Small store but so many options. Lots of veggies. I loved their pineapple cabbage salad at deli…read morecounter.

There are a half-dozen stores on Broad Street in New Britain which do the same thing Zieleniak…read moredoes. We just like the *way* they do it, and the way the place is laid out. Most important is that the world of Eastern European delicatessens tends, in New Britain, to be very forgiving with regard to food and/or produce which looks old, tired, or just not fresh. We found this to be the same in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn (New York) when we lived nearby years and years ago. Zieleniak defies this tradition and we're glad they do. We're not Polish, but really appreciate the cuisines of Poland, Hungary, and Germany (my family's heritage). Start by getting good pickles and sauerkraut (you can get cabbage-only, or Polish kapusta, with carrots). These items once were offered in barrels -- the health department probably intervened, because one now needs to reach in to a refrigerator to retrieve these lovely, briny/vinegary items. I can't get enough kapusta. Not only do I put it on hot dogs (Martin Rosol natural-casing, or Hebrew National), but I put it on ham sandwiches, on old roast beef, and also plain cheese sandwiches. A variety of good-quality fruits and vegetables is offered up front. We like the apples, and the choice of root veggies (celeriac, carrots, parsnips, rutabagas, turnips, and more). Cruciferous vegetables are also in abundance. A recent order of Brussels Sprouts was remarkably fresh and vibrant. The delicatessen, however, is the heart of this market. There are several cheerless women of various ages who work behind the counter. God bless them, because between them, they manage to understand my poor pronunciation of the Polish-language price markers for the various cured hams, salami, and specialty charcuterie. They have several different types of aspic-based cold-cuts ("Head Cheese" to the uninitiated). The light-colored one, with carrot shreds and some fresh herbs, is the one we prefer -- but they're all good, and sliced expertly, so it doesn't fall apart when one gets home. You'll notice that whether aspic-based, ham, liverwurst, mortadella or salami, everything's well-conserved, sliced perfectly, and a *magnificent* value. The head cheese is $6.99 per pound (we've paid $16 a pound in NY City at Schaller & Weber). The garlicky salami is only $5.99 a pound -- we'd pay twice as much for such rich, garlicky flavor and a splendid balance of fat to meat. Pepper ham, garlic ham, fatty ham, and lean ham are no more than $6.99 but are probably $4.99 -- and all are just wonderful. Get the cole slaw here if you're a cole slaw lover. Some call this slaw, with carrots, red cabbage and parsley in it, "calico slaw." Whatever you call it, it's wonderful. And they make cucumber salad with dill, onion and sour cream that will dissuade you, as it did us, from making your own. Who wants to peel, salt, drain, and slice cucumbers? Let them do it for you. They make this salad with rich, high-butterfat Polish-style sour cream. This sour cream is available for sale here (it's made in Illinois, but labeled nearly entirely in Polish, however). Round out the trip by buying tea (great herbal tea variety available, here), marmalade and jelly, soup and gravy mixes, and exotic canned vegetables and fruits (we say 'canned,' but it's all in jars so you can see what you're getting). Bread can be bought here, but you can also go down the street to one of the two decent bakeries. The bread, cake and cookie offerings are unremarkable. Did I mention that this place is an excellent value? Go here for an adventure -- but bring your patience, you may wait on line a little while (we avoid this by going at about 2:30 on a weekday).

So pretty much I walked in and I got my mangoes because they taste good and I went to get the…read morereceipt and the rude cashier said in a stern and mean tone " wait I got it I got it let me get. It" and hushed me down like I was a dog bad service dont come here unless you like getting yelled at.

I've been buying vegetable and flowering plants here for years and there are a few reasons for…read morethat. While the owner and facility may be a little rough around the edges, Mark is extremely knowledgeable about his products and will be happy to give you advise if you ask him. Also, not only is the selection and quality of the plants great but the prices rival the biggest box stores and the quality is better. Consider it like the little grungy diner that has the best food so you go because it is an experience. This is that kind of place and if you make Mark smile, its a bonus :)

"What of the neighbours and the prophets in bars? What are…read morethey saying in our public bazaars?" (The Clash) The Bristol Bazaar is one of the most colorful and visually appealing marketplaces I've ever seen. It was a kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, and patterns. What a cool concept - a rotating ever-changing roster of over 65 local makers and artisans in a beautiful space with a built-in coffee bar and cocktail lounge (Yellow King Bristol). And if that isn't enough, they also offer crafting workshops, special events, and a classroom. Their website summarizes their mission - "We are looking for entrepreneurs who make their products by hand and are looking to make their side hustle, a full-time gig". Well said! We had a blast strolling through the Bazaar and marveling at the creativity and talent of the local makers. Everything here is made by hand by the sellers- no reselling is allowed. We walked out with a jar of caramel sauce from La Famiglia Tedesco for a certain caramel loving grand-daughter and a jar of Bloody Mary mix from Bloody Good Mud for a certain Bloody Mary loving Yelper. Because the roster of makers can change every month, you'll never really run out of new stuff to look at.

