Tag: prosciutto

Discovering Parma’s Best Custom-Made Panini Spots

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Parma, a city renowned for its rich culinary traditions and exquisite flavors, is a haven for food lovers. While the city is often associated with its famed Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma, it also offers a fantastic selection of eateries where you can savor a delicious, custom-made panino. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best places in Parma to craft your perfect sandwich, each offering a unique experience that reflects the city’s dedication to quality and tradition.

1. Frank Focaccia

Nestled in the charming Piazzale San Lorenzo, Frank Focaccia is more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it’s a beloved institution in Parma. Known for its informal and cozy atmosphere, this eatery specializes in focaccia, a type of Italian bread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it an ideal base for any sandwich.

Frank Focaccia is particularly popular for its wide variety of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether you prefer classic Italian meats like prosciutto and salami, or you’re in the mood for a vegetarian option with grilled vegetables and cheeses, this spot allows you to tailor your sandwich exactly to your taste. The process is simple: you choose your focaccia, select your fillings from a diverse menu, and wait as your sandwich is freshly prepared. While the wait might be a bit longer than at a typical fast food joint, the result is a flavorful, satisfying panino that’s well worth it.

The outdoor seating area adds to the experience, especially during the warmer months, where you can enjoy your meal while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the piazza. With prices starting around 3 euros per focaccia, Frank Focaccia is both an affordable and delightful choice for a custom sandwich in Parma.

2. Paninoteca da Walter

Another gem in Parma’s panino scene is Paninoteca da Walter, also affectionately known as the “Clinica del Panino”. This place has earned its reputation over the years for serving some of the best sandwiches in the city, thanks to its commitment to using only the freshest and finest ingredients.

Located in Borgo Palmia, Paninoteca da Walter offers a broad range of fillings, from traditional Italian cured meats to more creative options. The bread, baked fresh daily, serves as the perfect canvas for whatever combination you choose, be it a simple prosciutto and mozzarella or something more elaborate with multiple layers of flavors. What sets this paninoteca apart is its attention to detail and the passion of the staff, who are always eager to suggest combinations or help you build your ideal sandwich.

In addition to its delicious offerings, Paninoteca da Walter is known for its vibrant, friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll feel right at home as you enjoy your custom-made panino. This spot is especially popular during lunchtime, so be prepared for a bit of a wait, but rest assured, the experience will be worth it.

3. Pepen

No discussion of Parma’s best panini would be complete without mentioning Pepen, a historic spot that has been serving delicious sandwiches for decades. Located in Borgo Sant’Ambrogio, Pepen is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a piece of Parma’s culinary history.

Pepen is famed for its variety of panini, particularly its classic “Carciofa,” a sandwich filled with artichoke cream, prosciutto, and other delectable ingredients. However, the beauty of Pepen lies in its flexibility; you can choose from a wide array of meats, cheeses, and vegetables to create a sandwich that perfectly suits your palate. The atmosphere at Pepen is lively, reflecting the eatery’s long-standing popularity among both locals and tourists.

One of the highlights of Pepen is its use of traditional recipes passed down through generations, ensuring that every sandwich is not just a meal, but a taste of Parma’s rich culinary heritage. While the prices are slightly higher than at some other spots, the quality and authenticity of the food make it a worthwhile experience.

4. La Corriera Stravagante

For those who appreciate a unique twist on the classic panino, La Corriera Stravagante in Via Platone is the place to go. This quirky eatery offers an eclectic menu of sandwiches, each crafted with creativity and flair. The ingredients range from traditional Italian meats and cheeses to more unconventional options, allowing for a truly personalized dining experience.

The environment at La Corriera Stravagante is as unique as its menu, with a whimsical decor that adds to the charm of the place. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this spot offers a delightful blend of tradition and innovation in every bite.

Conclusion

Parma is a city that takes its food seriously, and the panini available here are no exception. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional prosciutto sandwich or something more inventive, the city’s best panini spots offer something for everyone. From the cozy, informal atmosphere of Frank Focaccia to the historic charm of Pepen, these eateries not only serve delicious food but also provide a glimpse into the culinary soul of Parma. So next time you find yourself in this beautiful city, be sure to indulge in one of its finest offerings—a custom-made panino, crafted to perfection.

