Doris Italian Market and Bakery: I’ve never felt so Italian!

By: Dan I. Cook

So I get an email from Ira who contributes to Coral Springs Talk and he recommends that I should go and review Doris Italian Market. Basically, I told him that was piece of cake. Man, I’ve been a big fan of this joint since I moved to Coral Springs and I’ve also written about them on Yelp.

So here I go back to Doris’, and every time I walk through the doors, I feel like the “Italian Stallion.” I love the Italian culture and people, even though most of my friends who are Italian are three generations removed from the old country…fuhgettaboutit! Who cares that you’re really just an American? Every time I shop here I feel Italian.

History

Before I get into my main review, I wanted to give a little background on on this place:

“Doris Italian Market & Bakery has proudly served generations of families in South Florida since 1947. Beginning as a small mom and pop meat market and deli in Hollywood, Florida, Doris Italian Market has evolved into South Florida’s premier specialty supermarket. We feature top quality fresh meats, authentic Italian-American deli, farm fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood department with daily fresh offerings, Italian-American bakery with an assortment of goods baked daily, a complete catering service offering premium selections, wine department featuring a collection of wines from around the world, and gourmet specialty groceries used for the finest recipes.

Doris Italian Market now has a total of five locations: Boca Raton, Sunrise, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood and of course Coral Springs in the Coral Palm Plaza.

The Aroma

We are driven by smells. You could blindfold me, drive me around and walk me into Doris Italian Market and I would know right away where I am. I’m not Italian, but this joint smells exactly like my my buddy Richie’s house who is hardcore Italian that loves to cook.

The smell of gravy (tomato sauce) in a pot, meat cooking, salad/vegetables being chopped up run through my nostrils. The added bonus at Doris Italian Market is the smell of the cookies, cakes, and breads baking away. Being Italian smells so damn good! I know anyone who has been here and is reading this, knows exactly what I’m talking about.

The Store

By the way, the Coral Springs store was remodeled a couple of years ago and it’s beautiful. I also like the layout. The produce area is first up, right when you walk in. The bright colors of the fruits and vegetables catch your eye first, and is so well-organized that everything is just screaming for you to buy it.

Next up the bakery: Damn you Doris! You stick the naughty stuff right after the heathy stuff. My knees go weak every time I attempt to walk past this area. There must be some sort of gravitation device behind the pastry counter that makes my shopping cart veer in that direction. Hello? I should not be doing this, but… “I’ll take four chocolate cannolis, please!”

Next thing I know the box of cannolis are in my cart. WTF just happened? How did I get in front of the damn cookie counter? Oh well, I shake it off and say I guess it was just meant to be.

Deli, here I come baby! Now this is just part of why I love this joint. All the prepared dishes in this case. Lasagnas, meatballs, fried chicken cutlets, eggplant parmesan, manicotti, stuff shells, pasta salad….seriously the list goes on and on. The selections are crazy. The further you walk down is where the deli meats and cheeses are cut and sandwiches are made. Insider tip folks: they have one of the best sandwich deals in Broward County. Each day they have a certain sub that is discounted. The price and the quality of meats being used cannot be beat. Trust me.

Here fishy fishy fishy. The selection of fresh seafood is pretty impressive. They tend to have some of the biggest stone crab claws around. If you are lucky you can catch them on sale. I would say their selections are comparable to Whole Foods. There are different sales every week so you are bound to catch a good deal.

Last but not least is the meat section. Again the selections are crazy good.  Like I stated above, they are always running some sort or sale or special so you can save some cash.

I highly suggest you sign up for their weekly flyer to be sent to your email.

Customer Service

Everyone I’ve ever dealt with has been super friendly. I can say this: when it’s busy there it can be a little crazy. I would compare it to ordering from a a NY style deli. You pull a number and wait your turn. Make sure you know what you want and be around when they call your number.  It’s no-nonsense and don’t waste their time. The servers at the counter  can have an edge to them but they have never been rude to me. If you shop there you know what I’m talking about.

Verdict

I’m moving in! I don’t need much space to live in and I promise to be quiet. Please call me at 867-5309 and I’ll be over to sign the lease. Remember to tell them that Dan and Coral Springs Talk sent you and Stay Hungry!

4 beers!

Author Profile

Dan Cook

A native of Broward, Half-Samoan Half-Irish or Afa Tasi, Food Warrior, Beer Ninja, United States Marine, owner/talent of danicookeatdrink.com. Retired Oakland Park Police Department/BSO Sergeant, DLE.

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