Having grown up in suburbia, I can't say how lovely it is to walk down the street to peruse any one of the many produce bodegas in my neighborhood, instead of settling for whatever the local chain grocery store has in stock. A streamlined Manhattan has all but eliminated many of these old-school produce stands, which makes them that much more of a treat in the surrounding boroughs.

These bodegas are a haven for great deals. Fresh broccoli heads for $0.69, three ears of corn for $1, and other comparable bargains are advertised each and every day. Whether you're cooking up a vegetable stir-fry or a succulent fruit salad, these are the places to gather your ingredients from.

There's always an abundance of fruits and vegetables to choose from, so be sure to thoroughly inspect your choices before purchasing them. Sometimes it's easy to get overwhelmed by the throngs of people squeezed into these tiny spaces, and to overlook a soft spot in the Granny Smith apples or a hole in the red peppers. Though the prices are good, you don't want to waste your money on spoiled goods. As always, make sure to give your fruit or vegetables a good rinse before preparing.

Tip: If you're looking for fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, ask one of the stock clerks. Herbs usually aren't kept out on the main floor, but if you politely ask for them, they'll be more than happy to fetch a healthy portion of whatever you need from the back room. I've found the prices on fresh herbs to be outstanding