Happy Labor Day weekend! We're taking time to celebrate all the incredible work from Provisions merchants across the country -- and in that spirit, we're giving away a package of 7 of our favorite regional Provisions products! Read on for the details.Â
Update! Congratulations to our winner, Cameron Roszkowski -- enjoy your taste of Provisions!
Many of you will be spending Labor Day weekend soaking up the last lazy days of summer. Maybe you’ll be on the rocky shore of Maine, eating lobster rolls and black raspberry ice cream cones. Or maybe you’ll travel down South for peach cobbler and mint juleps.
Shop the Story
We wish we could travel everywhere at once. Since we can't, we're reflecting on the past year we've spent tasting and finding products from every region of the U.S. And we’re celebrating with a little virtual road trip: Here are a few merchants from the West Coast to the East, who have made our kitchens and homes brighter, more beautiful, and infinitely tastier.Â
The East Coast
Maine Mussels Tea Towel & Vermont Farmer’s Pitcher
Eat NYC Tote & Welfleet Oyster Knife
The South
Bourbon-Aged Hot Pepper Sauce & Southern Grits
Seersucker Napkins & Moscow Mule Mugs
More: Make your kitchen even more southern.
The Midwest
Cakebox & Jadeite Cake Plate
Wild Thimbleberry Jam & Traditional Popcorn Maker
The West Coast
California Burrito Shirt & Walnut Compost Bin
Portland Fruit Gummies & Frog Hollow Flavor Heart Pluots
Do you know the best Texas barbecue sauce, or the best pottery store in New Mexico? We’re always looking to discover the best regional goods -- whether they're hidden secrets or well-known classics. Comment with your favorite good from anywhere in the U.S. (and tell us why you love it) by Monday, September 1st at 5 PM. One lucky commenter will win a package of 7 of our favorite Provisions picks from around the country.
Photos by James Ransom
Written by: Posie (Harwood) Brien
Popular on Food52
180 Comments
cookinginvictoria
September 1, 2014
Some of my favorite things from my home state (Colorado):
I can never resist delicious and authentic La Casita Tamales (http://www.tamalesbylacasita.net/)
Avalanche goat cheese is also amazing. They make gorgeous, hand-crafted goat cheeses, which have unsurprisingly won lots of awards (http://www.avalanchecheese.com/)
I'd also like to give a shout-out to some of my favorite products from Victoria, BC, where I now live:
I love the unusual array of the organic looseleaf teas at Silk Road Tea (http://www.silkroadteastore.com/), such as Chocolate Panda and Japanese Sour Cherry Tea. They also make a fun Candy Cane tea, at Christmas. Silk Road offers a beautiful collection of teaware, including the most gorgeous pots.
Mira Beans (https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/mirabeans) makes the most lovely, handmade little French Press coffee cosies out of repurposed old sweaters. They are both beautiful and practical.
I can never resist delicious and authentic La Casita Tamales (http://www.tamalesbylacasita.net/)
Avalanche goat cheese is also amazing. They make gorgeous, hand-crafted goat cheeses, which have unsurprisingly won lots of awards (http://www.avalanchecheese.com/)
I'd also like to give a shout-out to some of my favorite products from Victoria, BC, where I now live:
I love the unusual array of the organic looseleaf teas at Silk Road Tea (http://www.silkroadteastore.com/), such as Chocolate Panda and Japanese Sour Cherry Tea. They also make a fun Candy Cane tea, at Christmas. Silk Road offers a beautiful collection of teaware, including the most gorgeous pots.
Mira Beans (https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/mirabeans) makes the most lovely, handmade little French Press coffee cosies out of repurposed old sweaters. They are both beautiful and practical.
Tedde
September 1, 2014
My favorite thing in the world is salsa from Raul's in Encinitas, California. Tastes like home- sunshine, the beach, and good, family-made Mexican food.
Mary D.
