To classify Jones & Bones Unlimited as an eclectic shop would not do justice to the character of this long-established Capitola treasure. For more than 25 years it has been specializing in the simple service-oriented values that should define a locally owned and operated business. It has a diverse selection of unique home, gourmet and garden goods. It's really one of those shops that's at least worth a visit just to see what's in stock (and don't forget to say hi to Patches, the shop kitty). Before gourmet cooking was a reality-television phenomenon, Jones & Bones was a pioneer in the art of olive oil and balsamic vinegar tastings for the Bay Area. Since 1984 people have been able to refine their palettes at Jones & Bones with gourmet tastings of olive oil, balsamic vinegars, salts and sauces. The popularity of the shop has led to a widespread fan base known all over California and beyond. Publications such as Town & Country, Food & Wine, Cigar Afficianado and Wine Spectator have recognized the one-of-a-kind personality of Jones & Bones Unlimited.
Family and locally owned, Draeger's has become a staple for Bay Area residents seeking the finest food products. This Menlo Park branch is no exception, as the colossal two-story store, located on the corner of University Dr. and Menlo Ave., has just about everything a foodie could ask for.
There is meat department with a wide selection of top-quality meats, a seafood department featuring the freshest catches (including live lobsters, crab, trout and a sushi bar), and a produce department with a large selection of California produce. In addition, Draeger's has a mouthwatering bakery, and a delicatessen with delicious prepared salads and entrees.
Draeger's also has an extensive selection of wines, as well as foreign beers which are hard-to-find elsewhere, such as Tiger Beer from Vietnam and Tsin Tao from China.
If that wasn't enough, Draeger's provides a catering service and offers cooking classes, which you can sign up for online.
If you are feeling a bit like the Cookie Monster, this is the place to be. In this bright and sunny storefront candy house, select from an entire bakery case of more than 30 different cookies made from scratch. Consider snickerdoodle, chocolate chip, peanut butter and oatmeal.
Customers report that cookies are "thick, chewy and taste incredible." Toffee nuts is a classic seller, but ice cream sandwiches move in a hurry during Elk Grove's hot summer days and nights.
India Sweets and Spices is located on Venice Boulevard, near the corner of Main, on the north side of the street. This standalone grocery store and restaurant specializes in vegetarian and vegan food. As the name suggests, the grocery offers a wide selection of spices, as well as other traditional Indian items. The restaurant, primarily comprised of outdoor seating, focuses on south Indian specialties, but also offers an array of combo specials, hot dishes and appetizers. Options include ten different kinds of dosas, as well as sambhar, paratha and puri. It also offers catering and delivery.
Napa Nuts Etc. is located right off of California Boulevard. The company specializes in nuts and trail mixes, granola, pitted dates and prunes, dried tropical fruit like pineapples and bananas, strawberries, cherries and much more. Napa Nuts also offers shipping around the world.
It's not just home of the world's longest garlic braid--Gilroy's Garlic World also boasts a variety of locally-sourced products and produce that celebrate the town's agricultural heritage. Its "Christopher Ranch" sauces are a hit.
Salads Galore specializes in pasta salads, tofu, tapenades, spreads, soups, sauces and specialty items. Everything is prepared, packaged and made to order with the freshest ingredients. To place an order, the wholesaler can be reached by telephone. This location specifically is that of the warehouse wholesaler. The restaurant itself is located in Encino, CA, and is open seven days a week, for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Olive Press is an olive oil company with a retail location in Sonoma at the Jacuzzi Family Winery. The company specializes in selling fresh, extra virgin olive oils, all made from locally produced ingredients. The Olive Press offers complimentary tastes for customers at its Sonoma tasting room. It also sells other products including vinegars, sauces, condiments, bath and body products, cookbooks, utensils, cruets, artisan pastas and sea salt chocolates. Customized gift baskets are also available for order.
