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retailer profile grown at Devoto Gardens & Orchards in Sebastopol, where Bi-Rite also buys apples. "Another one I'm excited about is Birichino," Mills adds effusively. "The owners were here on Wednesday pouring their wines. From a guest perspective, how cool is it that they can grab a spaghetti to take home and also learn about a new wine and meet the winemaker?" Deli and Prepared Foods… The deli features a sandwich station, charcuterie and a prepared foods case. The daytime prepared foods menu is the same at both stores, cooked at an off-site commissary kitchen. Options can include duck confit, meatballs, organic potato latkes and crab cakes. Foods sold in the evening are prepared at the Divisadero store. "We do prepare some hearty staples every night, including a risotto or roasted chicken. But other items vary. One night you might have barbecue short ribs with polenta and the next chile relleno." Shoppers can choose from grab-and-go salads to be eaten immediately and others ready for reheating at home, such as Moroccan chicken or pappardelle with lamb and seasonal vegetables. Fresh salted caramel cupcakes, apple pie and other items are on offer at the bakery. Cheese… The selection averages 125 international and local cheeses, which can include Point Reyes Toma, Spanish Idiazabal and Beecher's Handmade Cheese Flagship Reserve. The cheese case offers precut portions, shredded cheeses and cut-to-order. "We have even adopted a Swiss Alp," Mills says, explaining the store gets an exclusive alpine-style cheese from one importer. Andante Dairy provides a fresh chevre, he adds. "And I mean fresh. Often it's made on Wednesday and delivered by the cheesemaker directly to our store the next day." Grocery… From toilet paper to high-end vinegars, Bi-Rite offers a full range of items, making it a one-stop shop for local residents. Patrons will find teas from Kusmi and local teahouse Red Blossom, coffee from Stumptown and Blue Bottle, and an impressive array of premium chocolates from the likes of Bay Area chocolatiers Michael Mischer and Tcho. Throughout the grocery section is the distinctive blue and white Bi-Rite "Public Label" packaging, denoting the store's house brand. The staff works directly with suppliers to create one-of-a-kind products. One Public Label product is a collection of jams called Mom's Homemade, which are indeed made by the Mogannam brothers' mother, Winter Fancy Food Show Booth 2609 52 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com