Shoreline Smackdown: Sendik's Edition

Sendik's vs. Sendik's. Does it get any more foodie fabulous?

The answer you're looking for is "oh heck no." It does not get any more fabulous for foodies like me. Each store is packed with the crème de la crème of ingredients including produce, groceries, spirits, sweets and proteins.

Interestingly, despite the stores sharing the same name, they don't share the same ownership. The Balistreri family owned and operated both until 1998 when they sold the North Oakland Avenue store to the Nehring family. John Nehring, who worked previously at the North Downer Avenue Sendik's and at V. Richards in Brookfield along with his wife Anne Finch Nehring, a retired professional ballet dancer, are the current owners. The Balistreris currently own the Whitefish Bay store as they have since Thomas Balistreri purchased the property and opened his third market in 1949, along with eight other stores in the Milwaukee area.

Who or what is a "Sendik's" you may have wondered. Truly, it's nothing more than a misunderstanding. Once upon a time, Great Grandpa Balistreri was ordering a stove with his thick Italian accent and asked the salesman to "send it" to him. The salesman instead thought he had said his surname and delivered the appliance to "Mr. Sendik" and the rest, as they say, is history. Yummy, delicious history.

Sendiks markets are a gem no matter the town they're in and no matter the current page they're on in the history books. However just like a diamond vs. an emerald, some gems shine just a little bit brighter than others.

It's Smackdown time, Shorelineites! Four rounds for the undisputed Sendik's championship of the shoreline!

Introducing first, in the far corner, hailing all the way from 500 E. Silver Spring Dr. in the lovely Whitefish Bay since 1949, Sendik's!

And in the opposing corner coming at us from 4027 N. Oakland Ave. in Shorewood, we have the veteran sporting a new coach, Sendik's!

For the thousands in attendance and the millions watching around the world, let's get ready to ruuuuummmmmmble!

Round 1: Parking

Whitefish Bay Sendik's: I visited the store at Annoying O'clock. Right after the workday ended when everyone is scrambling to get in and get out with their missing ingredients for the night's dining. Happily, I had no trouble at all securing a parking space in the large lot right near the entrance. I spied a couple empty spots on the street just in case. Luckily, I didn't need them and breezed right in.

Shorewood Sendik's: The parking lot here is even more generous as it's counterpart in Whitefish Bay. I've never had a problem finding a spot at any time of day, although the one way here and one way there can be a bit of a drag if you're a roadrager like me. On today's outing I scored a spot right on the street which was perfect.

Winner: Shorewood

Round 2: Size and selection

Whitefish Bay Sendik's: It's obvious the size of the Whitefish Bay location beats that of it's Shorewoodian counterpart. It's bigger, it's sleeker, it has flat screen televisions in the entryway for cripes sake. Each section is just more. Every section but one. And in my world that one is huge. The sushi section. Notwithstanding that the produce is plentiful, the frozen food section goes on for days, the bakery and deli are to die for or that there is a SALAD BAR, the sushi isn't where it's at. It's shipped in from California and such the variety isn't as fresh or elaborate as this city gal craves. Still, overall the store is pretty sick.

Shorewood Sendik's: If you lived in a city, this is the sort of market you'd expect. It's small but has everything you'd need and just feels like home. It's like a hug, but in grocery store form. Being limited on size though does mean it is limited in selection. If you're looking for oompf this isn't the place. But that's OK. There's Pick 'n Save down the street for that. This Sendik's is class, it's history, it's home. Produce? Check. Deli? Check. Bakery? Yum. I mean, check. Wine? Oh yes. Sushi? CHECK, checkcheckcheck. It's made right there daily. No plane ticket required. And since moving to the Shoreline, I've had some of the BEST sushi there. Very impressive and much appreciated.

Winner: Whitefish Bay

Round 3: Customer service

Whitefish Bay Sendik's: During my covert mission, I was super, super impressed with the level of customer service. This store has an air about it. Me, walking in with my workout clothes on, not a designer label in sight, could be intimidated. But it was quite the opposite experience. I happily drooled all over the store at the perfect produce and fluffy cupcakes. I found my sushi and a bottle of wine (with a $5 off sushi coupon on it!) and made my way to the checkout. I waited in a line that wasn't long by any means but an employee noticed me with my couple of items and ushered me to another line that had no waiting. I thought that was pretty special. In line the cashier was sweet as pie. I left with a smile.

Shorewood Sendik's: I breezed in and out of the store on my visit as I'm familiar with it's layout and selection, it being the closest to my flat. The last time I was in to pick out a couple of deli items to bring to my friend's house for dinner, the staff was knowledgeable and nice...enough. Maybe it's just me but I always feel a little bit out of place here. A couple times I actually looked on my smart phone to make sure they weren't closing as I was feeling rushed. On today's visit I grabbed a delicious selection of the best sushi and asked the cashier to add a hanging flower basket to my total as I noticed outside they were on sale for $8.99 and I know they're heavy as whoa. She first said I would have to go out to bring the flowers inside but then the man bagging for her told her it wasn't a problem. He was very nice and knowledgeable and I appreciated him not making me carry in a ginormous plant.

Winner: Whitefish Bay

Round 4: Extras

Whitefish Bay Sendik's: Before I headed into the store I spent way too much time walking along all the absolutely beautiful plants outside. I think I'll head back tomorrow and pick up a couple. They are not only gorgeous but you get the feeling they grew to be that way because of a lot of love. Inside I also spent way too much time in the floral department. The flowers were beyond. I had to touch a couple to convince myself they were real. They have several potted plants alongside the cut flowers, perfect for gift giving. And to add that extra something, something there is a grand selection of trinkets and fun, funky gifts right next door. It's like a store within a store. The bakery is equally as impressive. I spotted adorable beach themed cupcakes and decadent mousse cups. The salad bar was what got my attention though. It looked good, it smelled good, and it's on my definite to-eat list soon.

Shorewood Sendik's: I happily toted home my second hanging flower purchase from this store today and it is even more beautiful than it's younger blooming brother. Really, really amazingly full and healthy and luscious. The price was ridiculous and impossible to resist at just $8.99. When I was creating my balcony garden several weeks back I was so impressed with the mini greenhouse on site and the locally grown selection. Charming and convenient. I wish the indoor floral selection was equally as inspiring. There's some fun, funky blooms on display but I've found it's rare to find anything that rivals what I can get for less at Pick 'n Save down the street.  I  think the intimacy of the deli and bakery, however, make it something special. I recently brought a couple decadent yet simple cupcakes to my friend's garden party as well as snagging a playful hippo cookie cake for her son. It's a gem.

Winner: Tie

So, in a time of a whole lot of drooling, dashing across the shoreline in about 45 minutes, a bottle of wine, two selections of sushi and a hanging plant later we have ourselves a grocer title winner!

Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the fourth Shoreline Smackdown is….Balistreri's Sendik's in Whitefish Bay!