Our journey begins at the greatest German Wurst-Haus, Dittmer’s, which I have ever visited. It was an impulse buy. I have read about mustard lover’s epiphany for the hot stinging, sinus clearing, bite of Lowensenf mustard. There it was and I had to have it. Several sandwiches slathered with Lowensenf later and a new mustard addiction had formed. I needed more but Dittmer’s was an hour away. Lo and behold, ‘The Junket’ is a European café and delicatessen which is only ten minutes away. It also happens to be a food find that has our attention.
The Junket is located in the El Cerrito Plaza right next to Trader Joe’s (Trader Joe’s has everything I always wanted but don’t need). The outside is very plain. It has never caught our attention in the past even though it has been there for 30 years. Once inside the flavor sensors were ignited. Let’s start with the German and English products. Expatriates from these countries will be happy with the large selection of products. It was definitely fun debating whether to buy fresh or canned Haggis. Chocolates, Matjes herring, marmite, double Devon cream, breads, pickles, preserves you name it they have it.
We were only there for mustard and it was a little early in the morning but the vast liquor selection was beckoning. Draft beer served in litre sized stein’s tempted me to don my lederhosen. German and English bottled beers were stocked in a refrigerator case for your viewing and selection. A whole wall was dedicated to imported wines. The junket has a happy hour that we will not miss. To help absorb all the liquid refreshments a full sandwich menus with soups and salads are offered. I have been told from a reliable source to not miss the soup.
Lowensenf has a wonderful rich clean mustard seed flavor. It also has a sinus clearing horseradish kick that has humbled this Chilehead. The Junket is our new food destination that stocks Lowensenf mustard. I will see you there at ‘Happy Hour’. I will be the one in lederhosen eating Haggis.
The Junket
235 El Cerrito Plaza
El Cerrito, Ca. 94530
510 524-4622
I have passed The Junket too many times to count. (When I lived in Berkeley, I would hit the Saturday farmers' market and do my laundry at the laundromat.) Now I'm going to have to take a look next time I'm there.
ReplyDeleteKailyn, It is funny that a great place like The Junket has been there for so long and we never knew about it.
ReplyDeleteI'd suggest trying the Haggis next time, but the price tag is insane! Ain't ya interested tho'? Just a little bit?
ReplyDeletemeathenge, We still think exactly the same. I almost did it.
ReplyDeleteLooking very good Mr. Genius. I love German mustard. If they have it, you have to try Saumagen: German sausage wrapped in pig stomach. They slice it thick and pan fry it till cooked. Usually it is served with red cabbage and liver dumplings covered in all purpose German brown gravy. Mmmmm...
ReplyDeleteI've never had the pleasure of Lowensenf yet but I'll keep my eye out for it at the specialty shops around here.
ReplyDeletehappy new year baconb@4%6@ love santa
ReplyDeleteThree Dogs BBQ, I will keep my eye out for Saumagen. In fact that is a good reason to return to The Junket.
ReplyDeleteChris, I have yet to cook with it. Might work great as part of a brisket or shoulder rub.
greatwhite hunter, How dare you use that kind of language you #$%$#$!!!!!
I bet that would be good on a roast beef sandwich. Another cool find.
ReplyDeleteThought you would find this article on Haggis smuggling interesting... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21128089
ReplyDeleteEnjoy,
Bill