From the foggy coasts to the sprawling vineyards, Northern California is a place of beauty, innovation, and, yes, some decidedly unique culinary choices. If you’ve got a penchant for the offbeat, the tasty, and the downright bizarre, you might just be a NorCal person at heart. Dive in and see if your palate matches the NorCal spirit!
Garlic Ice Cream
If you’ve ever been to Gilroy, the Garlic Capital of the World, you’ll know this peculiar dessert. It’s a mix of creamy, sweet, and that undeniable hint of garlic. A NorCal treasure for the brave.
Dungeness Crab Pizza
The Dungeness crab is cherished, especially around San Francisco. But atop a pizza? It’s a NorCal twist many can’t resist. Fresh crab, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese come together in a mouthwatering medley.
Artichoke Bread
Pescadero’s Arcangeli Grocery Company is behind this unique creation. Imagine locally grown artichokes infused into a fluffy, warm loaf. Toasted with butter, it’s a revelation.
Sourdough Everything
Sourdough bread is just the beginning. In NorCal, we’ve got sourdough pancakes, sourdough pizza crusts, and even sourdough bagels. It’s a tangy treat that transcends form.
Olallieberry Pie
When berry season graces NorCal, olallieberries are the stars of the show. A slice of olallieberry pie is a taste of the region’s lush, fruitful landscapes.
Stinging Nettle Pizza
Sounds adventurous? It is! Some NorCal pizzerias top their pies with stinging nettles. Once safely prepared, they impart an unmatched, earthy flavor.
Seaweed Snacks
Harvested from the pristine NorCal coastlines, seaweed isn’t just for wrapping sushi. Toasted and seasoned, it’s a snack that locals swear by.
Abalone
Dive into the Mendocino coast’s offering of this marine mollusk. Prepared right, it’s a gastronomic journey — tender, buttery, and distinctly NorCal.
Acorn Pancakes
Echoing indigenous traditions, acorn flour pancakes are not just a dish, but a nod to the rich heritage of the land.
Fernet-Branca
While not a food, in San Francisco, sipping on this bitter spirit is a rite of passage. A cherished local tradition, it encapsulates the city’s eclectic tastes.
In the ever-evolving culinary landscape of Northern California, embracing the strange is par for the course. If these delights tickle your fancy, you’re not just a food lover — you’re a NorCal person through and through!
