Marketplace features international fare

This week, I pass along a note from reader Rose McKie, who pointed out that many offbeat food items -- especially those of international origins -- can be found at the International Marketplace, 5000 S. Decatur Blvd., just south of Tropicana Avenue (and a fixture in this column).

"Actually, a person needs to take a couple of hours to really look at all the items on the shelves and in the coolers," McKie said in her fax. "I stock up on German egg noodles, the best I've tasted."

As McKie notes, the International Marketplace has a membership fee, but those who don't wish to join can still shop there, simply by paying a nominal surcharge for their purchases. ...

More readers helping readers: "Tell Robert Morcom that he can find lekvar, apricot and poppy seed filling, along with many other Hungarian and Eastern European goodies, at Budapest Market, 6380 S. Eastern Ave.," e-mailed Aileen Murphy Zsenyuk. Call 798-6647 for details.

Ari Sobel suggested the International Marketplace, proving McKie's point. And Nancy Witteck e-mailed that the fillings can be found at www.solofoods.com (or call 800-328-7656). ...

Also for Morcom, Witteck said Mama Mary's pre-made pizza shells can be found in the deli section of Wal-Mart Supercenters. "The thin crust is the best," she added.

And William G. Raley e-mailed: "Trader Joe's makes a quite tasty pre-made/pre-formed cornmeal pizza crust. Just add toppings and stick in the oven." ...

For Jerry Phillips, who is looking for Mountain Bar candy bars, Nancy Percy sent the contact information -- www.brownandhaley.com, or (800) 445-9020 -- for the company that makes them. ...

For Betty Menconi, who's looking for McLintock's Trail Camp Beans with Meat, John Graham e-mailed that they're available on the company Web site, www.mclintocks.com (or call 800-866-6372). He added that pinquito beans, "the key ingredient in McLintock's beans," are available seasoned, unseasoned and in bulk along with other Central Coast specialty items and recipes at Righetti Specialties, www.susieqbrand.com (or call 805-937-2402). ...

For Karen Burns, Fran Edlo said Quaker Bran Oat Cereal is available at the Wal-Mart Supercenter at 540 Marks St. in Henderson and at many Albertsons stores. ...

More on fresh mozzarella: "Please let Eric Tufteland know that he can find fresh mozzarella (small logs, rather than balls) at Trader Joe's," e-mailed Sandee Herlands Gogatz. And Sharlene Neely said it's available in pairs in the cheese aisle at Costco. ...

Reader requests: "One I've been stumped on is where to find sugar-free Bomb Pops," e-mailed Sobel. ...

Edlo is looking for Lactaid cottage cheese. ...

Andy Steiner is looking for 2- to 3-pound lobsters that he can cook himself. ...

Rick Siegel is looking for a place that sells everyday low-sodium and low-calorie foods, such as ketchup and pasta sauce. ...

Cynthia Blaya is after New England-style corned beef.

Readers?

Submit information to Heidi Knapp Rinella, P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125-0070. You also can send faxes to 383-4676 or e-mail her at hrinella@reviewjournal.com. Include your first and last names and, if e-mailing, put "Taste of the Town" in the subject line.