Ordering food via the internet

With the holidays coming up, I thought this might be a good topic. Who's had good luck with this? I've ordered numerous things that I've tried before and are hard to find in the area. But, I'm hesitant to order something I can't "see". Does anyone have favorite sites/items?

This is my all time fave. http://www.farm-2-market.com/I almost always use it for items for my Christmas table as well as for gifts. I have used then for five years now and have never had a problem. The Penn Cove Mussels (Live Petite Paciffic Mussels) are beyond compare. The Fresh Alaskan Halibut Cheeks are pure bliss. If you really want a treat the tiny Olympia Oyster are unreal. The Oyster sampler has been a big hit as a present. I usually order the heads on shrimp for part of me Christmas spread. The only time I have had fresher shrimp is when I have been in New Orleans.

If you are looking for something different: I always order lefse ( a Scandanavian flatbread made from potates) for my family. I have it sent to CA, TX, and IA. I have been ordering it from http://www.lefseshack.com/ for nearly twenty years.

Not to derail the thread, but this kinda relates.

I haven't ordered a pizza by phone in over a year. I ALWAYS do it online. Even though it takes a few minutes longer than doing it by phone, I always justify it by the fact I don't have to go look up the number. I guess that whole "sendentary American lifestyle" thing isn't all crap.

End threadjack.

Ann, I've always had great results with gifts from Bella Cucina Artful Food. Good products and attractive packaging. I think Theatre Square Marketplace carries some of their items if you want to check them out.

http://www.bellacucina.com/shop.asp

Ann,
There many very high quality mail-order sources anymore- the two above are excellent choices. We also have had excellent results from the following:
www.mackenzieltd.com
purveyers of fantastic smoked salmon and many other specialty foods

www.latienda.com
authentic Foods from Spain

www.cowgirlcreamery.com
incredible selection of fine cheeses

www.ranchogordo.com
heirloom beans

www.broadbentfarms.com
Artisan Kentucky hams and bacon

Deb

I moved to Kentucky from Minnesota and I LOVE wild rice. I don't like the pricey little packages of cultivated wild rice that I find in stores here. What I do love is real wild, wild rice.
https://www.mooselakewildrice.com/store/index.php?cPath=21 I buy ten pound bags for myself and 5 pound bags for gifts.

[Robin Garr]

I really prefer to buy locally if I can, but that said, I get all our dry beans from Rancho Gordo in California, where they grow and process heirloom North American, Latino/Indian andEuropean varieties that are absolutely amazing. We usually get six to 10 different kinds at a time to spread out the shipping cost across a larger order.
http://ranchogordo.com

For great quality in leaf teas and accessories that go beyond the good local selection at Heine Bros., it's Upton Tea:
http://www.uptontea.com

Stash Tea also has its fan club,
http://www.stashtea.com
but Upton does it for me.

I've never purchased heirloom beans, but it sounds interesting. Does anybody have any advice on what to purchase?

[Robin Garr]

I've never purchased heirloom beans, but it sounds interesting. Does anybody have any advice on what to purchase?

Their Website is fun and has intriguing descriptions, so it's kind of whatever you like, we've never gone wrong with them. If they have white marrow beans, they're awesome. Ditto the Italian-style cannellini beans. But really, the best thing is to browse their site and look at all the descriptions and take what you like. Also read their articles (and video) about the best ways to prep and cook them ... and they've got lots of recipes.

Rancho Gordo is in the Bay Area, and they apparently have a big presence at a famous farmers' market on the Embarcadero in San Francisco, but they'll ship nationwide. I've found them trustworthy, and if the beans cost a few bucks more than agribusiness beans from Kroger, it's way worth it for the highest quality.

Thanks Robin! I looked at the website and you're right, the descriptions are great. This is bean season for me. And it looks like they do have some wild rice in season right now. Yes!

I've never purchased heirloom beans, but it sounds interesting. Does anybody have any advice on what to purchase?

Their Website is fun and has intriguing descriptions, so it's kind of whatever you like, we've never gone wrong with them. If they have white marrow beans, they're awesome. Ditto the Italian-style cannellini beans. But really, the best thing is to browse their site and look at all the descriptions and take what you like. Also read their articles (and video) about the best ways to prep and cook them ... and they've got lots of recipes.

Rancho Gordo is in the Bay Area, and they apparently have a big presence at a famous farmers' market on the Embarcadero in San Francisco, but they'll ship nationwide. I've found them trustworthy, and if the beans cost a few bucks more than agribusiness beans from Kroger, it's way worth it for the highest quality.

Robin,

You turned us on to them and we actually got to meet that at the Ferry Building Farmer's Market last Saturday . Unfortunately we didn't buy much ( just some borlotti and favas) as we were already totally laden down with purchases. What an experience at that Marke!!!- I've been told it's the largest one in the US ; the selection was unbelievable and the quality and flavor were amazing. I'm already jonesing to go back...

Deb

[Robin Garr]

some borlotti

Note to Jackie: Get some borlotti.

Glad you enjoyed it, Deb, and thanks for the testimony.

some borlotti

Note to Jackie: Get some borlotti.

Glad you enjoyed it, Deb, and thanks for the testimony.

Unless I missed them, the Borlottis aren't available online, or do they go by a different name? Or are there any other must haves?

Jackie,
I haven't checked their site in a while. But generally borllotti beans are also called cranberry beans. They are a great speckled bean with a (dare I say it) meaty note that I really enjoy.
If you are seriously considering an order and want to split shipping I could very easily be convinced to add an order. Just send me a PM.
Deb

Jackie,
I haven't checked their site in a while. But generally borllotti beans are also called cranberry beans. They are a great speckled bean with a (dare I say it) meaty note that I really enjoy.
If you are seriously considering an order and want to split shipping I could very easily be convinced to add an order. Just send me a PM.
Deb

Thanks, Deb! That was it: Cranberry bean - Cargamanto, per the website. But they're only 4.95 a pkg, so I don't think sharing is necessary. However, I love the idea of sharing a shipment of other expensive products, so if you keep it in mind for other things that come up, I will too!