This post first ran in January as a guest blog on www.aspire2.com.

It shocks me how many people haven’t heard about one of the epicurean gems in Dallas. So, for the good of my neighbors and delight of their tastebuds, I propose that everyone make a pilgrimage to the corner of Bryan Street and North Fitzhugh to visit Jimmy’s Food Store—twice—and that’s not a suggestion.  

Because, whether you work like Emeril in the kitchen or get by on Kraft dinners, your pasta skills can use the help. Jimmy’s Fine Italian Food and Wine works magic on the palate. Try adding a pound of sweet italian sausage to that no-name marinara sauce you bought for $1.98 and your spouse may worry that he forgot your anniversary. Or, if you live on a higher culinary plain, sauté the spicy variety with garlic-seared mushrooms before simmering in 28 ounces of imported San Marzano tomatoes. Your friends will wonder when Julia Child took possession of your body. 

True, you’ll pay for it. But, what else can you expect after settling for that boring porker at the corner grocery store? And true, you’ll have to travel all that way for just one ingredient.  But that only bothers people who haven’t gone to Jimmy’s.  

Inside the store, teetering aisles crammed with imported cans lure the adventurer. Foreign labels flirt with language lovers. But, only the foodie will find true love, probably somewhere between the basil and mozzarella of a prosciutto panini. Or perhaps, while the flavors vie for center stage on your tastebuds, the panini will uncover the foodie in you. And, since Jimmy’s offers too many culinary delights to swallow in one visit, you need to plan a second trip, perhaps for tiramisu and a wine tasting.  

Considering that Jimmy’s provides a mini-international experience without the cost of airfare, the sausage feels like a steal. For the low fare of $5.95/lb, teleport yourself across the pond, teach yourself some Italian, and forever ruin how much you loved your mom’s spaghetti—unless she grew up in Sicily.  

Celebrate the Italian-Americans in your life by sharing this post on Facebook or Twitter. Or, better yet, go out for pasta with them.