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Run to Corti Brothers - Sacramento, California

Corti Brothers Market

If you’ve never been to Corti Brothers, run as fast as you can to the best grocery store anywhere - before it’s too late. After 38 years on Folsom Boulevard, Corti Brothers has lost their lease. They plan on opening up somewhere else, but why risk it - you might miss out on the best selection of olive oil anywhere (Darrell Corti is one of the world’s experts on olive oil), fabulous Italian cookies and cakes you can’t find anywhere else, fabulous wines & liquor, great meat and seafood counter. Actually pretty much everything’s great.

Update: Hooray! Corti Brothers (or her customers) have won the battle! After much discussion, and a huge expression of love from the Sacramento community, Corti’s has been offered a long term lease to stay on Folsom Blvd.

The Culinary Institute just inducted Darrell Corti into the Vintner’s Hall of Fame and Mike Dunne of the Sacramento Bee reported:

On March 7, 2008, Darrell Corti will be inducted into the Vintners Hall of Fame during a $250-a-plate dinner at the Napa Valley branch of the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena.

Corti is a member of only the second group of prominent wine-trade personalities to be so enshrined – and the first who is neither an academic nor a winemaker.

While he does teach, and while he has made wine, he is principally a Sacramento grocer who stocks his store with foods and beverages rarely found elsewhere: chutneys from Australia, spice blends from Syria, stockfish from Norway, caramels from Montana, marmalade from Sacramento.

But the Vintners Hall of Fame is recognizing Corti largely for his contributions to the understanding and marketing of wine, which he does through writings, lectures, tours and sales.

While he can provoke vigorous debate on the world wine scene with his forthright views on various grape-growing and winemaking issues, he is recognized locally more for his studious attitude, eclectic tastes and generous spirit. He frankly analyzes wines for home winemakers, judges at even small and remote wine competitions, and shares his knowledge and vast library with whoever comes calling, including this reporter on numerous occasions – just one reason I nominated Corti for the Vintners Hall of Fame.

Since he entered the family business full time in 1964, Corti has been an unusually proactive merchant. He has traveled broadly to forage olive oils, wines, teas and other provisions to be found in the United States only at Corti Brothers.

He also began to search out and promote Northern California foodstuffs and wines long before growing and buying “local” had the environmental cachet it enjoys today. Read More

Darrell Corti

I feel quite sentimental about this store. Many a time I’ve been looking for advice on a recipe or ingredients and they’ve put me on the phone with Darrell to give me advice. I even had them cater my big birthday party. Best of luck in finding a new location and I’ve got my fingers crossed that it will be in East Sac.

Website: Corti Brothers

Corti Brothers

5810 Folsom Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 736-3814

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7 Responses to “Run to Corti Brothers - Sacramento, California”

  1. Nico Says:

    Do we know yet where they are moving to?

  2. Irishlass Says:

    I’m going grocery shopping tomorrow - I’ll see if they have any news. I need to make coconut cupcakes for our “girls” trip to Tahoe. ;^D

  3. Irishlass Says:

    Here’s an update - Darrell Corti has not yet found a new location for the store, but he’s still looking according to the checkers (I was there today for basil, heirloom tomatoes & fresh buffalo mozzarella - guess what I’m making). A group of concerned citizens has started a campaign to Save Corti’s, Their website will be up soon at www.savecortis.com

  4. Irishlass Says:

    Another Update - There is a BIG press conference at the store on Wednesdy Sept 3 at 3pm with all of Sacramento’s top chefs - Biba Caggiano, Kurt Spataro, Randall Selland, David Berkley and more.

    Help Save Corti’s!
    www.savecortis.com

  5. Carol Says:

    Carol says:

    How can we help?

  6. N FERRANNINI Says:

    THE BEST AND CLOSEST PLACE TO ITALY IS AT CORTI BROS RIGHT HERE IN SACRAMENTO. WHAT A PRIVILEGE FOR ALL OF US IN THIS CITY TO HAVE THE VARIETY OF WORLD FOOD THAT IS AT OUR FINGER TIPS.HOW CAN I HELP TO SAVE THIS WONDERFUL AND UNIQUE PART OF OUR LOCAL CULTURE.

  7. Greta Says:

    I can’t imagine East Sac without Corti’s.
    Our daily ritual includes an afternoon shop on our way home. We feel connected to all of the people who work there, and it is a source of real comfort to find that connection. They also stock items I use daily that I don’t find anywhere else, as well as specialty items for special occasions. They are an old friend, so let’s stand by them….
    Just read the paper, hooray, another chance!!!! Go for it Darrell!!!

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