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….