Cilantro, rice noodles and black beans have become as common as parsley, spaghetti and baked beans. They are available in most supermarkets. But there are other ethnic ingredients – lemon grass, tamarind, green curry paste – that may require more hunting.
Because so many of today’s recipes call for specialized ingredients, we asked readers to tell us about their favorite ethnic markets. Then we visited them as well as ones we knew about to compile this list of ethnic food stores in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
One note: You may want to call to be sure a store is open before you visit. Many of these are small shops and their hours can change. The list is alphabetical divided by county and ethnic offerings.
– DEBORAH S. HARTZ
Broward County
Asian
*Asian Prepared Foods, 4213 N. State Road 7, Lauderdale Lakes, 1-305-484-4370. This is the best place in town to buy ready-to-steam or boil rice noodles as well as prepared dim sum. The fresh chow fun noodles are tops. They also have soy bean milk by the half gallon. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday; closed Tuesday and Friday.
*Bedessee East-West Indian Foods, 4060 NW 12th St., Lauderhill, 1-305-583-3700. This store is packed with merchandise from Africa, Baja, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad and Asia. You’ll find senna pods, chaney root, barley porridge, cow and vegetable ghee, flours made from plantains and yams, melon seeds and lots of other items you didn’t know existed. The meat selection includes deer, wild hog, possum and armadillo. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
*Carmine’s Gourmet Market, 6282 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-491-1876. This shop offers a tremendous variety of canned, boxed and bottled foods from a variety of ethnic cuisines – Italian, Mexican, Asian. There’s also a lovely produce section. Carmine’s also has an outstanding fresh meat department, a fresh fish department, a well-stocked deli section, an in-house bakery, and a large selection of takeout foods. If they don’t carry the item you are looking for, they will try to find it for you. Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Other location: Carmine’s Gourmet Market, 2401 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 1-407-775-0105.
*Far East Food and Gift, 4140 N. State Road 7, Lauderdale Lakes, 1-305-486-6373. This store specializes in foods, gifts and cooking equipment from China, the Philippines, Malasia, Thailand, Japan and Korea. There are spices, grains, noodles and rices as well as rice papers. A complete line of beef, pork and duck is also available. Prepared items such as crispy duck, barbecue pork and frozen dim sum also are for sale. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
*Fernando’s International Market and Vintage Winery, 3045 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-566-3104 (for food) and 1-305-563-2500 (for wine). Under new ownership, this is the place for a wide selection of ethnic ingredients with a heavy accent on Italian. The selection of dry pastas is the most extensive but you’ll also find Mexican, Asian, even Scandinavian foods. The deli has an impressive array of olives, fresh mozzarella, as well as other cheeses and imported meats, such as Parma ham. Gift baskets, party foods and wines are also available. The store offers pasta cooking classes daily, as well as weekly wine tasting events. Open 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
*Gold Star Oriental Market, 118 S. State Road 7, Hollywood, 1-305-961-4482. This large Asian/Korean supermarket offers a profusion of unusual fresh vegetables (sesame leaves, Korean chives, fernbrake and Japanese Gobo root). Freezers are packed with dim sum, whole octopus and assorted fish parts. There’s an enticing array of homemade Korean delicacies such as fried mackerel and pickled black beans, as well as numerous kinds of kimchee. Fresh sushi, Korean pancakes and rice cakes are made by the owner’s mother daily. There’s an assortment of rices and canned products along with an impressive selection of electric rice cookers. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
*Hoabinh Oriental Food and Gift Market, 3300 W. Hillsborough Blvd., Deerfield Beach, 1-305-421-6797. At this great Asian market, the fresh produce includes lemon grass, bitter gourd, kangkong, ginger, bean sprouts and other seasonal vegetables. They have many frozen items, including Chinese sausages, dumplings, fish balls, shrimp balls, pork balls and some special noodles. They carry complete lines of Japanese, Thai and Chinese ingredients, as well as Vietnamese and Philippine items. On Saturday morning you can purchase fresh roast pork, roast duck, char siew and a selection of homemade desserts. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
*Hoa Viet Oriental Groceries & Herbs, 1177-79 N. State Road 7, Hollywood, 1-305-966-9271. On Saturday, there are fresh Peking ducks. And everydaythere is a variety of Asian groceries as well as Chinese sausage, produce, cookies candies, black eggs, dried scallops (at $65 per pound), noodles, rice paper and much more. Any language barrier is overcome by the friendly and eager owners. Open 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sundays.
