Epicure Imports Warehouse Sale: Why I Don't Really Want to Tell You About It (CLOSED)

I love my new job.  In West LA. Love the new friends I've made. Hate the commute from the SFV though, and was intending to move. Until now.

A friend who doesn't consider herself a 'foodie' but knows good food like nobody's business, told me about this gourmet warehouse sale, right near my 'hood - that is amazing: Epicure Imports. After checking it out this weekend, I want to stay right where I am, yes, to be as close to this awesome little warehouse as possible.

Epicure Imports' primary business is selling gourmet goods to hotels, higher-end grocery stores and specialty retailers.  Once in a while, they open their treasure trove warehouse to the public in two day sales, Friday and Saturday (the September sale was 9/14 and 9/15).  Yesterday, I got up at an ungodly hour of morning to beat the crowds - the warehouse sale opens at 9:30am and I managed to get over there by 9:40 (pat myself on the back). I am SO not a morning person, so it will take something major on a weekend to get me out the door that early - and it was a good thing I did as I got the very last spot in the small parking lot. 

Inside, the set up really was as others have described, like a miniature Costco with towering racks of goods in a no-frills space  - *except that the food will not just blow your mind in terms of price, but quality and selection*.  And, hearing French accents everywhere (from customer reps to the shoppers around me) - I knew this place was going to be legit. I died several times strolling through it.

There were two sides to the warehouse; let's start with my favorite - the refrigerated side: I almost got whiplash from trying to take in all the deliciousness on offer at once (and trying to make sure I spot and grab popular items before they sell out) - but almost "foodgasmed" on the spot when I saw a table of amazing butters: Echire Butter ($7.37) Urbani Truffle Butter (white: 3 oz $10.07 6 oz $19.61 black 6oz $16.43).  I haven't seen any other place open to the public that sold Echire butter - supposedly the best butter in the world, so much so that it's protected, like champagne - only butter from that region in France can be sold under that name.  Joel Robuchon uses it (in amazing oysters that I had at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon on my last trip to Vegas).  So I was ecstatic to be able to pick up a bar at just a few bucks more than mass produced, grocery store butter.  Also, the price on that black truffle butter is also amazing, especially for Urbani (designer truffle brand) - a 'regular' tub of truffle butter normally goes for around that same price at retail.

The Fabrique Delices brand was also well represented at the sale - there were tons of products in the refrigerated area from them.  One of these, for those into bacon products of all sorts, was Bacon Butter ($6.36).  I'm a bacon fan, and could imagine this butter being great in a sandwich, but I am MORE of a truffle and duck fan and decided that's where I was going to focus my shopping spree this time round.

One of the exciting things about Epicure Imports is that they carried lots of brands/things I'd never seen before: one of these was the Tartuflanghe Perlage di Tartufo truffle pearls ($21.15) - these were basically black truffle juice in caviar form. 

This one was a necessary splurge.  For someone who doesn't cook much, this was an ingredient that could add an instant, effortless touch of luxe to ordinary foods.  I made some soft scrambled eggs this morning for brunch, topped with a dollop of this truffle caviar - and it was amazing.

Then there were the mouth-watering imported cheeses: including one of my favorites of all time, a triple cream cow's milk cheese from France called Brillat Savarin (small 200g $9.38 large 500g $15.64) - you can sometimes find these at Whole Foods or artisan cheese stores, but the large one will run you closer to $25.  Score! (They also conveniently have a cart full of baguettes in the other section of the store for $2.50 so you can go home and enjoy your cheese with bread right away - very thoughtful!)

A cheese I hadn't seen before came in a cool package wrapped in leaves: Banon de Chalais cow's milk cheese ($4.19) at that price I thought it was worth 'experimenting' - will let you know how it tastes once I've tried it!

There were other cheeses - some are domestic from Vermont Creamery ones - including Boschetto (with black and white truffles!) - but as a single household I didn't want to overdo it and end up wasting some.  Very happy with the Brillat Savarin and Chalais cheese already, and will grab some others on my next trip to Epicure Imports!

Oh actually, I lie.  I did pick up some DiStefano fresh made local Burrata as well, at $2.65 each. I skipped the smoked salmon and anchovies etc. even though they looked beautiful...as I was on a mission.  Truffles, cheese, duck.

