Modeled after the European Market shopping concept, Foodstuffs opened its first store in Glencoe in 1979. Foodstuffs is a gourmet deli, gourmet market and full-service gourmet caterer (basically, gourmet everything); all locations feature a fresh fish department and their Evanston store also features a fresh butcher. Expect the finest cheeses, chocolates, wines, breads and pastries and more. With four markets scattered around the North Shore, this mini-chain is perfect for both moms who don't have time to cook dinner and businessmen on their lunch break.

Amidst gourmet sauces, crackers and jams, Foodstuffs has about a dozen different food "stations." These areas range from a bakery with tempting cakes and pastries to an expansive frozen food section to a make-your-own sandwich station to a display that's stocked daily with dozens of pre-prepared foods. More than half of the soups, salads, entrees, side dishes and pastries change daily, making it almost too easy to stop by multiple times a week. Each day's menu can be found online at Foodstuff's Web site, but you can always count on staples like Courtney's Tuna Salad, black and white cookies and Italian focaccia.

For the health-conscious among us, Foodstuffs clearly indicates when a dish is low-carb or low-fat, as well as designating applicable Weight Watchers points on many items. It also takes home-cooked meals to the next level, offering catering services for any holiday from Labor Day to Rosh Hashanah to Christmas (as well as corporate and family functions).

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Laura Brown