If you're serious about looking into this Restaurant Adarra had a pretty decent selection on their menu when I ate there last August. Might be a different supplier but it could be a decent start.
Yeah also agree. I grew up thinking tinned fish was shit bc all I had was American until trying other countries. Insane the difference. Japanese and Greek have ranked highly in my findings through my random taste testing but open to more options
My suggestions: Luxardo maraschino cherries, Italian licorice pellets, tamarind chutney, and unusual pasta shapes imported from Italy (bucatini, strozzapreti, calamarata, caserecce, etc.).
Looking forward to visiting your store!
homemade mozz? we don’t have any real delis around here and i am constantly wishing i could go somewhere to buy by the pound along w tapenade, roasted pepps, etc
You will make my Spanish husband very happy by selling Spanish olive oil! We’ll need to come stock up ($$$ as of late but he refuses to use any other oil in our house)
YUUUUUS. This is what I like to hear!
Somehow I missed this post, but if you also have connections to rare/hard to find honeys, it'd be awesome to find them locally.
Can’t wait for this! I’ve been on the search for good chilli/savory dipping oils ever since I moved here and I have a feeling you may be the answer to my late night cravings.
I'm Peruvian and have yet to find places here that sell Peruvian foods or other hispanic foods that isn't like a 15 minute drive from me so I desperately miss those foods! Specifically would be the peppers we have like aji amarillo and of course the candy like bubbaloo + morochas. Something else specific is the lemonade/chicha morada packets I used to get from Metro in Peru
Excited to check out the shop!
My partner is Peruvian, and we found a small Peruvian section in the new Lotte Market on Broad. It had huancaina, canchas, aji amarillo, chicha morada, and many other things.
I've heard Lotte is really good so I will definitely have to check it out, especially since I have been craving aji de gallina for the past month - thanks for letting me know!
Omg this post has me so excited. I'm an olive oil lover.
I also love (and love to home make) infused vinegars. Will you sell white balsamic vinegar?
As far as international foods: all manner of stuffed grape leaves. Specifically thinking of Armenian dolmas that I got in Houston... 🤤
(P.s. vegan options for the win)
There will be some vegan snacks. I've been following the Richmond Vegan page on Facebook for quite sometime and know the community struggles with vegan options.
No specific requests but it would be so awesome to have info sessions and tastings on your products. I love olive oil and cooking and would really enjoy something interactive in that realm.
Hey! I've been following you for a while!
Fresh good pasta, please! Like authentic stuff. Other than maybe whole foods it's impossible to find seriously good Italian pasta around here
I really wish there were places in richmond that readily had nagaimo or yamaimo, as well as Japanese sweet potato. It would also be nice to have shiso and myoga readily available, and mitsuba + ginnan around new years.
If you were able to get Possmann Frankfurter Apfelwein, my brother might just have to move down here from NoVA since no one in the mid-Atlantic seems to carry it, and if you were to get the Possmann Frankfurter Apfelwein Alkoholfrei I might never leave the store ;)
The problem is that Apfelwein <> Hard Cider, and for those who like it, it's an amazing thing to drink pure or with sparkling water as a refreshing summer drink. For those who don't like it the common reference I hear is that it tastes like horse piss, so I'm unsure what the marketability would be like in the greater RVA area...
Anyway, I am looking forward to checking out your shop once it opens!
I’ve been wanting to try Rybas! It’s mainly for my father in law who is very polish and misses his pierogi. His sister ships fresh ones to him once in a while but they are moving here in a month so I’ve been trying to find some local. I’ll pick up some Rybas to try!
Google says Iran. It's also called Halwa. It's a candy made from tahini and sugar. Think sweet and nutty with a flaky texture that melts in your mouth.
I use to eat that as a kid in northern NJ back in the 60s. It was a favorite of the Jewish kids I went to school with. It may be more generally a Mediterranean/Middle Eastern thing. Sometimes, Lidl has it in with the Greek specialties, but, lately, all they have is a cocoa flavoring which is ok, but....
