While the college days may be ruled by dining halls and takeout menus, it's important to remember that supermarkets still exist. When places like Boston Burger Co. and Helen's Roast Beef start to take a toll on both your wallet and waistline, or when you are forced to resort to vending machine shopping to satisfy those midnight munchies, you might start to consider the benefits of your neighborhood market. You might even find that scouring the aisles of supermarkets (and gourmet grocers) can be a pleasant and eye-opening experience. Let the Daily give you the lowdown on the area supermarkets that are a worth a visit, most of which are within walking distance of Tufts and Davis Square.
Whole Foods
Do yourself a favor and avoid the dreary, depressing travesty of a retail giant known as Foodmaster Supermarket, known for its inferior produce and sketchy customer service. Instead, take a walk down Boston Avenue to the Whole Foods Market on Mystic Valley Parkway. Truly a breath of fresh air, the natural and organic grocery chain is patronized by the contestants on Bravo's "Top Chef," and with good reason. Much of the store's produce is organic, which makes a significant difference in even the simplest recipes that you're trying to whip up, from spaghetti and meatballs to an arugula salad. Even bars of soap and shampoos bear their in-house label, 365 Everyday Value. The downside for many, however, may be the price, which is not necessarily justified for items like Vosges' Chocolate bar infused with Applewood smoked bacon and Alderwood smoked salt for $7.50, but can be a steal for their confections and dairy. Aisles along the market are easy to navigate, with a fresh baked goods section that offers mini blueberry muffins, scones and madeleines on one end and a salad and grill bar at the other.
2151 Mystic Valley Parkway
Medford, MA 02155
(781) 395-4998
Shaw's
If organic produce does not strike your fancy, there is always Shaw's in the Porter Square Galleria, which is across the street from the Porter Square stop on the Red Line or a quick 10-minute walk from Davis Square. The frozen food section alone is worth a visit, as Stouffer's lasagnas, Lean Cuisine entrees and Marie Callender's complete meals line the freezer shelves, among other offerings. There is a respectable, well-stocked organic section to the far left of the store and an ethnic cuisine aisle lies adjacent. Nevertheless, Shaw's is not an ideal locale for the health-conscious, as the fresh fruit and vegetables are of limited variety and are not likely to be pesticide-free. Shaw's does, however, have a good selection of farm cheese and charcuterie, cut and weighed to order, and at the very least has the decency to be open 24 hours a day.
49 White Street
Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 492-5566
Dave's Fresh Pasta
Despite the welcoming awning over the entrance, adorned with their logo in comic sans font, Dave's has "yuppie" written all over it. A three-minute walk from the Davis Square stop on the Red Line, the tiny shop still manages to house a full wine section, pasta-making alcove and large, main area that stocks everything from exotic sea bass to fresh milk from Pemberton Farms. As long as you know what you're looking for, or at least pretend to, you won't be treated with the slightest hint of disdain, which may be justified given the shop's expensive products. Among these items, you will find the store's famous sandwich selection, gelato from the oft-revered Toscanini's and a frozen food section that features items like shrimp scampi and black pepper pappardelle with arugula and porcini.
Still, the star of the shop is its pasta, which is weighed and processed to order. The goods come in some truly unique flavors, such as saffron, porcini and beet and are priced from $3.75 per pound, which is more than enough for four main-course portion servings. One can also opt for the specialty raviolis, which can be purchased fresh or frozen and range from roasted duck, porcini and blue cheese to truffled potato and chive. The pastas can be paired with any of Dave's wide selection of sauces (arrabiata, smoked tomato, artichoke lemon pesto, among others) that can always be nuked in the microwave.
A satisfying pasta meal, however, is not complete without some of Dave's olive oil, garlic, onions and meats — pancetta, grilled chicken and scampi are a few of the delectable choices. These can be bought elsewhere, but do avoid taking jugfuls of olive oil from Dewick — it's just not worth the cost.
A special note worth mentioning is that Dave's website offers printable coupons which give customers a free pound of cut pasta (any variety) with the purchase of a pint of sauce.
81 Holland St.
Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 623-0867
Ebisuya & Reliable Market
An absolute essential for the Asian food enthusiast, both Ebisuya and Reliable Market are a welcome relief from the oft done-to-death sesame oil, waxy ramen and chow mein variety of Asian markets. Good Asian food, from Ebisuya's Japanese offerings to Reliable's Korean, is best done home-style. At Ebisuya, produce is generally higher end and more authentic, reflected in their fresh produce: sashimi-grade fish, seaweed, taro chips, beetroot, etc. Other worthy commodities, like jarred kimchee, frozen udon and tempura rice bowls are equally addictive offers and are available at Reliable, which focuses more on Korean produce and emphasizes pre-packaged goods such as spicy condiments, Cup Noodles and fruit.
Ebisuya
65 Riverside Ave
Medford, MA 02155
(781) 391-0012
Reliable Asian Mart
45 Union Square
Somerville, MA 02143 (12 min by bus from Davis, 40 min walking)
(617) 623-9620
