Big John’s PFI

Tucked away in the back of a parking lot just south of Chinatown, Big John’s PFI (Pacific Food Importers) is not a place you will find unless you know what you are looking for and not a place you would think to go to unless you are in the restaurant business. This should not discourage you from checking it out as it’s a fun place to visit for the layman as well as the professional, although I must admit I am sometimes intimidated by the chefs in their whites, striding purposefully through the aisles while I meander aimlessly, gawking at all of the exotics.

PFI is not really a grocery but rather a small warehouse, packed with bulk food from the Mediterranean. There are shelves and shelves of imported delicacies, from top quality olive oil, whole Moroccan lemons preserved in salted water, jars of caviar, cans of ghee and solid coconut oil to giant blocks of halvah, several varieties of Italian cookies, French chocolates and boxes of Turkish Delight. Local chefs come here to stock their restaurants and the air is alive with the fragrance of spices, sold in bulk in giant white tubs. The deli case up front sells a variety of fresh cut Italian meats and cheeses. The cheese is sold at a one pound minimum and each piece has a helpful little sign featuring a hand drawn cartoon cow, goat or sheep describing the taste and texture. Don’t be afraid to ask for a sample.

If you cook a lot, or if you just really, really like cheese, PFI is a great place to stock up on inexpensive, quality ingredients.

Big John’s PFI

1001 6th Ave S Level B

Seattle, WA 98134

Hours: Monday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Tuesday – Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

(206) 682-2022