Patch Picks: Five Boutiques

In recent years, El Cerrito has been strengthening its unique identity apart from being a bedroom community. A key part of that development is the diversity of our shops, many of which are owned by El Cerritans or residents from neighboring cities. These boutiques are our latest Patch Picks.

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  Owned by maven Jenny Komaromi, this local shop offers a variety of gifts including handmade purses, handcrafted jewelry and body accessories by local artists. It also carries the Bay Area's largest selection of poured recycled glass made by artisan group Fire & Light, from Humbolt County. Even better, you can grab a cup of creamy European-style coffee from Well Grounded before perusing the shop, which is now attached to the boutique by inside stairs.

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  Dream World Floral & Gifts is a family-owned business that specializes in floral arrangements and gifts. The small shop carries refrigerated flowers and a large selection of orchids in purple and white, among other colors. This is a great little store for finding that special something to boost up the day for yourself or someone else.
  
  
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  Foley and Bonny is a rare gem of a clothing store tucked away in the El Cerrito Plaza. The store has been in business since the 1940s and is one of the original tenants of the old El Cerrito Plaza. It has its own exclusive tailor, and in the last five years, the shop has broadened its selection to include women's clothing. This is the kind of shop where you leave with clothes you will not want to return.

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  Ichiban Kan is a little Japanese discount store that sells a variety of inexpensive items for everyday use, fun or entertainment. The Ichiban Kan chain has three stores and is local to the Bay Area. There is a selection of Japanese candy and drinks here from pickled plum candies to canned green tea. You are bound to find a something to bring a smile to your face while perusing the aisles, from panda-decorated stationary with odd English translations to cute and colorful lunch containers that fit inside other tiny lunch containers like Russian nesting dolls.

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  The storefront of this little boutique is located on historic Fairmount Avenue and reminds one of a different time, when there was no rush and stores were run by locals. The store sells gorgeous fresh flowers and specializes in unique and rare antiques. The store also has shelves of goodies for sale—from china and jewelry to kitchenware, cards and its own line of clothing.