There’s a New “Taste of Italy” in Rhode Island
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
There’s a new Italian deli in Rhode Island — with some familiar faces.
“Taste of Italy Deli & Caffè” opened this month on Atwood Avenue in Johnston — “where Schroeder’s used to be” — and co-owner Mike Giammarco says the business is off to a strong start.
“We’re very busy, every day,” Giammarco, who is partnered with Mario Mennella and Pasquale Palermo, told GoLocal.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“We figured we’d take a shot — we’re retired, except for Mario,” said Giammarco.
And the business scooped up a valuable addition.
Chef Jennifer Kaya, who had previously owned Sognalo’s in Cranston before it closed during the pandemic, spearheads the execution of the expansive menu.
According to Giammarco, Kaya oversees the deli’s wide array of offerings, which has everything from “old world meats, stuffed artichokes, to broccoli rabe."
And Giammarco said he couldn’t have done it without Kaya.
“She’s got her daughters helping out, along with her son,” said Giammarco.
“To start something at this age might seem ludicrous, but we’ve gotten a lot of support already,” said Giammarco.
You can check out such foot-long sandwiches as “The Parma” — Parma prosciutto with provolone cheese, sautéed rabe, red roasted peppers, with balsamic dressing,” to “The Florence” — featuring breaded eggplant with fresh mozzarella, baby greens, and long stem artichokes — at 1302 Atwood Avenue.
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