September 1, 2014
Blue Chair Jam is just over the bridge from where SF and uses the most wonderful fruits.
natalie
September 1, 2014
As a grown up - Jeni's Ice Cream from Columbus, OH... or one of my childhood favorites - fresh fudge from Mackinac Island in Michigan! :)
Allison
September 1, 2014
Best ice cream in the Boston area- a toss-up between Toscanini's and Christina's!
Stephanie
September 1, 2014
Some of my favorite products make a weekend morning complete: Anson Mills grits and Jittery Joe's coffee from Athens, Ga.
a.b.
September 1, 2014
Nothing says "Thank you," "Welcome," "Happy Holidays," or gives me nostalgia of my grandmamas more than a box of assorted See's Candies. It's like Forrest says, "...you never know what yur gonna get."
Courtney
September 1, 2014
Western Washington's prolific blackberries (urban foraging! berry picking by the seashore! in the forest!). I know many folks consider them a weed, but they are what makes me look forward to the end of summer.
amylou61
September 1, 2014
Krema Nut Company here in Columbus, Ohio has some very tasty snack mixes, nut butters, candies and more, but my favorite of there products are the Butter Toffee Peanuts. They are the perfect combination of sweet and salty.
Link: http://www.krema.com/Butter-Toffee-Peanuts-16oz-Bag/productinfo/PEABUT/
Link: http://www.krema.com/Butter-Toffee-Peanuts-16oz-Bag/productinfo/PEABUT/
sweetlolo
September 1, 2014
Doves and Figs jams made in Arlington, MA using lots if fresh, local fruits and honey
Julie S.
September 1, 2014
Tempura Fried Goat Cheese in local honey with cracked pepper at The Warehouse Cleveland, Mississippi
oregon C.
September 1, 2014
For blue cheese fans, Rogue Creamery's Rogue River Blue cheese is wrapped in local grape leaves that have been soaked in pear brandy -- the best cheese ever (perfect served with so many of our local Southen Oregon wines). The Creamery also sells "Blue Heaven" -- a bottle of dried, powdered blue cheese to sprinkle on popcorn.
Becky M.
August 31, 2014
My Mason Bar Company wide mouth tumbler lid. Made in the good ol' US of A. I love to have a vintage mason jar in hand and think about the women who once used it to store provisions for their families year round. It's a modern way to feel a connection with women of the past.
Kim B.
August 31, 2014
Thinly sliced Coppa Rossa from St. Louis's most-excellent Salume Beddu (http://www.salumebeddu.com/Menu.html) curled around juicy, grilled Eckert's peaches (http://www.eckerts.com/seasonal-farms-crops/eckerts_homegrown_crops/eckerts_homegrown_peaches/). Delightful!
Teresa
August 31, 2014
Bourbon barrel cake and bourbon maple nut cookies from Kentucky Woods in Louisville.
Lynn L.
August 31, 2014
South River Miso Company in Conway, Mass makes the most delicious miso. Take a look. Www.southrivermiso.com
claireinaustin
August 31, 2014
The Driskoll Blend black tea from www.teaembassy.co
Also anything from Dai Due: http://www.daidue.com/
And chocolate or almond croissants from Easy Tiger bakery: http://www.easytigeraustin.com/
Also anything from Dai Due: http://www.daidue.com/
And chocolate or almond croissants from Easy Tiger bakery: http://www.easytigeraustin.com/
Hannah R.
August 31, 2014
My favorite product from down here in Austin, Texas, is a Blood Orange Lavender Honey Marmalade from The Jelly Queens, an urban, award-winning gourmet jelly shop! I love not only the unique (and delicious) flavor combination, but also the fact that they use locally grown, organic ingredients, and make the products in small batches. It's my favorite find in a foodie city like Austin!
Melissa
August 31, 2014
Ballard Farmers Market on Sunday in Seattle. Beautiful produce and treats plus the wonderful neighborhood shops like Lucca and Clover.
Genevieve K.
August 31, 2014
The fish ceviche and smoked salmon at Point Loma Seafoods in San Diego, CA. It's worth the wait in line!
