Hello,

I would like to find a good place to buy fresh truffles, particularly
Italian white truffles, in the San Fernando Valley, preferrably in the
West Valley (i.e., Woodland Hills, West Hills, Calabasas, Topanga,
Canoga Park, Chatsworth, etc.). I have searched high and low,
including the East Valley (Tarzana, Encino, Sherman Oaks, etc.) without
any luck. None of the high-end markets (Gelsons, Whole Foods, etc.)
carry fresh truffles. In fact, a telephone call to Wild Oats Market in
Pasadena led me on a whild goose chase, and I eventually realized that
their so-called "truffles" were really chocolate truffles!

Currently, my only sources for fresh white truffles are rather far on
the westside:

Bay Cities Italian Deli in Santa Monica -- $125/ounce
The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills -- $225/ounce

* Note: I found that the truffles sold by Bay Cities Italian Deli were
superior to the ones sold by The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, which
probably charges $100/ounce more because of its location. To be fair,
however, I must add, that the Cheese Store does carry some very unique
and delicious cheeses in addition to these absolutely wonderful baby
peaches in truffle oil as well as the best sun-dried tomatoes in olive
oil.

Anyway, getting back on topic . . .

There must be an Italian deli, gourmet or specialty store in the valley
that carries fresh truffles around this time of year. I just don't
know where this wonderful little store is located. I did try Domingo's
Italian Grocery, next to Nicolosi's Bakery, on Ventura Boulevard, but
they only carry truffle oils. They used to carry fresh truffles, but
they said that their supplier went out of business. There are other
suppliers out there, and somebody in the valley is probably being
supplied! The question is: "Who?"

I would rather not have to order truffles by mail, as I would prefer to
see and smell my truffle before I buy it. Can anybody suggest where to
buy fresh truffles in the valley?

Thank you!
Alex