If you've somehow missed the big news in the Sacramento food community, Corti Brothers grocery store has been given walking papers by their landlord. They had 60 days to vacate in order to make room for a new venture called Good Eats (the second location; the first being in the old Andiamo restaurant on Folsom near Alhambra). Well, the foodies in the area are not taking this news lying down. Two blogs have been established to post the latest news, and a petition and media event are underway.

Why the outcry? In case you're not aware, Darrell Corti, son of one of the founding brothers, is an internationally recognized wine and olive oil expert. From here in little ol' Sac. He was raised here and joined the family business as a young man. The Corti Brothers store (the last remaining of several at their apex), is a wonderland of culinary delights. Sure, you can buy produce, milk, and cereal in lots of places, but where else can you find--under one roof--things like salty licorice from Denmark, custom-made cheese and meat ravioli, unusual liqueur like Cuarente y Tres from Spain, hand-cut beef brisket, 20 or 30 different olive oils, hundreds of types of pasta, and panettone straight from Italy? Darrell sends out a newsletter that is as well researched as it is fascinating. He spotlights new products like dried shredded coconut and Japanese salt. It's an education every time you go in for provisions. And don't miss the glass-fronted bookshelves high above the bread department. They're packed full of Darrell's rare and thorough collection of culinary references. Or the fantastic deli counter, where you'll happily stand in line for a big, flavorful sandwich or freshly sliced prosciutto.

So hightail it over there and see for yourself, but make sure to sign the petition to the landlord, visit the two new blogs (Save Corti Bros and Save the Corti Bros.), and head over there next Wednesday for the media event:

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 3RD, 3:00 P.M
Press is advised to arrive no later than 2:45 P.M.
Corti Brothers – 5810 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento

“Who’s Who” of the Sacramento food community will gather, in chefs’ jackets, in support and to pledge community allegiance to Corti Brothers, the 61-year unique family business now headed by internationally known wine and food authority Darrell Corti. Corti Brothers has been given just 60 days to vacate, after 38 years at its present location, to make way for Michael Teel, grandson of Tom Raley, and his attempt to re-enter the food business with a store called “Good Eats.”

BACKGROUND: The conference participants will explain what Corti Brothers means to this community. Petitions have begun circulating in the Sacramento region (and worldwide) and already thousands are expected to sign and have been gathered asking, to commit support to Corti Brothers.
Press conference participants will include Biba Caggiano and her staff of Biba’s Restuarant; David Berkley; Rich Mahan of Waterboy Restaurant; Kurt Spataro and his chefs; Randall Selland of Ella’s Restaurant; Tamara Baker of Selland’s Market; Dani Luzzatti of Bellalu Catering; Teresa Urkofsky, college cullinary instuctor; Brenda Ruiz, Junior Chefs cooking school; Wendy Mentik, Bidwell Street Bistro; Noah Zonca of The Kitchen; Bernice Hagin and Peg Tomlinson of Sacramento Magazine’s Dining Divas… and many, many more.

Contact: Devon Ford 916-541-5619