Love Mediterranean food? Then try The Italian Shop, Northampton

August 27, 2015, by Carmela Sereno Hayes, Northants correspondent…

I’d like to share something close to my heart… a taste of Italy!

The Italian Shop brings the delicious Mediterranean to Northampton. You’d be forgiven if you haven’t heard about the county’s most fabulous Italian deli. It is a gem; a secret to be stumbled upon. Nestled away in Abington, The Italian Shop is owned and run by the incredibly welcoming and passionate Adriana Gina.

I first met Adriana three years ago via the internet. I’d written an article about the lack of Italian delis in our area; she phoned and said: “Guess what? I’m opening one in two months. Can we meet?”

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Adriana took the plunge, one I’m sure that many Italians would like to do, but haven’t due to other commitments and much-needed courage. She did, and all we can say is thank you for taking the chance. With a little investment, a lot of time, huge passion and a good understanding of what consumers want, Adriana has not looked back.

Picture a deli with a certain style, traditional Italian music, the aroma of cured meats, and retro pictures of Sophia Loren on the walls. It’s an Aladdin’s cave of deliciousness. You may only walk in for a loaf of the finest bread, but rest assured you will walk out cradling an armful of goodies. It’s crammed full of dried pasta, biscuits, cakes, a deli counter with cured meats, olives, peppers, artichokes (my favourite), an extensive range of cheeses, sausages, and so much more.

The Italian Shop is also a coffee shop, serving Italian-style coffee, locally made Italian-style cakes and the BEST Italian panino EVER! You can even pop in for an antipasti platter for lunch and a glass of vino. This shop is fully licensed and stocks a fabulous range of wine, prosecco, strega, limoncello, amaro, amaretto, marsala and more.

Adriana has just celebrated The Italian Shop’s third birthday. I have championed her business since it opened and will continue to do so. To me it feels like home… stepping from the street into Nonna’s pantry.

The Italian Shop also feels like home because I run monthly supper clubs (sponsored by Filippo Berio) from there on Friday evenings. Sixteen diners get to enjoy a taste of Italy, cucina povera cooking in the form of a four-course meal, prepared and cooked by me. I showcase ingredients from the shop, along with fresh, seasonal produce.

I also run cookery classes, demonstrations and tastings at The Italian Shop. The idea is to show Adriana’s customers when new, slightly different products come in from Italy. All the supper clubs for the rest of this year (2015) have sold out but if you’d like to put your name down then please get in touch with Adriana (see below).

So if you need inspiration, a quick espresso, or to just indulge a love for the food and drink of Italy, then please pop to the The Italian Shop, where a warm welcome and Italian double kiss awaits you.

Grazie,

Carmela

www.theitalianshopnorthampton.co.uk
Adriana Gina: 07872 070970

The author:

Matt lives in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. He is passionate about the independent food & drink sector and founded Great Food Club in 2010 after being inspired by local producers near his home town.