Grocery items you can't get anymore (Charlotte, Pineville: neighborhood, restaurant, Lowes)

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by twomorehands

A real cheesesteak...where are they?

Philly

All kidding aside, there are several places to get decent bread/rolls & the ingredients. I would suggest making your own.

[vindaloo]

If I can get McVitte's jaffa cakes (English), you should be able to get anything.

[cheesehead1]

Originally Posted by bandibadji

If I can get McVitte's jaffa cakes (English), you should be able to get anything.

Mmmm, McVitie's. I love Hobnobs, but they're so expensive here. Plus the ones with the chocolate on one side. Not worth it often, but it's cheaper than a plane ticket to England!

[Tober138]

One item I miss is the original "taco" flavored Doritos from way back when (late 70's early 80's) - they smelled awful, stained your hands orange and made your breath stink - but damn they were good.

[Reinman]

Items that I cannot find include:

Crystal Brand X-tra hot, hot sauce
Williams Brand taco seasoning
Dr Bronners bar soaps
Xochitl Brand corn tortilla chips
Act II Xtreme Butter microwave popcorn
Eco Brand laundry liquid
Tarantula Brand Blue Margarita Mix
Dr Swami and Bone Daddy's Margarita mix

I'm sure I'll run across more but that's it so far...

[DaddySpice]

Originally Posted by xrouteman

... It would appear you are an ex-patriate from around up this way. I'm guessing Bensonhurst. ... After all those other gourmet selections, I'm surprised at the Tree Tavern Frozen Pizza. Did you develop a taste for that where you came from, or since you moved there?

Thanks for all the info! I'm from Staten Island and the wife is from Bay Ridge. About the Tree Tavern pizza -- it was just something my parents bought when I was a kid, so I grew up with them. Also liked the square Celantano pizza and those weird Butoni toaster pizzas. Funny how cheap eats can leave such lasting memories.

[xrouteman]

Originally Posted by DaddySpice

Thanks for all the info! I'm from Staten Island and the wife is from Bay Ridge. About the Tree Tavern pizza -- it was just something my parents bought when I was a kid, so I grew up with them. Also liked the square Celantano pizza and those weird Butoni toaster pizzas. Funny how cheap eats can leave such lasting memories.

They're all good as long as you doctor them up with a little olive oil and some extra Polly-O mozzarella. I liked the French Bread pizzas when they first came out. How was that for nailing where you came from? Pretty good, huh? The Italian Bakery thing gave you away. On my first route, one end was at 86th St and McDonald Ave by the train repair yard and the other end was at Knapp St and the Belt Pkwy. Now live out in the Hamptons. Couldn't even get a decent bagel out here for the last 15 years, never mind if you go someplace looking for a sfoglia del, they look at you lioke you have 2 heads.

[ncfp135]

BJ's sells 6 pack of Tutturossa crushed tomatoes. I think they are $4.99 or so for the six large cans.

[bs13690]

Originally Posted by southbound_295

Philly

All kidding aside, there are several places to get decent bread/rolls & the ingredients. I would suggest making your own.

Duckworth Cheesesteakery is OK. At least they have Cheez Whiz.

Duckworth's Grill and Bar

LaSpada's is also supposed to be good. Never been there.

LaSpada's Original Philly Cheese Steaks & Hoagies (http://www.laspadas.com/Locations.htm - broken link)

I personally like the Steak N Hoagie shop

The Steak N' Hoagie Shop Charlotte 28205 | Sandwiches Restaurant in North Sharon Amity-Reddman Roa | Menuism

I'm not a Philly native so I can't speak to the authenticity of these places.

[bs13690]

I miss Thunder Crunch and Gibbles potato chips.

Gibbles Potato Chips | Serious Eats