in Seaside, Evan Loewy produces Like Family extra virgin olive oil. “People like the experience, knowing where their food comes from,” says Shaana Rahman, chair of the board for the California Olive Oil Council, reflecting on the growing interest in farm-to-table—or in this case farm-tounder-the-tree—shopping. The list of small producers, such as Bigoli Fresh Pasta in Sand City, and cottage food operations is a lengthy one, with everything from salt to nuts created locally. Chef Michele Cremonese and his team at Bigoli prepare pasta and sauces for area restaurants, but they also open a shop on weekdays with a selection of fresh and dry pasta available to consumers. Some of the items can be found online and perhaps in unexpected locations. Chocolatier and baker Sura Ghassan’s confections under the Sama Delights label can be shipped directly—although with a warning, the chocolates are very delicate—or purchased at Mopane in the Carmel Crossroads, a shop otherwise devoted to African clothing, decor and other goods. Often the best place to find local products is at farmers markets. And perhaps that is one of the delights in shopping for local foods. It’s shopping at a more leisurely pace, with a bit of Monterey County scenery as a bonus. Several neighborhood groceries also keep a few local items on hand, such as Star Market in Salinas and Jerome’s Village Market in Carmel Valley. Specialty shops also exist. One can purchase honey, salt and other goods produced at Carmel Valley Ranch at the resort’s shop. So it’s an opportunity to break from the rut of big box shopping and go small. As Chloe Dolata of Elroy’s Fine Foods in Monterey says, “It’s a pleasure to have local products.” DANIEL DRIEFUSS Food Thoughts With so much to choose from, there are plenty of opportunities to give local foods. By Dave Faries In an area as large as Monterey County, the food items produced locally are just as diverse. Finding them is a quest that takes time, but is incredibly rewarding. f o rP ee rvfe ercyt cPeal ierb irnagtsi o n www.folKtalewinery.coM
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==