I recently had the opportunity to meet the very knowledgeable and welcoming Tanya Booth, co-owner of The Spanish Table. She and her husband, Andy Booth, are realizing a long-time dream: to open up a San Francisco location for their store, bringing the flavors of Spain and Portugal to The City. I live really close to the new shop, and was so happy to walk down Clement Street and see their “coming soon” sign in the window. I’ve always swooned over their selection of goods from the Iberian Peninsula at their other Bay Area locations – and couldn’t be happier with this new addition to the Inner Richmond!
Tanya and Andy met in culinary school. After living and working in Spain for a time (Andy has fond childhood memories of being in Spain with his family), they returned to the States. Partnering with previous owners Steve and Sharon Winston, they became involved with The Spanish Table. Tanya and Andy recently now run the business and are focusing their efforts on the three Bay Area shops in Berkeley, Mill Valley and San Francisco.
Those of you who have spent a significant time in Spain or Portugal will feel like you are coming home when you enter the store! A full deli will offer sandwiches and a plethora of cheese varieties from the Iberian peninsula. Also included in the plans is a coffee bar, where you can get your café cortado fix right in the store. Shelves are stocked with everything you need for traditional Spanish cooking: paella rice (often called “bomba rice”), piquillo peppers, sardines, olives, lupini beans, olive oil, Cola-Cao chocolate mix, and more. A refrigerated section boasts numerous cuts of meat, as well as whole jamón for purchase.
An excellent wine selection has the varietals you will find in homes and restaurants of Spain and Portugal. Tanya says that wines from La Rioja are most popular in the store, but that plenty of aficionados also seek out Godello, Albariño, Verdejo, Chacolí and Cava. If you like crisp, clean whites, this will be a great selection for you. They also carry the largest sherry collection in the Bay Area as well as Basque and Asturian ciders.
In the back of the store, you’ll find gorgeous ceramics for the kitchen: brightly colored cazuelas, large porcelain pitchers, and paella pans will ensure that all your dishes stay authentic.
Opening a new business in SF is a huge accomplishment. Tanya loves to help everyone find the product they are looking for, and is most excited about meeting her fellow neighbors and connecting with her new digs. Welcome, Tanya and Andy, to Clement Street!
For more of my Spanish food thoughts, head over here and here.
Alison Trujillo Translations 