Gourmand or Gourmet- its elementary, Mazzaro
Trip Start
Jul 10, 2007
1
19
32
Trip End
Ongoing
Saint Petersburg,
Florida,
United States
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Whether you are knowledgeable about food, have a discriminating palate, are looking for that lunch time sandwich fix or mid afternoon espresso or gelato, ladies and gentlemen, this is the place.
Do not go to Mazzaro's hungry, and I repeat..., or else your intended list of 3 items will unexplicably grow into an overflowing cart of unintended, but oh so wanted produce, vinegar, chocolate, herbs, pasta, cheese, wine and cookies (I know, been there, done that). Similar to a Dean and Deluca's, Zabars or Citarella, albeit on a smaller scale, the almost 100 or so balsamic vinegars and olive oils, the dozens of olives in shades of green, and black and the in house made cookies and cakes will have you coming back for more. Eyes bigger than stomache applies to Mazzaro's as we have gone in for a cup of espresso and left toting bags overflowing with sesame seed, Belgian chocolate, Monin Peach flavored syrup, soft as butter Brie and the "you just can't help but crack a smile" wine called "Oh Mambo".
If there is one area in this 7th heaven that captures our attention more than anything, it has to be the deli, with its pyramids of prepared dishes and over the top sandwiches. After pulling a number, I have been known to stare in rapture at the fist-sized meatballs, the mile-high Lasagna, grilled eggplant, oh so slightly seared tuna and bold shrimp, that I have forgotten to respond when my number was being called for service. Rather I keep an indelible picture of that 24 foot deli case in my mind for future reference as I hasten to order the panini of the day. For $5 there is no greater bargain either in value, quality and quantity, and although sharing is often not an option, in this case there is enough for 2, when adding a bag of Zappo's crawtator chips.