KBV
August 31, 2014
Eric and Phineas at welovejam make a Fukushu kumquat marmalade that has an outrageous flavor. Small batches, homemade, and a labor of love to make!
Marsha G.
August 31, 2014
Twin Oaks tofu from Louisa, Virginia, Daisy sour cream. Graves Mountain apple butter spread from Syria, Virginia.
Axy
August 31, 2014
Mt. Tam triple cream from Cowgirl Creamery in Northern California...and of course Heath Ceramics
Rorey
August 31, 2014
Being from Portland, Or. I have to say Secret Aardvark sauce is the best local product hands down. I am an international school teacher and my suitcase is always packed with a years supply.
Kimberly R.
August 31, 2014
Here in Lancaster, PA whoopie pies are the sweet treat we turn to when a chocolate craving hits!
Jan W.
August 31, 2014
Lemon Curd from Beth's Farmhouse Kitchen is some of the best Lemon Curd I've ever tasted. Also anything from Nils Wessell at Brooklyn Butcher Blocks (his workshop is two blocks away from my apartment) - especially the cutting boards and maple walnut breadboard, superb craftsmanship!
Donna B.
August 31, 2014
Apples are now ready in the Midwest. What could possibly be better than Apple Pie or my favorite Apple Bars using cornflakes. Food is so regional and right now with the arrival of apples I will be taking them all in.
Sj D.
August 31, 2014
Love the cake box and stand as nothing epitomises the grandeur of the American celebrations more than an OTT cake!
karencooks
August 31, 2014
Good Greens Bars from Cleveland, Ohio. They are delicious, provide 100% of your daily fruit and vegetable requirement, vegan and gluten-free.
Cameron R.
August 31, 2014
I love the bourbon barrel product line - they have soy sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper all aged in used bourbon barrels that impart wonderful flavor!
Erin
August 31, 2014
Since I'm from Kansas, I'm going to have to do something from this area, since I know it best! Kansas City is known for their BBQ, and specifically I'd say Gate's BBQ sauce is one that is needed to check out!
Jennifer
August 31, 2014
The pretzel bread from Little T Bakers here in Portland, Oregon is delicious with sweet or savory. Another local favorite for kitchen ware is Pigeon Toe ceramics.
Rita
August 31, 2014
I love bequet confections (Montana), particularly the sea salt caramel chocolate ones. Delicious and satisfying.
Zombidanse
August 31, 2014
All of the products offered by Juniper Ridge- incense, soap, everything. They'd make a great addition to Provisions.
SXNW
August 30, 2014
I really enjoy my LamsonSharp Batard Folding Picnic Knife for when I have some large breads to cut through or just need more heft than smaller knives.
Sarah
August 30, 2014
The best bagels in the United States come from Hot Bagels on Teaneck Road in my hometown of Teaneck, New Jersey, a suburb seven miles northwest of New York City. The rye bagel is unbelievable, but all are served fresh and still warm! My siblings and I, who all live in different regions of the country now, stock up by the dozen whenever we visit our parents!
IreneR
August 30, 2014
Take a hunk of bread from Easy Tiger Bakeshop in Austin, Texas, smear it with small-batch almond ginger butter (or just plain peanut butter) from Big Spoon Roasters in Durham, North Carolina, and top that with a spoonful of wild plum jam from Confituras in Austin, Texas. We had this at SXSW and it was your basic PBJ reconsidered.
Tierney
August 30, 2014
I love Red Wing Pottery, from my hometown of Red Wing, MN. They have great crocks for pickling and fermenting.
Francisco C.
August 30, 2014
I'm right now based in LA, but I spent a year in Ithaca NY and could not get enough from a small local company called Vegan Epicure. Their TEMPEH taste phenomenal, and I've not been able to find their quality since.
Nancy S.
