TINO'S ITALIAN GROCERY

I'm often surprised by how many Santa Barbarans don't shop at the wonderful small local stores here. I know one can head out to Costco and save money buying in bulk, but really -- isn't shopping at our local independent stores its own investment in the quality of our community? Sure, you can pick up some Italian ingredients from Trader Joe's to make a pasta dinner, but why not go to Tino's Italian Grocery located in the mini-mall at the corner of De La Vina and Carrillo instead?

On my most recent trip to Tino's I shopped for ingredients to make an Italian dinner for Ray and me. I had some pizza dough in the fridge, homemade from a most excellent King Arthur Flour recipe (here), and some marinara sauce, but needed to fill in with other ingredients.

As you can see, Tino's carries lots of Italian specialty products. I decided to buy some Giuliano Sliced Peperoncini, some Divina Organic Pitted Green Olives, and because it caught my eye (not for the pizza) some Cento Hoagie Spread (who doesn't love a good Hoagie?). I also perused Tino's wines.

Is there anything more romantic than a straw Chianti holder? Sadly, neither Ray nor I can drink red wine. Note to Santa Ynez Valley wineries: how about making a straw Sauvignon Blanc bottle?

For dessert I picked up some Vincente Hazelnut Cream from Sicily and their Pistachio Cream as well (either one delicious on gelato). Had I not been about to meet Ray for lunch at Miso Hungry on Canon Perdido, I would have had one of Tino's Italian sandwiches from their deli. (If you want a Tino's sandwich, it's wise to get there before the hordes of Tino Submarine lovers.)

You can even sit at one of their tables to eat.

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