What better way is there to instill a great love for food in your child than to bring them to the markets that supply all of the awesome foods we want them to eat?  These stores comprise a tiny list of places that I have on my mind at the moment.  It’s fun to find new favorite places, so my choices change from time to time.  Nevertheless, DiPalo’s is on my list permanently.

                        DiPalo’s is located at 200 Grand Street near Mott Street in Little Italy, Manhattan.  (http://www.dipaloselects.com) It is pork store heaven and if I could move in, I would.  This family run Italian food store imports some of the best cheeses in the city.  They also have dried sausages, fresh sausage, olive oils, raviolis and pasta and prepared items.  Try their Parmigiano Reggiano, which has a nutty, creamy taste and a textured crumbly consistency.  No other Reggiano will ever be good enough for you after you eat this, I promise.  Equally alluring is their fresh mozzarella and cacciatore (small dried sausage).   They also have fresh burratta, which is mozzarella on the outside of a soft creamy cheese inside, sometimes filled with truffles. Most stores do not sell this cheese and those that do, cannot provide quality to match DiPalo’s ethereal burratta.Upon stepping into the store and getting a whiff of all of the delicious foods on offer, your stomach will take control. Quickly take a number from the plastic dispenser (straight ahead, just inside the door), before the person behind you grabs one.  The store is usually packed and the waits can be long, so bring a small snack for your child to eat while you wait.  You can always take a number and then run across the street to Ferrara’s for a croissant to bring back (but they are selling at tourists’ prices $3 or $4, $1.50-$2 elsewhere).  Stick it out.  You and your child will be rewarded with samples to satisfy your craving that are without a doubt, worth any wait.

                                    New Kam Man, 200 Canal Street, Chinatown in Manhattan.  This store is a couple of blocks downtown from DiPaola’s. This is a wonderland of an Asian market at unbelievably low prices for this borough.  Sure you have to tough out Chinatown with the masses of people jockeying for position at the many sidewalk pushcarts and food markets, but it is worth it in my opinion.  Unusual and interesting items abound - think, dried shrimp and fish, noodles, prepared foods (haven’t tried these) and dinnerware of all kinds. Children (and parents, alike) will be astounded at the myriad choices of food and non-food items packed into this department store-sized market.  On the first floor, there are tons of typical Asian staples, such as dry noodles, canned mushrooms, dried watermelon seeds (sweet/salty) and many types of soy sauces.  Pick up some fresh egg noodles in the refrigerator section in the back for practically nothing ($1.00).   Downstairs, you have your choice of hundreds of chopsticks, cleavers, spoons, bowls, bamboo mats and the like.  They actually have a neat assortment of ceramic mugs and bowls that kids will covet. Next to the upstairs register are strips of adorable individually packaged curious candies and cookies that make great little gifts for parties and holidays.

                                    Caputo Bakery, 329 Court Street, Brooklyn, New York.  (http://www.caputobakery.com)  This small shop has incredible breads that are piled high in crusty, yeast-filled mountain upon mountain in the window and behind the counter.  They have basic Italian cookies and sweets too.  Their ciabatta is soft and fluffy with a hint of sourdough on the crust, but that standout for me is the lard bread.  Not only are there hunks of meaty goodness, the bites without meat are loaded with a peppery pork flavor that kids (and adults) cannot resist. We usually eat a loaf on the way home, so we buy at least two. The prices are so reasonable that you can treat the kids with a little cookie for coming along.

                                    Greenmarkets, throughout the city, (http://www.cenyc.org/greenmarket).  Union Square is the biggest and best option.  There is a fantastic new park adjacent to the market that children of all ages will absolutely love.  Not only do these markets display the most picturesque arrangements of fruits and veggies, the variety is staggering.  Shopping at a greenmarket is always a chance to learn about a new fruit or vegetable, including the growing process.  I learn something new every time I go to the greenmarket.  It’s amazing!

So grab the kids, grab your bags and start shopping.