You've heard me love all over Mazzaro's for years. But sometimes you don't want to deal with trying to find parking, bumping into everyone in overcrowded aisles, and waiting for the talented deli crew to prepare one of those great subs. The food is great at Mazzaro's but it's a big effort. Given that they've really had the monopoly in terms of Italian markets, it's no surprise it's such an ordeal to shop there.
That's why I was so pumped to discover DeCosmo's in Pinellas Park a year or so ago. My first impressions were good, but I kept finding myself comparing and contrasting their subs and products to Mazzaro's. I've got to stop doing that. They are similar in that they're Italian markets. Both sell pasta, wine, deli items and desserts. But it's such a different experience at DeCosmo's.
Parking spots are not a long walk to the door. When you walk in to DeCosmo's, chances are someone from the family will waive if they've seen you a few times. As I walked the aisles, I heard one of the employees giving Italian lessons. And once I took one bite of that #5 sub, my eyes roll to the back of my head.
I was in the neighborhood Saturday and was trying to rack my brain on where to find a great lunch in Pinellas Park and the light bulb went off that I was near DeCosmo's. My sub was prepared in just a few minutes. I got to try the Italian version of Coca Cola. And the whole lunch only cost about $11. By the way, had I just had the sub, it would have been way under $10.
