"'Til I have the possession of everything she touches 'Til I…read morestep on the brake to get out of her clutches 'Til I speak Double Dutch to a real double duchess" (Elvis Costello) We were chatting about Litchfield County with the attendant at the White Memorial Conservation Center and she mentioned the many "World Class" bakeries in the area. So, when we visited the Dutch Epicure Shop, we had some high expectations. Epicure Shop is a righteous title, because they sell quite a bit of high-end epicure foods -groceries, soups, a huge deli, and a bakery with breads and pastries. They've developed a big reputation for their European pastries, breads, cookies and cakes. Yup, they make everything on the premises. As you walk around their store, you'll see German meats and sausages, Dutch and European cheeses, teas, jams, chocolates from all across Europe, and a selection of Dutch food and Dutch groceries. I was perplexed by the large selection of Indonesian foods here, but when I fired up the old Google Machine for an explanation, I learned that the Dutch ruled Indonesia from 1815 to 1920! Anyway, back to the food. We zeroed in on the bakery choices and picked up three items for $15. Our Blueberry Lemon Scone was pretty large and was topped with a delicate layer of vanilla icing. It tasted more of blueberry than lemon but was super fresh and delicious. The Almond Triangles were sold as a pair for $6. They were fantastic. Hidden between the sliced almond topping and a graham cracker-like crust was a sweet fruit layer that reminded me of apricot jam. These are addictive. The Raspberry Almond Fruit Tart was another layered treat with an almond glazed topping and a thin raspberry jam layer inside the tart. Our bakery treats were excellent and pretty reasonably priced for their home-baked quality.

The best cheese cake I've ever had. Hard to describe the flavor and texture without mentioning…read moreheaven. After cooking a big Christmas meal, having this dessert made my life so easy. Their Christmas cookies are excellent with a wide variety of flavors. Thank you!

We're briefly updating our commentary about the Bantam Market, but our thoughts about it haven't…read morechanged all that much. It remains a small, independently owned store with a surprisingly full stock, lots of fresh meats, deli items, produce, a large beer cooler with all the local and foreign brands you night desire, and a very friendly and helpful staff. We're especially fond of the nice folks behind the deli counter. Our complaints are about the same: the prices hover on the high side. The prices are generally quite a bit higher than the nearby Stop and Shop, but honestly, the quality of their locally produced items is far higher. Still, if you're buying some basics like soup or milk, you'll pay more here, and some prices can be really way up there. Sometimes we're frustrated by that, other times we're grateful to find some delicious fresh fish or prepared salads. Bantam is not our first market of choice, but we're here regularly for some things we like and want.

A small neighborhood market with a kickin' deli. Not really the place to do "normal grocery…read moreshopping", as others have previously stated, it's on the expensive side (in some cases, outrageously so). But if you're looking for unique food items, this is your place. For me, I stop in often just to pick up some fried chicken from the deli, it's the best around -- juicy & meaty, but not greasy, and the coating is very tasty. $6.99 a pound. That fried chicken is 5 Stars every time. Friendly crew, but the checkout can be a bit of a process though, the place does a brisk business, and the parking lot is always full.

The Discerning Palate is located in the old Litchfield Jail, next to the Bakehouse of Litchfield…read more There is parking available on the Green, and you can easily get there by way of the crosswalk. There's also limited 15 minute parking behind the jail. The store, I had heard, was a cheese store. But it's a lot more than that. It's more of an international grocery store, with everything you need for a fancy dinner. Noodles, sauce, spices, frozen tortellini, etc, but of course there is also cheese! There's some in small refrigerated cases that are prepacked, and others that are cut to your requested weight. The cashier was very conscientious and weighed out the cheese as closely as she could. It was on the higher end of the price scale, but also delicious and I wish I had more! I tried the Bleu and gorgonzola, and although the gorgonzola was surprisingly soft, they were worth every cent!

An exceptional shop. I live close by and love to stop in for goodies. Best Parma in the…read moreneighborhood.

I do not write a lot of reviews, but I absolutely love this place…read more Bantam bread is a phenomenal baked goods shop Breads, dirt bombs (yummy treat), and all the goodies that they sell are simply delicious. The food is Clean, wholesome, healthy and the bakery family owned, it's the only place we buy bread and bake goods for our family. they make food the way it was intended to be made, the old-fashioned, clean and honest way. It's worth the trip every single time and I cannot give them a more positive review. The staff is awesome and kind and knowledgeable. It's simply a tremendous resource for our community. and the prices are very reasonable as well! Treat yourselves and your family and come here. You will not be disappointed! Their breads are unbelievably delicious!

Since I've been on a Keto diet for the past year, I keep my carbohydrate levels very low, so that…read moremeans "no bread". I broke that rule this week, and dropped into Bantam Bread to purchased a loaf of sourdough bread. Brought it home, had a few slices with butter, it was good. My Mother In Law & wife really liked the sourdough too. All the breads are made there fresh daily, of course. Bantam Bread has a nice selection of baked goods also. Can't say that I'll partake in those anytime soon, but I could always bring some home for the non-carnivores living in the house. Since I pass by this shop four days a week, I know I'll drop in occasionally to pick up more sourdough bread, even if it's not for myself.

We stopped in this ice cream shop after dinner next door. We've heard great things so I was excited…read moreto try their ice cream out. The farm's restaurant and bakery is also nearby. They also sell cheese and more; I bought their award winning and delicious cheese, Europa. The ice cream was also amazing. There was a line but it moved quick. I got the butter pecan, wow amazing. I highly recommend a visit if you love ice cream!

