Nothing compares to a warm plate of pasta.
So much of what we, as Americans, think of as Italian food is just the tip of this surprisingly varied and versatile cuisine. Take a look at the recipe selection in this month's featured cookbook to get a sample of the breath of delicious possibilities.

On your culinary journey to these regions of Italy, let us suggest a few staff favorites to ensure the authenticity of your experience.

Starting with tomatoes, take advantage of our amazing, summer tomatoes still in the store for the next few week--you will miss them this winter! San Nicola Dei Miri has an actual Italian grandmother overseeing the hand-crafting of these fruits and vegetables. Their tomato conserve is a must.

And for sauces, we always stock up on boxed Pomi Tomatoes, a pantry staple that simply makes dishes taste more Italian.

Our favorite traditional pesto is by Monte Pollino. It is lovely, and rich, and can be stored on the shelf ready to use. The pesto is thick, perfect for pasta or Risotto, makes an excellent pizza topping, and flavors seafood and chicken beautifully.

If you are looking for farro, Bartolini is our favorite. It is really fantastic--the best we have found. And our staff pick for Risotto is Beretta Arborio Rice.

There are so many oils available. For real Italian flavor, we recommend Badia a Coltibuono Extra Virgin Olive OIl. They have been producing Tuscan wine and olive oil since 1058! It has a distinctively light flavor with low acidity, and intense fruity bouquet.

Tatso Balsamic Pearls are caviar-like pearls of bronze seal, balsamic vinegar that give wonderful bursts of complex, tangy-sweet flavor in a unique blend of molecular gastronomy and time-honored Italian tradition.
And for the sweet side of things, Casa Giulia Fruit Spreads and Preserves are a delicious spread on a buttered slice of crusty bread or over ice cream. We carry quite the variety, try their black cherry, apricot, quince...

Marin French crafts their distinctive cheeses in small batches, uses traditional cultures, and coaxes the distinctly coastal terrior and flavor into every cheese.

They have been in the same location for nearly 150 years. (That's even longer than Piedmont Grocery!) They began with delicious, European-style cheeses like Traditional Brie, Triple Cr�me Brie, Camembert, plus their simple Breakfast Cheese, and have expanded to include flavored cheese and American originals.

Marin French Cheese Co. is an internationally-respected cheesemaker. Their national and international awards are too numerous to mention. They operate with respect for the land and dedication to creating cheeses of distinctive quality and character.