The LA locations of Bristol Farms are spotty on Harry’s Berries. Don’t assume they will make it to Newport Beach on a reliable basis.
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Afternoon excursion to find the promised berries, which I haven’t had all season.
I started by calling Farmshop, which was mentioned on here as a potential source. No dice, sold out. Next, Santa Monica Bristol Farms, which also told me they were out.
Instacart showed them in stock at Vicente Foods, but I couldn’t get anybody on the phone. I live close, so I decided to swing by. Nope, sold out and not getting any more for the rest of the year, and they also don’t know who is responsible for updating Instacart inventory, so I doubt that will get fixed anytime soon.
Eataly showed in stock for $18.69 per carton. As did Erewhon for $24.59 per carton. I confirmed with both stores that they actually have them in stock. Driving an extra 20 minutes and parking at a mall didn’t seem worthwhile to save $6, so off to my first time ever shopping at Erewhon. (I’ve purchased hot food at Erewhon a handful of times, but never groceries).
The parking lot at Erewhon Santa Monica is a zoo, and not the good kind, but they offer free valet, so we can write that off as a non issue.
I walk into Erewhon, and the first thing I see after turning the corner is a table full of Harry’s Berries, stacked several high, front to back, left to right. Willy Wonka’s strawberry emporium. Well that explains why most other stores are sold out. Erewhon hoards them 
Even better, at checkout, it turns out they’re only $20.99 per carton, not $24.59 as shown on Instacart. Unclear if they priced down and forgot to update Instacart, or if they charge more on Instacart. Either way, a big win.
Well, are they worth the time, hassle and price? If you’re in this thread, you already know the answer. A resounding yes. Plus I fed the stems (with a little extra meat) to the pup, who has never looked so happy. I don’t think he’s ever eating regular strawberries again!
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And you only bought one? 
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Handsome boy!
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I bought it from Good eggs early in strawberry season a few months ago and they weren’t great like a couple years ago when I last had them. I’m hoping that that the season is further along, the berries have matured a bit. I didn’t end up getting them when I was in OC. It seems just as challenging as trying to get them up in the bay area. Good Eggs delivers though, so i might need to pay premium. I’ve found that Japanese supermarkets tend to have the best strawberries that aren’t Harry’s.
Monteray Bay farms at whole foods is a good alternative. But only when they’re all deeply red. I went back after a good experience the next week, and they all had white tips due to demand of replacing the last stock, and were not good. Hit and miss.
Instacart’s prices are usually if not always higher than buying yourself at the store.
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Yea I figured that may be the case. I imagine Instacart takes a % like UberEats/Postmates.
I saw them today in Pasadena Bristol Farms. $19.99 for 16 oz.
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SMFM had plenty today as well.
Mara de bois sighting on Saturday. Not peak but good enough to be worth buying a clamshell
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They’ve been available at the Venice farmers market the last two weeks. Very early in the season for maras but I’m not complaining.
Via Javier Cabral’s IG - this weekend only Gusto Bread in Long Beach will have choco cream puffs with Harry’s Berries.
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