Finding Dried Garbanzos? [moved from Home Cooking board]

[wineaux]

I've enjoyed making numerous dishes from dried garbanzos/chickpeas over the years. Just in the last 9 months or so, I've not been able to find them in the western suburbs of Chicago. The canned version just doesn't do it for me... I love the fresh, almost nutty flavor and the consistency of the dried (once soaked & cooked, of course) beans.

Any suggestions??

[wak]

Where in the Western suburbs?

Michaels Fresh Market on Rt. 59 in Naperville certainly has them. Any Whole Foods should as well, or a Trader Joes I would think. I've seen them at Dominicks. But you should really check out Michaels Fresh Market.

[glutton]

Rancho Gordo is a bean farmer in California. They've got a great website that allows you to order all the beans you could ever imagine. Check out www.ranchogordo.com. You'll find the highest quality beans -- they supply many of the top restaurants in California. They've also got a great stall at the Ferry Market in San Francisco, but that's a long way to go for beans if you're in Chicago -- better let UPS do the work for you.