When you're doing your grocery shopping on the weekend, you might favor the time-saving benefits of visiting a large chain store to get everything that you need. However, you should also consider deviating from this plan in order to seek out an authentic Italian deli in your area. Whether you're looking for cured meats, imported cheeses, or just want to soak in the ambiance of a different manner of shopping for your favorite groceries, an Italian deli can be exactly what you're looking for. Here are three reasons that you should add this location to your shopping list.
Product Expertise
When you shop at an Italian deli, you can count on those who are serving you to know what they're selling. Conversely, chain supermarkets often employ teenagers who may not have a deep knowledge or interest in helping you. The person behind the meat counter at an Italian deli often has old-world knowledge of the cured meats, sausages, and other meat products that are offered for sale, and you'll be able to converse with this person to ensure that you get exactly what you want, whether you're looking for a favorite meat or you want to try something new.
Custom Orders
Another big benefit of shopping at an Italian deli is that custom orders are often available. If you're having a get-together on a certain date and want to serve something that is unique and impressive, you should think about visiting the Italian deli well in advance of the date, figuring out what you want, and ordering it. Supermarkets can rarely accommodate you in this manner, so you'll appreciate being able to offer something memorable for your dinner party guests, courtesy of the deli.
New Products
Many people enjoy shopping at Italian delis because they're exposed to products that they can't find in their local supermarkets. While chain supermarkets are known for stocking a long list of products, you'll commonly find that Italian delis are loaded with things you don't recognize. Many products are imported directly from Italy, whether it's a special type of cheese, a unique style of olive, or even Italian cookies or other desserts. If you're a real foodie, you'll find that visiting your local Italian deli is entertaining because of all the different things you can see — just be sure to leave space in your shopping basket, as you'll want to load up on lots of these products.