Taste of Manchester 2017: Pagano's Italian Market

As part of the Taste of Manchester 2017 Marketing Committee, Amy has volunteered to write short features on the participating restaurants and share them via our blog here.This year's Taste of Manchester will be held on Tuesday, May 9th from 5:30 to 9 p.m. See the TOM webpage, Facebook page, or Twitter @TastyTownCT (#TOMCT2017) for more information. 

Pagano's Italian Market

This year's Taste of Manchester is less than a month away, and our first featured participant is new to town, having celebrated their Grand Opening on April 7 of this year. That new business is Pagano's Italian Market, now open in the front of the Strano's Bakery building on Broad Street.

The espresso bar

Pastries, cookies, cannoli and more

Strano's Bakery is no stranger to Manchester. A commercial wholesale bakery famous for their grinder rolls, Strano's has been in business over 35 years. Bill Pagano has been friends with the owners of Strano's longer than that, so when the opportunity to take over the retail space at the front of the bakery building came about, Pagano jumped at the chance. His grandparents and parents were in the restaurant business in Italy, and he and his wife always hoped to have a small Italian place of their own. 

Specialty Italian food products for sale

Pagano's Italian Market is more than the name implies. Yes, they offer Italian specialty products for sale, including olive oils, pastas, and sauces, to name a few. But they also consider themselves an Italian deli, bakery and cafe, and they sell entrees, grinders, soups, salads and desserts. Everything is made fresh in-house including their famous meatballs and a variety of Italian cutlets (beef, chicken, eggplant). Their thick sheet pizzas, giant grinders and stuffed breads are perfect for parties. They also accept orders for catering. 

The menu and daily specials board

The space is open and well-lit with plenty of tables to enjoy their delicious offerings on site. In one corner is an Italian espresso bar, in the other, a case filled with Italian meats and cheeses. In the middle there is a bakery case filled with a variety of Italian cookies and pastries. Crisp cannoli shells are filled to order with a light, fluffy cannoli cream, perfect to enjoy with your cappuccino or espresso.

Pastries and cannoli to eat-in or take home

Manchester's newest business offers something for everyone. From antipasto to zuppa, eat-in or take-out, Pagano's Italian Market has it all. They are located at 255 Broad Street, and are open Monday-Friday 10-7, Saturday 10-4, and closed on Sundays. Their menu and more information can be found on their Facebook page, and of course, they will be serving up goodies at this year's Taste of Manchester. Tickets are on sale now!

Hot Dog! Family and Friends Roadside Cart Debuts Wednesday November 9!

Perhaps you read my article in the July 2016 Go Local Magazine on Ellington native Nick Glomb and his dream to own a hot dog cart. Well, thanks to many generous donors to his GoFundMe page, and with help from the folks at New England Business Associates, his dream is coming true next week when the Family and Friend Roadside Cart makes its debut at the "Hartford Entrepreneur Hangout" Wednesday November 9 from 5-7 p.m. at the Hog River Brewing Company at 1429 Park Street in Hartford. All are welcome to attend. At this event, he will serve his first hot dog. Nick will be serving foods from local sources, including hot dogs from Bogner's Quality Meats in Manchester, Hosmer Mountain Soda, and chips from Severance Foods in Hartford. His cart was produced by Cart Concepts International in Manchester.

Congratulations, Nick!!! Way to go, and best of luck to you!

Taste of Manchester: Steve's Bagels

As part of the Taste of Manchester 2016 Marketing Committee, Amy has volunteered to write short features on the participating restaurants and share them via our blog here.This year's Taste of Manchester will be held TOMORROW from 5:30 to 9 p.m. See the TOM webpage, Facebook page, or Twitter @TastyTownCT (#TOMCT2016) for more information.

New York native Steve DiGiorgio has brought New York style bagels to the City of Village Charm. He opened Steve's Bagels in the former Sugar Shack on Center Street at the end of 2015, and Manchester residents have been talking about it since.

Steve's Bagels are made on site daily, in batches throughout the day, so they are always fresh. It takes 18 hours to complete the process - from making the dough to letting it proof to rolling, kettle-boiling, and finally, baking the bagels. Popular flavors include the everything bagel, cranberry orange bagel, and the French toast bagel (which is a cinnamon-raisin bagel drizzled with molasses and sprinkled with brown sugar). There are seasonal/holiday specials such as rainbow swirl bagels for Easter and green bagels for St. Patrick's Day. And Steve is always trying out new flavors. 

Need a schmear for your bagel? Steve's makes 14 flavors of cream cheese, like cinnamon walnut apple, bacon, and blueberry. The flavor combinations are endless!

Steve's is also a deli, with Boar's Head meats and cheeses which can be made into sandwiches using rolls or bagels for bread. You can design your own sandwich or choose from one of Steve's signature specialties, like the customer fave Queen Leslie (low sodium turkey, bacon, mayo and lettuce on an Asiago pesto bagel). These are served with chips and a pickle. Their sandwich salads (tuna, chicken, egg salad) are made in-house. There's a new pepperoni-stuffed bread that employees say they "can't keep in stock."

A lovely woman named Carol handles the non-bagel baking, so Steve's offers homemade cookies, muffins, banana bread, and other goodies. There are also bags of bagel chips that come in various flavors.