*The Japanese Fish Market, 1521 E. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-772-0555. Go here for anything Asian – especially Japanese. It is not the most neat and orderly place, but with patience, you can find what you are looking for. They offer very attractive looking sushi to go. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday.
*Nippon-Thai Market, 1956 E. Sunrise Blvd. (in the Gateway Shopping Center), Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-764-4755. This Asian grocery and gift market features a limited selection of Japanese and Thai foods, mainly canned and packaged, but with some fresh and frozen items. Rice noodles, sauces and mixes such as chili paste and curries are available. There is also a small gift and video section. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday.
*Oriental Food Market, 4245 N. State Road 7, Lauderdale Lakes, 1-305-485-9450. Chinese, Japanese, Philippine and Thai food, produce and cooking equipment can be found here. No meats are available; however, there are plenty of spices, rices and canned and jarred items. Chances are if it’s an Asian item you need, they have it. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
*Seoul Oriental Food & Gifts, 200 N. State Road 7, Hollywood, 1-305-987-7085. This sprawling store offers Korean, Japanese and Chinese groceries. Wander into the slightly disorganized back room and you’ll find everything from produce to Asian furniture and shoes. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
*Smitty’s Farmer’s Market, 9123 Taft St., Pembroke Pines, 1-305-432-3095. See description under “Eclectic.”
Austrian/Bavarian/European/German/Scandinavian/Swiss
*Emil’s Sausage Kitchen, 1384 S. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, 1-305-942-3944. This small store is big on homemade sausages and other deli items. You’ll find andouille; pork bratwurst; breakfast sausage; Polish, Hungarian and Italian sausages; pates; hams; cold cuts; homemade sauerkraut; german potato salad; stuffed cabbage; cassoulet; chorizo; kielbasi; liverwurst; and bread pudding. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday.
*Fernando’s International Market and Vintage Winery, 3045 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-566-3104 (for food) and 1-305-563-2500 (for wine). See description under “Eclectic.”
*International Homemade Sausage, 1000 N. University Dr., Pembroke Pines, 1-305-432-7231. Don’t let the rather shabby appearance of the store fool you – their products are first rate. Their smokehouse is where they keep scores of European sausages and smoked meats. About the only other thing you can buy at this store is pierogi (potato, sauerkraut or cheese). Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sundays.
*Krakus Deli Inc., 7306 Southgate Blvd., North Lauderdale, 1-305-722-8006. This Middle European – mainly Polish – deli is scrupulously clean and orderly. Homemade pierogi, Polish ham, sauerkrauts, pickles, meats and sausages are among the offerings which also include imported canned and bottled items. There are some items from other European countries such as German breads. Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday.
*Old Heidelberg Deli, 914 State Road 84, Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-463-3880. For easy access, the parking lot is in the back and there is a rear door. We were impressed with the orderliness and cleanliness of the place. Packaged foods from Germany, Switzerland and Austria abound. The deli section offers meats and cheeses as well as items such as potato salad and sauerkraut. Imported beers and wine are available. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday. Other location: Heidi’s Deli, 16100 Collins Ave., North Miami Beach, 1-305-949-1566. Open 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday.
*Scanwill, 1627 NW 38th Ave., Lauderhill, 1-305-792-5105. This store sits in a warehouse district in a not-exactly upscale neighborhood, but they stock essentials for Scandinavian meals. The cheery store overflows with luxurious jams, packaged puddings, dry soup and sauce mixes, tinned goods, herbs and spices, and a breathtaking array of cookies, chocolates and other candies. The friendly staff will guide you through a sea of fish balls, fish cakes, homemade gravlax and smoked salmon. There’s fresh and dried lefse, a bread baked on a griddle; cheeses from Sweden, Norway and Denmark; one of the best selections of caviar in Broward County; flavored herrings; yellow pea soup; Swedish Glogg spices and a whimsical line-up of Swedish troll dolls. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sundays.
