A gourmet treasure hidden in an industrial estate in Seville
"Don't get carried away by the look." “It is a ship, but it is one of the best gourmet places in Andalusia”. A priori, exquisiteness and refinement are not found among wholesale stores, mechanical workshops, spare parts houses, electrical appliance and supply companies. But the first time you go to Flavors of the Almacenito, appearances crumble. "The one who comes from new wonders where they take him," he says Anthony Romero, one of the owners.
With Miguel Angel Illescas has created a space in number 11 Pino Piñonero street that unites gourmet shop and grocery store: a place to enjoy high-end products in the most unexpected space. “We have the element of surprise”, highlights Illescas.
Anchovies accompanied by chamomile, a classic!
In a 600 m2 warehouse in the El Pino Industrial Estate in Seville, Flavors of the Almacenito has almost 2,000 references between hams, Iberian, cheeses, wines, distillates, preserves... What began eight years ago as a small establishment where hams and Iberian cold cuts were sold has become one of the gastronomic references of Seville. But only for those lucky enough to meet her.
People who came to pick up their ham were given a lid while they waited for the cut. Even in the beginning this was free. "We know where we are," says Illescas. They compensated for their location, in the middle of the largest industrial park in Seville, with A detail to build customer loyalty.
But they had no choice but to set up a space within the warehouse itself because people began to arrive with the mission of tapas. they had to ride a grocery store in the back of the store. The transfer increased and finally the ship has become a restaurant space full of shelves where they display their products. From the three initial tables they have passed to the current 26.
The combination of store and groceries provides comfort to some users who have the ritual of grab the products they want to try that day and bring them to the table. The Almacenito team, as it is popularly known, is in charge of its presentation. And all at store prices. There is no surcharge for uncorking and the bottle can be left on the premises (for the most regulars) or taken home.
Here the bathtubs are filled with oysters and champagne
During all this time, Romero and Illescas have adapted to requests from a clientele looking for delicatessen products that they couldn't find in other shops.
“It was difficult for us to start, but the word has spread and the producers themselves are delighted to be on our shelves”, Illescas says. This has led to the business becoming part of Sevillian sybaritic gossip. In addition, its great asset is that the owners they are “in love” with the products they sell. They know the specifications, preparations, pairings... They are aware of the latest news, they visit wineries, they go to gastronomic fairs...
The establishment has about 50 types of cheese between national and international (the Lithuanian Džiugas is to die for!) and one of the best wineries in Andalusia with up to 600 wine references. All the major brands in Spain appear on some shelves where the most sold is the Iberian ham: they work with Cinco Jotas, Jamones Lazos and the Jabugo Consortium.
“We sell quality. For other items, you can go to any supermarket,” Romero points out. They are already finalizing the online store, the big goal to finish this year.
The most gourmets have found their place in the world here
The close treatment also puts them on the trail of new products. remember that they were the first to serve Hibiki Japanese whiskey in Seville. "A client recommended it to us and we got down to work to contact the brand and bring it," says Illescas.
Sabores del Almacenito is a place for good tapas. The genre is on your shelves: salmon and cod with dill sauce, bull's tail, asparagus tips, bean stew, fried tomato from Los Palacios and Villafranca with curdled egg, assorted cheeses... They even have Russian sturgeon caviar that can always be accompanied by the best champagne.
“The customer is never bored” due to the great variety of products that he can consume in a “different and with personality” space.
THE ARFE CLOCK
For those who want to taste the products of Sabores del Almacenito without leaving the historic center of Seville, Romero and Illescas run a branch in the Arenal neighborhood. Arfe's Clock (Calle Arfe, 18) has been open since 1894 and is the oldest grocery store in the Andalusian capital.
It is a sales and tasting site that also has a "selection of the best" from the menu of the parent business. highlights the salami from Casa Riera Ordeix, anchovies and French Gillardeau oysters. There is a great selection of Sherry wines and red wines. And as, there is a lot of good Iberian ham.
Address: Calle Pino Piñonero, 11 See map
Telephone: 954 67 74 38