December 3rd, 2010
A Touch of Italy, Lewes, Delaware, Review, Salumeria, Pasticceria, Trattoria, Delaware Beaches
Yesterday, I said to Michael that I wanted to invite him to the new Touch of Italy in Lewes. It just opened up on the 26th. How could he not agree to this invitation? Irresistible, I know. He was going to be my guinea pig. I did not want to eat anything. I have been eating too much and with the Holidays upon us, I needed to restrain myself a bit.
The new Touch of Italy is located at 101 Second Street, Lewes, Delaware. Tel. 302-827-2730. The website for Touch of Italy is www.touchofitalyde.com.
The residents in Lewes must be thrilled. Second Street has so many varied restaurants; for all tastes. We have been watching that corner of Second St. and Savannah Rd. for months. Now I was about to enter this Salumeria, Pasticceria and Trattoria.
Salumi is Italian for meats that are cured. So, it is a “cured meat shop” carrying classic cured meats and sausages.
A Pasticceria is a pastry shop. And, a Trattoria is an eatery; less formal than a restaurant; no printed menus, therefore, casual.
Touch of Italy was busy. They are still moving things here or there but you can feel that it is going to be great. The first thing that happened was that we were welcomed with an almond macaroon, half covered in chocolate. I really did not want to eat it; then I did and I wanted more. Don’t worry I did not.
Then I started to look around and take in the atmosphere of the place. The hanging hams, cheeses and sausages reminded me when I was in Spain years ago and saw all the Serranos hams hanging from the ceilings.
Olives, white anchovies, roasted peppers, squid, and so much more on one section.
Sausages, cheeses, among other delicacies in the following section.
The cookies and pastries, some packaged and ready to go and others waiting for us, the customers.
Pastas, sauces and other Italian staples were ready for purchase, as well. These are perfect for unexpected guests.
I talked to Lou who is one of the owners and since they had just moved in they did not have a take-out menu yet. On the corner of the shop, in glass, for everyone to see, Michael will be making fresh mozzarella, practically every day. That room will hold instruction but that will be announced later, after they get more settled.
Tables will also be available soon so that you can eat comfortably.
Then Michael finally decided on what hero to order. A hero sandwich is called a Po’Boy in New Orleans, a sub in many other areas or a hoagie. The hero sandwiches are large sandwiches on baguettes that have a distinct Italian flavor.
The basic ingredients? 2 Italian meats, and provolone cheese; condiments are varied but only oil and vinegar will coat both sides of the bread.
There is a menu board at Touch of Italy and Michael chose the Rocky Marciano. This hero had hot sopressata, sharp provolone cheese imported from Italy, roasted peppers and extra virgin olive oil, in a homemade semolina Italian bread with sesame seeds.
The sopressata is an Italian cured dry salami. It is traditionally made out of pork; fresh hams or beef are also used and often include hot peppers. It also has a rustic look when sliced. It is a specialty of southern Italy.
After thanking them and offering our best wishes we ran to the car. When Michael first opened the hero sandwich he said that it just looked like a sub, which it was, basically. But, it was only when he bit into it that the words were; “Oh, this is so good, the best I have ever had. No, wait, maybe second best after the one I had in New York”. He kept on going on about the combination of the meat, the cheese and the roasted peppers all complementing each other. The bread was outstanding. I knew he was going to be my perfect guinea pig; he has had his share of heros/subs. Finally, he gave me a bite; ditto.
Please note that Touch of Italy has another location on 33A Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-226-1500. I wrote a post when they first opened. If you would like to see it, just go on the left hand side of this blog and click on October, 2009, under Archives and scroll down to the 16th.
Best wishes to Touch of Italy…..and talk to you later….
Tags: Carryout, cheeses, Delaware Beaches, hams, Heros, imported cheeses, imported hams, Italian pastas and sauces, Lewes, lunch, pastas, pasticceria, rehoboth beach, Restaurant, Restaurants, Reviews, salumeria, sauces, sausages, Subs, Touch of Italy, Trattoria
thank you to both you and michael, we at touch of italy are very gratefull for you taking the time and effort to post such a detailed and positive and happy review. thank you thank you!!!!!!!
I had a good friend visit me in New York City from Bethany Beach a couple of weeks ago. Knowing what a “foodie” he is and a stickler for high quality food, I took him to my absolute favorite Italian eatery (Salumeria) for lunch knowing that when we walked out he would say that was the best hero he had ever had. To my surprise he looked and me and said, “that was good but not even in the same league as Touch Of Italy in Lewes, Delaware!” Now I can’t wait to visit him and experience this place. They have a reputation all the way up the East Coast!
12-23-10
We went to Taste of Italy in Lewes for the first time today.
The service was fantastic and the food wonderful. The sun dried peppers are a real treat-addictive really!
Sorry-meant Thursday 12-23-10.
What a great post and that place looks awesome. I can’t wait to go in.
Glad to see that this is finally open in Lewes—a terrific place to buy wonderful Italian meats, cheeses, pastas and pastries!! I can’t wait to shop there when I return to Lewes in the Spring!!
YOu guys are the BEST!!!! I love the smells as you walk in the store. I love the presentation and my husband and I had the DiVinci sandwich today and it was to DIE for. I came home and immediately posted a rave review on my blog and on facebook. You are a welcome addition to the beach. (maybe we can see some tomato pie????)
I think we all agree that they have such great products. Yes, the aroma as you enter Touch of Italy in Lewes or Rehoboth is amazing. Thanks for the comments to the blog.
wow what happen to that great baker they had hope they can fine one like him where ever he is will miss him much
You mean the Mother? She is still baking. Thanks for your comments.
hope all is well will be in town sunday will stop in for #8 dont think will eat it all but ok need to get some crumb cake mac cookies and whole cheese cake see u then
I just want to say, my company did some work for Bob, he was a pleasure to work with and we wish him well with Touch of Italy in Lewes, DE! The food is great!
Thanks for your comments. I was a customer in the bake shop in Bethany and then I was so happy to have them in Rehoboth. Now Lewes. The food is so delicious.
Great restaurant and store!! Best Pizza in DE! So glad you are in Lewes! Will be stopping by often.
I love it too as well. Thanks for your comments to the blog.
We ate there Friday for the first time. We loved the food and the service was wonderful. will be back when we visit next time.
Hi: Thanks so much for your comments. I was there Friday, as well, around Noon. It was packed and as usual, very good.
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What a wonderful addition to Lewes. The food and the service is wonderful.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comments to my blog.
OUTSTANDING!! need I say more
It truly is very good. Thanks a lot for your comments.
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Hi Bob, just wanted to say what a great place you have,you probably wouldnt remember but I am the woman who was there last yr and when I saw the place i said “I’m done” definetly happy I want to move there, this clinched it, knowing that there is a place lik e back home in NY. The pizza was awesome and went back two more times, . We will be down in end of April and looking forward to some more.
I hope Bob is reading this blog. Thanks for your comments. G