August 30, 2014
Raspberry Soft-Freeze ice cream from C&J's restaurant in Valley Bend, WV. It's been my favorite since the early 60's. It was Bell's Dairy King then but the ice cream has stayed the same all this time and we always stop in when we go back home.
sparkplug
August 30, 2014
Colorado Peaches - Super sweet & juicy! August is by far my favorite month in Colorado. I've heard that it's the warm days & cool nights that concentrates the sugars. I don't really care what makes it happen, I just know that I can't get enough of them!
Gibson2011
August 30, 2014
Wabash's Barbecue Sauce from Excelsior Springs, MO. Right outside of Kansas City. We'll be visiting soon and leaving plenty of space in our luggage for a few bottles to take home.
Jessie J.
August 30, 2014
Doc's Draft Hard Apple Cider from Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery in NY -- the original is a perfect dry cider, and their Pear cider is wonderful too.
Jared
August 30, 2014
Little Bay Jams beach plum jelly from Cape Cod! Handpicked & handmade and so delicious.
Bo M.
August 30, 2014
Rudy's BBQ Sause (not a typo) from Texas. Are there better bbq joints with better sauce? I'm sure of it. But Rudy's Sause has a particular blend of sweetness, heat, and vinegary tartness that just rolls up all the key flavors of my childhood in the Hill Country.
Michele H.
August 30, 2014
My mom is from Silver City, NM and I LOVE New Mexican Dried Red Chile powder, it makes THE best homemade enchilada sauce!
Jo
August 30, 2014
Copper River salmon - a perfect, oily, bright, and colorful fish. We watch for it in the markets every year. The fish comes from the Copper River and Prince William Sound in Alaska.
Fairmount_market
August 30, 2014
The Willamette Valley in Oregon is growing some amazing grains. The Red Fife heirloom flour from Camas Country Mill (http://www.camascountrymill.com/shop/red-fife-heirloom-wheat-flour) is an amazing whole grain flour for breads (one local baker described it to me as "the crack of flour"). And I love the emmer from Lonesome Whistle Farm: (http://lonesome-whistle.myshopify.com/products/emmer-ancient-grain-emmer-farro)
Assonta W.
August 30, 2014
I love the Hot Scotch Toddy flavored coffee (beans or ground) from Olive Branch coffee company in Alamogordo, NM. It's so smooth and perfectly addicting!
Burf
August 30, 2014
The kielbasa at the Underground Butcher in Madison WI. You'll never look at ring bologna the same.
Andrea L.
August 30, 2014
Bat McElrath salty dog chocolate bars, with dark chocolate, sea salt, and toffee. Made in Minneapolis, Minnesota and absolutely delicious.
Lisa K.
August 30, 2014
In Philadelphia Franklin Fountain, an old-school ice cream parlor makes their own incredibly decadent hot fudge sauce. (They also have it in jars to take home) The place old fashioned that I think I saw Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross' ghosts sharing a banana split.
CaseyAnne
August 30, 2014
I love Effie's Handmade Biscuits because they pair well with both sweet and savory foods. It is hard to choose just one product, because I am dedicated to looking for local ingredients.
Monika J.
August 30, 2014
The salami at Salume Beddu in Saint Louis. Not where you would expect to find great salami makers, but there you go.
Tim D.
August 30, 2014
Charleston Artisan Cheese House --- So Brooklyn but in South Carolina. Everything is changing.
Nicole
August 30, 2014
Most are surprised to learn that along with fresh water fish, cheese and cranberries, Wisconsin has a very strong winery community too!
Heather G.
August 30, 2014
Any of the amazing, small woodworking shops tucked away in Berea, Kentucky. Beautiful bread cutting board, tapered wooden rolling pin, and spreading knives made from various types of wood make up my Berea collection. As yet...
Tara B.
August 30, 2014
Cheese Shop of Centrebrook, Centerbrook CT. The variety of cheeses, both international and American are amazing and their staff is friendly and passionate about their trade.
Nickolle L.
