As American as pasta e fagiole

You can eat apple pie and hamburgers for only so long. If
you’re seeking ingredients to build meals in honor of your (or someone else’s)
culture, here’s a list of some independent ethnic grocery stores. In some cases
you may have to look for on-street parking, and you may not be able to hit the
salad or cappuccino bars while you shop, but these just might be the best way
to experience little slices of the Old Country.

In this town it can seem like sacrilege to suggest anyplace
but Wegmans. But we figure you’re going to discover
the phenomenon that is Wegmans all on your own —
one day soon enough you’ll be suggesting it as a lunchspot
or having it cater your next event — and these other, smaller places may
require a little searching.

One place to get a whole lot of diversity in one fell swoop
is the Public Market, 280 N Union Street,
where you can find all manner of fresh and prepared food — cheeses, meats,
fish, olives, pastries, pierogies, burritos, fruits,
and vegetables. The 100-year-old, year-round marketplace is open Tuesdays and
Thursdays 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and
Saturdays from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s really the best place in town for
bargains and for fresh food — everything’s in season, grown regionally,
usually harvested that morning. Special events happen throughout the year,
including community garage sales, ethnic festivals, and chef days. Call 428-6907 for more information on the Market; or for the
schedule for the 50-cent Market Shuttle (provided by the Regional Transit
Service), call 654-0242.

Baigai’s African Clothing & Food Market1048
S Clinton Avenue, 271-7755

CalabresellaImporters1386 Buffalo Road, 235-7860

Desi Bazaar1707
Crittenden Road, 292-1189

Dutch Market 257 Park Avenue, 271-6110

Hartmann’s Old World
Sausage Shop 1256 N
Clinton Avenue,
266-4960

Hikari Foods and Grocery 1667 Mt Hope Avenue, 461-3180

India House999 S Clinton Avenue,
244-9210

India Market3259 S Winton Road,
427-7290

Lee’s Oriental Food
and Gifts 900 Jefferson Road,
272-7020

Lipman’s Kosher Market 1482
Monroe Avenue, 271-7886

Namaste3047 W Henrietta Road, Suite 7,
424-2980

Ocean Garden971
S Clinton Avenue, 271-3705