*Spritzel’s, 2496 E. Sunrise Blvd. (Galleria Mall), Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-564-7300. This deli does a brisk business as a restaurant, but it also has a large selection of imported German foods: sausages, meats, cheeses, wine and beer, and canned goods as well as candies and gift boxes. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
British
*The British Connection, Nellson Plaza, 1335 S. Federal Highway, Deerfield Beach, 1-305-421-8175, fax 1-305-428-5515. This little store has anything British you could want: homemade meat pies and sausages, Irish bacon, sauces, pickles, marmalades, lemon curd, teas, curries, desserts, soups, candies and Devon cream. British videos are available as well as some gift items. Open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
*The British Depot, 1322 E. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-491-4920. With the London taxi parked outside, this is the place for all things British. From small gifts (like a WalEnglish trifle and custard mixes, teas, pickles and preserves. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Caribbean/Hispanic/Latin American
*Arco Iris Supermarket, 636 S. State Road 7, Margate, 1-305-971-3531. If you don’t speak Spanish, you’ll be lost here, but the experience is worth it. Among the thousands of items you’ll find products from Columbia, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cuba, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica, Chile, Peru, Brazil, Ecquador, Uruguay, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. Canned goods, rices, teas, spices, baking supplies, candy, crackers, chiles, tamale shells, churritos…you name it, they carry it. Fresh produce includes cactus leaves and tomatillos. There’s fresh Mexican cultured cream, prepared foods (try the stuffed bananas), a full-service meat department and an extensive selection of beer and wine. Open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
*Bedessee East-West Indian Foods, 4060 NW 12th St., Lauderhill, 1-305-583-3700. See description under “Eclectic.”
*Carib Tropical Foods, 4271 NW 12th St., Lauderhill, 1-305-581-0470. The store offers a selection of fresh and frozen island meats (goat, chicken feet, oxtail, corned pork, cow feet, cow skin, cow head and just about any part of a pig you want). There’s also packaged Jamaican breads and jerk seasonings. Open 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday.
*Carmine’s Gourmet Market, 6282 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-491-1876. See description under “Eclectic.”
*Charlie’s Pastries, 4265 NW 12th St., Lauderhill, 1-305-583-3979. Noted for its Jamican meat pies, this ethnic bakery also sells red velvet Jamaican fruitcake, coconut tarts, rock cake with raisins, jackasscorn cookies and squares of toto (coconut sweet bread). Everything is fresh and you’ll probably have to stand in line at this popular spot. Open 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
*Fernando’s International Market and Vintage Winery, 3045 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-566-3104 (for food) and 1-305-563-2500 (for wine). See description under “Eclectic.”
*Kingston 6, 9001-B Pembroke Road, Pembroke Pines, 1-305-437-9744. This is a mini-mart of Caribbean groceries – and a very clean one at that. There’s meat and fish as well as produce. Fresh callaloo (the leaves of the taro plant) arrives on Thursday afternoons. There also are hot sauces, jerk seasonings and jarred Solomon Gundy, a spicy smoked red herring spread. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday.
*La Reina Grocery Store, 1200 N. State Road 7, Hollywood, 1-305-989-9682. Peruvian, Columbian, Puerto Rican and other Latin cuisines are represented here. There are beans, grains, meats and even a whole roasted pig displayed atop the meat case. Here, too, you’ll find a different type of chorizo for everyday of the week. Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
*Latchman West Indian Grocery, 1258 S. State Road 7, Plantation, 1-305-583-6565. This grocery is a great place to find exotic tropical produce and fresh herbs. It also has a variety of bulk pastas, rices and beans. There is a section of frozen foods such as yuca, codfish and beef turnovers. Ginger beers and cow ghee are among the other offerings. You also will find gifts and toiletries. Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
*MJ West Indian & American Grocery, 2181 N. State Road 7, Margate, 1-305-978-3009. A clean store that’s filled with Jamaican ingredients such as callaloo (taro leaves), green bananas, fresh thyme, Jamaican drinks, creamed coconut, scotch bonnets, yellow and white yams and dasheen (a starchy, potato-like tuber). The sparkling meat case is filled with salt beef, pigs’ tails, corned pork, goat meat and burnt cow skin. Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday.
*Santa Barbara Grocery, 2625 Davie Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-791-5665. This mini-supermarket caters to the growing Hispanic population in Broward County. There are frozen food, beverage and produce sections as well as a plethora of canned goods – imported and domestic brands. There is also a large meat counter where it’s cut to order in a style appropriate to Latin American recipes. One can also buy Spanish greeting cards and newspapers. Open 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday.
*Smitty’s Farmer’s Market, 9123 Taft St., Pembroke Pines, 1-305-432-3095. See description under “Eclectic.”
