No dining in this week--instead, we're going to talk about a little place (and I do mean little) where you can buy scrumptious things to take home and cook.
Delmonico's Italian Foods in NE Minneapolis. They don't have a website, but you can call them at 612-331-5466, or visit them at 1112 Summer Street NE.
On your way there, you might pass this street:
Who wants to live on Cemetery Street??
Fortunately, you don't have to live on Cemetery to visit Delmonico's. Just make sure when you go that you don't bring a busload of people with you. Seriously--Delmonico's is tiny. More than four customers at a time, and things are going to feel uncomfortably personal.
The store is crammed full of all things food, especially Italian food. Warning: it was rather difficult to take photos in such a small space, so these aren't exactly topnotch.
Bread. Fresh, crispy, chewy, baguette-y, and a wonderfully intense sourdough. Even a dense, rich chocolate bread.
Of course there are lots of pasta choices. Some are imported Italian brands, but many are Delmonico's house brands.
Besides pasta, you can get nearly anything else you need for your Italian extravaganza--meats, cheeses, housemade sauces (the alfredo and marinara sauces are mighty fine), spices, olive oil, anchovies, a few veggies (fresh and canned), olives, candies, you name it.
For those who don't like fine print, the ingredient list is readily available.
Note the lack of chemicals.
Tiny, off the beaten path, but so very worth the trip.
The pickled peppers at Delmonico's are incredible; when I lived in Northeast Mpls, I used to pick up a jar every couple weeks. And their fresh sauces, too; this place is a real antidote to mass-market Italian food.
Posted by: Michael Hartford | March 07, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Thank you so much for the tip. I have never heard of this place before. We will definitely have to check it out!
Posted by: Jess | March 07, 2009 at 11:38 PM