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| - I love Merante's.
The deli is by far the highlight. Huge selection of sandwich meats, both imported and domestic, and a good number of cheeses as well. You can get an Italian sandwich (their most popular) or create your own--my usual is proscuitto, capicola, hot sopressata, mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, and hot fried peppers. The peppers are the best part, definitely get them if you like spicy, but have a glass of water handy! Oh, and did I mention it's literally served on a freaking LOAF of bread?! I always get a half sandwich and usually can't get through the whole thing. I can't imagine anyone could eat a full sandwich, except maybe the dude on Man vs. Food.
Down to the grocery part, the selection isn't the best but the cramped set-up is charming and reminds me of the in-city grocery stores I used to shop at in Florence. They have some interesting imports, but I do wish they had some more unique products, as most of the sauces and pastas they carry can be bought at Market District for much cheaper (I realize they can't compete with mass merchandiser prices, but I just don't shop here for those items). I especially wish they had mozzarella di bufala, but you can get bocconcini-sized fresh mozzarella at the deli counter if you ask for it, and it's pretty good. It is also the only place in the city I've seen that has San Benedetto iced tea (at the risk of sounding like a total alcoholic, the peach is the perfect mixer for peach sweet tea vodka). The frozen ravioli are also good, although I prefer going to Donatelli's in Bloomfield for this since they have more variety.
So overall, while some of the selection could be improved, I truly love Groceria Merante and am ecstatic to have it right around the corner from me. At times I kind of hate Oakland, but Merante's is the ray of sunshine that cheers me up when I start second guessing my living arrangements. Amazing little place that more people should really know about.
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