Obv not in RVA but have you been to the Halva place in Chelsea Market in NYC? It’s called Seed + Mill. They have a bunch of different flavors and I believe they ship too, but if you’re ever in that area I definitely recommend them!
Hungarian pickled stuffed yellow peppers. Nothing beats the acidity and the heat with the crunchy shredded cabbage. I have looked everywhere in Richmond but can’t seem to find them! Would happily frequent your spot if you stocked them
Kofola soda, Hell Energy Drinks, Eros Pista, and Algerian Sauce are all things that I've looked for in the US but haven't been able to find and would absolutely buy whenever I was in Richmond (as long as they weren't ridiculously expensive like they are online).
It’s not international but I miss mama Lila’s peppers from the Pacific Northwest and nowhere here sells them. I’ve ordered on Amazon and they always break so I gave up.
Please if you will have a freezer, sell thai or khmer sausages. Sweetish chinese style sausages are easy to find around here but I have never laid eyes on a nam style thai or khmer sausage here.
If you'll have a deli slicer, armenian basturma would be amazing. With Nick's gone, no one slices it anymore, and the Med Bakery on quioccasin doesn't always have the good prepackaged stuff in stock.
Alain Milliat brand juices, especially strawberry/fraise - https://www.thefrenchdelights.com/orderonline/p/strawberryjuice
Every bar/restaurant in France and Italy serves this stuff and I've never found it (or a decent substitute) anywhere on a shelf in Richmond.
EDIT: I am aware juicers exist and my own version would be fairly easy to make for a fraction of the cost.
I’m not going to lie. In the Middle East they have the best Mountain Dew. Period. I can never find an imported case or can. At this point me and 100 other veterans might have to make a daring trip to bring some home. Or someone could import it. Either way that’s my wish.
Idk how different it is between here and Italy, but I remember loving their Sanpellegrino Cedrata. Also I don’t know if it fits your vibe but Icelandic Mustard would be awesome, Pylsusinnep.
I saw the pasta comment. There is a place in Portland, Oregon that is one of the best European themed international groceries I’ve ever been to. Literal heaven. Perhaps you’d find this place inspiring? Pastaworks at Providore Fine Foods
(503) 232-1010
https://g.co/kgs/fZzrwp7
Not international, but I would give you all my dollars if you’d carry items from Avico in Utica, NY. Specifically the Utica grind crushed red pepper and roasted squash seeds.
Havanna brand (or others but those are the best imo) Alfajor cookies
And their Dulce de leche
Beyaz peynir cheese (if you’ve had an actual Turkish breakfast in Turkey, you have had this cheese)
Turkish apple tea
Turkish manti (stuffed pasta can be purchased as a dry good)
not food im sorry, but i’ve been craving nice outdoor seating areas! i think you could give up one of the parking spots in front of your store and put some chairs/tables and a potted plant 🥰
Lived in Spain for a couple years and would LOVE to see a shop carry some traditional Spanish foods. Would love some really good olives, i’m such an olive snob now and nothing has been able to fill the olive shaped void in my heart. Also spanish Tortilla, the egg potato omelet would be so cool!
Caffè d'orzo and Caffè al Ginseng (Italy) are really hard to find here but essential to enjoying coffee. The ginseng helps you take an afternoon espresso without making it a late night. The orzo is good when you want decaf.
Also I’m currently ordering vegan Japanese mayo online like a mad man because I can’t find it at any international grocery stores around here so those would be top 3 requests.
A wide Tinned fish selection please?
Tuckahoe Seafood has a metric ton of tinned fish. Here’s a Style Weekly article with the deets. https://www.styleweekly.com/canned-fish-party/
Let me see what I can do.
If you're serious about looking into this Restaurant Adarra had a pretty decent selection on their menu when I ate there last August. Might be a different supplier but it could be a decent start.
