Page 15 - Italian-American Herald - September 2023

N HERALD THE CHEF’S PERSPECTIVE
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our number is called, we are greeted with a smile and a sample of whatever is being featured that day.
Once, Liz and I went to Bagliani’s for our favorite signature sub, called the Godfather. Imagine prosciutto, sopressata, dry cured capicola, sharp provolone, marinated eggplant, lettuce, tomato, and onion served on a great crusty roll with a splash of their private label olive oil. This is a spectacular sandwich. We went out to the car to enjoy this. After we feasted, she wouldn’t let me leave until I went back inside and purchased each of the sub’s ingredients, along with rolls, so we could re-create the experience in our own kitchen.
Zano’s, on the other hand, is a delightful little Italian deli that has been in the Crapanzano family for generations. Although they have been in Waretown for a good number of years, when we walk into the store, we are warmly greeted by a family member with a big voice and a heavy Brooklyn accent. Everything is done right before our eyes. The aroma of sharp cheese and rustic pizza fills our nostrils making
us even hungrier than we were when we started. They make all the subs on the same bread that made them famous, which they get straight from Staten Island. Then they fill
those crusty loaves to bursting with delicious meats, cheeses, and a full array of add- ins. Like the other stores that I describe here, they are happy to offer a taste of this or that as it strikes our interest. Zano’s has
a large display case from which we can purchase all sorts of prepared dishes by the piece or by the pound. The counter people still serve each item as we order it the way they have done it for years. Here, they feature a full line of cookies
by the pound, refrigerated and frozen desserts from spumoni
to tiramisu to cannoli and everything in between. I knew
I was in trouble when I saw a basket filled with fresh sfogliatella, a scrumptious Italian pastry that’s a personal favorite.
The thing about each of these businesses is that they have managed to retain the warmth, charm, quality, variety, and personalized customer service that is a throwback to an earlier era. If you haven’t visited places like this near you, do so. If you have, keep going back. It is important that we don’t lose these pieces of our heritage. I worry that if we don’t frequent the few local
butchers that are still in business, the Italian, Jewish, and other small family-operated businesses, the next generation may never
know the pleasure of smelling the smells, tasting the tastes, and receiving that personal touch that we crave. IAH
Serpe’s Bakery
Serving Seasonal delights for 71 years
All your fall favorites are now available at Serpe’s
Freshly Baked Rolls & Bread
Tomato Pie
(Perfect for football game watching)
Large Variety of Cakes, Pastries & Cookies (Available in trays or by the pound)
Stuffed Breads with your choice of Pepperoni, Spinach or Sausage
1411 Kirkwood Hwy. Elsmere, DE (Next to VA Hospital)
302-994-1868
www.serpesbakery.com
Delaware Business Times Family-Owned Business Legacy Award Winner!