This week we're giving you a guide to gourmet and international markets where you can find tasty items for your personal enjoyment and holiday entertaining needs, as well as unique gifts for foodie friends.
AEGEAN DELI & MARKET 1370 Clearwater-Largo Rd. N., Largo; 727-585-4661. At first glance you could mistake this for just any old convenience store, but walk around and find a slew of imported goodies from around the globe.
BELLA VITA RISTORANTE & MARKET 19651 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Ste B1/B2, Tampa; 813-973-7703, bellavitamarket.com. Besides being a restaurant that serves traditional Italian fare and pizza for lunch and dinner, Bella Vita is also a gourmet market offering baked goods, imported cheeses, wine and their own sauces and pasta made in-house.
BERN'S FINE WINE & SPIRITS 1002 South Howard Ave., Tampa; 813-250-9463, bernsfinewines.com. For an established store with a huge selection of wine, cheese and accompaniments, make sure to stop by Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits. The list of retail cheeses available hovers around thirty all year long. —Kira Jefferson
BIANCHI'S ENOTECA 3215 S.MacDill Ave. Suite G., Tampa; 813-837-2233, bianchisenoteca.com. This “wine repository” is truly a lovely spot to purchase wine, cheese and unique food items. Not only can you enjoy a cup o’ joe from Buddy Brew Coffee while you peruse the stores treasures, you can also savor a delicious goat cheese omelet, ham croissant or gourmet grilled cheese at the café bar. —Kira Jefferson
CASTELLANO & PIZZO MARKET 4200 Henderson Blvd., Tampa; 813-289-5275, castellanoandpizzo.com. The market is like a mini Mazzaro's with prepared foods, cheeses, oils and vinegars, desserts, fresh produce, baked goods and even caviar. Hungry? Grab lunch at their cafe which serves Italian and Spanish cuisine.