The full rack of Fabrique Delices charcuterie called my name.

The first thing I picked up was the Fabrique Delices Boudin Blanc aux Truffes pork and chicken sausage with truffles ($10.12/lb) - keeping this in the freezer for a nice weeknight breakfast for dinner meal. 

Oh, did I mention that while you shop - like Costco, Epicure Imports gives out tons of samples so you can try before you buy?  Sausages on the grill filled the space with an intoxicatingly delicious sizzle and char.

There were also beautiful slices of salami and other cured meats for sampling.

As well as pates - even one that has truffle in it (of course my fav!)  And everyone was super friendly and welcoming - it really felt like you were at the local farmers market versus a warehouse.

On the non-refrigerated side, they have several aisles of shelf-stable gourmet goods from imported olives, to flavored olive oils, nut oils to fruit and balsamic vinegars. 

I love the packaging on some of these items too - perfect for gifting to food-loving friends.  This balsamic vinegar made me think of an old school ink pot - it just needs a quill-shaped re-stopper to complete the set.  Putting this on my list as a gift idea for food-writer friends (oops did I just ruin the surprise?!)

There was a whole aisle of spices and condiments - I picked up a box of Smoked Maldon Sea Salt Flakes ($4.93) and Camargue Fleur del Sel ($9.81).  A girl can never have too much salt, right?

Then at last, the truffle aisle. I was in heaven flitting from shelf to shelf of things that sound insanely good. Urbani which really has the market cornered on truffles and truffle products - was everywhere: White Truffle flavoring, Truffle Honey, and White Truffle Salt ($30.05).

Urbani Truffle Sauce ($7.37) and Truffle Carpaccio (!!!)

I loved the branding on these tins: "Truffle Thrills" - that's the kind of culinary adventure I'd sign up for.  Got a tin of White Truffle and Porcini ($12.67) even though Urbani's site lists it for $9.95 and LAFunghi sells these at local farmers markets - I was just in the mood.

There were other ingredients that I hadn't seen before, like Crimson Lentils...

...and Green Peppercorns in a can. 

Also available are ethnic goods that you can probably find cheaper at markets focused on the respective cultures (like I'm not going to get Sriracha from here when I can buy at Ranch 99) - but for those who don't know of or want to drive out o specialty markets, Epicure Imports carries things like Cortas Rose Water / Orange Blossom Water ($2.97).  I love orange blossom anything and can't wait to try this - maybe in panna cotta? Do share if you have any recipe recommendations!

I skipped over chocolates and sweet things for the most part, as I still have a stash of Max Brenner and Compartes treats I'm working my way through - but Epicure Imports had some awesome offerings like Valrhona chocolate bars ($4.50) and Le Caramel, a CA produced Sea Salt Caramel Cream that would be amazing over ice cream (I had to get a jar of this after tasting their sample - incredibly light and smooth, perfectly balanced between salty and sweet - not at all dense with sickly sweet sugar like most other caramel - I am not normally a caramel fan but loved this one!!!) There were also lots of fruit preserves and jams.

They had a tin of Gavottes but it was over $48!  So I went for another brand that I hadn't seen around town: La Mere Poulard cookies ($13.20) - love the design of the tin!

After stacking my cart as much as I dared (I already know even with the savings I'm gonna have to stay in for a while to recover budget-wise), it took about a half hour to go through checkout. The long lines are definitely justified - so happy with all my purchases!  So, seems that this is already a popular event with those who know - and I struggled selfishly with whether to post about it - it was already packed when I went early on that second day of the sale (and I know I mostly won't be able to hit up the first days, usually Fridays, as I'll be at work in WLA).  And, its local small business vibe is so perfect I kind of don't want it to change as word spreads.  But, it's too good not to share - afterall I also only did make my way there at the generosity of a friend - and also I truly hope that Epicure Imports continues to expand and be super successful!!!

Looks like they hold these a few times a year.  Next warehouse sale is November 16 & 17!  Sign up for their free newsletter to get updates! (And remember to bring an insulated bag with ice pack when you go!)

[For more pictures from my visit to Epicure Imports, check out my album on Facebook.]


UPDATE October 2015: Unfortunately, Epicure Imports has announced that they have closed for business.