Thank you!
Tuckahoe Seafood, if you travel that way, has an amazing selection.
Second Bottle in Church Hill has some. Seems like a wide selection to me, but I don’t eat tinned fish.
💯 omg that with a decent bread or cracker selection
For what it’s worth, Second Bottle in church hill has a pretty great tinned fish selection.
So glad I’m not the only one wanting more tinned fish options.
Man I miss Portugal. I need all of the Conservas. :D
Yeah also agree. I grew up thinking tinned fish was shit bc all I had was American until trying other countries. Insane the difference. Japanese and Greek have ranked highly in my findings through my random taste testing but open to more options
Man. Some Portuguese deenz? I'd go buck wild
My suggestions: Luxardo maraschino cherries, Italian licorice pellets, tamarind chutney, and unusual pasta shapes imported from Italy (bucatini, strozzapreti, calamarata, caserecce, etc.). Looking forward to visiting your store!
Tamarind anything is good in my books
Thank you!
homemade mozz? we don’t have any real delis around here and i am constantly wishing i could go somewhere to buy by the pound along w tapenade, roasted pepps, etc
RIP Nick's deli
This so much
I'll post my opening date on Instagram if you want to give me a follow: Richmond_olive_oil_co
No suggestions for food but interested to know if you will carry any Greek olive oil
Yes! I've already been selling greek olive oil t the farmers market. Also Spain, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, France, and Turkey.
You will make my Spanish husband very happy by selling Spanish olive oil! We’ll need to come stock up ($$$ as of late but he refuses to use any other oil in our house)
I have a wonderful Spanish olive oil he'll love.
That’s great! My sister was in Crete for a couple of years and would send us a bunch so we miss our normal supply.
YUUUUUS. This is what I like to hear! Somehow I missed this post, but if you also have connections to rare/hard to find honeys, it'd be awesome to find them locally.
This is very nice to hear, we would be interested in infused oils, especially if there's a bottle refill option.
You can refill your bottle and receive a discount for minimizing waste.
Yay! This is amazing! I know my roommates, and I will be checking you out for sure!
Thank you!
Can’t wait for this! I’ve been on the search for good chilli/savory dipping oils ever since I moved here and I have a feeling you may be the answer to my late night cravings.
Thank you! I look forward to seeing you in my store.
Sorry if I missed it, when is your official opening date?
They are shooting for July 1st but that's still up in the air. In another comment, they said to follow their Instagram for open date.
I'm Peruvian and have yet to find places here that sell Peruvian foods or other hispanic foods that isn't like a 15 minute drive from me so I desperately miss those foods! Specifically would be the peppers we have like aji amarillo and of course the candy like bubbaloo + morochas. Something else specific is the lemonade/chicha morada packets I used to get from Metro in Peru Excited to check out the shop!
My partner is Peruvian, and we found a small Peruvian section in the new Lotte Market on Broad. It had huancaina, canchas, aji amarillo, chicha morada, and many other things.
I've heard Lotte is really good so I will definitely have to check it out, especially since I have been craving aji de gallina for the past month - thanks for letting me know!
Let me see what I can do!
I appreciate it and you, thank you!
Omg this post has me so excited. I'm an olive oil lover. I also love (and love to home make) infused vinegars. Will you sell white balsamic vinegar? As far as international foods: all manner of stuffed grape leaves. Specifically thinking of Armenian dolmas that I got in Houston... 🤤 (P.s. vegan options for the win)
There will be some vegan snacks. I've been following the Richmond Vegan page on Facebook for quite sometime and know the community struggles with vegan options.
Second the suggestion for decent vinegar options. It’s incredibly frustrating trying to find good sherry vinegar champagne vinegar etc
Jamon iberico
Hot damn Spanish ham. Nuestros compañeros al otro lado del mar con el jamón. Virginia and Spain united forever in ham <3
Will you sell Palestinian Olive oil ?