*West Indian Food Specialties, 6035 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, 1-305-962-6418. Jamaican cooks come here for breadfruit, green pigeon peas and oxtail as well as Jamaican beers, colas and coffees. There also are baking supplies, spices, meats, relishes and chutneys. Some people come solely for the Jamaican ice cream. Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Eclectic
*Bedessee East-West Indian Foods, 4060 NW 12th St., Lauderhill, 1-305-583-3700. This store is packed with merchandise from Africa, Baja, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad and Asia. You’ll find senna pods, chaney root, barley porridge, cow and vegetable ghee, flours made from plantains and yams, melon seeds and lots of other items you didn’t know existed. The meat selection includes deer, wild hog, possum and armadillo. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
*Carmine’s Gourmet Market, 6282 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-491-1876. This shop offers a tremendous variety of canned, boxed and bottled foods from a variety of ethnic cuisines – Italian, Mexican, Asian. There’s also a lovely produce section. Carmine’s also has an outstanding fresh meat department, a fresh fish department, a well-stocked deli section, an in-house bakery, and a large selection of takeout foods. If they don’t carry the item you are looking for, they will try to find it for you. Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Other location: Carmine’s Gourmet Market, 2401 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 1-407-775-0105.
*Damascus Groceries, 5721 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 1-305-962-4552. See description under “Middle Eastern.”
*Fernando’s International Market and Vintage Winery, 3045 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-566-3104 (for food) and 1-305-563-2500 (for wine). Under new ownership, this is the place for a wide selection of ethnic ingredients with a heavy accent on Italian. The selection of dry pastas is the most extensive but you’ll also find Mexican, Asian, even Scandinavian foods. The deli has an impressive array of olives, fresh mozzarella, as well as other cheeses and imported meats, such as Parma ham. Gift baskets, party foods and wines are also available. The store offers pasta cooking classes daily, as well as weekly wine tasting events. Open 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
*Mack’s Fruits, 4541 N. Pine Island Road (Old Florida Plaza), Sunrise, 1-305-746-4408. Only about 6 months old, this business is owned by Eddie and Nancy Macaroglu. Fresh fruit and produce abounds. However, their specialty is Middle Eastern grains, legumes, nuts and spices. Their line includes grape leaves, feta cheese, cracked wheat, red lentils and dried fruit. Nancy can also offer tips on preparation for anything you are unfamiliar with. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
*67 Liquors, 5479 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-771-9000. Primarily selling liquor, this store also has an Italian deli and a rather complete selection of imported Italian foods as well as some kosher items. There is a good selection of cheeses and pates, some of which are homemade. Imported candies, chocolates, nuts and condiments round out the offerings. Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdaythrough Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Other locations: 1583 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park, 1-305-565-0407, same hours as above. Also 5360 N. Federal Highway, Lighthouse Point, 1-305-426-5184, open 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondaythrough Wednesday; 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
*Smitty’s Farmer’s Market, 9123 Taft St., Pembroke Pines, 1-305-432-3095. You might call this an international produce stand featuring fruits and vegetables from Jamaica, Italy, China, Japan and the Middle East. The store also carries ethnic staples as well as breads. Open 8 a.m. to 6 p..m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday.
Greek
*Greek Pastries Plus, 4701 N. Federal Highway, Suite A15, Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-776-0020. Here you can get anything Greek, including olive oil, wine, grape leaves, olives, mouthwatering pastries, Greek salads, sandwiches and entrees such as moussaka, spanakopita and pastichio (Greek lasagna). Everything is made fresh. In addition, they have Greek newspapers, CDs, cassettes and video rentals. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
Indian
*The Little Asia Market, 1804 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, 1-305-437-1666. This Indian/Pakistani store stocks every spice imaginable. If it’s grains or beans you’re after, look no further. Stacks of pappadum, cans and jars of chutneys and pickles, candies, teas and huge sacks of basmati rice as well as flours for Indian breads fill the shelves. Fresh produce includes Indian long squash and Indian radishes. Freezers contain goat, halal meats (the Islamic equivalent to kosher), and frozen tandoori breads. Right next to the ghee in the cooler, youll find a nice selection of prepared Indian desserts. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m Monday through Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
*Little Market, 3062A N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-561-8606. This East Indian and Pakistani store is not a little market, but rather a complete grocery store. It carries a large selection of canned, refrigerated and frozen items as well as fresh produce. Vegetarian foods are well represented. In addition to food, there are tapes, videos and clothing (saris and shalwar kameez) available. Open 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Irish
*Foley’s Irish Gift Shop, 1424 NE 26th St., Wilton Manors, 1-305-561-4150. Foley’s is primarily a gift shop but it also has a section of foods imported from Ireland. These include canned and packaged goods such as jams; lemon curd; pickles; coffees; teas; oatmeal; and scone, bread and shepherd pie mixes. There is a frozen foods section and many Irish beverages are available. You also can get gift baskets. Open 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Italian
*Alvaros, 9614 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, 1-305-435-8747. This spotless shop offers homemade fresh mozzarella. Other specialties are cooked spinach cheese balls and long slices of sauteed breaded eggplant that regulars buy when they want to whip up their own eggplant Parmesan. In addition, an extensive line of Italian groceries, fresh breads and bakery items. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sundays.
