From The Source

Capricious Aged Goat Cheese Capricious is a rippled-rind 7-pound...

Sat, 04 May 2013 01:13:43 -0700

Capricious Aged Goat Cheese

Capricious is a rippled-rind 7-pound goat’s milk cheese aged up to 12 months. It has peppery, mushroom flavors that remind me of the aged goat cheeses of France.

Via: Grand Lake Farmers Market Oakland, California

Source: Achadinha Cheese Company Petaluma, California

Leccino Olives This olive is always associated with the Tuscan...

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:19:00 -0700

Leccino Olives

This olive is always associated with the Tuscan region of Italy. The oil from this olive has a wonderful balance and complexity, it is also often blended.

Source: Relais Genius Loci Country Inn Bevagna, Unbria, Italy

Sagrantino Grapes We were so fortunate to stay with...

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 23:41:00 -0700

Sagrantino Grapes

We were so fortunate to stay with Mary, Maurizio and Michael, the owners of Relais Genius Loci Country Inn in Bevagna, Umbria. As gracious hosts, they are proud to make and serve their guests wine made from these grape which is truly unique and delicious. From the beautifully appointed rooms with spectacular views of the rolling hills of Montefalco, this inn is a slice of heaven!

Sagrantino is an Italian grape variety that is indigenous to the region of Umbria in Central Italy. It is grown primarily in the village of Montefalco and its surrounding areas, with only 250 acres (1.0 km2) dedicated to the grape in the hands of about 25 producers. With such small production, the wine is not widely known outside of Italy, even though it was granted DOCG status in 1991. The grape is one of the most tannic varieties in the world, and creates wines that are inky purple with an almost-black center.

Source: Relais Genius Loci Country Inn Bevagna, Unbria, Italy

Baguette This baguette has a wonderful crunchy crust and flavor....

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:09:14 -0800

Baguette

This baguette has a wonderful crunchy crust and flavor. Another tasty addition to the growing San Francisco bread culture. I used to think Portland had the best breads in the west, but now we are seeing an explosion of choices in the bay area that benefits all bread lovers.

Source: Craftsman and Wolves San Francisco, California

Perfect Pomegranate Native to the area of modern-day Iraq, Iran,...

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 09:39:00 -0800

Perfect Pomegranate

Native to the area of modern-day Iraq, Iran, and Pakistan, the pomegranate has been cultivated in the Caucasus Mountains and Persia since ancient times. From there it spread to Asian areas such as the Caucasus as well as the Himalayas in Northern India.Today, it is widely cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region of southern Europe, the Middle East, northern Africa and tropical Africa, the Indian subcontinent and the drier parts of southeast Asia. Introduced into Latin America and California by Spanish settlers in 1769, pomegranate is also cultivated in parts of California and Arizona.

Via: Ferry Building Marketplace San Francisco, California

Friendo Blendo Espresso Blend The Honduras Lurvin, a blend of...

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 07:23:44 -0800

Friendo Blendo Espresso Blend

The Honduras Lurvin, a blend of lots from around the city of San Marcos, provides body and a sweet base. The Ethiopia Gole counterbalances this weight with cantaloupe, grape, and honey floral notes. A sprinkling of our favorite Guatemalan coffee of the season adds a touch of effervescence, suggesting agua fresca and red currant spritzer—great summer flavors. This all equals one seriously delicious cup.

Source: FOURBARREL San Francisco, California

Finocchiona sbriciolona This salami is from Dario...

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:55:00 -0800

Finocchiona sbriciolona

This salami is from Dario Cecchini’s butcher shop in Panzano in Chianti. It’s simply just delicious, so much flavor. A little bread and some Finocchiona and you are tasting the essence of Tuscany.

Finocchiona, supposedly owes its origins to a thief at a fair near the town of Prato, who stole a fresh salami and hid it in a stand of wild fennel. When he returned much later, he found it had absorbed the aromas of the fennel and transformed the salumi into a wonderful mix of fennel and pork.

Via: Antica Macelleria Cecchini Panzano in Chianti, Florence, Italy

Source: Dario Cecchini, Panzano in Chianti, Florence, Italy

Italian Olives on Olive Wood This is truly a special place...

Sat, 05 Jan 2013 10:50:00 -0800

Italian Olives on Olive Wood

This is truly a special place created by Susan McKenna Grant. On one of the highest farms in the Chianti Classico zone, La Petraia is located in the very heart of Tuscany’s oldest wine region. The estate comprises 65 hectares including vineyards, olive and heirloom fruit trees, vegetable gardens and an ancient chestnut grove. They raise their own Cinta Senese pigs, sheep, rabbits, Val D’Arno chicken, ducks, geese, pigeons, quail, guinea hens and turkeys.

If you are visiting Tuscany, please consider staying with Susan for a truly unique culinary experience with a friendly staff, four unique rooms and a unbelievably beautiful setting.

Source: Agriturismo La Petraia Radda in Chianti, Italia

Fruit + Nut Press This press maintains the essence of the fruits...

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 07:28:00 -0800

Fruit + Nut Press

This press maintains the essence of the fruits in harmony with a selection of roasted almonds, pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts. Naturally dried organic plums grown locally at Scott Farms and organic apples from Fair Hills Farms. This is one seriously delicious and beautiful mix of fruit and nuts, try it.

