Italian food, shopping in the outer boroughs?

[acewex]

Driving through on a trip up to New England. I figured that we would go to Arthur Ave in the Bronx as I've never been there. Can anyone tell me what the shopping/dining area is on Arthur Ave? Would you suggest there's better neighborhoods in the outer boroughs to stop by for great Italian food and food shopping? We have a car.

Thanks for your help!

[bob96]

There's no better place, even if you were not heading to New England. The posts Erica links to are very informative, but be aware that at least some shops will be closed Sunday. The bread bakeries, Borgatti's fresh pasta, Calandra cheese, the Calabria Pork Store for salumi, Teitel for staples, and Cerini for Italian coffees and food related gifts are always worth a stop.

[iluvcookies]

Erica has posted some of the best threads on this board for Arthur Ave... but I will add that many of the butchers and cheese shops--as well as the Arthur Ave market--are closed on Sundays.

[erica]

Arthur Avenue/187th Street is by far your best bet in the Outer Boroughs for a concentration of various shops selling Italian food items from fresh pasta to breads to salumi and fresh meats, and on and on. There is metered parking on the street, and in a public garage, and even free parking if you do not mind searching for a space and walking a few blocks.

Try doing a search for Arthur Avenue; there have been many detailed threads here listing the various food shops and restaurants and their fortes; like these:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/801619

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/843625
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/862753
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/679219