Paolo's dishes up a taste of Little Italy
by Kaoru Fujii, Outpost Staff
As a poor college student, I rarely get to experience fine dining. So I turn to the Food Channel, where I can live out my gourmet food fantasies. So two years ago, when I stumbled on Paolo's Italian Deli, I was in heaven.
Paolo's Italian Deli will rescue those who want to eat good food at a reasonable price. The 5-year-old deli is a small place but has a wide variety of food and groceries imported from Italy. Paolo's is a small version of Italy in Reno.
The family-owned deli has a warm and relaxed atmosphere, and which makes it easier for new customers to walk in. The door of Paolo's is always left open, making customers feel welcome.
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It's interesting to see different kinds of butcher products in a showcase. Photo by Kaoru Fujii. |
The deli bypasses some of the glamour of higher priced places. The first thing you see inside Paolo's is a big showcase of butcher products not found in the fancy Italian restaurants. Paolo's is tiny, with only four tables inside. But you can take food to an outside table and outside counter.
The homemade food brings people together. In fact, between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., the busiest hours, people line up to get a sandwich. Sometimes the line stretches out the open door.
On our most recent visit, my boyfriend and I walked into Paolo's during one of the busy hours. We ordered Italian Sandwich, Number 13 ($4.75), at the counter. We grabbed a table and waited just more than five minutes for the food, not too bad for the lunch-hour rush.
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This is the mouth-wartering Italian Sandwich!!! Yum Yum. Photo by Kaoru Fujii. |
Paolo's offers 21 different sandwiches (ranging in price from $4.25 to $6.50) plus daily specials such as meat lasagna ($6.50). All sandwiches are about 12-inches long. Chips and drinks are additional. If you're looking for vegetarian selections, the vegetarian lasagna ($6) or other house specials such as focaccis with roasted eggplant, peppers and provolone ($4.75) are good.
To accompany the Italian sandwich, I often have an iced latte made from scratch. This is a special order not listed on the menu. The flavor of the latte is very mild and not as sweet as those from coffee shops. It creates a favorable harmony with the Italian sandwich. Therefore, I highly recommend it.
The service at Paolo's is very good. The staff takes special orders and always answered questions about Italian cooking or ingredients in a friendly manner.
Most customers order a sandwich to go. If you are in hurry, it is better to order one for pick-up by phone or fax beforehand so you don't have to wait in a long line, especially during the busiest hours.
Paolo's also offers many other take-out options. Party trays (prices vary), meat lasagna (full tray for $50) and tiramisu ($30 serves 12 to 16) can serve guests on special occasions. Paolo's also offers individual portions of pastas that can be taken home to cook. Gourmet jumbo ravioli (choice of beef, mushroom, cheese, pesto, veggies, seafood, chicken and spinach), stuffed pasta shells, cannelloni, Italian sausage, meatballs and crab cakes can be picked up in their refrigerator.
Someday I will buy one of the gourmet pastas from Reno's little Italy. I've enjoyed seeing this gourmet food on the Food Channel, and know with Paolo's it can end up on my table at a reasonable price.
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Paolo's Italian Deli |
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921 W. Moana Lane |
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phone: 827-3860 / Fax: 827-2660 |
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Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday-closed |
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High points: simple, yet flavorful seasonings |
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Low points: Avoid the busiest hours (11:30-1) when you are in a hurry |
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Visa, Master Card, and personal checks accepted |
copyright 12/8/97 Nevada Outpost http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost