We are proud to introduce newest member of the Phoenicia Downtown Team Master Baker, David Berg!
Chef David is a passionate baker whose background is steeped in Old World Traditions. He weaves those traditions into stylish desserts, pastries and rustic breads that are as beautiful as they are YUMMY!
David’s dedication to Artisan breads is prodigious and he maintains an old world starter that was created by his mother several years ago from a piece of 200-year-old starter from France! This is the base for his amazing breads, rolls and baguettes that we offer at Phoenicia Downtown.
David also has a fine-dining background and spent more than a decade running his own restaurant and bakery in Santa Monica, California before moving to Houston in 2002. In Houston, he taught at a local culinary school and while he enjoyed a diverse career, David truly enjoys teaching and mentoring young baking hopefuls, he has stated, “My goal as a Master Baker is to teach young people and bring this art back” and behind that maxim our employees are flourishing. Chef David’s affection for instruction is evident; he becomes thoughtful as he discusses the different types of bakers; pastry chefs and bread makers and how he educates and motivates them to enhance their skill set.
David has a long history of shopping at Phoenicia and has always enjoyed the gourmet delights we offer as well as the vast variety of International products. He is a fan of the olive bar and loves our amazing assortment of olives, some he has never seen! He is enthusiastic about all the products Phoenicia has available that he can use to create a unique product line that no one else has; from new and tempting cuisine, to delectable pastries and beyond! He has already introduced a delicious sandwich, the Croque-monsieur and Croque-madame and an incredible Imperial doughnut with yummy fillings! Chef David is eager to give customers the opportunity to experience flavors that they aren’t accustomed to and savor the delights that are rooted in his classic European technique and sprinkled with his incredible imagination!
Chef David is excited by the challenges that he faces, this is the first time he has worked in a market of this kind and the variety of customer services Phoenicia offers is daunting. He is impressed by the level of customer service Phoenicia offers and his desire is to match that standard by teaching his front of house staff about all the awe-inspiring products he is creating and motivating them to make sure all of our customers get individual attention.
David and his wife are proud parents (and grandparents) and his dedication to family eclipses his passion for baking, he beams with pride when he talks about his children and their accomplishments and achievements.
When asked what his Phoenicia Favorite food is, he of course has created a specialty item from Phoenicia’s finest products and his amazing talent…a baguette w/ tabouli and hummus! Keep an eye on our bakery cases for more items he is creating; bagels and some new breakfast items to appeal to the downtown customers who know that breakfast is the most delicious meal of the day!
So come visit Chef David’s amazing bakery but come early, his magical treats have a tendency to disappear!
Got a Phoodie on your gift list this year? Put down the ugly Christmas sweater. That’s exactly what they don’t want! Indulge the lover of food with a YUMMY! Gift Card or choose from our plethora of gourmet gifts.
YUMMY! Gift Card
The perfect stocking stuffer, hostess gift or peace-offering for a meal-gone-wrong, the YUMMY! Gift Card is sure to put a big smile on any Phoodie’s face. Pick one up in any amount!
Gourmet Gift Baskets
Designed with that special person in mind, our gift baskets are fun, festive and filled with favorites to fit any theme you select. For the hospitable hostess, favorite teacher or as a simple thank you, a gift basket of freshly-baked cookie creations or gourmet chocolates is sure to spread holiday cheer.
Unique Housewares
Our impressive selection of quality cookware will inspire the creative juices of your favorite cook. One-of-a-kind ceramics from Bulgaria, Spain, Poland and beyond are perfect for anyone with a flair for innovative design and timeless functionality.
Good Cheer
Whether you need to find a fun sparkling for a holiday party, a perfect match of red or white for dinner, or a liqueur or dessert wine to cap the night off, you can find it at Phoenicia. For those who prefer hops to grapes, our coolers are filled with a healthy selection of brews that come from Texas to anywhere between Brazil, Spain, Russia and Japan.
Za’atar Dusted Lamb & Sour Cherry Demi-Glace
Succulent lamb chops get a zesty punch with fragrant za’atar seasoning while pairing well with the sweet tartness of sour cherry demi-glace. Try it out here.
Ginger Crème Brûlée
These rich and creamy gingery custards will make any food-lover sing. Break out the mini blowtorch for this one!
Top YUMMY! Picks
Dry Sour Cherries
Yes, there is such a thing as a sour cherry tree! Although the true origins are unknown, the sour cherry is thought to have originated in Western or Eastern Europe. The tangy fruit is best when cooked or baked. P.S. Don’t forget to try our Zergut brand sour cherry in light syrup–a perfect complement to both sweet and savory dishes.
Za’atar
Wonderfully aromatic, this Middle Eastern spice has its own house blend at Phoenicia. Look for Zohrab’s MidEast the next time you come in. It’s great for seasoning meats and vegetables, dipping with olive oil, and can be baked to produce a tasty herbed bread. Try it sprinkled on pita or toast drizzled with olive oil, too!
