Parma's most famous food product -- parmigiano (Parmesan) cheese, the best being Parmigiano-Reggiano -- is savored all over the world. Virtually every corner market sells thick wedges of the stuff, but if you're looking to buy your cheese in a special setting, head for the Salumeria Garibaldi, Via Garibaldi 42 (tel. 0521-235606). You might also take a walk through the city's food market at Piazza Ghiaia, near the Palazzo della Pilota; it's open Monday through Saturday 8am to 1pm and 3 to 7pm.
Hoping to learn more about the region's famous hams and cheeses? There are well-funded bureaucracies in Parma whose sole functions are to encourage the world to use greater quantities of the city's tastiest products. They can arrange tours and visits to the region's most famous producers. For information about Parma cheeses, contact the Consorzio del Parmigiano Reggiano, Via Sonnino Sidney Giorgio 35 (tel. 0521-292700). For insights into the dressing and curing of Parma hams, contact the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma, Via Marco dell'Arpa 8B (tel. 0521-243987).
Enoteca Fontana, Via Farina 24A (tel. 0521-286037), sells bottles from virtually every vineyard in the region, and the staff is extremely knowledgeable.
