Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. 6726 Chippewa just east of Jamieson in St. Louis. Leonard Slatkin's favorite ice cream shop. Honey, eggs and full cream, but worth the calories. Try the extra thick shakes ("concretes"). Don't worry about the lines, service is fast. It's a human beehive! http://www.hollyeats.com/TedDrewes.htm

Crown Candy at 1401 St. Louis, just north of downtown. The neighborhood is not as bad as it looks. The crown sundae is a winner. Old fashioned malts and shakes available. The hot fudge is made in the store and is "not recommended for people with dentures." http://www.hollyeats.com/CrownCandy.htm

Bissinger French Confections, 4742 McPherson, just east and north of Forest Park. Opera cremes, anyone? Chocolates also available at the St. Louis Galleria and Plaza Frontenac. http://www.bissingers.com/mcpherson.html

Amighetti Bakery and Sandwiches, 5141 Wilson in the Italian ("Hill") neighborhood (I-44 west, exit at Kingshighway). Despite the line for sandwiches, service is fast.

Volpi Italian Salami and Meat Co., 5250 Daggett in the Hill area. Several New York delis import from this shop. Food writer James Beard was a fan.

Missouri Baking, 2027 Edwards on the Hill. Many Italian baked goods and cookies.

Cravings Bakery and Restaurant, 8149 Big Bend, just a few blocks east of Opera Theatre. Plan the meal around dessert.

Viviano and Sons, 5139 Shaw, importers of Italian foods and groceries. http://www.shopviviano.com/