Specialty food shops in Providence

Specialty food shops help you find ingredients that grocery aisles often don't carry, from aged cheeses and loose spices to finishing salts, vinegars and oils you can taste before you buy. Many also sell bulk amounts, so you can buy just what a recipe needs. Before you go, call ahead to ask whether the shop can cut a specific cheese or measure out a spice blend, and whether they stock the particular grain or sugar you want. If you're shopping for a gift, ask for a sample of olive oil or vinegar first; staff can usually suggest a pairing. Weekend afternoons tend to be busiest, so a weekday visit gives you more time with the staff.