Markets Around the World
IF YOU KNOW | SEP 2, 2020
Sue S. Chan
WHO
Markets
WHAT
Around the World
WHERE
About
Sue S. Chan is the founder of Care of Chan, a food culture company located in lower Manhattan. Care of Chan collaborates with progressive voices in food - chefs, restaurants and food brands - and acts as the medium between creative ideas in hospitality and the rest of culture.
Prior to Care of Chan, Sue was the Brand Director at Momofuku, overseeing PR & Marketing for David Chang and the Momofuku Restaurant Group.
PHOTO BY MATT GLUECKERT
The first time I went to Leila’s Shop, I wanted to quit my job and open a small specialty green grocery. Leila’s offers everything from dried pastas in bulk, fresh breads, seasonal produce to homewares, all presented in a rustic, artful way that makes you realize that food is best simple and humble.
I’ve literally never bumped into more people in LA than at the Hollywood Farmers Market. But what brings me back to the market everytime I’m in LA is the wild array of produce that California is so well known for. It’s hard not to buy one of each - from the different varieties of avocados, passion fruit, custard apple, peaches, mushrooms … the list is endless.
As a reaction to food shortages during WWII, canned fish production blossomed in Portugal. Opened in 1930, Conserveira de Lisboa is the mecca for the best three canned fish brands in the country: Tricana, Minor and Prata do Mar. This shop is a perfect way to experience old Portugal, support a multi-generational family business and bring gifts home for your pals.
If you’re like me and consider gelato a food group and grocery necessity, then gelato & pastry shop Pasticceria Katia deserves a place on this list. I’m not saying I’ve had every gelato in the world, but of what I have tried (and I think it’s a pretty good showing) Katia’s gelato is by far THE BEST. They also offer fresh pasta to-go for those who need something else other than gelato for dinner.
If I moved to Los Angeles, I would choose my hood based on its proximity to Cookbook’s two locations in Echo Park and Highland Park. This specialty grocery store, while small in size, seems to have everything you would want and need to cook and eat in style - from Rancho Gordo beans to Bub and Grandma’s Bread to beautiful local produce. I’ve literally found myself walking in circles for hours in their tiny Echo Park shop, inspecting and admiring every single ingredient they offer.
Peoples is maybe the hippest and most unique wine retail experience in the world. The wines are grouped under themes (either by producer or type of wine) and showcased in a way similar to handbags, jewelry or sneakers. To the partners, Jeremiah Stone, Fabian von Hauske Valtierra, Daryl Nuhn, natural wine should be given the same respect as designer goods.
They say Modena is the land of fast cars and slow food. Salumeria Giusti, the oldest delicatessen in Europe and maybe the world, features the best of what the Emilia-Romagna region has to offer: balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano-Reggiano, artisanal pasta and Parm hams. The best part is their hidden restaurant in the back that only has four tables. Since it’s nearly impossible to snag a reservation, instead, load up on goods from the shop and cook at home, arguably the best way to enjoy rustic Italian food.
The Japanese Pantry does all the work of finding you the best specialty pantry items from Japan. They have hands down the best Togarashi I’ve ever tasted. It’s easy to power through their products and you’ll need to re-order sooner than you expect.
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