Want to save money at the grocery store? Try these tips from local chefs.

Food prices continue their roller coaster trajectory at a time when recession fears have the world on edge. Baltimore Banner readers can’t change the stock market (unless there’s something you’re not telling us), but we can control the way we shop at the grocery store. We checked in with three local food industry professionals to ask their advice on stretching dollars while food shopping. Chef Mario Cano Catalán of Ouzo Bay said when it comes to groceries for his family, “We buy what we’re going to eat. We don’t buy anything extra.” The father of three said writing a list of items you need before you go is crucial so “you don’t get anything that’s going to go to waste.”