Best Prosciutto and Salumi Tours Around Florence

Cold cuts and salami are a big part of Italian cuisine. Consumed with a variety of accompanying dishes and in a wide range of ways, there’s always something new to try. Traditional and local salumi are one of many productions you can look into when travelling through Italy, and each region likely has its own unique products. And depending on the time of year you find yourself vacationing to the Country, there are many things you can try: melone with prosciutto, carpaccio with bresaola, grana cheese shards and arugula leaves, or even just a simple panino with salame, or a platter of cold cuts with mostarda. If you are staying in Florence, here are some places you can visit for a taste tour of the different kinds and varieties of Prosciutto and salumi that can be found in Tuscany.

Salumificio Anzuini

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anzuini

 

 

The Salumificio Anzuini is a deli that has been providing clients with excellent salumi ever since the 1920s, sourcing their meats from the best local farms. It started as a pork meat processing establishment, but it now provides many types of artisanal, homemade salami and cold-cuts such as Salame Toscano, Fiocco di Spalla, Prosciutto, Capocollo, Salamella and salame with fennel seeds. They can be enjoyed at two Anzuini locations in Florence: the main store is the Norcineria Anzuini in via Faentina, where you can find all of their products as well as local wines and more; at the historic location in via De’ Neri 84/r you’ll find the Antica Macelleria Salumificio Anzuini, a restaurant and store where you can enjoy all types of salumi available, as well as purchase them. Here you can also try an excellent Bistecca Fiorentina, a must-have of Florence, Tuscany and Italy! Wash it down with some Chianti red wine and don’t forget to buy edible souvenirs: the choice is varied and there will be some type of salume to fit the tastes of everyone.

Antica Macelleria Falorni

Halfway between Florence and Siena, in the town of Greve in Chianti, you’ll find this deli-restaurant with a long family tradition, dating back to the 1800s. For 9 generations, they’ve been producing, selling and showcasing the excellence in cold cuts; the family has a private farm and their products merge high-quality pork meat and expertise to achieve a wide range of salumi with PGI status, which follow the Tuscan tradition of handmade, artisanal cold cuts. The Falorni family chooses the best breeds of pigs for their products, which can be purchased and sampled at their location in Piazza G. Matteotti 71, in Greve in Chianti. Here you’ll find a deli counter, to buy sliced samples of their products, a shop where you can buy salami and prosciutti, and a bistro, a small restaurant where you can have a unique dining experience, surrounded by tradition. The menu can be find on the Antica Macelleria Falorni’s website, and features cold cuts platters, bruschetta bread, soups, sandwiches and desserts, all paired with local wines.

La Prosciutteria

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prosciutteria

This quaint, unique deli is located in Florence, in via De’ Neri 54rosso. It doubles as a shop and as a self-service restaurant, for a completely interesting experience. The brand has locations in other major Italian cities, but the first shop to open was this one, in Florence, and it sources its meats and cold cuts from local farms and butcheries. Close to the Museo degli Uffizi, it’s the perfect place to stop for a quick meal and to buy some salami for the road. Platters with a cold cuts selection, bruschetta bread with sauces and a trickle of local olive oil, sandwiches of all kinds and a selection of traditional cheeses await you, followed by a nice glass of Tuscan red wine. Completely affordable and totally perfect even as a snack or appetizer – although perhaps not the lightest choice if you’re on a diet!

Casa del Prosciutto

The Casa del Prosciutto is a traditional Italian restaurant, also called a “trattoria” and offers a wide menu filled with excellent dishes of the Italian and Tuscan tradition. Located in Fiesole, in the town of Torre di Buiano, it’s a favourite of tourists and locals, with excellent reviews that are completely justified by the quality and choice offered in this establishments. Here you’ll be able to sample many types of cold cuts, salami, prosciutto – all served in an enticing platter with bread and other local productions. Don’t miss out on the exquisite Fiorentina while you’re here, and try other dishes with meat, like the pasta options. They also have a sizeable wine selection, so you can pair the best red or white wine with your meal, for an enhanced dining experience. It’s your best bet if you want to eat in a traditional environment while also enjoying local salumi.