August 30, 2014
I love the deep chocolate richness of Fat Witch brownies from Chelsea market in NYC.
Sunny Y.
August 29, 2014
Whoops, I had meant Josey Baker at The Mill: http://www.sfgate.com/recipes/article/Josey-Baker-builds-a-life-of-bread-5484683.php
Mayra P.
August 29, 2014
Artisana Organic Coconut Butter made In Oakland,Ca. I add it to smoothies! My kids love it!
Mary N.
August 29, 2014
IceMilk Aprons from Atlanta! They're stylish and practical. I adore all of their products!
Marykaybob A.
August 29, 2014
Fresh organic coconut chips from The Organic Gourmet Deli!
I don't even like coconut til lately but these chips are good sprinkled over the top of almost anything especially a yogurt parfait! MARY KAYS Catering
I don't even like coconut til lately but these chips are good sprinkled over the top of almost anything especially a yogurt parfait! MARY KAYS Catering
wisekaren
August 29, 2014
I periodically send "New England style" hot dog rolls to a friend in Seattle. I've lived in Boston all my life, so it never occurred to me that hot dog rolls look any different elsewhere!
Rosebuddd
August 29, 2014
Lienerts Honey from Sacramento, CA ...so many varieties, its hard to choose just one.
NancyS
August 29, 2014
Lobster fresh from the Lobster Coop in Friendship, Maine....and cooked and eaten at home with family!
Val.zeigler
August 29, 2014
Sweet potatoes at the Double Musky in Girdwood, Alaska. Being from the South I thought I knew sweet potatoes until I had them at Double Musky. They are made with the perfect combination of sweet and savory that melts in your mouth and keeps you coming back time and time again.
Shannon
August 29, 2014
Sea Love Sea Salt from Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina! Can't get that too many places. ; )
Harts52
August 29, 2014
My fav is the jadelite cake plate. My grandmother had many jadelite pieces when I was growing up and I'm now living in her restored home. This cake plate would look lovely in the kitchen where she spent so many hours caring for her large family.
KnochKnoch
August 29, 2014
Cowgirl Creamery's Mt. Tam cheese is my favorite! It's so smooth and delicious in a grilled cheese, blended into Mac and Cheese or eaten on it's own; it never disappoints!
Bela R.
August 29, 2014
The Morning Roll from Macrina bakery in seattle. I also have the cookbook and are delicious baked at home http://macrinabakery.com/blog/
Diana
August 29, 2014
Push Pops from Dolcezza Gelato... freshly made with seasonal ingredients. Throw back to childhood made with good local ingredients.
renderings
August 29, 2014
The blueberry ice cream from Wild Cow Creamery in Maine (using local wild Maine blueberries) is fantastic! (Actually, all of the ice cream from Wild Cow is wonderful...)
Renee W.
August 29, 2014
Sugar cake from Dewey's Bakery in Winston-Salem. It is incredibly good and a holiday favorite, and always brings back memories of home.
emily
August 29, 2014
My current favorite treat is Justin's chocolate hazelnut butter. Great with apples or on its own ... Straight from Boulder CO!
issybee
August 29, 2014
Two staples I always keep on hand: Lopez Island Farm apple cider syrup, because it boosts the flavor of so many deserts, from ice cream sundaes to tarte tatin; and Boat Street pickled raisins because they take a cheese and bread board to the next level effortlessly!
Cindy C.
August 29, 2014
rustic sweet baguette from Acme Bread, Berkeley, CA is arguably the best bread I've ever had in my life!
Audrey
August 29, 2014
I'm from Berkeley, CA and it's a total treasure trove of amazing goods, places to eat, and cultural sights. But I just got back from Bishop, CA and visited a bakery down there, the Great Basin Bakery, and have to say that the scones and bagels I had there were the best I have had in years. (And my mom is a pastry chef so we can't go telling anyone else this!)
