As the granddaughter of an Italian, Giovanna Milano, I love everything about my heritage. Everything from making fresh pasta, speaking Italian, and watching Sofia Loren films connects me to my Nonna and Grandpa. I grew up watching Nonna prepare dishes in the kitchen of Milano’s while my Grandpa would ensure that the restaurant was in order. He would walk around greeting all of the guests and treated everyone as family. Nonna and Grandpa were the best tag team.
I noticed a similar dynamic eight years ago between Gina Milano and her husband from Tony’s Colonial Food Market here in Providence, RI. While Gina worked the cash register, her husband was in the back preparing food and running their extensive deli. Ever since that day, Tony’s has become a staple for me. I love walking into their store. It’s busting at the seams with imported Italian goods like pasta, olive oil, truffle products, anchovies, wine, cheese, and meats. Not only does Tony’s have imported goods, but they also prepare different kinds of Italian foods like eggplant parmigiana and broccoli rabe as well as panini made with their fresh and imported meats and cheeses.
On Saturday, I decided to take a trip down to Federal Hill to re-stock my fridge with food that reminds me of my Nonna: prosciutto di parma, salami Calabrese, mortadella con pistacchio, mozzarella di bufala, parmigiano reggiano, castelvetrano olives. I ended up leaving with more than I had originally thought I would buy!
As I walked into Tony's, I ordered various meats and cheeses. I felt at home. I could hear the workers speaking Italian back and forth. While waiting for my order, I was given samples of different olives, meats, cheeses, wine, and at the same time talking with Gina and her family. They extend their family to all of their customers, and that is what brings them much success!
After going to Tony’s, I walked around Atwells Street, got an espresso and San Pellegrino at Roma (another deli), and passed different Italian establishments. I was reminded of my Nonna when she visited Federal Hill for the first time. She was so excited that every store she walked into was owned by an Italian who spoke Italian. She would joyfully say at every store, “Sei Italiano? Anch’io sono italiana!!”
Federal Hill, filled with rich history, makes you feel like part of the famiglia! After spending time in Providence’s Little Italy, I came home and prepared a charcuterie board for me and my roommates. I loved making the antipasto for us because I had all fresh ingredients. I knew the quality of the ingredients I had gotten from Tony’s was good, clean, and fair. I invite you to go to your local Italian market, meet the family, enjoy the experience and then go back home and share that love and passion with your family through the kitchen!
Giovanna's Shopping List: Tony’s Colonial
salami calabrese
mortadella con pistacchio
salami di napoli
prosciutto di parma
provolone
parmigiano reggiano
manchego
prima donna cheese
truffle sauce
fresh bread
chianti
castelvetrano olives
cipollini
mozzarella di buffala
espresso
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