Bristol Bazaar is an overstimulation for all of your senses. There are sparkling lights to see,…read morethey have plush things to touch, they have handmade soaps to smell, they have tasty samples to taste, and of course all of the excitement to hear. Bristol Bazaar is a collection of vendors selling their handmade merchandise at the same place. They are open all year, six days a week. With the holiday season in full force, you will find ornaments and tree toppers galore. They have screen printed and embroidered t-shirts and hoodies. There are toys, keychains, jewelry, plants and more. The best part about shopping or browsing at Bristol Bazaar is the checkout process. There's no need to make an individual purchase at each vendor, instead you can collect all of the goodies in your shopping basket, then cash out at the register. This helps keep things moving, and less people standing around. The items are marked with barcodes, so the makers receive their portion of the sale. If you're looking for a unique handmade gift, Bristol Bazaar is the place to go!

Great little farmers market full of some of the Best Farmers and Bakers in the Area. Mushrooms,…read moreBakery Goodies, Yummy Goat Cheese, and Produce from March Farms and Lots of New Farmers. Clean organized and Very Cute having it at the Firehouse. Everything You need for a fancy weekend breakfast or dinner needs. They take Apple Pay and quick service with Great people. This week they had live music. So many amazing farmers and talent in their crafts. Today I bought lions mane mushroom, organic chicken, fresh tomatoes, and a cabbage and I got some tasty bruschetta for lunch and I topped it with the wonderful garlic goat cheese spread amazing life is great when you got the simple things.

This is a great market to supplement or provide your weekly food supply. I'm not sure how I would…read moreeat over the summer/fall without them. They're located in the back parking lot of the Litchfield Center School, and if the parking lot is full there is street parking on the school side of the street. Consistent vendors include Berry Ledges Apiary, March Farms, Twin Pines Farm, and Wave Hill Breads, but there is a variety of vendors each week. Following them on Facebook or checking the website will provide a list of who is expected each week and what they're offering. It is dog friendly, although it is on asphalt so take care to give little paws a break.

I can't say enough great things about Geremia Gardens! Their quality and vast assortment of plants,…read moresoil and mulch are second to none. Mary Lou is always there to advise and help with any questions or concerns you might have about your garden. I've been a loyal customer of theirs for the 31 years they've open and have never had any issues, problems or disappointments, with anything I've purchased there. The only problem I've ever had is that all of their plants are so beautiful and HEALTHY, I always leave with much more than I intended to buy, I just can't resist! I only hope they're around until I'm too old to garden!

This garden center has been here since I've been a kid and I enjoy going to pick out some flowers…read moreand veggies. They aren't super cheap but also not overpriced (compared to other garden centers). I enjoyed the fact that they let you shop in peace and aren't hounding you. Able to answer questions, but overall a really peaceful shopping experience (which is my preference when it comes to being in my zen/happy space, around flowers/plants :)

I've been coming here for a few years and I can't believe I've yet to review it! I recently decided…read moreto pull some pictures with my camera since I felt it was the right time, they had great options available. The ambiance always feels like fall here too, even in other seasons. I went to grab a 6 count of their apple cider donuts without sugar coating and a pack of their apple fritter bites coated with sugar, truly one of my favorites! I can vouch for their pies as well as their other flavored donuts as I've tried mostly all of them through time. While taking pictures, I stumbled upon something I've been missing on trying which was their apple cider slushie running at $2 each, they are self serve. It was so good, you can't pass that or their fresh apple cider for a $1 a cup, also self serve. This establishment is most definitely a long time local hidden gem, a favorite for many! They have apple picking available, apples for sale inside, as well as pies, more donuts, & a plethora of other fall items to purchase. Some staff members do seem friendlier than others but I try my best to never judge as my experiences still have continuously gone well. Go show this establishment some love and support! Thankful to have this place nearby.

There's no better place on this planet to obtain Macintosh apples in the fall than Roger's…read moreOrchards. I had a death in the family and a celebration of life event attended by and wanted to bring something near and dear to me. I purchased a bushel of 1st tier apples, pristine and delicious. I ate 4 of them before getting back to my hotel :)! They went over amazingly, and I honestly wished I could bring some home. Alas, I'll need to go back again next year...

They had a ton of parking right next to the market and had shuttles in case you needed a helping…read morehand. They squirted your paws with hand sanitizer as you walked in. They had dozens of charming and friendly vendors, selling beer, baked goods, soaps, maple products, and a whole lot of fresh produce. There was a BBQ Stand, an ice cream stand, an a donut stand. They had live music in the form of a young guitarist-vocalist with the very cool name of Adelaide Punkin- and let me tell you, she was great. We walked around and picked up a bag of beef jerky from the West's Side Jerky stand, a small tomato focaccia plus biscottis and scones from Better Baking By Beth and a few Apple Cider donuts from another cool name we saw at the Market - Dude's Donuts. Everyone was wearing masks and observing COVID protocol and social distancing. The Bristol Farmer's Market deserves your support. I'm sure as the Summer goes on it will get bigger and bigger.

Maple View Farm is a family owned and run organic vegetable far with a stand seven days a week.They…read moredo Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). In addition to veggies, Carole and Mark also have free range chickens who jump in little cubicles to lay their eggs. Usually the Grandpa of the family who is in his 90's gathers the eggs and cleans them. The farm has stands at the Torrington Farmers' Market on Saturdays and at the Collinsville Farmers' Market on Sundays during the season. Recently Jack & I had the opportunity to take a tour of the grounds. The crop looked amazing. My favorite was a visit to the "chicken coop" which was a large room in a barn with an outdoor area. The critters even have a pigeon friend who hangs out with them.