Hi,

My husband and I will be in Manhattan in early December. We would love to come back home loaded with Italian food items. We are especially looking for good cheese, bread and a good selection of Italian wines. Any suggestions?

For a wide variety of imported foods try Balducci's on Avenue of the Americas (also known as 6th ave or AOTA) between 8th and 10th streets. Take IND train to West 4th st. station.
The Cellar at Macy's has many gourmet food items to select from. 34th street between 7th and 8th ave.
Zabers on Broadway and about 81st street is another great place to find unusual food items.

Head down to Little Italy. I don't know the name of any particular store there, but you can't go wrong. And the prices are bound to be more reasonable than Zabar's or Balducci's.

Try Dean and Deluca. They are scattered throughtout the city

If you have a car or can venture out of Manhattan, I would head for Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. This is like a little Italy, but not touristy like the one downtown. (It's known to New Yorkers) Here you will find fresh produce, seafood, and stores just for bread or just for cheese or meats etc.