Spartan Daily - Serving San Jose State University since 1934

Issue date: 9/14/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Angela Marino Zanatto's deli section

The smell of fresh, green apples heating in the sun tickled my nose as I walked by "The Market," by Safeway, a new addition to downtown grocery shopping.

The calm lighting and glass cases attracted my eye and I could smell the warm food from the entrance.

I was in a trance.

I stared at the fabulous array of food, which could even make someone who just ate, ravenous.

I finally escaped the store, after many hours, and headed to Zanotto's for a few special items.

I walked in and the setup was less than tantalizing. As I walked toward the deli displays, I realized that Zanotto's doesn't need over the top fancy cases to display good food.

The delicious food speaks for itself.

The two stores are not competing, but providing the customer with more variety of foods to choose from. If "The Market" doesn't have a particular item, it may be at Zanotto's.

Zanotto's has been in San Jose for decades, as the sophisticated choice for grocery shoppers.

The store is known for its family-oriented style and demeanor. It is more of a specialty store that carries items that would not be stocked at the

typical market.

Zanotto's high price tag combined with quality items make it worth the extra money.

Regular items, such as cereals and canned vegetables, can be found at "The Market" for a much lower price.

Zanotto's is made for an eclectic palette, offering more of an exotic array of cuisine, such as Greek dolmades, a grape leaf stuffed with rice and vegetables.

The store also offers food like what mom used to make, with items like lasagna and creamy potato salad.

"The Market's" customer service is also excellent, with employees around every corner willing to help and answer any questions. The exceptional service may decrease over time as the store ages.

Time will tell if the service will stay consistent.

Zanotto's customer service is superb, with slightly fewer employees, but with each visit there are familiar faces greeting customers with a smile.

"The Market" has fancy amenities like touch screens that place orders for the deli. The store's food is delicious as well, with a full service sushi bar and deli that has so many choices, it may take several minutes to decide what to eat.

Continued...

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