Country Cheese Company
This is off the beaten track, not as well known as it
deserves to be. Cheese is only a small part of what it offers. Fine quality is
coupled with low prices. Below are some items that our staff has bought there.
Calamata olives, pitted(!) are available for a low
price ($3.29, June 01, for a two-cup container).
There are always several full-flavored olive oils for
cooking and salads, 3 liters for a mid-teen price. Why pay more?
They have fresh nuts of all kinds. Also different kinds
of rice: basmati, wild rice, short-grain rice for paella, etc.
Various granolas are available in barrels. A staff
favorite is Honey Gone Nuts.
They offer balsamic vinegar, the real thing from Modena,
but far below Fourth Street prices.
The Turkish apricots are exceptional.
Various dried beans and split peas are available in
barrels.
You can buy a cooked, boneless Danish ham, same as used
by the Sierra Club. You have to ask for this, and they will bring it out from
the back. You can buy as little as a quarter-ham. You can freeze it and use it
over months.
Ham hocks are available, for split pea soup.
Oh yes, the cheeses. These are good, at reasonable
prices. Most come in wholesale-size chunks, unfortunately for the small
household.
2101 San Pablo Avenue (just south of University) Berkeley 94702. Phone
510-841-0752.
Hours: M-S 9-6, Sunday 10-5
Parking is normally easy
