Almost like being there

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Almost like being there

June 7, 2013 by spixl

I’m in the San Francisco Bay Area for a lengthy stay — a necessary trip to el norte to sell my grandparents house. I’ve only been here for three weeks but I’m missing Oaxaca, already! However, driving up Solano Ave. on my way to Berkeley, a storefront caught my eye. Skeletons, tapetes, a riot of color…

Where am I???

Casa Oaxaca is a gift shop featuring arts and crafts from Southern Mexico. Artesanía from Chiapas, Guerrero, Puebla, and (of course) Oaxaca cram every nook and cranny of the store.

Casa Oaxaca’s delightful owner, Guillermo (“Memo”) Robles, was born and raised in the city of Oaxaca and he returns frequently on buying trips. All items are carefully (and lovingly, I think) bought directly from crafts people and artisan collectives.

I stood talking with Memo for almost 30 minutes and, surrounded by the artesanía I have come to know and love, it was almost like being back in my adopted city. Ahhh… If you go, don’t forget to look up!

I’ve also discovered Mi Pueblo Food Center in San Rafael, one of a small, privately owned, chain of supermarkets in Northern California. I came home with Tajin seasoning, a bag of still warm tortillas, a whole roast chicken, quesillo, along with fruit, fresh herbs, vegetables, and a case of Modelo Especial (the latter especially for my son, in whose home I’m staying) — all for a better price than the unnamed, but well-known, big chains. On my next visit, I’ve got to try their tamales.

Posted in Creativity, Culture, Food, Markets, People | Tagged artesania, California, Casa Oaxaca, Guillermo Robles, Mi Pueblo Food Center, Oaxaca, photographs, photos, store displays | 12 Comments

12 Responses

on June 7, 2013 at 11:03 am | Reply Marilyn Albright

How wonderful that you found this place! I’ll bet you return.
- on June 11, 2013 at 10:50 pm | Reply spixl
  
  This is a long time to be away from Oaxaca. Will definitely return!
on June 7, 2013 at 11:14 am | Reply Frank Bessinger

Nice find, Shannon!
- on June 11, 2013 at 10:51 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Probably would never have seen it if I’d been driving. Hope all is well with you!
on June 7, 2013 at 11:27 am | Reply livingtextilesofmexico

Thanks for these tips Shannon. I’m in Berkeley next week and I will got there! I’m missing Oaxaca too.
on June 7, 2013 at 12:29 pm | Reply oaxmyler

How were the prices at Casa Oaxaca?
on June 7, 2013 at 7:51 pm | Reply Kay Seriff

Hope you sell the house quickly and get back to your New Home….your blog doesn’t take the place of Being There, but it’s a lovely substitute, and I’ll miss it
while you’re in El Norte…….
- on June 11, 2013 at 10:54 pm | Reply spixl
  
  I’ve got lots of Oaxaca blog posts in waiting… I need my Oaxaca fix, too!
on June 10, 2013 at 5:59 am | Reply Bev in Connecticut

You and Chris are both in el norte! Must be slow season in Oaxaca! Hope you are back in town for Guelaguetza. We will be in Boston on Weds for Rolling Stones concert.
- on June 11, 2013 at 10:57 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Oh yes, we will both be back in plenty of time for Guelaguetza. Have a blast at the Stones concert! Btw, I highly recommend Keith’s autobiography, “Life.”
on June 11, 2013 at 9:45 pm | Reply Holly B

BTW The tamales are really good. Almost as good as the ones we made with Norah at Casa de mis Recuerdos!
- on June 11, 2013 at 10:47 pm | Reply spixl
  
  High praise! Will get some this weekend.