Oliver’s founder and president Steve Maass is a huge believer in sharing information with our customers, and believes it adds an important element to the shopping experience that helps set Oliver’s apart. Our team of employee owners have literally hundreds of years of combined experience selecting products, monitoring trends, and tasting, with some of them holding professional certifications. So if you are wondering about a product that is new to you, or questioning whether it is the right ingredient for a recipe, take a look at the shelf to see if there is a Staff Recommendation tag and you will immediately know more about the product!

This week we’re featuring our staff’s favorite picks at 20% off, so watch for these tags as you shop and save as you discover a new favorite item!

Here are some Staff Favorites featured in this week’s ad, which will give you an idea of how the reviews work. There are hundreds more to discover – this is only a small sample:

In the Grocery Department:

Oliver’s Own Organic Pasta Sauce, Selected Varieties, 24 oz. Jar
“Use this as a base to your homemade pasta sauce or serve right out of the jar over Oliver’s Own Pasta. Quick, easy and always a favorite. Don’t forget the Parmigiano Reggiano.” – Frank Camilleri, Cotati Store Director

Pizza Antica Frozen Woodfired Pizza, Selected Varieties, 13.1-15.9 oz. Package
“The closest thing to a homemade wood fired pizza. I highly recommend trying it.” – Shawn Reilly, Grocery Buyer

Zacca Hummus, Selected Varieties, 10 oz. Container
“A unique flavor for a hummus that just works!” – Robbie Arend, Stony Point Assistant Store Director

Stonewall Kitchen Jam, Selected Varieties, 12-12.5 oz. Jar
“Perfect on toast, in a PB & J sandwich, or warm it up slightly and drizzle over ice cream for dessert. Outstanding Jam award winner International Fancy Food Show.” – Matt Rice, Graphics & Marketing

Comet Corn Popcorn, Selected Varieties, 3.75 oz. Bag LOCAL
“This locally made popcorn has a great mix of spices and nutritional yeast! Goes great with a cold beer.” – Aubrey Ballinger, Graphics & Marketing

Nixie Sparkling Water, Selected Varieties, 8 pack/12 oz. Cans
“Delicious flavor combination with just a slight kick of caffeine (in some varieties). Great for the summer heat.” – Dustin Canter, Natural Foods Buyer

Nature’s Path Love Crunch Granola, Selected Varieties, 11.5 oz. Bag
“This stuff is so dangerously delicious. Every time I open a bag, I enter a deep practice of self-control so that I don’t finish the whole thing in one sitting!” – Dustin Canter, Natural Foods Buyer

Patagonia Provisions Anchovies, Selected Varieties, 4.2 oz. Tin
“Not a pizza anchovy! This mild flavored fish is fantastic!” – Dustin Canter, Natural Grocery Buyer

Honey Mama Raw Cocoa Nectar Bars, Selected Varieties, 2.25 oz. Bar
“These bars are delicious. Five simple ingredients come together to make the base to something wonderful. You won’t even miss the sugar or milk!” – Dustin Canter, Natural Foods Buyer

From our Bakery:

St. Pierre Brioche Buns, 4 Count/7-8.8 oz. Package, Plain or Seeded
“The ultimate hamburger bun. Perfect texture and flavor. They will be a hit at every BBQ.” Dillon Bean, Cotati Assistant Store Director

From our Deli:

Oliver’s Own Pizza Dough, 16 oz. Package
“Easy to work with and makes a delicious pizza.” – Mayra Gomez, Stony Point Deli Department Manager

From our Meat Department:

Taverrite’s Mild Italian Pork Sausage
“A mild Italian sausage made from whole cuts of pork shoulder. In addition to tasting pure pork, you’ll find notes of fennel and black pepper.” – Matt Rice, Graphics & Marketing

Wine, Beer, Spirits – and Thumbs?

In our Wine, Beer & Spirits Department, our knowledgeable staff curates a selection of top picks to help make choosing a libation a breeze. Their favorites are reviewed using the Oliver’s “thumb” system so you can find the best of the best. Each reviewer signs their name at the bottom of the tag. You may find that your preferences match those of one of our reviewers, and can then follow their recommendations throughout the department.

Here is a sampling of top beverage reviews to get you started – and remember they are 20% Off this week!

