I had never liked Italian cold-cut sandwiches, until I was given one from Mastellone's. Your nose will thank you before your stomach does, because this deli smells that good. Practically the entire store is imported from Italy and includes everything from traditional cakes and cookies, to holiday candles, to Bacio and Perugina candy, to baskets of good onions and garlic.
The people at Mastellone make their own sausage and mozzarella. Their bread (which they also bake) alone is worth the trip: pale, golden loaves that are slightly sweet, crunchy outside and chewy inside. Roughly a third of the store is devoted to wine; if you're not sure what to pick, the guys behind the counter are willing to help and very knowledgeable.
Mastellone's also has a huge selection of olive oil, balsamic vingear and cheese, bruschetta and pesto sauce, pastas of all different brands and types - it's everything your Italian heart desires.
Your best bet as a broke student is to grab a sandwich on that fantastic bread. Everything is fresh, everything is good. Prosciutto, salami, ham? Swiss, provolone? Throw in a few bottles of Limonata San Pellegrino, and you're set.
Mastellone's is in Parkville. It's worth the drive. Drool away.
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