NWR: best place to buy herbs/spices in bay area?

C

Christian Miller (CMM)

Christian Miller
Since we have a significant contingent of SF Bay area foodies/cooks here - I'm seeking opinions on the best place to buy dried herbs and spices to assemble in a gift box for someone in the family. Looking for French & Mediterranean, not just Indian or Thai. Any recommendations?

Thanks,

Christian
 
Check out the Oaktown Spice Shop, in Oakland. Their web site is limited, but a telephone call could probably get what you're looking for.
 
originally posted by Christian Miller (CMM):
originally posted by Jim Hanlon:
originally posted by Cory Cartwright:
Oaktown Spice Shop has just about everything you'd need.
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You can say that again, Cory.
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Thanks guys, this looks promising.
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Yup, Oaktown was the place to go. We got some really interesting aromatic Turkish Marash pepper, a nice Cajun herb-spice blend, an ultra foresty-shroomy porcini salt, and some excellent dried oregano (and I say that as someone who usually prefers fresh herbs). Remarkable collection of various black peppers. Very nice staff and the manager (owner/partner?) seems extremely knowledgeable. Great little store - thanks again!
 
Think this would be a good place to buy saffron? It's expensive to begin with, but if you're going to spend a lot, I guess it's best to get the good stuff.
 
My guess would be yes. I didn't examine the saffron closely, but they had several on offer. All of the herbs/spices we sniffed or sampled were quite pungent and seemed of good quality except for a somewhat dull Italian blend.
 
Rainbow Grocery in S.F
The dried herbs and spices are very fresh, everything in bulk, and much of the selection is organic. They also have an excellent selection of bulk salts and teas.

Brad
 
haven't been in about 5 years but lhasa karnak herb co. on telegraph in berkeley always had fresh indian and north african stuff (as well as botanicals for those into making bitters and tinctures).

second vote for rainbow, which also sells a wide range of rancho gordo beans in bulk.
 
I called Oaktown Spice Shop from work to talk about buying saffron. I finished by saying, "I'll probably get a couple of grams of the Moroccan." I got strange looks from coworkers when I hung up the phone.
 
originally posted by SteveTimko:
I called Oaktown Spice Shop from work to talk about buying saffron. I finished by saying, "I'll probably get a couple of grams of the Moroccan." I got strange looks from coworkers when I hung up the phone.
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Just envious.
 
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