Mediterranean cuisine can be many things spanning so many countries, but it is generally characterized by an abundance of olive oil, fresh vegetables, seafood and other lean proteins, and aromatic herbs, this gastronomic tapestry includes Greek salads, Italian pastas, Spanish paellas, and more. The emphasis on wholesome ingredients not only creates delicious meals, but also promotes good health!

Our buying team simply outdid themselves this week, rounding up special pricing on an array of imported and specialty items, and our Deli, Meat, Gourmet Cheese, and Produce departments joined in on the fun! Included in this week’s offerings is an amazing sale on conservas, or tinned fish (more about this below!), that is a great reason to re-visit this section of our store if you haven’t shopped there in a while. Today’s tinned fish has come a long way since the days of simple, uninspired sardine and oyster options.

You can see everything listed together in our extra beautiful Weekly Ad for some wonderful inspiration, but here are some highlights that you don’t want to miss:

Antipasti

The traditional name for the first course of a formal Italian meal takes many forms, but it usually involves bite-size small portions and guests serving themselves, with the goal of stimulating the appetite. There are many forms of this throughout the world, (Mezze, anyone?) and a connection can easily be made to the grazing boards and charcuterie boards we see so often in Sonoma County.

What’s usually involved in creating a memorable grazing board, antipasto platter or Mezze? The goal is to create a visually appealing grouping of different colors, textures, and flavors that can be mixed and matched to the delight of the guest. Consider these ‘food groups’ as you plan your board or platter.

• Dips: A variety of dips make a good foundation!
• Dippers: Crisp veggies, pita or other breads, crackers,
• Meats, Cheeses, and/or Seafood, including tinned fish, cured meats, and regional cheeses
• Dried fruit and nuts
• Olives or other pickled items

Here are just a few of the ingredients featured this week that will add some pizazz to whatever you are creating. You can also grab a few supplies for your pantry and be ready for your next impromptu guests:

• Zacca Hummus, Selected Varieties, 10 oz. Container, $4.49 REV
• Divina Organic Olives, Selected Varieties, 5.3-10oz oz. Jar, $4.99 Off
• Ital Brand Roasted Red or Yellow Peppers, 12 oz. Jar, 2 for $5.00
• Ital Brand Non-Pareil Capers, 5 oz. jar, $1.99.
• Oliver’s Own Balsamic Vinegar, 250 ml. bottle, $7.99
• Oliver’s Own Everyday Arbequina EVOO, 750 ml. bottle, $13.99
• Fresca Selections Prosciutto Crudo, 2 oz. package, $7.99/ea, – A traditional slow-cured prosciutto, Prosciutto Crudo is aged over a year in the Parma region of Italy and boasts a well-balanced buttery flavor profile with subtle sweet notes.
• Marcona Almonds, $19.99/lb – Known in Spain as the “Queen of Almonds” these delicious Spanish almonds are peeled, fried, and salted in small batches. Their naturally sweet flavor makes them the perfect accompaniment on a cheese and charcuterie board.
• Oliver’s Own Rosemary Focaccia Bread, 1 lb.2 oz. Loaf, $6.99 LOCAL

Gourmet Cheese

Bring rich, sun-soaked flavor to your table with gourmet cheeses perfectly suited for Mediterranean cuisine. These selections add depth and character to every dish. Crumble over fresh salads, pair with olives and warm flatbread, or serve alongside cured meats and ripe tomatoes for an effortless spread that captures the essence of the Mediterranean—simple, vibrant, and irresistibly delicious.

• Halloumi, $15.99/lb – Hailing from the La Mancha region of Spain, this impeccable raw sheep’s milk cheese has a delightful sharpness and a warm nutty flavor with hints of herbs and grasses. Cured for at least 6 months, this extraordinary cheese is instantly recognizable from its olive oil brushed natural rind.
• Dehesa 6 Month Manchego, $25.99/lb – A dreamy blend of cow, goat, and sheep’s milk, a bite of La Tur is like devouring a slice of cheesecake descended from heaven. The texture is light and fluffy with a rich and creamy mouthfeel. The delicate rind slowly ripens into a runny cream line yielding a balanced cheese with notes of fresh sweet milk, subtle grassy herbaceous notes, and a bright lemony finish.
• La Tur, $25.99/lb – This meatier fish has a much milder flavor than Anchovies, and they can hold up to toast, spicy mustard, compound butter and lots of fresh lemon.

Delicious Meals Await

If you still have room for dinner after enjoying all of these recommendations for antipasto and mezze, we are here for you with more savings and more meal ideas!

How about a delicious Greek Salad or Mediterranean Couscous Salad? Grilled Eggplant is delicious and eggplant is on sales this week in our Produce Department, as are cucumbers needed for this Cucumber Salad. While our hummus is truly delicious, try making it yourself with our recipe for Lemony Hummus with Oliver’s Own Lemon Infused Olive Oil.

Here are some specials from our Meat, Grocery, and Wine departments to round our your Mediterranean shopping trip:

• Fresh, Wild Ling Cod Fillet, USA, Green, $14.99/lb.
• Niman Ranch Bone-In Lamb Shoulder Chop, $9.99/Lb. LOCAL
• Patagonia Provisions Tinned Fish, Selected Varieties, 4.2oz Tin, $4.49
• Organic Meyer Lemons,, Grown by DMS Ranch in Sebastopol, Ca, $2.99/lb. LOCAL
• Organic Globe & Graffiti Eggplant, Grown by Aztlan in Mexico, $1.99/ea.
• Organic Cucumbers, Grown in Mexico by Divine, $0.89/ea.
• Organic Garlic, Grown by Christopher Ranch in Gilroy, $5.99
• Organic Mixed Cherry Tomatoes, Grown by A&A Farm in Mexico, $4.99/lb
• Cotton Candy Grapes, Grown by the Grapery in Chile, $4.99/lb
• Bunched Mint,, Grown in Mexico, $0.99/ea
• Domaine Vetriccie Vermentino, 2023 Corsica France, $11.99 +crv
• Inama Soave Classico, 2024, Italy, $15.99 +crv
• Mastroberadino Iprina Aglianico, 2022, Italy $14.99 +crv

Whether you try one new item, or jump in with both feet and create a delicious regional feast, we hope you will accept our invitation to indulge in the delicious flavors of the Mediterranean, with a little help from Oliver’s Market.