Which local gourmet grocers do you prefer?

I frankly, love them both for different reasons. One of the things that really gets my goat about Whole Foods (which I like for its own reasons) is that you can't get a lot of "normal" things...ie: Pepsi, regular bath tissues, etc.

Olivers wins hands down for their cheese department in my book, along with their really solid deli items and service. Everyone there is so nice.

I love Pacific Market for their meat department. They also have the best pre-made sushi.

But I'm just glad they're both around for what I like to call me "$50 dinenrs"...those times where you run in to get one thing for dinner and end up with a cart full of neat gourmet foods you just can't live without (though those are very rare lately).

I like Olivers over Pacific Market, but for fresh vegetables, I always go to Imwalle. I was surprised to learn that they're open all year (even in the dead cold of Winter!).

I usually get out of there with 1 - 2 bags chock full of fruits and veggies, and only spend about $14 per bag.

They're great for the waistline and equally as good on the wallet =)

I wish Imwalle's was open until 6pm to get the business of all the downtown workers who get off work at 5 (like me). I drive right by it every day as they are locking the gate. Another half an hour, PLEASE?

I love the convenience of Pacific Market, but I have had some bad quality meat; they are inconsistent. I prefer the meat at Whole Foods where their meat is always fresh. But the people who work at Pacific Market are helpful and friendly.

I like Andy's for the produce. They also have a pretty good cheese selection along with the various olives and peppers available by the pound.

We shop mostly at Oliver's--- they seem to have the broadest selection of both gourmet and basic stuff and their meat is good. That being said, I have a difficult time buying fish from anywhere but Whole Foods-- the Whole Foods fish is so nice, fresh, well presented, and I appreciate the staff at the fish counter. I like the Whole Foods meat counter a lot, actually, it's just not that much different than Olivers for the kind of stuff I like. I do think the WF meat staff are more helpful in terms of advice and recommendations about selecting meat for certain preparations. Pacific Market is great (I'll pick up a quick lunch or dinner from time to time) but their fish is similar to Olivers so I still must go to Whole Foods.

I like Oliver's over just about anything else. The staff in the deli, meat, produce and cheese departments are the best around.

If you ever have questions about wine and cheese paring, just ask and they will help with some samples and suggestions.

The other thing I like is if I just want a jar of Jiff peanut butter they have that also.

head over the hill to St Helena.... Sunshine foods is by far one of the best local grocers iin northern california hands down... check thier Hot food section and you just might a local celebrity chef...