Owner Sam Iliades opened this fantastic specialty grocery and deli that has a focus on Greek cuisine. However, it's not exclusively Greek. You'll find Lorna Doones next to the bechamel sauce mix amid hard-to-find goodies from France, Turkey, Italy and Poland. The store is so clean you could practically eat off the floor. Additionally, there's a spacious parking lot in back and plans for some outside tables.
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.
Gourmet Garden is a regional favorite for Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Its specialty is all-natural and organic sushi. It provides a full range of traditional favorites as well as menu selections for health-conscious diners, including sugar-free, gluten-free, vegetarian and low-carb items. On Wednesday, Friday and Saturday the Gourmet Garden offers an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet.
The Pita Market is located just west of the Pita Inn restaurant. Pita Inn opened in 1982 and the Market opened next door in 1999. Pita Inn bakes its own pitas in the building next to the market so they are always fresh. The market carries lots of prepared favorites from the restaurant. What a wonderful resource for Skokie and the North Shore.
Pamplemousse, along Salem's Essex Street pedestrian mall, features a variety of boutique wines, craft beers and tasty treats for the most discriminating epicures. Pamplemousse, the French word for grapefruit, also sells kitchen gadgets, aprons, tableware, linens and much more. June through October, the shop holds wine and beer tastings every Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and every Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m.
This family-owned grocery store stocks specialty foods from around the globe, with an emphasis on Italian foods and take-home meals. Shelves of high-quality and rare olive oil, cases of artisan cheeses and meats, stacks of exotic chocolate (some even made with Earl Grey tea) and massive jars of various truffles line the walls. Floor-to-ceiling cool cases keep house-made pasta sauces, stuffed ravioli and gnocchi fresh, and fresh-baked cannoli fill hulking glass containers.
A huge chart above the register lists the ingredients of every homemade pasta and the best way to cook each kind. Or if you prefer your meal ready-to-go, housemade entrees such as flat-bottomed meatballs, duck and squash lasagna or Argentine empanadas are sold. Occasional cooking classes share Capone family kitchen secrets.
Insider info: Various Capone products are used across the street at Bloc 11 coffee shop.
