Best place for gourmet food

1. Rays, Lima

Location: 890 S. Cable Road, 927 N. Cable Road, 2100 Harding Highway, 120 W. Northern Ave., Lima

Hours: All locations open 24 hours/7 days a week

Phone: S. Cable: 419-224-0600. N. Cable: 419-222-4831. Harding Hwy: 419-222-6427. Northern Ave: 419-222-9841.

Highlights: Any cheese lover knows to stop at Rays for gourmet cheeses like brie and fresh mozzarella. Rays also carries many signature items homemade in the deli, and don't forget the Special Recipe cookies flying off the shelves this summer. Your house is hot enough this summer without turning on the oven. Stop for a dozen Special Recipe cookies at Rays.

2. Meijer, Lima

Location: 3298 Elida Road, Lima

Hours: 24 hours/7 days a week

Phone: 419-331-6400

Highlights: Meijer carries an entire aisle of international foods. Recipes can often be difficult when collecting all the ingredients. Expect a wide variety of Italian, Mexican, European, Mediterranean and Asian food items waiting for your next fabulous meal.

3. Gordon Food Service, Lima

Location: 3447 Elida Road, Elida

Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

Phone: 419-225-8983

Highlights: You'll find richness in every bite when sampling the Sienna Bakery cheesecakes at Gordon Food Service. They are crafted from the finest ingredients, mascarpone cheese, thick rich caramel, chewy pecans and dark chocolate. Make your event special with gourmet foods from Gordon Foods. No one will know you didn't do the baking.

SPECIAL MENTION:

Collins Fine Foods, Van Wert; Kroger, St. Marys.