Shop Locally: Garlic Festival Foods

I can remember when the fields along Highway 25, near the 101 exit, were full of garlic. That was always a comforting sign I was heading home. There's nothing like the yummy taste of garlic. The smell, too. It is definitely heaven when I drive through that very sweet spot by Gilroy Foods where the strongest aroma of garlic is in the air. Ahhhhhhh.

With the smell and taste of garlic in your mind, have you ever tried any of the spice blends or sauces made by the Garlic Festival Foods?


I hadn't until the Holiday Cheer Shop Hop that took place at the beginning of December. Garlic Festival Foods was a participant. I had no idea its headquarters was located in Hollister; so, of course, I had to check it out. Jackpot! Another source for unique local gifts—garlic mustard, garlic olives, garlic salsa, garlic marinade, garlic condiment, garlic soap, and much more.

Garlic Festival Foods has been in business for 26 years. It is located at 1803 Shelton Drive (off of Fallon Road, by the Hollister Airport), and is open to customers from 8:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday. For more information about Garlic Festival Foods, check out their Web site and/or their Facebook page. Their products are also available at San Benito Bene in downtown Hollister.

To FCC: Does taking a tiny package of spice from the  Garlic Festival Foods' freebie basket for customers count? If so, I did do that. And, does tasting the free samples of food given to customers that day count as well? I did do that, too.

© 2012 Su-sieee! Mac. All rights reserved. www.take25tohollister.com

Holliwood

Holliwood is a new boutique in downtown Hollister. Its slogan is Bringing a little Hollywood to Hollister. How cool is that! 

The shop is owned by Christie Martin, who has been a jewelry designer for 20 years. She has worked in the jewelry fashion industry for 10 of those years in Hollywood. Cameron Diaz, the Olsen twins, Beyonce, Pink, Cher, Mariah Carey, and Christina Aguilera, among other actresses and singers have bought and worn her jewelry.

Holliwood carries jewelry and clothing at affordable prices, according to its Web site. It's located at 748 San Benito Street (west side), near the corner of South Street. For more information, check out the shop's Web site and Facebook page.

A Christmas Celebration

Nothing says a Filipino feast than a roast pig. And, that is what the Mama, the Husband, and I enjoyed on Saturday night at the 36th annual Christmas ball held by the Filipino American Community of San Benito County at the Veterans Memorial Building.

© 2012 Su-sieee! Mac. All rights reserved. www.take25tohollister.com

Happy Dogg's

Gangnam Dogg?

It's a yummy beef hot dog covered with kimchi, inspired by the song Gangnam Style. That you can buy at Happy Dogg's in Hollister.

Happy Dogg's? Uh-huh. The hot dog joint, run by Betty and George, is right across from the movie theater on McCray Street. Check it out.

Here's the link to Happy Dogg's Facebook page. And, here's a link to the Yelp review page.

A Note to FCC: I received nothing free to write about Happy Dogg's. So, please move along.

Wind and Water

"Hello, Water Tank."

"Hello, Windmill."

The windmill and water tank display at the San Benito County Historical Park.

© 2012 Su-sieee! Mac. All rights reserved. www.take25tohollister.com