I tried picking up some regular groceries at three lovely yet pricey new delis/grocery shops within three blocks of me, two of them just days or weeks old. The newest one, Olivia’s, is tucked away on Wabansia a few steps west of Damen. It’s very convenient and carries perishables (produce, milk, eggs) and some essentials, like soap. The Goddess & Grocer, which replaced Zoom Kitchen, has been open for a few weeks; it’s a sandwich & salad deli with a selection of groceries to match. (Sandwiches average $8.) Down North is Cooking Fools, which is even more of a deli with a very limited selection of dry goods.

However, the prices!

Anchovy paste: $1.89
One chunk fresh mozzarella: $4.29*
Two beefsteak tomatoes: $1.70*
Quart of peanut butter ice cream: $6.49*
Half gallon organic milk: $4.89*
Dozen eggs: $4.49*
Baked tofu: $5.69*
Red pepper powder: $2.89*
Quart of yogurt: $3.99*
Small box of cookies: $2.99
Box of biscuits: $3.99
Bag of granola: $6*

As much as I like the idea of shopping locally (and yes, the * indicates high quality products from Illinois, Wisconsin, or Iowa), I really can’t keep this up; even Whole Foods looks like a bargain. Yet the usual corner stores carry only liquor, cigarettes, and the usual selection of processed food. Well, I suppose I’ll keep going to Clybourn for Trader Joe’s, then.

And to think that I thought Zoom Kitchen was pricey when it first opened. (That didn’t keep me from running up from downtown after work for a portabella sandwich, then returning to Hyde Park.)