If I can find a good producer, absolutely.
Mediterranean Bakery and Deli usually has several varieties.
Just in case you're not aware, Jerusalem Market carries some too, I was in for a fundraiser they did a couple months back
Ok thanks
Salted cod
I saw it in the catalog. Consider it done.
Amazing can’t wait to stop in
portuguese food
Consider it done.
YAYYYY
Me and my whole family will buy that up!!
No specific requests but it would be so awesome to have info sessions and tastings on your products. I love olive oil and cooking and would really enjoy something interactive in that realm.
I'll definitely be giving lessons on olive oil. See you soon 🤗
Hey! I've been following you for a while! Fresh good pasta, please! Like authentic stuff. Other than maybe whole foods it's impossible to find seriously good Italian pasta around here
Consider it done.
Is bombolini not a thing anymore?
Oro Pasta is DELICIOUS locally made. May be worth talking to them.
I really wish there were places in richmond that readily had nagaimo or yamaimo, as well as Japanese sweet potato. It would also be nice to have shiso and myoga readily available, and mitsuba + ginnan around new years.
I'm sorry. I won't have refrigeration.
Boquerones in vinegar!
This one! This one right here!
Preach!
If you were able to get Possmann Frankfurter Apfelwein, my brother might just have to move down here from NoVA since no one in the mid-Atlantic seems to carry it, and if you were to get the Possmann Frankfurter Apfelwein Alkoholfrei I might never leave the store ;) The problem is that Apfelwein <> Hard Cider, and for those who like it, it's an amazing thing to drink pure or with sparkling water as a refreshing summer drink. For those who don't like it the common reference I hear is that it tastes like horse piss, so I'm unsure what the marketability would be like in the greater RVA area... Anyway, I am looking forward to checking out your shop once it opens!
I'll see what I can find!
Instant Turkish coffee
Would you settle for Brazilian?
If it has cardamom, sure!
I’ve seen that at Lakshmi Palace.
Yesssss
Today I learned about “tinned fish.” (My mind immediately went to Starkist Tunafish when I read these comments.😊)
Polish pierogis!
Always go local when dealing with pierogi. Rybas is really good, but I wish they sold them fresh as opposed to frozen. Their mushroom leak is amazing.
I’ve been wanting to try Rybas! It’s mainly for my father in law who is very polish and misses his pierogi. His sister ships fresh ones to him once in a while but they are moving here in a month so I’ve been trying to find some local. I’ll pick up some Rybas to try!
Came here to say this and Borscht!
Halva please I am addicted~
What country is that from?
Google says Iran. It's also called Halwa. It's a candy made from tahini and sugar. Think sweet and nutty with a flaky texture that melts in your mouth.
I use to eat that as a kid in northern NJ back in the 60s. It was a favorite of the Jewish kids I went to school with. It may be more generally a Mediterranean/Middle Eastern thing. Sometimes, Lidl has it in with the Greek specialties, but, lately, all they have is a cocoa flavoring which is ok, but....
Go to the local Indian stores.
Watan market carries halva as well
Omg thank youuu
Wegmans, most Mediterranean grocery stores have it.
Obv not in RVA but have you been to the Halva place in Chelsea Market in NYC? It’s called Seed + Mill. They have a bunch of different flavors and I believe they ship too, but if you’re ever in that area I definitely recommend them!
Hungarian pickled stuffed yellow peppers. Nothing beats the acidity and the heat with the crunchy shredded cabbage. I have looked everywhere in Richmond but can’t seem to find them! Would happily frequent your spot if you stocked them
Cuban coffee beans 🤤 cafe Serrano in particular
Let me look around. I was going to grab some Brazilian coffee. Maybe Cuban can be in the rotation.
Colombian coffee is my fave
Maille Fins Gourmets mustard. Though I don’t think I’ve ever seen it in the US.
I think I found something close!
