Guten Tag Reader,
This week, we’re diving into the delicious world of German food—where biscuits are buttery, chocolate comes in perfect little squares, and even the sparkling water is an experience! 🥨🍫💦 We’ve stocked up on everything from Ritter Sport chocolates (so many flavors!) to Bahlsen’s legendary biscuits and wafers, plus authentic German sodas and mineral waters to wash it all down.
And if you’re craving something heartier, don’t forget the German classics—sausages, sauerkraut, and spaetzle noodles—all ready to make your next meal wunderbar. Swing by Ava’s and grab a taste of Germany today! 🇩🇪🥨
🇩🇪 German Snacks You Need to Try 🇩🇪
Germany isn’t just about beer and bratwurst—though, let’s be honest, they do those spectacularly well. German cuisine is a masterclass in comfort food, from golden, crispy schnitzels to rich, stick-to-your-ribs stews. And when it comes to snacks and drinks? Oh, they’ve got that down to a science (or maybe an art—you decide after a few bites). Lucky for you, Ava’s has a whole lineup of authentic German treats, so you can snack like a Berliner without ever leaving town.
Bubbly, Bold & Totally German
- Paulaner Sunset – Germans love mixing their sodas like they’re DJs at a club, and this cola-orange combo is a hit. It’s sweet, citrusy, and the perfect pick-me-up when you can’t decide between a Coke or a Fanta. Why not both?
- Gerolsteiner Sparkling Water – It’s fancy, it’s fizzy, and it’s naturally carbonated straight from volcanic springs. Plus, it’s loaded with minerals, meaning you can totally justify drinking this instead of plain old tap water.
- Rosbacher Sparkling Water – This one’s for the hydration nerds: it’s got the ideal 2:1 calcium-to-magnesium ratio, which basically means it’s doing your body a favor while also being delightfully bubbly.
- Almdudler Original – It may be Austrian-born, but this herbal soda is a cult favorite in Germany. Think of it as the Alpine answer to root beer, with a blend of 32 mountain herbs that somehow tastes like pure refreshment.
Biscuits & Chocolates That Demand a Coffee Break
- Bahlsen Choco Leibniz – Imagine a crispy butter biscuit smothered in a thick layer of chocolate. Now stop imagining and come grab a pack, because these have been winning hearts since 1891.
- Bahlsen Waffeletten – These delicate rolled wafers dipped in chocolate are a staple in many German households, especially around the holidays.
- Bahlsen Ohne Gleichen – “Ohne Gleichen” means “without equal,” which is a pretty bold claim—until you take a bite of these chocolate-covered, layered wafer delights. They weren’t kidding.
- Bahlsen Choc Wafers – Light, crispy, and dipped in chocolate. Think of them as the classier cousin of those wafers you ate as a kid, but much, much better.
- Leibniz Butter Biscuits – A biscuit so iconic it has its own museum in Germany. (Yes, really.) Simple, buttery perfection that’s been fueling snack time for over a century.
- Ritter Sport Chocolates – Germany’s most famous square-shaped chocolate bars, originally designed to fit in your pocket without breaking. With flavors like cornflakes, rum raisin, and butter biscuit, you might as well grab a few—you will want extras.
And hey, if you’re in the mood for something more traditional, we’ve also got sauerkraut, bratwurst, and Düsseldorf mustard to round out your German feast. Whether you’re snacking, sipping, or prepping for an Oktoberfest in February, Ava’s has you covered. Komm schnell! (That’s “hurry up” in German, in case your snack stash is running dangerously low.)
🍬 Haribo: Sweet, Chewy, and Iconically German 🐻
If there’s one candy that screams “Germany” louder than an Oktoberfest oompah band, it’s Haribo. Born in 1920 in a small kitchen in Bonn, Germany, Haribo was founded by Hans Riegel, who had a simple but brilliant vision: to create the world’s best gummy candy. His first invention? The Gummibärchen—or what we now know as the famous Goldbears. From those humble beginnings, Haribo (a mashup of Hans Riegel Bonn) has grown into a global gummy empire, crafting some of the most delightfully chewy, fruity, and uniquely German sweets you can find. And yes, Ava’s is your go-to for an incredible international selection of these classic treats!
What’s on the (Gummy) Menu?
- 🇩🇪 Bärchen Pärchen – Double the fun! These adorable bear pairs come linked together, each duo featuring two complementary flavors like cherry & lemon or apple & blackberry. Sweet, tangy, and totally snackable.
- 🎭 Phantasia – A mixed bag of gummy magic! This assortment is packed with fun shapes, from dragons to race cars, bursting with juicy fruit flavors that’ll transport you straight to your childhood (or at least make you feel like a kid again).
- ✨ Goldbären (Goldbears) – The original and the legend. These chewy, fruity, and perfectly balanced bears have been delighting taste buds for over 100 years. Each color is a different flavor—strawberry, lemon, orange, raspberry, apple, and pineapple—so no two handfuls are ever the same.
- 🔠 Alphabet Letters – Spelling has never been this tasty! These colorful letter-shaped gummies let you chew your way through the alphabet, whether you’re spelling your name or just eating a handful at random. Either way, it’s delicious.
- 🍟 Pommes – Gummy french fries? Yep, and they’re fantastic. These tangy, slightly sour fries are coated in a sugary dusting that makes them as addicting as their fast-food counterparts. Just don’t try dipping them in ketchup.
- 🔵 Schlümpfe (Smurfs) – Yep, Smurf-shaped gummies! These blue-and-white little guys come with a deliciously fruity bite, featuring flavors like raspberry and strawberry. A must-try for nostalgia lovers and gummy connoisseurs alike.
