A Meal For a King from Big John’s PFI
Nice weather in Seattle means picnics, barbecues, pool and beach parties, and all sorts of events where good friends and good food are destined to mingle. But what do you do when it’s your turn to host, and you want something over-the-top without being over-budget?
Head to Big John’s PFI, a hidden landmark in Seattle food culture, where you’ll find great food products, great information, and great advice on how to make your next event one that everyone is talking about.
While Big John’s may be one of Seattle’s best kept secrets, locals in the food industry have long relied on it as a reasonably priced shop, offering excellent quality with a neighborhood attitude.
“Big John” Croce started the business (then operating as Pacific Food Importers) in 1971, operating out of the back of his car as he sold imported olives, olive oil and cheeses to area restaurants. After adding on additional Mediterranean foods, he set up a wholesale warehouse that soon had people pounding on the doors. Eventually, Big John opened the warehouse to retail shoppers one day a week.
After a couple of moves, Big John’s settled in the retail side of the business at their current location, just south of the International District. A huge warehouse is located a few miles away.
What will you find at Big John’s — a commitment to delivering the highest quality at the best price, along with a charming “old world” approach to cooking. The product assortment is far too extensive to list, but here are a few always-favorite items: olive oil, bulk herbs and spices, dried pasta, gourmet items, specialty ethnic products, and a cheese list that is to die for! If you’re looking for a specialty item that you still haven’t be able to locate, give Big John’s a try.
Don’t know what to make? There are recipes online, and the helpful in store personnel are quick to help with ideas and suggestions that take into account your level of culinary mastery.
Location: 1001 6th Avenue South, Level B (map it)
Hours: Monday 9 am – 5 pm; Tuesday – Friday 9 am - 6 pm; Saturday 10 am – 4 pm; closed Sunday.
Photo credit: SXC
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Tags: city blogs, destination blogs, gourmet foods, seattle, Seattle tourism, seattle-traveler, Shopping, the-seattle-traveler, travel, travel information, vacation, Washington, Washington-StateRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Food & Beverage, Lunch Hour Fun, People - Interesting Local People, Shopping
Seattle1/6/09 1:53 AM PST°
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