**** Eurofood has moved to a larger location on Miramar Road. You can find an updated post here.
While in Paris during our last visit I took a Baguette class. One of the great things about the class was the discussion with the Boulangère. I asked a couple of questions revolving around the significant differences between baguettes in France/Europe and those in the states. The instructor was fantastic and had actually worked as pastry chef and baker at a couple of restaurants in LA. Most of the discussions revolved around French Baguettes, by law having only four ingredients. And most importantly, the flour that is used. I'll go into that in more detail when that post comes around. Anyway, I decided to see if I could actually get French flour here....and in my Google search a place came up. One that I'd never heard of, with an interesting name, "Eurofood Depot Gourmet Market". Now, I thought it rather strange to both "depot" and "gourmet" in the same name. Looking at the address was even more puzzling as the place looked to be located in an office park. So, I decided to check them out.
I drove on up and saw this little shop in what was indeed an office park in Sorrento Valley. Walking in, I was fairly surprised. It was indeed a tiny shop, but the selection was quite good.......and it really did bring me back to France.
I just had to smile when I saw some of the brands. Benedicta, Bonne Maman, Fossier, Gavottes.......items that would be right at home at your local Carrefour or Monoprix. For some reason it just made me happy. The gentleman working named Franck was a joy. I believed he is one of the owners.
And yes, I did indeed find French T45 Flour.
Though I quickly got distracted by other things.
So far I've made a half dozen visits.......
The cheeses are not note worthy unless you're a fan of various supermarket brands. The snacks are a nice novelty.
The frozen baguettes; I always verify that what they have in stock is from France is something we now always have on hand.
A frozen baguette you might say!!! Well, the one take away I got from my baguette class was how to reheat and revive frozen/refrigerated baguettes. I was already using the technique on various versions bought here in San Diego. It worked fine. And on these baguettes....well, while it's not like going to your local Boulangerie in France and getting "un bagette bien cuite", it's still much better then the typical "San Diego style".......hard crust, chewy baguette made here.
Now as for the the charcuterie....well, I asked if it came from France, knowing that there are serious importing hurdles. I was told that while Fabrique Delices is indeed located in California, the Owners are from France. Over the last couple of months we've tried quite a few items and here's what we think.
The duck confit is good. The Missus says She prefers what I make, but considering that I'll only make it once a year.....well, She'll take this.
I like the Smoked Duck and prefer it to the version I get from D'artagnan.
They also sell the smoked duck breast in half portions as well.
I like the Truffle Mousse and think the Duck Rillette is decent.
As for the sausages, I like the Boudin Blanc, though the Missus prefers D'Artagnan's Toulouse style sauce to the version from here.
Overall, it great to have a place like this to shop. Where I can get items that are now staples in our household. The prices for some items are quite good as well. Little did I know it would be in a business park in Sorrento Valley. But, wherever it was; I would be willing to make the drive.
The owners are very helpful.
I'm now a regular customer and I'll do more posts as I find other items here.
Eurofood Depot Gourmet Market
6640 Lusk Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92121
Hours:
Mon - Fri 10am - 530pm
Sat 10sm - 330pm
Closed on Sundays
THERE GOES MY MONEY!
Posted by: James | Wednesday, 07 September 2022 at 09:05 PM
How do you “revive” your baguettes? Would love some tips.
Posted by: Stephanie | Wednesday, 07 September 2022 at 10:48 PM
looks like you found a nice gem!
Posted by: kat | Wednesday, 07 September 2022 at 11:26 PM
What makes a baguette "bien cuite"? Looks like a fun place to shop.
Posted by: Sandy | Thursday, 08 September 2022 at 08:10 AM
Nice find! Those snacks are tempting.
Posted by: Soo | Thursday, 08 September 2022 at 10:25 AM
What a find! Can't imagine a store like this in that location but I hope it's doing well.
You mentioned earlier about March of 2020, with the empty shelves in the stores. At about that time, I bought some "French Mediterranean White Bread Flour" from Anson Mills. They get the wheat from Provence. It made a nice levain. I'm going to try some of the T45 from your market on Lusk. Thanks.
Posted by: alnc | Thursday, 08 September 2022 at 01:14 PM
Lol James! ALL IN CAPS TOO! ;o)
It's pretty easy Stephanie, heat oven to 350-375, place a tray in the bottom of the oven, put wire rack for baguette in oven. Once at right temp, place baguette on wire rack and pour 1 1/2 cup water in tray for steam. Will take about 3-7 minutes.
Yes, I've been quite happy Kat!
"Bien Cuite" refers to a darker more crusty baguette Sandy.
Check them out Soo!
Let me know how things turn out ALNC!
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 08 September 2022 at 04:58 PM
This is one of my regular stops on the way home from my old office. I have to say that the iberico tenderloin he has there is fantastic also!!
Posted by: Dereck | Saturday, 10 September 2022 at 08:59 AM
It is a nice little market Dereck!
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 10 September 2022 at 09:29 AM