Little Shop Girl-Recommendations

I have closed my Amazon Shop for a couple of reasons.  First, it really wasn’t generating that much traffic.  Second, I want to encourage everyone to support their local independent book stores and small businesses that have the unenviable task of competing with big corporations.

So my Amazon store (Buh-bye Bezos) is gone, BUT Wes’s Woodworking Store remains! Feel free to check out what a retired physician does with his time!  If you have questions or like a particular piece, contact us!

It’s the David versus Goliath Story

In place of my shop, I will continue to make product and book recommendations, and suggestions for where to find ingredients.  Starting with my favorite passion, cookbooks. Here is a rundown of some of my favorite book stores that you should checkout.

In Los Angeles please check out Now Serving LA.  Located in Chinatown, it is a labor of love started by a former chef at Spago’s and his wife and partner.  It is the only bookstore dedicated to cooking left in Los Angeles.  They also carry culinary tools and ceramics and hold book signings for small niche books and the latest cookbooks.  If I still lived in Los Angeles, I would be hanging out there 24-7, they know their stuff!  While you’re in Chinatown,  stop for some Almond Cookies from legacy business Phoenix Bakery a couple of blocks down.  A hop skip and a jump away is Grand Central Market, you won’t want to miss an opportunity to visit.  Sooo much good food!

In the Bay Area

My absolute favorite cookbook store in “The City” is Omnivore Books.  Vintage cookbooks and all the latest cookbooks tucked into this tiny power-packed store.  Like Now Serving LA, Omnivore is a must-stop for cookbook authors.  Pre-COVID, Celia hosted an annual cookie contest, you could bake a batch or for 5 dollars be a taster.  So much fun.  Perhaps one day soon she will be able to revive the contest.

Books Inc. (Free delivery!).  Multiple outlets, a great bookstore.  I was in one the other day and perused their sale books.  I picked up two books, Jubilee and Maman, both cookbooks that had been on my radar.  At 50% off it seemed like a steal.  I chatted with the guy at the checkout who told me they actually make quite a bit on on-sale books.  They buy overruns and books just off the scene for a few dollars and sell at 50% for a nice profit.  So good to know!  Here I was thinking they would be making less.  From now on I am definitely perusing their sale section!

A little further away, is the iconic institution, Powell’s City of Books in Portland, Oregon.  A book extravaganza.

Asian Ingredients

Luckily, in the Bay Area, there are a plethora of Asian Markets.  In San Francisco, head to Chinatown for fresh produce and Chinese ingredients.  On Clement Street in the Richmond district, a ton of Chinese delis and markets cater to this side of the city. In Japantown, there is Nijiya Market and Super Mira.  Both have a wide selection of Asian groceries and delicious take-out sushi and cooked food.

A relatively recent addition to SF is the Korean market H-Mart.  A nationwide chain, H-Mart is nothing short of amazing for Korean groceries and deli food.  Before H-Mart, there was and is Kukje Market, a stone’s throw away from H-Mart.  It is the OG Korean market in SF.  An extensive grocery department, deli food, and restaurant that is pretty darn good that keep folks going there despite H-Mart.

In San Jose and the South Bay there are plenty of Asian Markets.  Mitsuwa for Japanese groceries (it is an ok market, not great), H-Mart, Hankook Market (my favorite), and Kyo-Po Market.  There are multiple Ranch 99 Markets in San Jose including a new one in Oakridge Mall (it’s huge).

Bucket lists

While you are there…

The following places in or around J-Town for some good grubs:

Hinodeya or Marafuku for Ramen, Daeho for Korean Shortrib Stew, Mugizo for Udon, and for coffee and pastries, DO NOT miss out on Jina Bakes.

Do not miss Yasukochi’s Sweet Stop for their iconic Coffee Crunch Cake.  Have a slice for me, my all-time favorite cake.

For Japanese dishes and cookware, check out Soko Hardware in the Buchanan Mall next to Japan Center in SF. For beautiful ceramic dishes and nifty items, I love Sanko Kitchen Essentials, also in the Buchanan Plaza.

In the Richmond District:  Stop by Good Luck Dim Sum for down-homestyle dumplings and bao or check out Lokma for brunch.  Get their dips and pita, so good.  For Peking Duck, check out Chili House.

In my biased opinion. The pastry scene is amazing.  SF is King for Kouign Amanns.  Check out the following places.

B Patisserie

Arsicault

French Spot

Breadbelly

Neighbor Bakehouse

Pineapple King Bakery for Hong Kong-style Pineapple Buns!

Juniper Cafe on Polk

 

My head is spinning and my stomach rumbling..here is Eater’s list to help you navigate the essential bakeries of SF!

Enjoy!