D’La Colmena
Has been serving up traditional Mexican ingredients and flavors for more than 30 years, and is also known for its meat department, taqueria window, fresh, house-made tortillas and pastries from its Panaderia.
129 West Lake Ave., Watsonville, (831) 724-4544, dlacolmena.com
La Princesa
This popular 12-store, locally owned chain is chock full with Mexican products and ingredients, as well as a well-known carniceria.
La Princesa Market (Main Store) 614 Williams Road, Salinas, (831) 422-3599;
La Princesa Market #1 516 East Alisal St., Salinas, (831) 751-1317; La Princesa Market #2 1260 Main St., Watsonville, (831) 763-3614; La Princesa Market #3 1424 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, (831) 761-3714; supermarketsalinas.com
Lotus Asian Market
This new Asian grocery (opened by the folks behind Thai Basil, in Capitola) offers items from the East such as curry paste, sushi fixings, noodles, Asian snacks and more.
1200 41st Ave., Capitola, (831) 477-1987, capitolathai.vpweb.com
Mi Pueblo
Barbecue-ready meats are a big draw here, as well as the wide variety of products imported from Mexico and Latin America.
1437 Freedom Blvd. Watsonville, (831) 763-7656; 950 E. Alisal St., Salinas, (831) 751-9713.
Yamashita Grocery
This traditional market sells Japanese kitchenware in addition to food.
114 Union St., Watsonville, (831) 724-3219.
About the author
At Edible Monterey Bay, our mission is to celebrate the local food culture of Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey Counties, season by season. We believe in sustainability, and we believe everyone has a right to healthful, clean and affordable food. We think knowing where our food comes from is powerful, and we hope our magazine, website and newsletters inspire readers to get to know and support our local growers, fishers, chefs, vintners and food artisans.
