Ole Ole Food Warehouse - a wonderful feast

[helenas]

Sorry if this topic was previously discussed. It was mentioned in Rosengarten Report

that this wholesaler of spanish food runs an open house every 2nd and 4th Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM with free tasting.

Any experience?

Or maybe even egullet get-together for shared tasting? If there is a sufficient interest,

we might request the owner for egullet only private tasting. Your thoughts?

edit: the site is added for your convenience:

Ole Ole Foods

[Rosie]

Are y ou talking about Ole Ole Foods, 54 Schuyler St, Belleville? They are open to the public on the 2nd and 4th Sat. of every month from 10 AM to 2 PM.

[menton1]

Have been going to this place for over a year now and thought it was worth a mention. This is a Spanish (from Spain) foods wholesaler that opens to the public the 2nd Saturday of every month, and every Saturday in December. (They are open 12/21) They put out samples of everything they sell, a veritable feast. Of course, there is the Serrano ham, sausage, wonderful white anchovies, tuna pate, great cheeses, lots of olives, olive oils, breads and cookies. Everything is washed down with a complimentary glass of Spanish red wine. Of course you can buy everything you taste. They are open from 10-2, take the Parkway to Rte 3 to Rte 21. They are right off Rte 21-- easy off, easy on. Make sure you go there hungry!!

They even have a web site: http://www.oleolefoods.com/

See you there!!

[Rachel Perlow]

This does sound like something worth checking out. Is this the correct address for the warehouse? It is from their website, but I didn't know if it may be a mailing address or something.

54 Schuyler Street

Belleville, NJ 07109

Tel 973.759.0333

Fax 973.759.0375

[menton1]

That is the correct address, and it is right off Route 21, exit 5. Make two right turns, and you are there. Then you can get right back on 21 when you leave. Did I mention the Andouille-type sausage?

[Double 0]

Individual or case sales only?

[menton1]

Individual sales, they even take credit cards.

[menton1]

Just wanted to remind everyone that this place is open tomorrow (Saturday) 10-2. See you at the feast!! (Maybe the Egulleters can wear a little "e" on their shirt!!)

[Rachel Perlow]

Jason and I made it there around 1 PM. It wasn't as big as I thought it was going to be, but they have some interesting and hard to find items that made the trip worthwhile. The packaged goods seemed to be at decent prices, if they weren't all bargains. We got a one ounce tin of Superior Quality Spanish Saffron for $40 (for comparison, Penzeys sells if for $34 per 1/4 oz). However, the cheeses were a mixed showing. The cabrales and an interesting goat cheese (forgotten name, sorry) were excellent, but the Mahon was way past its prime (ammonia smell). None of them were a steal, price-wise, but the main thing is to inspect and smell your cheese and know what you are shopping for when it comes to the perishables. I also picked up some good olive oil, tinned red peppers, packaged chorizo and a bunch of ideas on how to use them. Jason took some photos, so I'm sure he'll post them soon.

[Jason Perlow]

Here's the photos we took:

Edited May 14, 2005 by Jason Perlow (log)

[coughy]

Do they sell items individually or do you have to buy in bulk?

[Double 0]

Individual sales.

[menton1]

This wonderful place has now achieved New Jersey acclaim with a terrific article in the Bergen Record last week. If you thought you were not interested in this place, read this! Ole Ole Newspaper Article

[Guest johnh91011]

Will they be open this Saturday (April 10)? It is the day before Easter

[menton1]

Will they be open this Saturday (April 10)? It is the day before Easter

Just got a postcard saying that the sale this month will be on April 17th.

Too bad, I got a tremendous craving for their Serrano Ham!!

[Rachel Perlow]

Thanks for the reminder. Hmm, I am running low on olive oil.

[pete ganz]

Menton, you seem to have gone here many times. I plan on going tomorrow...mainly for cheese, chorizo/sausage, and vinegar. Is there anything in particular you can recommend? I live in Belleville and can't believe I've never been here before. Thanks.

Pete

[menton1]

Menton, you seem to have gone here many times. I plan on going tomorrow...mainly for cheese, chorizo/sausage, and vinegar.  Is there anything in particular you can recommend? I live in Belleville and can't believe I've never been here before. Thanks.

Pete

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One of my favorites here is the Tuna Paté, great on crisp bread or crackers. Should be a tasting of this there. Also the Serrano Ham is heavenly. I believe the Perlows have touted the olive oil here.

Please be sure to give us your report later!! (Hope you went there hungry!)

[Jason Perlow]

The olive oil is excellent as are the chorizos and their bulk saffron tins, and any of their canned or jarred goods. However, we have been less than happy about their cheeses, which were really ammoniated on the occasions when we brought them home.

[pete ganz]

I didn't realize they put so much food out for you to sample. I actually did buy 4 cheeses (manchego, idiazabal, garrotxa, and iberico) and they were all very good...none past their prime. Also bought a large chorizo, some smoked hot paprika, sherry vinegar, and a chocolate bar. Very good quality all around. I also couldn't get over how many people were there. Definitely have to get some olive oil and tuna pate next time....

[lcdm]

Can anyone tell me when the next public sale is? I'm having a party at the end of June and wanted to pickup some supplies.

Thanks,

Lisa

[pete ganz]

Can anyone tell me when the next public sale is? I'm having a party at the end of June and wanted to pickup some supplies.

Thanks,

Lisa

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The first few posts of this thread say every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, so looks like 5/28.

[menton1]

I think they only do the 4th Saturday in December-- You probably have to wait until June 11. You can call them at 973-759-0333.

[lcdm]

I think they only do the 4th Saturday in December-- You probably have to wait until June 11.  You can call them at 973-759-0333.

←

I just called, June 11th from 10:00 - 2:00. Thanks for your help.

Edited May 19, 2005 by lcdm (log)

[menton1]

Wanted to bump this up, just got their postcard-- Sale is this Sat June 11, 10-2.