Corners of the Mouth

I am a collector of health food stores, specifically ones of the old school hippie-fied variety that remind me of my childhood. I grew up macrobiotic in a a small family in a small town in PA which led to shopping locally at farmers markets and health food stores over places like Costco. (I am a later in life convert to Costco and can wax poetic about the pizza, no shame in the Costco game).

Gold stars are awarded to things like: a large bulk selection (extra credit for anything carob!), wellness sections that sell concoctions ranging from a local witches’ salve for poison oak to beeswax ear candles, hyper local packaged foods, and that very specific smell that’s a mix of bulk spices, frankincense and fresh veggies in the cold case.

Whenever I travel locally or abroad I am always on the hunt for local health food stores and my favorite discovery yet may be The Corners of The Mouth in downtown Mendocino. The store is housed in an old church from the 1800s. It’s been a worker owned collective and a staple of the community since 1975.

Things of note:

• Exceptional bulk tea and spice selection upstairs. Really unique and hard to find herbs here!

• Delicious local fermented foods. I found an all time fave here. If you ever see a Mendo Ferments label - grab a jar!!

• Beautiful stained glass windows throughout (old church).

• A+ totes!