[DOZE] Creative Ingredient Sources

[Aaron Porter]

	After Monday's talk with Sean, I figured I'd post a list of some
of my favorite local sources for culinary experiments (brewing and
otherwise). These shops are really worth checking out, and are some of my
favorite places in the area.

	County Square Market has palm sugar, interesting fruits and spices,
maltose & dextrose, rock sugar and "brown candy". They also have a really
rocking to-go Dim Sum Bar, an awesome seafood selection (only place I buy
crayfish). You're also just a few doors down from Pho Hoa-Phat, which
makes a nice bowl of Pho and has the best Iced Coffee around.

	Babushka has an interesting selection of fruit juices and
concentrates -- including things like sour chery syrup, birch water and
current juice. They also usually have a selection of pretty exotic honeys,
I'm really fond of the Acacia. On top of that they share a parking lot
with RJ Noodle House (the best Bahn Mi this side of the Caldecot) and
Pacific Bay Coffee who roast onsite and pull a mean espresso.

	Om Spices is light on the fermentables but is a really good source
for (wait for it...) spices. For things like cardamom, cinamon and star
anise they can be less than 1/10th the price of the local grocery stores.

	Los Montanas carries Piloncillo (mexican brown sugar), raw cocoa
beans and they usaully have a great chili pepper selection. They also run
a full bakery and tortilla factory in the store.

Locations:
-------------
Asian:
County Square Market - http://www.countysquaremarket.com/
510 Contra Costa Blvd (@ 2nd Ave, across from Harbor Freight)
Plesant Hill

Golden Bay Market (Stinky, crowded, confusing and amazing)
1827 Willow Pass Rd (Park & Shop)
Concord

Indian:
Om Spices
1810 Salvio St (also in Park & Shop, on the back side behind Chick's)
Concord

India Bazar
1250 Newell Ave #A (north east corner -- look for Casper's)
Walnut Creek

Russian/Eastern European:

Babushka - http://www.babushkafood.com/deli.html
1475 Newell Avenue
Walnut Creek

Polish & European Delikateski
1984 Monument Blvd
Concord

European Food Market
2370 Concord Blvd
Concord

Middle Eastern:

Kasra Market
1270 Newell Ave (on the north end -- look for Casper's)
Walnut Creek

Bazaar Tajrish
1512 Sunnyvale Ave (across from Pasta Primavera & Bevmo)
Walnut Creek

Mexican:

Las Montanas Market
1725 Willow Pass Rd (Park & Shop)
Concord

Los Rancheros
1099 Reganti Dr
Concord