Roberts Food Center Touts Superbowl "Snackys," New Touchscreen Kiosk

There are those of you who have planned way in advance for your Superbowl celebration this coming Sunday. Then there are those of us who, waiting for inspiration to strike, plan to do it on the fly.

For those in the latter category, Roberts Food Center in the North Madison Plaza recently unveiled a new touchscreen kiosk, located just as you walk in, that lets you generate printouts of recipes to use as you walk through the aisles.

Game Day recipes include Flatbread Pizzas with Mushrooms, Mozzarella and Gouda, Beef and Chorizo Chili, and Honey Sweet Dipping Sauce for chicken fingers. If those don't sound good, there are several other categories of recipes to browse and many different ways to search for something that does sound good.

Robert J. Fusco, Jr., vice president of Roberts Food Center, said the kiosk offers a wide range of recipes. And, for those who would prefer not to cook, the store plans to offer ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook options as well. Those options include wings, sushi platters, chips and homemade dips. "You know, snacky stuff," Fusco said. "Superbowl Sunday is a good holiday for supermarket, especially if you sell the kind of stuff we do."

Fusco said he is particularly proud of the store's fresh-cut fruit and vegetables. Since the produce is cut at the store, and not at a warehouse and then shipped, it is really fresh. "We have a full-time person who cuts veggies and fresh fruit," he said. "She could do that 40 hours a week. Dong Phan. She's amazing, and she's really great with a knife."

Fusco said some of his favorites include the store's mango salsa, spinach dip, and avocado guacamole dip--all made in the store.

Robert J. Fusco, Sr. said he's going to go for the snacky stuff too, on Sunday. "It's not like you're going to have a barbecue outside," he said. "Actually, I would love to have a barbecue outside, if I can get all of the snow off."

If you're able to clear the snow off your barby by Sunday, Robert J. Fusco Jr., said, you might want to check out the store-prepared barbecue ribs. He said they're good in the oven as well. "We do those every Saturday, and sell out of those every time." 

On my way out of the store earlier this week, I stopped by the deli case, made a few purchases, and I have a few other recommendations as well. The crab cakes, meatballs, and the mini-chicken cordon blue all were delicious. And all were "snacky," the perfect size for a casual platter, whether you're watching the Superbowl or, like me, not.