Best Ethnic Market
MEDITERRANEAN CAFE & MARKET
4147 S. Maryland Parkway
If you're in the market for almost anything needed to prepare a dish from one of the various Mediterranean cuisines, the Mediterranean Cafe is a likely place to find it. It's not a terribly big spot, but the space is tightly packed with rows of shelves packed with specialty foods. And if you can't wait to prepare it yourself, there's the handy cafe next door. Ranch 99 followed in second place.
Our Pick:
KING RANCH MARKET
840 N. Decatur Blvd.
King Ranch is devoted to all things Mexican, which becomes obvious the moment you walk in the door and hear mariachi music instead of the customary Muzak. It's bigger than most ethnic markets, and almost always packed. Another constant: the fantastic fragrance in the air -- different at different times, but always mouthwatering -- from bakery baking or meat cooking or whatever.