*Carmine’s Gourmet Market, 6282 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-491-1876. See description under “Eclectic.”
*Doris’ Market, 9739 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation, 1-305-370-0335. This market stocks a full line of Italian groceries and cheeses. Open 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday; and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Other locations: 7818 NW 44th St., Sunrise, 1-305-749-1055, open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday; 2424 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 1-305-921-9647, open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. A fourth location is due to open this spring at 2077 N. University Drive, Coral Springs.
*Fernando’s International Market and Vintage Winery, 3045 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-566-3104 (for food) and 1-305-563-2500 (for wine). See description under “Eclectic.”
*Four Star Ravioli & Deli, 2143-45 N. State Road 7, Margate, 1-305-974-2444. This is a manufacturing plant where you can buy any kind of fresh-baked Italian pastry, cookie or bread, homemade pasta or fresh sauce. Deli items include meats and ricotta salata cheese. Brooklyn-style pizzas are available to go. In the canned grocery area you can find imported olive oils; Italian wines; ground espresso; and cans of Pasta Con Sarde, a famous Sicilian sardine and raisin dish traditionally served with bucatini pasta. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
*Gino’s Italian Deli, 5729 Johnson St., Hollywood, 1-305-966-0656. This large grocery store, deli, meat market and bakery caters to your Italian cooking needs. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
*Mimi’s Ravioli, 5714 Johnson St., Hollywood, 1-305-983-3711. Homemade pasta is their specialty with flavors including salmon, porcini mushroom, lemon pepper, red pepper, squid ink, pumpkin and more. There are homemade sauces as well as breads, cheeses and meats. They also make the best mozzarella in town; try the smoked variety. Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Other location: 18681 W. Dixie Hwy., North Miami Beach, 1-305-931-2306). Open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday.
*Monteleone’s Italian Deli, 10430 W. Atlantic Blvd., Coral Springs, 1-305-344-0333. Homemade Italian breads as well as biscotti and Italian cookies are here. A small grocery section offers olive oil, canned tomatoes, beans and other Italian staples. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday; 9:30 a.m.. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
*Presta Italian Deli, 401 N. State Road 7, Margate, 1-305-972-4020. They’ve been making homemade Italian sausages here since 1976. With six varieties to choose from (cheese, pepper, chicken, veal, fennel and hot) the sausage is prepared daily. Another specialty is the homemade mozzarella cheese. A complete line of Boar’s Head meats and cheeses rounds out the deli counter. Wines and Italian groceries also are available. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
*67 Liquors, 5479 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-771-9000; 1583 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park, 1-305-565-0407; 5360 N. Federal Highway, Lighthouse Point, 1-305-426-5184. See description under “Eclectic.”
*Smitty’s Farmer’s Market, 9123 Taft St., Pembroke Pines, 1-305-432-3095. See description under “Eclectic.”
*Stefanos, 9321 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs, 1-305-752-0008. This is the place for people in search of pepper biscuits, hard-crusted Northern Italian breads, homemade pizza dough and made-on-the-premises lasagna sheets. Other house specialties: low-fat, low-cholesterol homemade pork sausage; cheese and parsley sausage; and pork braccioli. Also keeping customers happy are shelves of imported pastas, breadsticks, cookies, olive oils, arborio rice, instant polenta, ricotta salata and bottled peppers as well as Italian novelties and cookware. This is the place to buy mascarpone in Coral Springs. Open 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Saturday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Kosher
*The Original Harrisons, 8251 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, 1-305-572-7577. See description under Oriole Kosher Market in Palm Beach County “Kosher.”Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
*67 Liquors, 5479 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 1-305-771-9000; 1583 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park, 1-305-565-0407; 5360 N. Federal Highway, Lighthouse Point, 1-305-426-5184. See description under “Eclectic.”