I was in Bishop to resupply midway along hiking the John Muir Trail with my boyfriend, and we had gotten off the trail and hitched a ride into town from the trailhead we exited at. The couple who gave us a ride mentioned the bakery when we asked for local places to check out, and it happened to be very close to where we were staying while resupplying in Bishop. Once we got to our motel, we checked in, slept for hours, and at 6am the next day went to Great Basin Bakery: and not only was the baker on-site to answer my questions patiently and in good spirits (I have severe nut allergies and wanted to ask about whether certain goods had nuts in them), but the goodies there were absolutely fantastic. We picked up a few day-old everything bagels to take back on the trail with us, and even those were great two days later!
Total, total regional gem. And really fantastic coffee there, too! Wish I could remember the name of the local roaster who provided the coffee to the bakery.
I was in Bishop to resupply midway along hiking the John Muir Trail with my boyfriend, and we had gotten off the trail and hitched a ride into town from the trailhead we exited at. The couple who gave us a ride mentioned the bakery when we asked for local places to check out, and it happened to be very close to where we were staying while resupplying in Bishop. Once we got to our motel, we checked in, slept for hours, and at 6am the next day went to Great Basin Bakery: and not only was the baker on-site to answer my questions patiently and in good spirits (I have severe nut allergies and wanted to ask about whether certain goods had nuts in them), but the goodies there were absolutely fantastic. We picked up a few day-old everything bagels to take back on the trail with us, and even those were great two days later!
Total, total regional gem. And really fantastic coffee there, too! Wish I could remember the name of the local roaster who provided the coffee to the bakery.
pandapotamus
August 29, 2014
I am absolutely in love with the Honey Truffle Mustard from Far West Fungi in the Ferry building in San Francisco. It is an absolutely delicious mustard that is great when slathered on sandwiches. Sometimes I just dip a pretzel rod in the jar -- the mustard is so good! I usually use the mustard on toasted Acme bread topped with porchetta from Roli Roti. When the jar is almost empty, I'll make a vinaigrette to get every last bit of the mustard.
thzhou
August 29, 2014
Ever since I moved to the Midwest, I can't get enough of Door County cherries - they really are the best! Ground cherries, too.
onetinyspark
August 29, 2014
Billy Bread in Richmond, Virginia. So amazing. Hand made, stone milled multi-grain sourdough bread. Comes in two loaf sizes. Can be found local markets and restaurants in the Richmond area. I live in Connecticut now and crave it daily!! http://www.billybread.com/
Hannah O.
August 29, 2014
Dandelion jelly from Berkshire Berries in New York City. The man who makes it says it tastes like honey, a friend of mine who tried it says it tastes like a good Alsatian Riesling, but I say it tastes like sunshine. And it really, really does.
Michelle S.
August 29, 2014
Hank Sauce from Sea Isle City, NJ. Developed by three college roommates, the sauce comes in four varieties-Camouflage, Cilanktro, Hank's Heat, and Herb Infused. It is so delicious and flavorful. We put it on just about everything! http://www.hanksauce.com
dana
August 29, 2014
the dark chocolate peanut butter cookie at levain bakery on the upper west side
Carrie R.
August 29, 2014
Omnivore Salt from San Francisco is something I just found a couple of weeks ago a local shop here in Pasadena and it is one of my favorite ingredients now! I don't know what is in it but it goes with any meat and veggies beautifully (especially good on the grill) and I now use it to season anything savory! I am reading through all of these posts and writing down these great products!!
Chelsea
August 29, 2014
From the best neighborhood in Los Angeles: Venice Blend coffee from groundworks on Rose ave, then go get criolla and spicy beef empanadas from Empanada's Place on Venice Blvd.
Sam1148
August 29, 2014
Benton Ham from Madisonville, Tenn. It has quite a bit of respect among leading chefs all over the country. Documentaries have made about it. Well worth a side trip if you're driving through the Smokey Mountains.
Yazoolulu
August 29, 2014
Nature's Harmony Fortsonia raw milk cheese from Elberton, Georgia....soooo tasty!
Lauren T.
