Sarah’s day in the Springs: La Favorita
The Springs has a handful of local grocery stores that tailor to Sonoma Valley’s vibrant Latino community. If you aren’t stopping by these locally owned shops, you’re missing out on some local food secrets.
The stores are full of Latin food necessities, from canned chili peppers to exotic fruits, Mexican pastries and amazing butchers who prepare some of the best chorizo in town.
La Favorita Carnicera (938-9607 | 17484 Highway 12, Sonoma) is my favorite stop for to go food. They also have an amazing selection of fresh cut cactus, Mexican cheeses, and the best butcher shop in the Springs.
Check out their fresh ceviche – it is made in store and at a mere $4.29 a pound for fish and $6.29 a pound for shrimp, you’ll have a great appetizer or party dish. They also serve pickled cucumbers, house-made salsas and the icing on the Mexican food cake: tamales.
Tamales are a mere $1.50 each and are available daily – call ahead to double check. At my last visit, they had cheese and bean and chicken and cheese. They sell them at the check out counter.
La Favorita is the perfect spot to pick up some great Latin flavors for a picnic on the Plaza or a lazy night at home in front of the TV.
Oh, and for those of you who struggle with Spanish (or can barely speak a lick of it, like me) don’t worry – La Favorita staff is bilingual and you won’t feel out of place – folks are friendly, welcoming and happy to answer any questions you have about food use and provenance.
