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Shopping, Napa-Style
Okay, so when we first saw this store open on our beloved 4th Street in Berkeley, we were horrified. Judging a book entirely by its cover, we wouldn't even go near the place. Napa Style. Seriously? Like, can't we just drive to Napa and buy stuff? We need it packaged, sorted, and Disneyfied for us? This had to be a tourist trap. We, even when we travel, never ever consider ourselves a tourist. Sniff.
And then, one morning, we were on said street, a smidge early, waiting for Cody's Books to open, and Napa Style's doors were already flung wide. So we wandered in. Casually.
And we have to say: Nice store, Michael Chiarello. Yes, that Food Network guy we are going to admit to you here and now that we really like, Mr. Easy Entertaining, is the mastermind behind this, well... decent little culinary arts and wine-country-lifestyle shop.
(For those who eschew television, you may also know the esteemed Mr. C. from his 14-year stint as Executive Chef and partner at Tra Vigne in St. Helena.)
We have to admit that while the variety of items at other culinary chain stores such as Sur La Table and Williams-Sonoma surpasses this little shop's wares, there is something gentle, friendly, pleasantly under-whelming about Napa Style, even in its broad reach. (Where else can you buy a leather couch and Tellicherry peppercorns?)
We wish we could afford the cosy, rustic furniture. In any case, we might just come back one day and buy the crazy-cool looking clay Cocorico vertical roaster. But the real discovery is the salt bar.
Are you into salt? This is as good a place as any to sample several different types: Pink, Red, Gray, Fleur de Sel, and more. (Cleanse your palate with bits of bread dipped in olive oil at the adjoining sampling table.) We personally weren't interested in the salt blends -- combinations of gray salt with various herbs, sundried tomatoes, etc. -- but you could taste those too if you like.
This past weekend, our culinary-minded parents were visiting us from L.A. to check on the progress of our "bump," and since dad mentioned that he was getting into the whole salt thing, we took them to Napa Style as a prelude to lunch at Café Rouge. Needless to say, much salt was sampled and purchased, as well as other accoutrements including a baguette slicer (so rustic, so chic!), bone-handled cheese knives, and the like. All conveniently shipped to their home address, of course.
Napa Style
1760 4th Street, in Berkeley
(510) 558-7900
Open Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Photo credit: napastyle.com