Sopra Sotto, The Italian Living Store

Like the Old Country itself, this shop in Rochester's University Square is a feast for the senses. Your eyes will be drawn to the wildly colorful floral majolica stoneware, gleaming silver service pieces, fine linens and other housewares set against walls painted a sunny scheme. Savor the smells of rich Italian leather luggage, citrus candles and L'Erbario Toscano bath and beauty products. Best of all, there's plenty to tantalize the taste buds. Sopra Sotto carries a cross section of imported food products, many of them from small, family-owned businesses. Browse a variety of olive oils, balsamic vinegars, organic preserves (try the apple, cinnamon and pine nuts blend), risottos, pestos and, of course, pastas. There's an on-site espresso bar and cafe, with tasty-looking soups (like asparagus puree and minestrone) and salads. Feeling inspired? La Cucina at Sopra Sotto offers an intriguing roster of cooking classes.