*West Hollywood Kosher Meat & Deli Market, 142 S. State Road 7, Hollywood, 1-305-962-5018. The sign on the door says “We speak English, Spanish, Hebrew, Romanian, German, Yiddish, Polish, Russian, French, Italian and Papiamento.”But, you’ll find the store primarily devoted to kosher products from Israel. Open 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m Monday through Thursday; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday; closed Saturday.
Middle Eastern
*Damascus Groceries, 5721 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 1-305-962-4552. A long-time fixture in South Florida, this shop offers an excellent selection of Greek olives, pastries, Greek and Bulgarian feta, Iranian coffee, Turkish pistachios, fresh pita, grape leaves, Retsina wine and other canned and jarred goods from Israel, India, Romania, Lebanon, Egypt and Bosnia. Open 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday. Other location: 485 NE 20th St., Boca Raton, 1-407-338-0011. Open 10:30 a.m to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday.
*Sahara Mediterranean Delights, 3570 N. State Road 7, Lauderdale Lakes, 1-305-731-3033. For nine years Sahara has provided Middle Eastern foods, spices, books, video tapes and music. There aisles are lined with imported olives and olive oils, Turkish and Greek coffees as well as jarred and canned goods, oils and orange blossom water. And if there’s a spice you are unable to find, give Sahara a call. If they don’t have it – they’ll find it. Open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
*Smitty’s Farmer’s Market, 9123 Taft St., Pembroke Pines, 1-305-432-3095. See description under “Eclectic.”
Palm Beach County
Asian
*Carmine’s Gourmet Market, 2401 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 1-407-775-0105. See description under Broward County listing for “Eclectic.”Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
*Fortune Cookie Oriental Supermarket, 2700 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach, 1-407-433-5818. Chock-full of Asian ingredients, utensils, cookbooks, gifts and fresh produce, here you’ll find quail eggs, Thai ingredients, imported beers, oils and vinegars, dried mushrooms as well as fresh, frozen and refrigerated products, including fish. They also have canned and bottled pastes and sauces. Open 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
*Grocery Maliall & Asia Spice, 1024 S. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, 1-407-433-3976. See description under “Indian.”
*The Stop-By Grocery, 1605 NW Second Avenue, Boca Raton. 1-407-338-6410. This predominantly Asian grocery and spice shop offers items from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the West Indies, along with some groceries from the Phillipines, Malaysia and Singapore. Here, among the spices, curries and masalas, you’ll find tamarind, rosewater, pickles and chutneys. Fresh pita, naan and chappati breads also are available. And if you’re looking for the latest in Indian movies, you can rent them here. Open 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Austrian/Bavarian/German/Swiss
*The Bavarian Colony Gourmet Restaurant and Deli, 435 Plaza Real (in Mizner Park), Boca Raton, 1-407-393-3989. Surrounding the tables where diners eat are shelves stocked with German, Danish and Greek specialty items from mustards of all kinds to sweets, coffees, teas and beers. The deli counter offers bratwursts, knockwursts and leberkase; Greek specialties including moussaka, pastitso and spanacopita; and cheeses ranging from Danish Tilsiter to Greek Keffalotyri. Open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Caribbean/Hispanic/Latin American
*Carmine’s Gourmet Market, 2401 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 1-407-775-0105. See description under Broward County listing for “Eclectic.”Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Eclectic
*Carmine’s Gourmet Market, 2401 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 1-407-775-0105.See description under Broward County listing for “Eclectic.”Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
*Damascus Groceries, 485 NE 20th St., Boca Raton, 1-407-338-0011. See listing under Broward County listing for “Middle Eastern.”
*Sabatino’s Gourmet Market, 8177 Glades Road, Boca Raton, 1-407-852-9289. This has grown from an Italian market to an international gourmet emporium (with a special interest in Italian). Here you can find a plethora of brands (from well-known to obscure) of gourmet and other items – many under the Sabatino’s label. Sauces fill one side of an entire aisle. The produce section offers inand out-of-season items. The on-premise bakery has become a store within a store. If you do your own baking, you can find everything from Ghirardelli white chocolate chips to Bacconi’s small pearl tapioca. And recently, the store introduced its own first-pressed extra virgin olive oil vats. (Bring your own jar.) Open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Greek
*The Bavarian Colony Gourmet Restaurant and Deli, 435 Plaza Real (in Mizner Park), Boca Raton, 1-407-393-3989. See description under “Austrian/-Bavarian/-German/-Swiss.”
