Great Picks in Every Aisle: The Oliver’s Staff Recommendation Program

Chat with an Oliver’s employee, and you will most likely discover a fellow foodie. We love it all – eating, drinking, and making, but we also love sharing our favorite discoveries!

Our Staff Recommendation program is our way of calling out what we consider to be the best-of-the-best. In every aisle and department, you will find tags on our shelves with personal reviews from our team. Whether it’s a new item you’re curious about or an old favorite, these recommendations can help you discover something new or confirm your choice.

This week we’re featuring our staff’s favorite picks at 25% off or more, so watch for these tags as you shop and discover a new favorite!

 

NOTE: Sale prices run from September 11-17, 2024 at all four Sonoma County Oliver’s Market locations.

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 25% off or more, 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:

• Pizza Antica Margherita Frozen Pizza, 14.8 oz. Package
“The closest thing to a homemade wood fired pizza. I highly recommend trying it.” – Shawn Reilly, Conventional & Specialty Grocery Buyer

Oliver’s Own Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce, 25 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.” – Aubrey Ballinger, Corporate Graphics Manager

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

• Chili Gods Red Pepper Hot Sauce, 10 oz. Bottle LOCAL
“Just the right amount of heat that won’t make your nose run.” – Samantha Fauss, Montecito Assistant Store Director

• G-Nola Maple Butter Pecan Granola, 9 oz. Bag LOCAL
“This new granola is a perfect snack, or mix in your favorite yogurt. Great new item.” – Scott Gross, General Manager

• Wild Planet Tuna Bean and Corn Salad, 5.6 oz. Tin
“This is a delicious meal to bring camping or on a hike!” – Dustin Canter, Natural Grocery Buyer

• Bachan’s Japanese BBQ Sauce, 17 oz. Bottle LOCAL
“My go-to marinade, stir fry sauce, and everything dipping sauce. This stuff is super versatile and can be used on chicken, pork, beef, veggies, tofu, and more! Pick up a bottle and you will not regret it.” – Robbie Arend, Stony Point Store Director

Rao’s Marinara Pasta Sauce, 24 oz. Jar
“This sauce, with traditional Italian flavors, has been perfected over generations. Perfect over pasta but try it as a pizza sauce too!” – Matt Rice, Corporate Advertising & Marketing Specialist

From our Bakery:

• Con Amore Assorted Jelly Cookies, 12 oz. Package
“Strawberry, raspberry or apricot jellies are used as the filling for these delectable cookies. These are great year-round, or for birthdays, weddings or even a holiday dessert.” Marghi Sulas, Bakery Coordinator

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:

• Journeyman Meat Company Barrel Bacon, 12 oz. Package
“The perfect thickness, incredible flavor, and made here in Sonoma County. What could be better?!” – Aubrey Ballinger, Corporate Graphics Manager

From our Wellness Department: 

• T- Relief Plant-Based Relief Arnica 12+, 2 oz. Tube
“Awesome for muscle and joint ache. Almost instant relief.” – Mike Martinez, Windsor Customer Service Manager

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 might find that your preferences match their favorites, and you can follow their recommendations in the store.

Here is a sampling of top beverage reviews to get you started!

•Ross Ranch Sauvignon Blanc, 2022 Alexander Valley, 750ml Bottle, $16.99+CRV
“One of the best Sauvignon Blancs I have tried this year! Brimming with citrus fruits and vibrant acidity, this is a very dry SB with a crisp finish. A must have for all fans of the varietal!” – Josh Kirchhoff, Corporate Wine & Liquor Coordinator

•Seghesio Zinfandel, 2019 Sonoma County, 750ml Bottle, $19.99+CRV
“Iconic Sonoma Zinfandel blend with Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet, and other red grapes. Bold blackberry and cherry flavors with hints of spice and vanilla for a rich, silky mouthfeel.” – Justin Bowman, Cotati Wine Department Manager

•On The Rocks Margarita, 375ml Can, $8.99+CRV
“Like the name says all you need to do is add ice. Using natural flavors, cane sugar, triple sec and Hornitos tequila for the perfect restaurant margarita!” – Matteo Polverari, Montecito Wine Department Manager

•New Amsterdam Gin, 750ml Bottle, $9.49+CRV
“Don’t let the price fool you, this gin is delicious! I always keep a bottle on hand at home for a casual Gin and Tonic. It’s a hidden gem that some prefer over pricier options!” – Brandon Witwicki, Windsor Wine Department Manager

•Wolffer Summer in a Bottle Rosé, 2023 France, 750ml Bottle, $18.99+CRV
“Wow! This lively Cotes du Provence Rose is bursting with tangy flavors. Its spritzy mouthfeel complements the refreshing berries and citrus notes perfectly. Share a glass on the patio for a delightful experience!” – David Riley, Stony Point 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!

Valley Ford Creamery Grazin’ Girl, $13.99/lb.
“Locally made here in Sonoma County, Valley Ford Creamery’s Grazin’ Girl, is a hand-made Gorgonzola Dolce inspired recipe. With a natural rind, beautiful blue veining and a yellow-tinted paste, this gorgeous blue cheese always stands out in a crowd. Boasting an irresistible fudgy texture, and a flavor profile reminiscent of sweet cream with a slightly salty finish, Grazin’ Girl regularly makes an appearance on my cheese boards.” – Wade Johnson, Gourmet Cheese Coordinator

•La Tur, $19.99/lb.
“La Tur is a delightful addition to any cheeseboard or a standalone treat with its delicate cupcake appearance. Not only does this cheese have a bright buttery taste with a slightly citrus pop of flavor, but it also has a creamy rich texture that coats the mouth for a long-lasting finish. La Tur goes well with a variety of accompaniments however I like to pair it with rose petal jelly as it is a light floral flavor that gives the cheese a fun jewel-like appearance.” – Heather Schoneman, Cotati Cheese Department Manager

• Le Secret de Compostelle, $21.99/lb.
“SHHH!! It’s a Secret! On second thought this cheese should never be kept secret! Le Secret de Compostelle is an aged sheep’s milk cheese that is named for the passage between the French and Spanish Basque regions which was commonly traveled by pilgrims on the way to the city of Santiago de Compostela. Aged at about 8 months this dense, firm cheese has a smooth, creamy texture with notes of nuts, mushrooms and cream. Enjoy with a full-bodied Cabernet or Muscadet.” Matthew Hyer, Montecito Cheese Department Manager

• Oveja Anejo, $21.99/lb.
“This Spanish Sheep’s cheese has quickly become one of our favorites. Though they both hail from Spain, this is a very different cheese than Manchego. You will find that it is less sharp and salty, instead greeting you with lovely notes of brown butter and nuts, with a savory and milky finish. This is an easy recommendation for a charcuterie board, or to pair with fresh or dried fruit.” – Jared Mark-Hollandsworth, Stony Point Cheese Department Manager

•Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, $23.99/lb.
“The cornerstone of the Jasper Hill collection, Clothbound Cabot is an amazing collaboration between Jasper Hill and Cabot Creamery. Firm and crumbly, it encompasses a wide variety of flavors; From a sharp fruity nuttiness near the heart, to a rich buttery maltiness near the lard washed surface. The balance between savory and sweet makes the Clothbound Cheddar a perfect pick for charcuterie, a dry sparkling cider, a hoppy ale, or an oaked Cabernet Sauvignon.” – Damian Birdseye, Windsor Cheese Department 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 “25% Off Or More” 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!

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