Mercato Zacconi

I should have a "grocery store" section of this blog as there are a surprising number of them in this area. I've blogged about this not once but twice already. Most of the grocery stores are on Wellington Street, which is very convenient for us seeing how it's only a couple of minutes further away. 

This is great for people who live in Hintonburg, like us, but not so great for the people who live in nearby little Italy or Chinatown. I've even heard the latter referred to as a food dessert, due to its lack of a traditional grocery store, although there has been some criticism of that.  

Fortunately, on a stroll of the neighbourhood we noticed a new option has opened up for people in little Italy: Mercato Zacconi.  

Not your typical grocery storefront

It's not a big box grocery store by any means, but in terms of fresh produce and bread, they actually have a pretty decent selection. Of course, if you're looking for wine, cheeses, deli meat, or olive oil they've got you covered. Too often in semi-tourist areas, like Little Italy, grocery stores tend to be very artisan. That's great for tourists, but you need the basics as well. 

Hmmm, which olive oil tastes best on Fridays..?

Mercato Zacconi almost covers the essentials you need. If you're making everything from scratch, it's pretty good. Just don't come here for your Weetabix cereal or can of Ravioli. Hey, at least it's not store on my unhappy list. Man cannot live on wine alone!