Here at Fiorello’s, we’re all about community. In our new Foodie-rello’s blog series, we’re taking the opportunity to highlight some of our favorite local businesses, and introduce the Fiorello’s eatership to whom we consider the “Best of the Bay Area.” Living in such a culturally rich locale, with no shortage of fantastic fine dining and family-owned markets to source nutritious food, we think it’s only right. This week, we’re taking a ride inland to Tracy, to visit a family-owned olive oil and Italian foods shop called Scarlata Farms Cellar.
This fairly new addition to downtown Tracy was founded in April of 2019 by olive connoisseurs Matt and Kim Scarlata. Inspired by Matt’s grandfather (who produced olive oil many years ago) the couple followed in his footsteps, planting their first olive trees 12 years ago and ultimately producing their own oil for six years under the Scarlata family name, before expanding to a brick and mortar shop. They proudly offer various Italian products, locally sourced gourmet items, and kitchen decor as well. Now three years strong into their business, there’s no turning back!
Well known for their award-winning Scarlata Farms extra virgin olive oils, flavored olive oils and balsamics (some of the best we’ve tasted), they also carry pastas, sauces, risottos, packaged meats, cookies, and locally sourced breads, focaccia, cheese, honey, jams and candles. Naturally, their freezer is stocked full of Fiorellos! Matt’s favorite flavor is the Valrhona Chocolate mixed with Peppermint, and Kim loves the Black Cherry Chip. Matt also says,
We chose Fiorello’s because we wanted an Italian ice cream that reminded us of the delicious gelato we had in Italy. The prepackaged cups and pints work perfectly for our shop and the customers love Fiorello’s!
Scarlata Farms Cellar is a family owned and operated business to the core — Matt and Kim run the shop full time with additional help from their two daughters, Gina and Madison. The foodie power-couple is deeply rooted in Tracy, California. Not only were they both raised there, but Kim worked for the City of Tracy for 32 years as a Parks and Recreation and Cultural Arts Division Manager, and currently sits on the Tracy City Center Association, which manages the Downtown District. When we asked Matt and Kim what their favorite part of working at Scarlata Farms Cellar is, their answer was simple:
Sharing our love of food and olive oil with our customers! We love being able to showcase local foods and products in our shop.”
Scarlata Farms Cellar faces the Downtown Plaza, which regularly hosts Downtown Block Parties, Wine Strolls and other local events. Their storefront is surrounded by numerous great restaurants and boutique shops, making it a retail and dining destination anytime you’re passing through town, looking for some locally sourced olive oil, or are in the mood for a tasty charcuterie plate and a scoop of Fiorello’s Gelato under the shade trees on their outdoor patio.
Matt and Kim are constantly on the go, traveling to new places forever in search of new and exciting products for the shop. In 2023 they’ll return to Italy to visit the vendors that make some of the most popular products they offer at Scarlata Farms Cellar. Additionally, Kim does two monthly cooking segments on a local news show Good Day Sacramento, which showcases some of the food products they carry.
Discover how to make Matt's Sicilian Sandwich
You can keep up with Scarlata Farms Cellar by following them on Instagram and Facebook, and make sure you check out their website too. They’re open Tues-Fri from 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm, and are closed Sun & Mon (hours are subject to change!) Stop by next time you’re in Tracy; we promise you’ll be happy you did!
21 E 6th St, Tracy, CA | TUES – FRI 10 AM – 5 PM and SAT 10 AM – 3 PM | +1 209-221-0872 | Scarlatafarmscellar.com
