My Nirvana—Our Nugget Market

Life is a journey and as we travel along this rocky path it would be a crime to neglect the taste buds. While visiting our Nugget Market at Covell Boulevard in Davis, there is little chance of that.  In fact, the eye candy is amazing as well.   I always get a horrible case of the ‘I wants’. 

Reaching the doors of the store is a challenge due to the many decorative crates of produce just begging visitors to take a dip.  This is the first clue that this visit may take a while.   Passing through the front doors reminds me of a painting by Monet.  The produce is laid out carefully as if to paint a picture.  It is amazing what they can do with stocks of brussel sprouts. 

One of the first things you may notice as you pass through the front doors and round the corner of the colorful and fragrant produce department and into the main section of the store is a picture of the Chairman, Gene Stille, hanging from the ceiling with a few words of wisdom for his customers whom he calls his ‘guests’.  It is a heartwarming statement, detailing a long standing family legacy of hard work and ethics, and also mentions his sons and supporting the community.  He finishes his statement with his wish to put a smile on our faces.    I have found my nirvana. 

Nugget Market has been voted as one of the top 100 best places to work.  I wouldn’t know it if I hadn’t read it.  But, what I do know is that everyone seems to enjoy the day, every day.  And, they are eager to help their guests find exactly what we want. 

I have a ritual.  Actually I have many.  But, this particular ritual involves a weekly visit to Nugget.  Every Sunday my husband and I will stop in for coffee and a pastry.  It is typically very busy, even early in the morning.  After all they make the best croissants this side of France. 

No one seems to mind that I absolutely must mix my coffee at their self-serve coffee bar.  I liken it to a well-tuned orchestra.  When an orchestra is comprised of just the right instruments and players it can bring tears to the eyes—in a good way.  Mine is always perfect.  Of course the pastry is suburb whether or not I choose the croissants.  But, I always have to take at least one chocolate croissant home to munch on the following week.  They taste as if they were flown in from Paris that very morning. 

I thank the friendly and ever helpful bakery and beverage staff on each visit.  They are the best. 

Now that I have my coffee, and pastry is secured in my basket, it is time to search for the perfect cheese for tonight.  Typically the cheese specialist is slicing rounds of cheese into consumer sized packages.  I won’t miss an opportunity for a sample and to learn more about each cheese.  The staff trains constantly and works tirelessly to ensure that they are able to answer all questions.  However, if I decided that I didn’t want a cheese plate for dinner, there are many options of freshly cooked items to choose from as well.  The choices are endless and scrumptious.  The butternut squash ravioli is my daughter’s favorite. 

But, what about the wine for dinner?  Nugget’s well-trained wine stewards can navigate and simplify what seems to be a daunting task of choosing just the right wine.  After all, the wine department is vast.  They make the visit even more rewarding with their knowledge and courteous assistance. 

If I am lucky enough to have some free time during the week, I will spend it visiting early in the morning.  I am even luckier if the lovely ladies of Nugget are visiting as well.  Mary and Joyce, both retired, set up court on many mornings, offering advice and basically enriching our lives with their presence.  

On one visit I sat with my coffee at one of their tables near the coffee kiosk.  A man came through with a broom to clean and apologized for being in my way.  Now, that is great manners.  As I sipped, I noticed men in suits and retired ladies gabbing next to those who clearly define Davis—Birkenstocks, loose fitting jeans or sweats, and a thoughtful look on their faces all waiting to order their coffee.  I just had to smile at the thought of belonging to such a diverse and yet stimulating blend of people.  

Thank you to those who brighten our day.  Thank you to everyone at Nugget. 

Phone Number:

(530) 750-3800

Hours:	6AM - 11PM
Address:	1414 East Covell Blvd.
	Davis, CA 95616