Things I Like

 From Gustiamo

I get these tomatoes.

Gustarossa also packs San Marzano's, but I like the above better. It's not a matter of cost.

I get these Porcini Mushrooms. They pack them in a smaller amount, but since I make this Rigatoni with White Bolognese regularly, I like to have them on hand. I strain them through a small pour-over coffee strainer, like this one, which I also use to make Rachel Roddy's Spaghetti (note spaghetti, not linguine) with Clams.

I order most of my pasta from Buonitalia, but I do get Faella linguine (which I only use with an alfredo-type sauce, not with clams; with clams I use spaghetti) and Faella bucatini from Gustiamo. I buy these in the 5-pound packages. They have a maximum shipping cost of a little under $20 no matter the weight. Also, they usually have a sale the Monday after Thanksgiving with free shipping as a promotion so I order a year's worth of tomatoes at that time and also send some Christmas presents.

From Buonitalia

This is where I get the rest of my pasta, Pastaficio Setaro, specifically spaghetti chitarra, penne, rigatoni, and a little shape called nodi marini (marine knot), which stays delightfully chewy. They seem to be out of stock of penne and nodi marini now, but they usually replenish their stock pretty quickly.

I learned about Pasta Setaro from Luisa, The Wednesday Chef. At the time, like her, I was able to go to Buonitalia to buy it myself, and that's when I got "hooked" on it. If you check out that link of hers, read it to the bottom and find the hidden recipe for spaghetti with ricotta. It's a gem.

From Anchored Shrimp

I order IQF shrimp 21-25 per pound and always keep them in my freezer. They are wild Georgia shrimp. This is a. family owned and operated company. The shrimp are delicious, but the shipping can be expensive because you should get the red (two-day) shipping if you are in a zone for it. It's worth it. Having these in the freezer is like money in the bank. These are shrimp - no salt, no preservatives, nothing but shrimp.

From Kalustyan's

From here I get real Hungarian Sweet Paprika, house brand sweet mango chutney, and basmati rice in 10-pound bags.

From Salute Santé

Their grapeseed oil is beyond compare. I get the 5L jug. The first time I ordered it, I also ordered a 1L can, which I keep handy and refill and it is used up.

From Batastini Farms

I use their white balsamic vinegar, Vanishing Grape, for all my salads. I also get their apple cider vinegar, which is very strong, and just use a little (tiny amount) at a time. I consider this soft of a "finishing" vinegar - a little goes a long way.

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