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Epicure Imports
6900 Beck Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91605
Ph: 818.985.9800

Parking: Free in attached lot or on street (of course, double check street signs before parking)

Website: epicureimports.wordpress.com

Next warehouse sale: November 16 & 17, 2012
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Wallys Cheese Box - Foodies Booty

Wally's is best known for their wine store, and their annual tent sale, on Westwood Boulevard mid-block north of Olympic. Not much of a wine drinker, I stumbled on the real motherlode for me - a lesser known and fairly new part of Wally's that was far more exciting to me - when I happened to drive past the area at lunch one day: Wally's Cheese Box.

An adorable, compact cottage-like extension in the tiny parking lot next to Wally's Wine Store, Wally's Cheese Box is dedicated appropriately to all the beautiful edibles that you would want to enjoy with a good bottle of wine that you've purchased next door (or in my case, enjoy instead of / more than wine!). 

The minute you enter, you are greeted by a treasure trove of fantastic cheeses in and out of the glass case that runs the length of the store - pretty much everywhere. 

It was like discovering pirate's booty in the desert island of gourmet goods around the Westside Pavilion area - I wanted to dive in, dance and throw everything up in the air from sheer joy, while shouting "it's mine, all mine!" while found gold showers down around me.  Aside from cheese-gold there was also a selection of charcuterie and packaged artisanal salami and most importantly...

...FOIE GRAS!!!   I can't even name another store in LA where I've seen this accessible to the general public. Sadly I didn't have a cooler that day so didn't get any to take home.  But I'd bought some to pan sear this past holiday while in Hong Kong and loved it.  I need to come back to Wally's a LOT before July, when California starts to enforce a ridiculous ban on this proof-of-divine-design.

As for cheeses, it was hard to pick just three!  But the Wally's staff was super friendly, knowledgeable and helpful - and at their recommendation I went with a cute palm-sized Epoisses en Cru (baby epoisses) $7.99, Fourme D'Ambert (on sale for $14/lb, normally $17/lb), and Truffled Gouda.  All gorgeously strong cheeses, the way I like 'em.   Loved all three.

(Picture taken after I got home - Wally's Cheese Box is tiny and there isn't any place to sit for a cheese tasting or anything)

To accompany cheeses, there is a very small but eclectic and mouthwatering selection of dry goods you can buy from tubs of marcona almonds, to this fig almond cake from Spain. 

Of course crisps / flatbreads / crostinis are also on offer. Rustic Bakery baked goods especially got my attention, including flatbreads with flavors like olive oil & sel gris, sweet onion and creme fraiche. But the MUST GET item from this line is their Tart Cherry Handmade Pan Forte Crostini ($6.49) baked with dried tart bing cherries, natural almonds & Valrhona cacao nibs, flax seed and pumpkin seed in a gorgeous whole wheat cracker - an insane explosion of sour, sweet, earthy, and all kinds of crunchy pure luscious deliciousness in your mouth. From an artisan baker in Marin County.  The best crackers I've ever had in my life. These deserve to be served in the bread baskets of the finest restaurants in the city.  I finished the whole box in one sitting (with my fourme d'ambert and by itself) and had to go back to Wally's to stock up on more boxes.

Along with all kinds of fruit jams and preserves, there is also a selection of truffle honeys (black and white truffle ones!!!) imported from Italy with beautiful packaging.  The giant jar is $29.99, and out of my budget, but the smaller TartufLanghe jar of white truffle honey was more affordable to try (though lower value given volume) at $14.99.  Can't wait to try it over a camembert or toast! 

Also loved the beautiful jars of artisan salts, some of which I've never heard of either.  And there are dried pastas and arborios including ones pre-mixed with porcini mushrooms or truffle!!!  (This truffle hog was definitely in heaven at the store) 

Another 'best ever' item that I will be returning again for, is their amazing Vermont Cultured Butter, which comes in a cute little palm sized wooden basket and is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, creamy and light - all topped by fleur de sel crystals that add an awesome crunch and bursts of saltiness on the finish. Loved and have become instantly addicted to this butter. Not sure if I can go back to 'normal' kinds...

