South Philly's source for chef-ly creations (Zahav's hummus, Belle Cakery's meringues) has recently upped the ante with house productions like rhubarb-thyme jam and sauerkraut fermented in honey-collection buckets. It's tiny but crams a lot of worthy splurges into each square foot of shelf space. Read More »
1618 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA | 215-465-1411 | Website
We would pretty much shop anywhere that houses something called a "brie bar." But add the ocean of olive oils (not to mention the mountains of olives), the deli, the handmade pastas and ricotta cheesecakes and sausages and a lasagna menu as long as your arm, and Carlino's is a lock. Read More »
128 West Market Street, West Chester, PA | 610-696-3788 | Website
Whether your kitchen skills rival those of Julia Child or a small child, the super-knowledgeable staff under the direction of the stores namesake (formerly the chef/owner of Doylestowns Knight House) will walk you through racks stuffed with top-drawer ingredients that will make any meal a culinary masterpiece. Bonuses: a staggering display of artisanal cheeses; a sumptuous salad bar and fresh, inventive gourmet sandwiches to go; and divine catering that will have guests clamoring for the phone number. Stuff here aint cheap but man, is it good. Read More »
415 South York Road, New Hope, PA | 215-862-9809 | Website