Hmmmm not sure if they are open for the season yet. It's April 17th. Thought we were at the end…read morering place but the pics posted here were helpful. It says open on yelp but it doesn't look open. Also the number doesn't work so... I dont know

The staff behind the Deli counter took delight in making us wait extra time for a rotisserie…read morechicken. Customer service was not a priority today.

For decades I have gone in when store first opens and it has little traffic. I head to the butcher…read moredept and order 6 pounds of hamburger in half pound increments. I then thank the butcher and continue shopping. it's usually done in 5 min. I usually come back in 10 n grab them. well this morning I was told that they can not do this anymore. It takes to much time. It's a new rule. as a single man who works 2 jobs n has little time. having the butcher to do sell me proper portions, since the store only sells large amounts. it's part of what the. pitcher is for. after not grabbing any of the meats and speaking w the meat department staff, giving excuses to not work. I left store planning to go to the local butcher in the next town and grab all my meat. not just the hamburge. I called in to explain how this has been offers for decades. just last month I went and had the burger make my order. The store customer service person could care less and just wanted off the phone.. never have I been disappointed with this store until today. if they continue this, I won't be buying any meat from them again and will take my other grocery needs elsewhere. if that means buying all my meat from the meat locker in the next town and the rest of groceries at the other food store up the hill. so be it.

Generous sandwiches on amazing bread. Easy parking out front. Nice staff and a very clean place!read more

I stopped into Petraroia Deli on a recent weekday and was immediately charmed by this classic…read moreItalian-style deli tucked into a beautiful old red-brick building. From the moment you see the elegant vintage sign and bright red double doors, you know you're in for something authentic. The interior feels warm and welcoming, with a big, clear menu board that makes ordering easy. They have a solid selection of hot and cold sandwiches, breakfast options, and coffee. I went with one of their specials -- it looked like a chicken cutlet or eggplant variation with fresh greens (possibly arugula), roasted red peppers or similar, and what appeared to be a touch of egg or cheese. Whatever it was, it was excellent. The sandwich came on a perfect crusty Italian roll -- the bread was fresh with a great chew and slight crisp on the outside. The fillings were generous, flavorful, and well-balanced. The greens added a nice peppery bite that cut through the richness of the protein and any sauces. It was one of those sandwiches where every bite tastes just as good as the last. Service was friendly and efficient (the guy behind the counter was busy but still took time to make sure everything was right). The place has that old-school deli atmosphere mixed with modern touches -- exactly what you want when you're craving a quality sandwich. If you're in the area and looking for a no-nonsense, delicious deli sandwich made with care, Petraroia Deli is worth a visit. I'll definitely be back to try more from the hot sandwich list (the Porchetta and Chicken Cordon Bleu both caught my eye). Pro tip: Check their hours -- they appear to be closed on Mondays. *Highly recommend the fried artichoke sandwich. .

Willy Wonka wishes…read more Transcendent chocolate made with love. Got my gf truffles for Valentine's Day. She's psyched. Five stars.

This dairy farm is known to produce high quality chocolates which they create in house using the…read moremilk from their cows. They emphasize on treating their cows with respect and dignity. They're allowed to free roam and are hormone free. There is a small parking lot and the chocolate shop is very intimate and cozy. The employees were friendly too. You're able to peak into the dairy barn and see the cows too. There are a variety of chocolates to choose from; from truffles, chocolate bars, caramel, and more. They have won multiple awards for their chocolate. They also offer private tours and chocolate tastings. I purchased a box of 9 assorted chocolates and two white chocolate lollipops. The chocolates were expensive but worth it. They tasted fresh and creamy, up there with the best chocolates I've had. I highly recommend a visit!

Aldi recently had a makeover and I like it a lot better. You will see produce as you walk in now…read moreinstead of crackers and peanuts. This works better because it was very crowded where the produce was located before. The produce is usually fresh and most items are always available. The workers are always working hard to organize and restock the shelves, answer customers questions, and jumping on a register when the line starts to grow. The middle aisle which is called the aisle of shame has SO many different household and food items you never knew you needed. Each week they have new things. These items are only available for a limited time. Once they are gone, they are gone. You can find items for gifts, for your house, or for yourself! They have everything from candles to legos to ottomans. They have fresh meat and great frozen food. One of my favorite things is the different types of cheeses that are available. I also like that I am able to check myself out and bag my own groceries. The one thing that I think could use some improvement are the carts. A lot of them don't work and that means sometimes when it's busy they don't have any available. The prices at Aldi are affordable and cheaper than most grocery stores.

We're happy to update and upgrade our observations about Aldi in Torrington. The store is a bit…read moresmaller than a couple of other Aldi in this area, but it's got a pretty decent stock given its size and is kept very clean. The cashiers and staff seem to have gotten a bit more cheerful and involved than in recent years. But the big deal here remains the prices and the quality. Aldi prices are consistently lower than any other grocery we visit, whether for meat, produce, or drinks. We're fond of fresh fish, and the Norwegian and Atlantic salmon they sell here is seriously fresher and lower priced than anywhere else in our area. We frequently buy their cut fruit, potatoes and onions and paper products, all god quality and sold at a solid discount. They have added a lot of checkout stations for shoppers in a hurry.