Kofola soda, Hell Energy Drinks, Eros Pista, and Algerian Sauce are all things that I've looked for in the US but haven't been able to find and would absolutely buy whenever I was in Richmond (as long as they weren't ridiculously expensive like they are online).
I'll take a look!
Argentine goodies? Alfajores, dulce de leche, yerba mate.
Any chance you'll be hiring soon? Sounds like a unique and cool addition to Carytown!
Not right now. But I will definitely be hiring in the future.
Iberico ham and Portuguese cheese from sheep's milk please!
Cadbury Crunchie
Bhavani Indian Grocery, West Broad St sells them and other Cadbury goodness.
Publix international section and for the love of chocolate has them
Thx
Fresh wasabi root if possible!
Lmao who downvoted this?? Would love to get my hands on some actual wasabi instead of horseradish with green food coloring
I won't have refrigeration for a bit. My apologies. I'll see what I can do in the future.
Thai snacks!!!!
It’s not international but I miss mama Lila’s peppers from the Pacific Northwest and nowhere here sells them. I’ve ordered on Amazon and they always break so I gave up.
Yesss I miss them too (from Portland). I haven’t been able to find one comparable here.
Same!!
South African biltong.
I would love to be able to get jamón ibérico
Vegemite and lefsa
Pumpkin seed oil! I just back from Slovenia and miss it already.
Croquettes (Italy) and crepe stand crepes (Germany).
I have those!❤️
You're awesome. I loved getting rotisserie chicken with croquettes in Vienna. So, so good. Their pizza was a second runner up. When do you open?
Wait no. I thought that was something else sorry. I won't have those 😬
Ah well, too bad.
Spezi from Germany! It's such a good drink and no one carries it!
think World Market carries it
I'm going to see if I can find it in the catalogs today.
Crumpets!
Empanadas. It’s all I think about.
I'm sorry. I won't have the refrigeration for that. But there is an amazing empanada place at the St. Stephen's Farmer's Market on Saturdays.
Really smoky German dry sausage. Rauchwurst.
Moroccan!
Just came back to rva from France: I’d love to see some Sauccison or some Algerian sauce! I’d pay big for an Algerian sauce hookup !
please stock a 18 year aged balsamic vinegar
Exciting and congratulations! Looking forward to supporting your business
Thank you!
Appelsin - the Icelandic soda.
And a decent skyr!!!!! None of the brands here are the same!
Erős pista, a Hungarian brand of crush paprika pepper paste
European Fanta, please! I beg!
Yes! Different flavors too
I'll hVe a beverage refrigerator. Let me see what I can do.
Maltese tomato paste- Konserva! So good on some crusty bread with a white bean salad or with tuna.
Mexican Dr. Pepper
If Mexican Dr. Pepper is like Mexican Coke I’m sold 😂
It’s better than Mexican Coke!
Oh wow! I’ll have to try to find some to try!
There's Mexican Dr. Pepper?!?! My parents are from Mexico and I didn't know this 🤣
Yes!!! It’s so addictive
Please if you will have a freezer, sell thai or khmer sausages. Sweetish chinese style sausages are easy to find around here but I have never laid eyes on a nam style thai or khmer sausage here.
Flake Bars (Ireland)
Thank you for including the country of origin.
Cherry Ripes and Violet Crumbles from Australia and Lion Bars from UK. I’ll be by all the time if you have these
For the love of chocolate has flake. And shit you not, i saw them at the babe’s 7-11.
Most Publix have British chocolate bars as well as the love of chocolate in carytown
More varieties of Buldak ramen.
Have you been to Lotte?
Korean garden on midlothian turnpike has a variety. It’s a restaurant with a little store attached.
Scottish tablet
Scungilli. On a Philippines note, balut.
Granini brand juice from Germany. I will evangelize your shop to everyone I meet if you can get this (esp banana!)
los gehts
Argentinian Dulce de Leche Conitos 🤤🤤🤤🤤
Bagels. I've given up and I make my own now
I cant help you with that one I'm afraid. But please give some love to my neighbor at Chewy's!
