One place that I frequent on my trips to Chicago is Caputo's Market in Addison. Actually, the Caputo's in Addison is one of four in the Chicago area. But this is the only one that I've ever been to.
I first heard about Caputo's from a friend who told me that Caputo's had the freshest produce, the best meat counter and a great old Italian bakery in the place. I found that there was one just down the street from the hotel I was staying at in Addison. So, I go down Lake Street and I keep going and going and I never see Caputo's. I turn around and go back. I still don't see it. So I turn around and I sit at a stop light and sitting back about 150 yards north of Lake Street was Caputo's. My wife says I'm not very observant and it shows. Caputo's is a big building. Caputo's is about 45,000 square feet and they use every bit of the space.
For an ethnic market, Caputo's is tough to beat. But their produce is the best and freshest I've ever seen at any grocery store. And they have tons of produce that you just don't see in Iowa.
Their meat counter is huge. Their deli meats are too numerous to mention. They've got all the Italian meats you'd ever want. Three or four different types of pepperoni, different hams, roast beef, etc. They have about any kind of cheese you want. It's just amazing to see.
They have fresh baked breads from local bakeries brought in daily, and their bakery - La Bella Romana - makes some of the best Italian desserts one can find in the Chicago area. I'm particular to the Damato bakery bread they bring in; and the tiramisu, the orange cake and the lemon cookies from the La Bella Romana bakery is to die for.
In fact, Caputo's has a La Bella Romana line of pasta, condiments, olive oil, vinegar and spices that they sell at the store. I recently picked up a jar of their giardiniera for my homemade Italian beef sandwiches.
If you're a cook and come into the Chicago area at any time, Caputo's is worth the stop. Even if you AREN'T a cook, Caputo's is still a pretty neat place to visit.
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