Haribo isn’t just candy—it’s a chewy, fruity, joy-filled tradition that Germany has shared with the world. And at Ava’s, we’re all about bringing the best international treats straight to you! So whether you’re a longtime gummy fanatic or just discovering the magic of Haribo, stop by and stock up on our huge selection. After all, life is too short for boring candy! 🍭
🧧 Get Lucky this Lunar New Year! 🐉
Chinese Lunar New Year is just around the corner, marking a time of joy, family reunions, and, of course, plenty of delicious food! This year, why not bring a little extra luck into your home with lucky bamboo? 🎋 A popular symbol of prosperity and positive energy, lucky bamboo isn’t just a beautiful plant—it’s believed to attract good fortune and harmony for the year ahead. The number of stalks even carries different meanings: two for love, three for happiness, five for health, and eight for wealth. So whether you’re gifting one or keeping it for yourself, it’s a meaningful way to start the new year on the right foot.
Of course, no Lunar New Year celebration is complete without traditional foods that symbolize luck and abundance! At Ava’s, you’ll find it all, from fresh oranges and tangerines (for wealth and success), fish (for prosperity), and dumplings (representing pockets of gold!). 🧧🐉
☕️ The Ultimate German Comfort: Spaetzle! 🫖
With a stretch of chilly, rainy days ahead in Mountain View, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a bowl of warm, hearty comfort food. And nothing says comfort quite like spaetzle—Germany’s beloved egg noodle that’s as rich in history as it is in flavor.
The Story Behind Spaetzle
Spaetzle (pronounced shpet-sleh) is a Swabian specialty, originating from the Baden-Württemberg region of southern Germany. The name translates to “little sparrows,” a nod to their small, irregular shape. Traditionally made with flour, eggs, and water, spaetzle has been a staple in German households for centuries, often served alongside meaty stews, in buttery pan-fried dishes, or smothered in cheese for a dish known as Käsespätzle—Germany’s answer to mac and cheese.
At Ava’s, we proudly carry Bechtle Spaetzle Noodles, made in Germany since 1909 using high-quality durum wheat semolina and cage-free eggs for an authentic taste and perfect texture. Their noodles cook up soft yet delightfully chewy, making them a perfect addition to any meal.
Recipe: Cheesy Spaetzle with Caramelized Onions and Wilted Greens
This easy, cozy dish brings together nutty Gruyère cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and tender spaetzle—perfect for a rainy night in.
Ingredients:
- 1 package Bechtle Spaetzle Noodles (from Ava’s)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach or Swiss chard, roughly chopped
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Spaetzle: Prepare according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and soft, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Greens: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add greens and cook until wilted, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine with Spaetzle: Add cooked spaetzle to the skillet, toss with the onions and greens, then sprinkle in Gruyère. Stir until the cheese melts.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Find all the ingredients you need right here at Ava’s!
🌮 Spotlight On: Simply Sabor 🌯
Need a quick, delicious meal that hits all the right spots? Simply Sabor has you covered. This pop-up gem at Ava’s has been dishing out authentic Mexican-style fare with a side of warm, friendly vibes for months now. Think tacos stuffed to perfection, fluffy rice, flavorful beans, and meats so tender they practically write you a love letter. Whether you’re fueling up for your shopping trip or just swinging by for a no-fuss lunch or dinner, Simply Sabor is serving up all the comfort and flavor your day deserves.
Simply Sabor’s roots go deep. Childhood friends Marco and Arturo turned their love of food into a thriving culinary adventure. Marco’s upbringing in a food-loving Mexican family, complete with a butcher dad and tamale-master mom, set the stage for the vibrant, mouthwatering menu you’ll find today. They took their family recipes, added a dash of California creativity, and turned them into something truly special—now conveniently located right inside Ava’s Market.
And let’s talk about options. From tacos to plates piled high with hearty portions of beans, rice, and perfectly spiced meats, everything at Simply Sabor is a celebration of bold, traditional flavors done right. It’s quick. It’s satisfying. And let’s be honest, it’s way better than whatever sad desk salad you were considering. (No judgment, though—we’ve all been there.)
So, grab a plate, grab a smile, and grab a seat (or take it to go!). Simply Sabor is here to make your next lunch or dinner a fiesta of flavor. 🌮
Upcoming Events
- Sat, Feb 1, 10am-2pm — Mountain View Lunar New Year
Enjoy traditional performances, hands-on crafts, games, community booths, and a variety of delicious food from local food trucks, at the Mountain View Community Center.
- Thu, Feb 6, 5-7pm — 🍺 Beer Tasting
- Fri, Feb 7, 5-7pm — 🍷 Wine Tasting
- Sun, Feb 9 — 🏈 Super Bowl LIX
Kansas City Chiefs vs Philadelphia Eagles
Don't forget to stop by Ava's to pick up your favorite snacks, celebratory Champagne, and just-in-case backup comfort foods.
- Thu, Feb 13, 5-7pm — 🍷 Wine Tasting
- Fri, Feb 14 — ❤️ Happy Valentine's Day!
Ava's has everything you need: Chocolatey sweet gifts, all the ingredients for a perfect home-cooked romantic meal, and a huge selection of beautiful, fragrant flowers. (P.S. We're open on the 15th too, for a "Sorry I forgot" bouquet as well! 😉 )
- Fri, Feb 21, 5-7pm — 🍷 Wine Tasting
What do you want to see in future newsletters? Let us know!