August 29, 2014
Drinking chocolate from Kakawa Chocolate House in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The chocolatiers tap into regional history by recreating historic Mesoamerican and Colonial chocolate recipes!
Christine
August 29, 2014
Smoked fish sandwich on sourdough from Point Loma Seafoods on Shelter Island in San Diego,Ca. Get it with the green tarter sauce instead of mayo. It's to die for!!!
Reg
August 29, 2014
I fill my suitcase with jars of Dillman Farm apple butter every time I go to my hometown, Bloomington, Indiana!
Fabiola
August 29, 2014
I live in Chicago,IL and a must stop when visiting is Garret's popcorn. Caramel, cheese or simply a mix of both.!!!
laura
August 29, 2014
The absolute best flour comes from big spring mill in Roanoke, VA - they're a family owned and run small batch mill.
Christine C.
August 29, 2014
Bureau's Sugarhouse Maple Kettle Corn, made in Old Lyme, CT. It's absolutely delicious, the perfect combo of sweet and salty.
Emily G.
August 29, 2014
I live in Colorado where our Palisades peaches reign supreme this time of year! Labor Day weekend means lots of jarring and canning for us peach snobs who refuse to eat the off-season stuff come fall.
irene V.
August 29, 2014
My favorite soap: Schoon Soap out of Brooklyn NY. The Lemongrass Basil is the bees knees!
Catherine
August 29, 2014
Proper NYC bagels, preferably from Ess-a-Bagel (I know, I'll probably start an argument...). They are wonderful, and it's one of the few bagel places left in NY that still make bagels in small batches, hand-boil them, and hand-roll them in the old school fashion. They have the best poppyseed bagel lox sandwich I have ever EVER had.
littlethingamajigs
August 29, 2014
chocolate-covered pretzels from Chocolate by Mueller, in Philadelphia.
Laura C.
August 29, 2014
Laura
Burnt Caramel ice cream from Toscanini's in Cambridge, MA. Perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Burnt Caramel ice cream from Toscanini's in Cambridge, MA. Perfect balance of flavor and texture.
wkend.baker
August 29, 2014
Saltwater taffy from down the Jersey Shore! Perfect texture and amount of sweetness. Absolutely love all the flavors. Must have whenever I'm down the shore.
miznic
August 29, 2014
Coal-cracker country in PA turns out some of the best food I've ever had. Pierogies, halushki, mock lobster, halupkies, blinis, bean soup, pasha... and then all you have to do is drive down another half-hour and find yourself in Amish and PA Dutch food... whew.
Katelin M.
August 29, 2014
Firefly Farms, Maryland, Merry Goat Round cheese is delicious sort of like a brie, but so much better. Plus the purveyors are exceptionally nice and talented.
Kalli B.
August 29, 2014
I love Oregon Tillamook Cheese! I think a lot of it is nostalgic, reminding me of trips to the coast growing up, but it's also just darn good cheese! It's always the right amount of crumbly and sharp. Yum! My mouth is watering already.
Emily
August 29, 2014
The best supplier of 100% organic and naturally dyed kitchen textiles is Cuttalossa in Philadelphia, PA!
Jacqueline F.
August 29, 2014
The Calf & Kid in Seattle is a must! The goat cheese truffles are the best!
EmFraiche
August 29, 2014
I love Choi's Kimchi made here in Portland! We get a jar at the PSU farmers market every week.
C.Nielsen
August 29, 2014
Bees and Beans bars from Portland, Oregon are the best candy bars I've ever had (and yes, I've had Zingerman's!). Pure joy in a little wrapper! http://beesandbeans.com/
Katie
August 29, 2014
Sponge candy made by Watson's Chocolates in Buffalo, NY http://www.watsonschocolates.com
sarahepardee
August 29, 2014
I'm originally from Upstate NY, and I LOVE Red Jacket orchards' juices. They are unpasteurized, and incredibly fresh.