La Crema Chardonnay, 2022 Monterey – Five Thumbs
“A lively, bright Chardonnay with tropical fruit aromas accompanied with melon, pear and subtle spice on the palate. Pair with your favorite chicken or creamy pasta dish!” – Josh Kirchhoff, Corporate Wine & Liquor Coordinator

Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc, 2022 Sonoma County LOCAL – Five Thumbs
“When I think of Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc, I think of this. Aromas of honeydew melon, Peach, and guava pair with lime and nectarine on the palate.” – Brandon Witwicki, Windsor Wine Department Manager

Carmel Road Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020 California – Five Thumbs
“A blend of predominately Cabernet Sauvignon with a little Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc added for complexity, this is a lot of wine for the money. Its dense, well extracted fruit shows dark cherry and blackberry with underlying flavors of baking spice and cocoa. Nice wine for the price.” – Justin Bowman, Cotati Wine Department Manager

Highway 12 Pinot Noir, 2021 California – Five Thumbs
“If you’re looking for a wine that will delight with its complex and elegant flavor, look no further than Highway 12’s Pinot Noir. Crafted from grapes grown in Sonoma Coast, this Pinot Noir exhibits aromas of cherry, raspberry, and spice, with a smooth and silky texture that lingers on the palate. It pairs exceptionally well with a variety of dishes, including roasted chicken, salmon, or mushroom risotto. Highway 12 Pinot Noir is a wine to love and remember. Give it a try!”- David Riley, Stony Point Wine Department Manager

Portlandia Rosé, 2021 Willamette Valley – Five Thumbs
“A fun addition to our Rosé  set. A blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer. Floral aromatics followed by bouncy notes of red fruit: fresh strawberry, watermelon, and ripe cherry. It doesn’t get any thumbs if it isn’t yum!” – Matteo Polverari, Montecito Wine Department Manager

Aviation Gin – Four Thumbs
“A precise blend of botanicals- cardamom, coriander, French lavender, anise seed, sarsaparilla, juniper and two kinds of orange peel, that spend 18 hours in macerating tanks. Add sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur and a dash of bitters to make a “Aviation Cosmo.” – Matteo Polverari, Montecito Wine Department Manager

Russian River Brewery Velvet Glow – LOCAL – Five Thumbs
“A world-class Helles lager. It’s malt-focused, yet still snappy and endlessly refreshing. It shines in the details with its understated aroma, moderate hop bite, and superlative mouthfeel. If you like a lighter Hopped beer, yet full mouthfeel; this is great choice and my favorite from RRB.” – David Riley, Stony Point Wine Department Manager

Happy Dad Seltzer – Five Thumbs
“A creation of The Nelk Boys of Youtube fame, the initial release of Happy Dad had people lining up at the stores that had early access to it. Low carbonation infused with electrolytes. I found them to be subtle with the flavors but refreshing and super crushable.” – Matteo Polverari, Montecito Wine Department Manager

Basil Hayden Bourbon – Five Thumbs
“One of the smoothest bourbons you can sip on and is also a customer favorite. On the nose, notes of vanilla, caramel, and dried fruits. Tastes like sweet brown sugar and a touch of black pepper. A great purchase overall!” – Brandon Witwicki, Windsor Wine Department Manager

Say Cheese!

Our Cheese mongers are some of the most passionate in the region. When you’re looking for the cheese of your dreams, be it Sonoma County’s finest or a beautiful import, our cheese mongers are always ready with the perfect suggestion. Look for their rotating favorites, which may change seasonally or as new, exciting cheeses arrive. No matter what, be ready to expand your cheese-tasting palate and enjoy 20% Off!

OG Kristal Gouda
“One of the best goudas available, this powerhouse of a cheese boasts plentiful cheese crystals throughout the stunning orange paste. Although dry and flaky in texture, it melts like butter once it hits the palate. The flavor consists of warm notes of butterscotch and caramel. Simply put, this cheese rocks!” – Wade Johnson, Gourmet Cheese Department Coordinator

Jasper Hill Farm Harbison
“Spread Harbison on a toasted baguette with jam to make a baguette tartine! Swap the jam for some cured ham for a Parisien inspired sandwich, pair with a sour beer.” – Jared Mark-Hollandsworth, Stony Point Gourmet Cheese Manager

Alp Blossom
“Alp Blossom is truly the most beautiful cheese in the world!  This Alpine cow’s milk marvel is coated with a delicately seductive confetti of Bavarian tea, herbs, and wild flowers which gives it the aroma of warm summertime Alp Meadows  It’s dense, creamy paste is brimming with notes of nuts, browned butter, and honeycomb and is sure to be the centerpiece of any charcuterie board!  Pair with a tall pint of Bavarian Beer or a glass of dry Riesling.” – Matt Hyer, Montecito Gourmet Cheese Manager

P’Tit Basque
“P’Tit Basque is a delightful sheep cheese that can be enjoyed by all. It has a slightly nutty and sweet taste with a rich creamy texture that makes it easy to eat every day. The cylindrical shape of this cheese makes it a fun addition to any cheeseboard.” – Heather Schoneman, Cotati Gourmet Cheese Manager

Your Invitation is Here

This is your week to check out the Staff Recommendation tags up and down the aisles of your favorite Oliver’s location. Watch for the 20% Off Sale Tags to confirm what you are looking at is part of the sale and enjoy the savings as you discover a few new favorites. Happy shopping!