Around the world with four gourmet grocers

With a plethora of new restaurants opening in Singapore, we ask: where can true foodies go for high quality, reasonably priced food, that brings an international flavor to the table? The answer: gourmet grocers or delis, and farmers markets. We hit town for some tasty international food-shop alternatives and discover the gourmet grocer-cum-café.

Italy: Quattro Stagioni Deli

When two Italian brothers open their own deli, importing local delights from their hometown in Italy, you have to visit. Ezio Barbero opened his deli in 2008, after realizing there were no really authentic Italian delis in Singapore. This blink and you miss it, petite café-deli, is tucked away in the Japan-centric, Liang Court Shopping Centre, and nestled among the supermarket, sushi and curry udon restaurants. The tiny space it occupies is just enough for a mini bar, a few café tables and a tiny, but bountiful, deli.

The rather impressive coffee machine is displayed behind the counter, reminding you of how good coffee is a work of art. But, the real draw here is the quality of the food -- the authenticity, to be precise. The highlights include delicious, flavorsome Parma ham (S$9 for 100g) from Tanara, fresh buffalo mozzarella, Martelli pasta from Lari, Italy, and Parmigiano cheese by Pelloni. The eat-in delights include Parma ham and buffalo mozzarella Panini (S$9.50), lightly toasted to perfection bringing back any fond Italian holiday memories in a snap. The spinach and ricotta lasagne is made with love: it’s huge and also amazing value at just S$7.50; packed with spinach in a silky, creamy sauce and sprinkled with parmesan. Just forget about fitting into that holiday bikini.

Quattro Stagioni Deli, 177 River Valley Road, #B1-27/29, Liang Court Shopping Centre, +65 6333 9430.

Australia: Jones the Grocer

From the flagship Sydney store, to Dempsey Hill -- and the walk in cheese room -- to Orchard Road. The all-new-all-shiny Jones is based in the very swish Mandarin Gallery, among flash fine-dining establishments, cafés and designer wares. This seems to add to its exclusive feel, maybe a little too much, judging by the price list (Wagyu beef burger, delicious and juicy, but S$26.50?). However, before long you find yourself drawn to rows of gleaming, silver bars of 100 percent cocoa chocolate, exquisitely designed bottles of balsamic. The freshly baked bread and cakes are the cherry on top.

Just one look at the cheese counter may take an hour with its plentiful options. But, the café is a stylish place, and has a buzzy atmosphere which is perfect for a lazy weekend lunch, or afternoon tea. The highlights are the homemade soups; Parma ham and mixed lentils in a tomato broth (S$11) is served with lightly toasted sourdough (fresh from the oven) which can often result in a purchase of sourdough (S$6.50 a loaf) at the end of the meal. The quiches, cakes, pastries and breads are all freshly baked each day and the smell alone is mouth watering. Even if you just want to lust after the rows of merchandise, Jones is worth a visit for any self confessed foodie -- which is most of Singapore, lets admit it.

Jones the Grocer, Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road, #04-21/23 Mandarin Gallery, +65 6836 6372.

England: The Pantry Cookery School, Cafe and Farmers Market

When chef Jane Glascow felt homesick and missed the community atmosphere in her native United Kingdom, she didn’t wallow in self pity; she opened a farmers market. Already running a successful cookery school cum café, The Pantry, she realized her dream and set up stalls of organic fruit and vegetables, bread, meats, eggs, cheese and wine. This popular Saturday market (first Saturday of the month), is not just about the best quality food, it’s social and enterprising -- people enjoy selling their food, chatting about the produce, and the scenic location in leafy Loewen Gardens is perfect for the kids to run around. Highlights include the fresh paella -- traditional paella, the Spanish way -- and freshly baked cakes and breads. If you can’t make the market, then be sure to head down to The Pantry for freshly baked scones, or a Bakewell tart, along with your afternoon cuppa.

The Pantry Cookery School, 75 Loewen Road, +65 6474 0441.

France: Le Bon Marche

This gourmet grocer and French bistro is perfectly situated in the lushness of Bukit Timah Road, which has a more residential feel to it. Run by Frenchman Stephane Herve, you can expect authentic French fare and produce. The highlights are the French cheeses on offer from Bernard Anthony in France; it's hard not to buy the lot and have a wine and cheese night at home. Other tempting offerings to take out include European jams, vinegars and homemade pate. As for dining in, the pan fried duck foie gras is an assault on the taste buds and delightfully creamy, the beef onglet steak is succulent and tasty, and the Grand Marnier soufflé is suitably light and aerated, with a rich chocolate sauce. Stephane also serves a reasonable lunch set at S$29.90, and a dinner set at S$43, which includes three courses.

Le Bon Marche, 383 Bukit Timah Road, #01-01, Alocassia Serviced Apartments, +65 6226 3269.