About Us

 "Curiouser and curiouser!' cried Alice (she was so much surprised, that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English)"

-Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

  The name Curiouser Foods is inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland—a story about questioning assumptions, embracing growth, and allowing curiosity to lead. That ethos shapes everything we do. While we care deeply about sourcing high-quality, nourishing ingredients, our emphasis is not on dietary rules or trends, but on intentional home cooking—slowing down, learning techniques, understanding ingredients, and finding joy in the process of making food from scratch, whether simple or indulgent. 

  Curiouser Foods aims to empower curious home cooks in creating flavorful, meaningful meals with exceptional ingredients, hands-on guidance, and global inspiration—because we believe food made with intention can nourish the body, connect people, and rebuild our relationship to the cultures and systems that sustain us. 

  Jean Rarick opened Annona Gourmet in 2008, the first bulk Olive Oil and Vinegar shop in Minnesota.  She has built an incredible base of loyal customers and friends. We wish to honor Jean's hard work by continuing what she started and adding a few new things too! 

 With a background in cultural anthropology and years in the restaurant industry, my relationship to food has always been rooted in curiosity—about people, place, and tradition. Food is one of the most accessible ways we come to understand one another. After acquiring Annona Gourmet, I intentionally dropped the word “gourmet” from the name to challenge the idea that thoughtful cooking is exclusive or intimidating. Good food doesn’t belong to a select few; it belongs in everyday kitchens, shared tables, and lived experience. 

 As Curiouser Foods has grown, so has our audience, and we remain committed to making cooking feel approachable, inclusive, and meaningful for people at every stage of their culinary journey.  

  Curiouser Foods has grown beyond its roots as a bulk oil and vinegar shop into a broader culinary destination. We offer ethically sourced ingredients from around the world, along with spices, mushrooms,  and specialty pantry goods that invite exploration. Our café, sample stations, and hands-on guidance are designed to build confidence—encouraging our guests to try new flavors, ask questions, and discover how cooking connects culture, memory, and community.