And last butnot least, I almost forgot - Wally's Cheese Box also serves a small selection of cheese sandwiches To Go.  Guess which one I went with?  Yep, Grilled Truffled Cheese ($7.99).  I didn't catch the name of the cheese they used, but remembered being told it was a variation on Boschetto, a mixed cow & sheep's milk cheese with black and white truffles.  Ah-mazing.  The only note I had on the sandwich was about the bread - would have loved for there to be more options, but will wait to try the other sandwiches to see if different breads are used.  I think what they used was sliced brioche bread - nicely toasted but not super exciting.  The cheese was fantastic though - perfectly melted, smooth and creamy and light, and does not congeal quickly into a rubbery, chewy mess like most other grilled cheeses do.

A nice gourmet sandwich option for those who work in the area and want to pick up something quick and easy to eat at their desk, and for under $10.  And you get to shop for mind-blowingly delicious snacks too while waiting for your food.

Joan's of Third may have the marketplace cornered, with a much larger selection of imported goods, cafe / deli fare in a lovely setting.  But when it comes to a hidden gem of a neighborhood gourmet marketplace for foodies in West LA - Wally's hits the spot.

Update April 2012:  They also have this AMAZING black truffle butter (from Savory Farm)!!!  Can it be any more gorgeous? (Also, fresh baked baguettes are now available!)

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Wally's Cheese Box
2107 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
Ph: 310.475.0606
Website: wallywine.com
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Happy National Cheese Day!

What can I say about a day dedicated to one of the best foods ever invented? Genius. It should not just be a national day, it should be declared a religious holiday. Where we engage in a decadent communion with as much of the stuff as possible.

Especially cheese with truffle in it. Absolutely transcendent. Here is the holy trinity of truffle cheeses, in my humble opinion:

Sottocenere: I die every time I eat this. An Italian semi-soft cow's milk cheese, aged in a beautiful, grey, edible vegetable ash rind made with nutmeg, coriander, cinnamon, licorice, cloves, and fennel.

The cheese inside has a beautifully restrained sweetness tempered by very slight saltiness, and in texture is smooth, silky and studded throughout with pieces of black truffle that infuses the entire thing with its intoxicating fragrance.

A super indulgent and my all time favorite truffle cheese. I don't actually like to eat the rind, it's dry and um...ashy (duh!) and more for visual effect, but if pieces of it land on the cheese when you slice it, it does lend a great salty spice to the cheese.

Moliterno al Tartufo: Another Italian beauty - made with sheep's milk. This one's firm in texture and the truffle is woven in gorgeous veins through the cheese.

How do they get the truffles into the vein-like formation? Truffle, don't forget is a fungus, and cheesemakers actually inject a paste of it into pecorino cheese wheels that have already undergone some aging. Then the truffle is allowed to 'grow' and find its way through the cheese, forming the lovely veins.
The cheese is then aged for about another five months, rubbed with vinegar and olive oil which combine with the flavors of the truffle to spread throughout the cheese.
Besides the amazing truffle flavors, the rest of the cheese is quite a bit saltier and nuttier than Sottocenere, and much more crumbly. If there were Oscars for cheese, this one would definitely win for Best Drama.

Last but not least is Il Boschetto al Tartufo: You guessed it, another Italian one. This is a semi-soft mix of cow's and sheep's milk cheese, combined with BOTH black and white truffle, and aged for a few months.

It's a perfect union: the cheese is mild, a good balance of subtle savory, sweet and slightly tangy, with specks of truffle that taste earthy and garlicky. It's more chewy than the other two. My favorite by far is still Sottocenere, but this has an intriguing flavor profile.

I eat all of these by themselves as I think they are perfect on their own - but The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills recommends besides eating by itself, also trying to put them in omelettes or grilled cheese.

(Thanks to the awesome guys at The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills for introducing me to the Moliterno and Boschetto on my last visit! And patientlly explaining each one to me!)

Alleluia per Formaggio!

*Sorry for the bad photos - got these with my phone on the fly! Will go back and some point and shoot better ones!
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Two of my favorite cheese stores in LA:
The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills
419 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Ph: 310.278.2855

Website: cheesestorebh.com
Twitter: @cheesestorebh

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Artisan Cheese Gallery
12023 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604
Ph: 818.505.0207

Website: artisancheesegallery.com
Twitter: @ArtisanCheese

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