Purveyors
Dan and I try to use the most fresh and natural ingredients available. Farmers’ markets are the best, but don’t always have what you need. Sometimes you have to do some searching.
For Thanksgiving last year, we roasted a whole free-range suckling pig, and went through heck to find one of the right size (under 20 lbs). We ultimately bought one at Bristol Farms in Westlake Village, and after inquiring with a dozen or so butchers, they were the purveyor that could get us what we wanted by the big day.
We’ll share our resesarch here, so check back if there’s something you’re having a hard time finding. Maybe we’ll already have found it! And if it’s not here, let us know - we may be able to help you find it.
for sushi at home
99 Ranch Market
6450 Sepulveda Blvd
Van Nuys, CA 91411-1300
(818) 988-7899 *they have many other locations, but this is the closest to us
Recommended for all the ingredients you’ll need for a sushi night at home, except for the fish. Not that the fish is bad there, but it’s pre-wrapped so you won’t be able to smell it to ensure its freshness. Plus, there are other places that specialize in super fresh fish (like OceanFresh).
OceanFresh
2810 East Los Angeles Ave.
Simi Valley, CA 93065
(805) 584-FISH
A small place with a beautiful counter of sushi-grade fish - and I am told they get their fish fresh each morning from Hawaii. That just sounds nice, doesn’t it? And they make their own sauces, and have a variety of fish ecroutements for sale.