Phoenicia Lamb and Butcher Shop Meats
We pride ourselves on using the best meats in our butcher shop, and can guarantee they’re all-natural, hormone and antibiotic-free. Keep in mind that our butchers can prepare most any cut for you, so special orders are welcome!
Crystallized Ginger
Find crystallized ginger, saffron, vanilla and beyond when you wander into our extensive spice and baking goods sections. We promise sky-high value at down-to-earth prices!
Citrus and Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
For a delicious twist on a traditional favorite, try this recipe for a moist, melt-in-your-mouth turkey that never fails to impress.
Duchesse Pressed Cookies
If you’ve been searching for an easy and versatile cookie to add to your holiday baking this year, this is it!
Top YUMMY! Picks
Phoenicia Turkey
Phoenicia prides itself on stocking all-natural, hormone and antibiotic-free halal turkeys that don’t contain animal byproducts.
Specialty Herbs and Spices
Just consider Phoenicia spice world! Come and explore our holiday budget-friendly extensive herb and spice section for all of your cooking and baking needs
Five Roses Flour
For the best baking results, our chef recommends Five Roses Flour. Find it stocked in the baking section.
Baked Show Goat Brie Stuffed with Fig Jam & Walnuts
Start your holiday celebrations by delighting guests with this wonderful French appetizer, full of warm buttery goodness paired with crunchy, rich sweetness.
Pecan Praline Waffles with Peaches
Stuck on what to make the morning of? Let the heavenly scent of vanilla waffles waft through your kitchen and greet sleepy eyes with pure deliciousness. This sumptuous treat will keep bellies satisfied and smiles on faces all day long!
Top YUMMY! Picks
Cortas Fig Jam
This exotic, aromatic spread is made by Cortas, a top-quality manufacturer of Middle Eastern food products based in Lebanon using in a centuries-old tradition. Figs of the Mediterranean and Middle East are considered some of the most flavorful in the world and that shows in this staple Phoenicia product. It is wonderful on our toasted pita and goes magnificently well with brie.
Show Goat Triple Cream Brie
We’re proud to be the first to carry Houston-based Show Goat Creamery‘s debut product, Triple Cream Brie. Sourced from pastoral Fairwoods Farm and top of the line Mill-King cows cream, its downy white exterior and buttery soft interior belies its simplicity of character. Clean and tangy, decadent and creamy, this cheese is the first Triple Cream Brie made in Texas and holds the flavors of this great state within its bloomy rind.
Phoenicia Packed Pecans
Many Phoenicia Phoodies fall in love when they gaze upon on our nuts section and often think we are “nuts” based on the quality offered for the value received. The pecans we carry are no different. Tis’ the season for pecan pie, homemade spiced pecans or candied pecans for winter salad topping!
Piqui-Piqui Bronzini
Try this versatile fish for a holiday break from tradition. Unique recipe ingredients such as Aleppo pepper and the Syrian or Middle Eastern pepper pastes found at Phoenicia develop this dish into big flavors. The presentation is impressive and the taste is likely to become a family fave!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Chestnuts and Preserved Lemon
Nutty and lemony, the recipe for this side will have you viewing Brussels sprouts in a whole new light.
Top YUMMY! Picks
Bronzini
Also known as Mediterranean sea bass, our bronzini is imported from Greece. Its mild, delicate flavor harmonizes well with a range of global cuisines featuring everything from spicy variations to more subtle flavors. Resembling the texture of red snapper, bronzini is a popular firm, white fish that holds up very well to a variety of cooking methods. Find it fresh at Phoenicia.
Chestnuts (Ponthier brand)
Convenient and high quality, these chestnuts taste like they came straight from the Italian countryside to be cooked by the loving hands of your Italian grandmother (aka Nonna).
Preserved Lemon
Common in Indian and North African cuisine, preserved lemon is a condiment containing whole lemons or sections that are pickled in a brine of water, lemon juice, and salt with occasional spices included. The pulp of preserved lemon can be used in stews and sauces, but the peel (zest and pith together) is most valued. The flavor is mildly tart but intensely lemony, making dishes especially fragrant and lemon-scented. Phoenicia also carries a dry lemon omani that is used in other parts of the Middle East for the same culinary purpose of achieving a very fragrant dish.
Baked often with plump raisins, currants and citrus zest, panettone is light and buttery. This traditional holiday bread heralds the arrival of Christmas and the new year in Italy. Start the day off right and impress your family and guests with a very easy recipe to make French toast with this Italian delight.
Start your holiday celebrations by delighting guests with this wonderful French appetizer, full of warm buttery goodness paired with crunchy, rich sweetness.
Rich and creamy, these gingery custards can be prepared and baked a day or two ahead, but wait until you’re ready to serve them to caramelize the sugar topping. You’ll need a mini blowtorch for this step.
These simple, tasty cookies are adapted from a classic Armenian recipe. Dust them with powdered sugar or dip them in chocolate, these cookies go great with a glass of cold milk, hot tea or cappuccino, any time of day.
YUMMY! Holiday Decorating Class Reservation Form
Kids YUMMY! Food Classes Reservation Form
Kids YUMMY! Summer Cooking Classes Reservation Form