Cassie
August 29, 2014
The best thing to come out of Minnesota is definitely the Honeycrisp apple. Perfect for eating raw but also great with a little peanut or almond butter.
Sue
August 29, 2014
The Sacramento Valley California is home to numerous wonderful olive oil producers. Corning Olive Oil in Northern California makes numerous styles of olive oil. You can buy a small bottle or a gallon size, terrific!
Emily H.
August 29, 2014
Frans Smoked Salt Caramels from Seattle - I seriously have dreams about these.
Lauren
August 29, 2014
Virginia Coastal BBQ is a regional tomato-based sauce that hits all the right spicy, smoky and vinegar-y notes for smoked pork or beef. Well worth a try!
Meghan
August 29, 2014
My favorite local store is Native Seeds/SEARCH in Tucson, AZ. They are a non-profit whose mission is to save a wide variety of native, and desert adapted seeds. Their retail store also sells a nice selection of locally produced food items such as dried beans, spices, flours, and jams. They sell Native American art and crafts directly obtained from the makers, and books on a variety of relevant subjects. I am a huge fan!
AntoniaJames
August 29, 2014
South San Francisco's own (for 70 years) Giusto's flours, grains and 6-grain pancake mix! (I've heard that they do custom blends, too, though that may just be for their restaurant clients, of which there are many -- an all-star roster of San Francisco's finest). ;o)
Emma
August 29, 2014
Simon Pierce in Quechee, Vermont is amazing. They mouth blow glass (you can even watch them work!) and there's a fantastic restaurant where they use the products from the store, so you can get a real feel for them!
kristina
August 29, 2014
Granted, I have not tasted EVERY fish taco in America, or even in Chicago, but I HAVE TRIED. And I swear on the pantheon of norse gods that Los Nopales on Wilson has the best tilapia tacos I have ever put in my mouth.
Other than that, the mini apple cider donuts that they sell at the Dale City Farmer's Market in Northern Virginia are killer, and the honey guy there used to work with the Smithsonian's bee hives.
Other than that, the mini apple cider donuts that they sell at the Dale City Farmer's Market in Northern Virginia are killer, and the honey guy there used to work with the Smithsonian's bee hives.
Liz B.
August 29, 2014
The area where I live, southwest Michigan, boasts many local farm stands and several area farmer's markets. Fruit and veggies abound, and I can't get enough. The growing season is so brief in this neck of the woods, you've got take every advantage!
jhay
August 29, 2014
Unknown and neglected by the food cogniscenti, but still amazing, is Central Florida. Palm Ridge Whiskey from Umatilla; kitchen calendars hand-printed from Rifle paper in Winter Park; handthrown pots from Orlando's Changeable Nature; hammered copper kitchen sinks made right in downtown Apopka. Not to mention soaps, candies (lollipops! marshmallows! fudge!) and more.
Chelsea
August 29, 2014
One thing that reminds me of western Massachusetts is a local Grade B maple syrup - so much richer and darker than the more common Grade A, and the perfect accompaniment to pancakes.
Michelle
August 29, 2014
Austinuts! I buy pecans and other goods like jellies & bbq sauces for myself and gifts for others. There are also so many good salad dressings made in Hawaii at the farmers' markets. I've had the pleasure of trying some with limu (seaweed)!
coco
August 29, 2014
Surprisingly enough, the best place to buy a croissant in Oregon is not from one of the myriad of trendy bakeries in Portland. The Sparrow Bakery in Bend, OR has the best pastries, both classic french and inventive new flavor combinations, of anywhere I've visited. Also known for their cardamom and croissant dough bun- the "Ocean Roll" this bakery/patisserie is a consistent joy to visit.
Sipa
August 29, 2014
The best dried sour cherries come from Northern Michigan and the best ones come from Shoreline Fruit and the best place to buy them is at Meijer's, a local chain grocery/everything you could possibly need store. The sell a 4 pound box of those cherries for a price that makes them an everyday food. I add them to all the muffins I bake.
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