*Grecian Delight, 7491-C17 N. Federal Highway (in the Boca Valley Plaza), Boca Raton, 1-407-989-8484. Opened this fall, this shop has everything Greek – canned imports, homemade dishes (spinach pie, moussaka) and pastries (kataife, baklava). You can choose from six types of olives, 11 cheeses (including three different fetas) and four halvas. In the grocery aisles, there are grape leaves in jars and grape leaves stuffed with rice in cans, jars of tahini, cans of baked giant beans, and cans of eggplant baked in oil. Boxed pastries include koulouvakia (Greek butter cookies). And in one corner of the store, handmade (by the owner) traditional Greek wedding and baptism (non-edible) items. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Indian
*Grocery Maliall & Asia Spice, 1024 S. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, 1-407-433-3976. This predominantly Indian shop with some Asian items is small but packed with canned foods; fresh produce; dried staples such as beans, peas and dried fruit; canned and jarred soups; spices and Asian noodles. Also offers frozen desserts and prepared side dishes. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Italian
*Avanti Prime Meats & Deli, 501 NE 20th St., Boca Raton, 1-407-392-3734. Fresh Italian items made on the premises line the meat and deli counters. Choose from sweet or hot Italian sausages, chicken sausages, turkey sausages, Italian breads, sesame cookies, stuffed mushrooms, meatballs and Sicilian olives. In the freezer, there are homemade minestrone and split pea soups. And on the grocery shelves, pastas of every size and shape, plus a wide variety of canned tomatoes (from peeled to crushed). It’s especially difficult to resist the homemade antipasto breads. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday.
*Capi’s Deli, 11379 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, 1-407-487-0453.Mostly Italian with a touch of international baked goods, Capi’s has an extensive assortment of pastas, sauces and sauce ingredients. Among the deli items are homemade stuffed peppers with prosciutto and provolone, freshly made Italian sausage, and four different kinds of olives by the pound. Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
*Carmine’s Gourmet Market, 2401 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 1-407-775-0105.See description under Broward County listing for “Eclectic.”Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
*Mario’s Meats of Delray, 14530 S. Military Trail, Delray Beach, 1-407-499-7019, fax 1-407-499-5804. Featuring Italian foodstuffs, Mario’s has a complete line of imported tomatoes and other tinned and jarred vegetables, including fava beans. They also carry polenta, four brands of pasta, including Banilla (which is No. 1 in Italy), plus a broad selection of olive oils and balsamic vinegars. The Italian sausage is made fresh; and there is a wide variety of homemade frozen and fresh dinners. Mario’s is also a full-service butcher. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
*Sabatino’s Gourmet Market, 8177 Glades Road, Boca Raton, 1-407-852-9289. See description under “Eclectic.”
Kosher
*Boca Kosher, 9070 Kimberly Blvd., Boca Raton. 1-407-488-9808. You don’t have to be kosher to love Boca Kosher. After all, everyone needs some homemade chicken soup to cure what ails them. Everything is fresh at the meat counter. Boca Kosher carries a wide assortment of kosher groceries as well as sugar-free products and frozen foods, including blintzes and potato pancakes from Ratners, New York’s famous kosher restaurant. Open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Sunday; closed Saturdays.
*Damascus Groceries, 485 NE 20th St., Boca Raton, 1-407-338-0011. See listing under Broward County listing for “Middle Eastern.”
*Lox Emporium, 5195 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 1-407-495-5699. They have a broad selection of homemade soups (fresh and frozen), salads and a complete line of Hebrew National and other kosher products. They are best known for their comprehensive supply of lox, Nova, smoked fish, white fish, sturgeon, smoked sable, pickled herrings and more. Open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
*Oriole Kosher Market, 7351 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 1-407-495-1144. At this one-stop kosher grocery store they carry fresh produce, dairy products, Hebrew National items, Empire Kosher poultry and many other tinned and jarred products. There is an impressive array of prepared foods to choose from, including salads, pasta, chicken, fish and fish spreads. Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Other location: The same owners run The Original Harrisons, 8251 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, 1-305-572-7577.