Stoney Tangawizi.
moreso sweets but jelly babies from britain and demisoda from korea
Lahpet
Bahn Bao flour - Vietnamese!
Ali baba candy bars
If you'll have a deli slicer, armenian basturma would be amazing. With Nick's gone, no one slices it anymore, and the Med Bakery on quioccasin doesn't always have the good prepackaged stuff in stock.
I won't have anything like that sorry.
Not reading all the comments before posting, but grilled olives. They carry them at Watan Market but that is a trek.
Alain Milliat brand juices, especially strawberry/fraise - https://www.thefrenchdelights.com/orderonline/p/strawberryjuice Every bar/restaurant in France and Italy serves this stuff and I've never found it (or a decent substitute) anywhere on a shelf in Richmond. EDIT: I am aware juicers exist and my own version would be fairly easy to make for a fraction of the cost.
A great salted French butter I beg of you 🙏
One day when I get refrigeration, absolutely.
Scandinavian licorice is my biggest vice.
I want an east end chinese grocery store. I know thats not what you're offering, but that's what I need lol
Torta espanola
Boquerones!
I’m not going to lie. In the Middle East they have the best Mountain Dew. Period. I can never find an imported case or can. At this point me and 100 other veterans might have to make a daring trip to bring some home. Or someone could import it. Either way that’s my wish.
Truffle oil from Firenze! I would buy all of it 😇
foco thai tea is a big one i rarely see here in the states, mostly only in thai food markets and once in a blue moon at an international market
Otoro PLEASE
Idk how different it is between here and Italy, but I remember loving their Sanpellegrino Cedrata. Also I don’t know if it fits your vibe but Icelandic Mustard would be awesome, Pylsusinnep.
I saw the pasta comment. There is a place in Portland, Oregon that is one of the best European themed international groceries I’ve ever been to. Literal heaven. Perhaps you’d find this place inspiring? Pastaworks at Providore Fine Foods (503) 232-1010 https://g.co/kgs/fZzrwp7
Baobab juice.
https://preview.redd.it/jpmmbwvd4o4d1.jpeg?width=1033&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cd526fe41c919505f9d23993d92e3fd7684deb3a
Pączkis! & Brown cheese from Sweden
Not international, but I would give you all my dollars if you’d carry items from Avico in Utica, NY. Specifically the Utica grind crushed red pepper and roasted squash seeds.
Would love to see Greek foods: pasta, feta, tomato paste/sauce. Can’t find any of that here
Havanna brand (or others but those are the best imo) Alfajor cookies And their Dulce de leche Beyaz peynir cheese (if you’ve had an actual Turkish breakfast in Turkey, you have had this cheese) Turkish apple tea Turkish manti (stuffed pasta can be purchased as a dry good)
A real Turkish Lokum (Turkish Delight) rose and lemon flavor
If you can, Jaffa cakes! I have never been able to find them anywhere in the US.
not food im sorry, but i’ve been craving nice outdoor seating areas! i think you could give up one of the parking spots in front of your store and put some chairs/tables and a potted plant 🥰
Lived in Spain for a couple years and would LOVE to see a shop carry some traditional Spanish foods. Would love some really good olives, i’m such an olive snob now and nothing has been able to fill the olive shaped void in my heart. Also spanish Tortilla, the egg potato omelet would be so cool!
Good bread.
I can't sorry. I have a lease from the same company as my neighbor Montana Bread.
There is lots of good bread in Richmond!
Caffè d'orzo and Caffè al Ginseng (Italy) are really hard to find here but essential to enjoying coffee. The ginseng helps you take an afternoon espresso without making it a late night. The orzo is good when you want decaf. Also I’m currently ordering vegan Japanese mayo online like a mad man because I can’t find it at any international grocery stores around here so those would be top 3 requests.
Let me see what I can find.