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wine-cheese-grapes.jpgI’ve been craving a walkable market in the borough since I moved to the Dub C, and on Saturday I experienced the phenomenon we call Carlino’s.

After a just-what-I-needed chicken sausage, apple, brie and spinach omelet from Market Street Grill, I walked the block and a half to the Carlino’s Grand Opening to check out what all the fuss was about. I had a full stomach but figured I could grab something small to snack on if it caught my eye. I was wrong… I bought nothing.

You will have to wait to hear more about the amazingness of this new market until our in-depth interview (coming soon).

What I will say is that I walked in and scents and sounds of tastiness attacked me from every direction. My heart raced as I walked past the massive selections of International cheeses, prepared dishes, Italian specialties, fresh produce, baked breads and patries. Laughter, cheese samples, “May I help yous,” “mmms” and “yummms”whirled around me. It was delicious craziness and I carefully tuned it out to focus on reading as many lables as I could on the prepared items, deli cases and products. I was so overwhelmed with delight I just had to take it all in and…walk out.

Something has never looked so good to me that I simply couldn’t bring myself to choose what to buy.

The Final Dish: I plan to eat there this week. I think the shock will have worn off by then.

Other Dish Articles about Carlino’s
Carlino’s Specialty Foods Coming To West Chester

About the Author

Mary Bigham, the creator of wcdish, is a self-admitted sushi and travel addict. She has a crush on just about every food but refuses to eat American cheese.

More About Mary...

5 Comments So Far

  1. TagsOct 10, 2007

    Mary, I live about 5 miles from the Carlino’s in Ardmore, and I’ve had that happen a few times. If you don’t prepare yourself ahead of time, sensory overload can make you forget what you originally came there for.

    Sometimes it happens at Reading Terminal Market, Edwards Freeman in Conshohocken, or the Italian Market in South Philly.

    Usually, I just breathe into a brown paper bag, and if that doesn’t work I put the bag over my head until I can think clearly, always remembering to poke holes I can breathe through.

  2. MaryOct 10, 2007

    Tags,

    I’m so glad I’m not alone. Next time I go I will make sure to put a brown bag in my purse.

  3. JBOct 11, 2007

    I was there on Saturday too — it was a great time. The people working were exceptionally nice & helpful. I bought a yummy goat cheese with fig filling. Can’t wait to go back.

  4. FranOct 11, 2007

    Went to Carlino’s this afternoon. I shopped at their Ardmore store when I lived in Haverford a few years ago.

    It is, simply, superb in every aspect (and God knows I’m picky). Gorgeous, delicious, welcome to West Chester! Just grabbed a couple items for dinner (chicken and proscuitto tortellini and rosa sauce)–both excellent), but will be back soon and often!

  5. NathanielOct 14, 2007

    I agree with all the positives! Have already sat down to lunch there twice.

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