Doris Italian Market and Bakery - Boca Raton, FL Review

Living in South Florida, it's hard to to think of a food market without thinking Publix.  The Publix chain is now so prolific in South Florida that it is hard to imagine finding yourself at any major intersection without spotting a Publix Supermarket there.  This is good.  They are a first class supermarket chain.

But that is not to say that if you look hard enough, you can't find alternatives, sometimes even superior alternatives.  This is where we turn to Doris Italian Market and Bakery.

From its name you might get the impression that this is a small niche specialty market.  Perhaps it once was.  But these days, while still quite small in comparison to the Publix superstore model, it's possible to do your weekly shop at Doris'.  Predictably, the brand selection isn't as broad, but what you're assured of is that if its found its way into this store, it's a top-rated product.

What it excels at

The meat and poultry section is superb.  Top cuts of beef, pork, lamb, veal and poultry are offered at prices that are impressively reasonable.

Likewise, the Fresh Seafood selection is equally impressive, both in terms of selection and price.

That the butchers and fishmongers actually know what they're talking about is just icing on the cake.  It's great speaking with people who are as informative as they are helpful.  Need that lamb butterflied?  No problem and no extra charge.

As the name would indicate, there is also a fresh bakery on premise.  Fresh breads, rolls and pastries are here in abundance.

Special orders

We probably would never have found Doris Italian Market and Bakeryhad it not been for its incredible special order Brisket of Beef.  Should Bobby Flay ever decide to visit Doris for a Brisket throw-down, expect to see that boy slinker off, head held low.  Their Brisket of Beef is by far the finest I have ever tasted.

My Viewpoint

Look, I could go on for quite awhile about Doris Italian Market and Bakerybut this is just the kind of place you have to experience to appreciate and there's the rub.  This is a small organization with still only a handful of locations in South Florida (see dorismarket.com for locations).  But if you're lucky enough to be reasonably close to one, make it a priority destination.

Rudi