Golden Fig Fine Foods

For those of you who have browsed your way down Grand Avenue in Saint Paul lately, you probably ran into the most wonderful treasure that I discovered two weekends ago. It is called Golden Fig Fine Foods. I was lucky enough to hear Golden Fig owner Laurie Crowell speak at a networking event. Laurie grew up in Wisconsin but worked under Ina Garten (aka The Barefoot Contessa) in The Hamptons in college (and I believe for a year or two after that). Ina continues to be a great mentor to her. You can see Ina's influence reflected in Laurie's shop. This quaint shop offers everything from kitchenware to gourmet chocolates, MN- and WI-made cheeses and other handcrafted goodies (read: homemade vinegars that looked out of this world!). It appears that all of her products come from the Midwest (another plus!). There were lots of opportunities to sample, as well. I picked up a small jar of horseradish mustard that has a huge kick to it - fresh from a small sandwich-shop owner in Chicago. I've used it on sandwiches and in a vinaigrette dressing - I'm obsessed! Now that the weather is warming up, take advantage and stroll down Grand, making sure to stop and purchase some goodies from Golden Fig!