Via: Salumeria San Francisco, California

Source: Grace & I Los Angeles, California

Saucisson Provençal Sub Rosa Saucisson Provençal owes its...

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 09:56:00 -0800

Saucisson Provençal

Sub Rosa Saucisson Provençal owes its delicate flavor and aroma to a subtle blend of dried herbs: savory, fennel, basil, thyme, and a touch of aromatic lavender. Rosé wine, white pepper and garlic complete the scene. This is just delicious, full of rich flavors. If you love salumi, you have to contact David and try it for yourself.

Source: Sub Rosa Salumi Artigianale Napa, California

Spinners (a.k.a. Conchiglioni) Spinners are big shells with...

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 22:46:00 -0800

Spinners (a.k.a. Conchiglioni)

Spinners are big shells with ridges that make a great addition to meat sauces, soups or as the base of a wonderful salad. They resemble “gnocchi napoletani” and the extensive cavity with the added ridges will give depth to thick sauces like a ragu’ bolognese.

Via: Heath Ceramics San Francisco, California

Source: Baia Pasta Oakland, California

Please join us next Friday for an art opening of my newest...

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:24:02 -0800

Please join us next Friday for an art opening of my newest endeavor and passion, From the Source.

The opening will feature black and white prints from my project; many of the featured local purveyors will be sampling their goods.

Looks to be an exciting evening!

December 7th 5-8pm

18 Reasons

3674 18th Street

San Francisco, CA

Palle Del Nonno This is a salumi from Norcia which is the pork /...

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 16:08:00 -0800

Palle Del Nonno

This is a salumi from Norcia which is the pork / black truffle capital of Italy. This is a sausage stuffed into a natural casing with a particular shape, which gives it’s unusual name to the product (you can translate). An excellent salami of pork, medium-grained, slightly smoked and seasoned with salt and pepper using only natural seasonings. We visited Norcia in September and spent a delicious day sampling the local goods.

Source: Moscatelli Tartufo Norcia, Umbria, Italy

Loquat The loquat is comparable with its distant relative, the...

Sun, 04 Nov 2012 21:39:00 -0800

Loquat

The loquat is comparable with its distant relative, the apple, in many aspects, with a high sugar, acid and pectin content. It is eaten as a fresh fruit and mixes well with other fruits in fresh fruit salads or fruit cups. Firm, slightly immature fruits are best for making pies or tarts. The fruits are also commonly used to make jam, jelly, and chutney, and are often served poached in light syrup.

Via: Diablo Foods Lafayette, California

Chocolate Croissant Stack Three layers of flaky croissant dough,...

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 09:52:00 -0700

Chocolate Croissant Stack

Three layers of flaky croissant dough, cut in squares, layered with dark chocolate. What more do you need to know. Try one, maybe two!

Source: Craftsman and Wolves San Francisco, California

Dandelion Dark Chocolate Bar Using cacao beans from the...

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 09:48:55 -0700

Dandelion Dark Chocolate Bar

Using cacao beans from the Sambirano valley of Madagascar, Cameron Ring and Todd Masonis created this beautiful chocolate with a firm snap, smooth texture and bright flavors. They made this bar from their third set of beans from the Akesson plantation in Madagascar. It has a bold, ripe flavor with a pleasant sourness. Like their other Madagascar batches, it has some wonderful red fruit notes of strawberries and cherries. Delicious and worth seeking out.

Via: Salumeria San Francisco, California

Source: Dandelion Chocolate San Francisco, California

Potatoes fresh from the earth Potatoes were introduced outside...

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 12:53:00 -0700

Potatoes fresh from the earth

Potatoes were introduced outside the Andes region four centuries ago, and have become an integral part of much of the world’s cuisine. Potatoes are the world’s fourth-largest food crop.

These potatoes were right out of the ground, they are crisp and have a beautiful flavor. Just roast with olive oil and your favorite herbs and salt.

Source: Terra Firma CCOF Winters, California

Heirloom Tomatoes Heirloom tomato cultivars can be found in a...

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:52:11 -0700

Heirloom Tomatoes

Heirloom tomato cultivars can be found in a wide variety of colors, shapes, flavors and sizes. Some of the most famous examples include San Marzano, brandywine, Gardener’s Delight, Lollypop, Cherokee purple, Mortgage Lifter, Black Krim, Amish Paste, Aunt Ruby’s German Green, Big Rainbow, Chocolate Cherry, redcurrant, Three Sisters.

Via: Grand Lake Farmers Market Oakland, California

Panevino No. 6 Grissini These bread sticks are hand made and are...

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 09:42:50 -0700

Panevino No. 6 Grissini

These bread sticks are hand made and are so good, try them with soft cheese, salads and soups or just eat them. You can taste the extra care that goes into making these delicious bread sticks.

Via: Salumeria San Francisco, California

Source: Panevino St. Helena, California

Cochon Butcher house cured meat The next time you’re...

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 08:40:00 -0700

Cochon Butcher house cured meat

The next time you’re in New Orleans you must visit Cochon and Butcher, Cochon was the best meal I had on my visit. The restaurant is set in a rustic, yet contemporary interior of a renovated New Orleans warehouse. Cochon Butcher is a tribute to Old World butcher and charcuterie shops. A must visit.

Source: Cochon New Orleans, Louisiana