This year is Steve's Bagels first year joining the Taste of Manchester, so those few residents who haven't gotten to taste Steve's NY-style bagels yet will be able to tomorrow night at the 7th Annual Taste of Manchester. 

Steve's Bagels is located at 150 Center Street. Their phone number is 860.432.2223, and they are open daily. Check their website here for hours and the menu. You can call in or fax orders and pick up orders at the convenient drive-through. Corporate accounts and delivery are available.

Taste of Manchester: Mike's Pizzeria

As part of the Taste of Manchester 2016 Marketing Committee, Amy has volunteered to write short features on the participating restaurants and share them via our blog here.This year's Taste of Manchester will be held on Tuesday, May 10th from 5:30 to 9 p.m. See the TOM webpage, Facebook page, or Twitter @TastyTownCT (#TOMCT2016) for more information. 

Mike's Pizzeria

New to town, and to the Taste of Manchester this year, is Mike's Pizzeria, which is located at 267 East Center Street. Owner Matt Barry opened the pizzeria last July as a tribute to his late grandfather, Mike Massaro, who owned a pizza place in Manchester for decades.

A Tribute to Mike Massaro

Barry remembers growing up helping his grandfather at his shop, folding boxes and learning how to make the dough. He says his mother always knew one day he'd own his own pizza shop. When the space opened up, he knew it was his turn to make the pizza. 

One friendly staff member at Mike's counter

Mike's is known for its wide variety (over 30 different types, not including build-your-own) of pan pizzas. The pizzas are cooked in a special rotating oven that can fit up to 40 pizzas at a time on stones that are heated to 480 degrees. The house pizza is a customer favorite, as it pleases both meat and veggie lovers with toppings of mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, peppers, sausage and hamburger. Another popular choice is the "Big Mike," Mike's version of a Big Mac, which is covered with thousand island dressing (special sauce), grilled hamburger (for that flame-grilled flavor), pickles, onions, mozzarella cheese and then topped with lettuce after being cooked. You barely miss that sesame seed bun. 

The secret to Mike's pies? This oven!

Mike's serves pizza by the slice, and these slices are huge, cut to equal one quarter of their 16-inch pie. Daily choices (cheese, pepperoni) are available as is a daily special slice, which is usually something concocted that day on the whim of the chefs. 

Pizza topped with extra mozzarella, pepperoni and hamburger

Besides pizza, Mike's serves a variety of grinders, in 8-inch and, for the super-hungry, 16-inch sizes. Their meatballs are made in-house, and sausage-and-peppers can be made with a choice of hot or sweet sausage. Calzones are stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella and the customer's choice of toppings. Stuffed breads like sausage and spinach or eggplant are also available and are served with marinara sauce on the side. A variety of appetizers (like 9 flavors of wings, fried ravioli and potato skins), salads and wraps rounds out the diverse menu, making it sure to please every palate.

Sweet Chili Wings

Barry is happy to be continuing his grandfather's tradition and serving delicious hot pizzas and more to the folks of Manchester. He makes sure the business supports local groups, like Manchester High sports teams, and is pleased to be involved in local events such as the Taste of Manchester. This year, Taste of Manchester participants can enjoy a taste of Mike's pizza and stuffed breads. 

Mike's Pizzeria is located at 267 East Center Street. They are open daily for takeout and delivery, with a couple of tables for eating in. Their phone number is 860.432.0002. You can find their hours, menu, and more at their website or Facebook page.

It's not too late to buy tickets to this year's Taste of Manchester! Click here for info.

Scenes from the Taste of Manchester 2015

SCENES FROM THE TASTE OF MANCHESTER 2015

The pre-festivity festivities featuring Onyx Cranberry Margaritas

Smoky, spicy, rich, meaty chili from Smoke Not Just BBQ

Smoke Not Just BBQ Opens May 28

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders from Smoke Not Just BBQ

Korean Brisket Mini Taco, Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla and Guacamole from Lucky Taco

RIP Great Harvest Bread Co. (Manchester)

Pulled Pork Nacho from La Bamba

A Couple in the Kitchen and Friends on the TOM Party Shuttle

Prickly Pear Margarita at Lucky Taco

Additional Offerings Included:

Italian Style Chicken, Pizza, and Pasta from Antonio's Pizza

Assorted Pastries and Breads from The Bread Box Bakery

Pulled Pork Sliders, Beef Brisket Sliders and Eggplant Sliders from Brown Sugar Catering

Peanut Butter Cup or Cinnamon Bun Pancakes, Kielbasa and Homefries from 

Cosmic Omelet

Chicken Marsala, Penne Vodka and Chicken Wings from Hartford Road Cafe

Pizza and Pasta Fagiole from Hartford Road Pizza

Jambalaya, Mac Ham & Cheese Casserole from The Hungry Tiger

Vegetable Fried Rice, Drunken Noodles and Chicken Satay from The King and I Thai

Meatballs and Cannoli Shots from La Via del Gusto

Meatballs and Italian Tuna from Lena's Italian Kitchen

Flautas and Quesadillas form Los Sarapes

Cuban Sandwich, Meatloaf Sliders, Dry Rub Wings from Main Pub

Wings, Pasta, Chicken Piccata from Rocco's

Around the Clock IPA and Anytime Stout from Top Shelf Brewing Company

Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken, Green Rice, Cole Slaw from Wira Chicken

Taste of Manchester: La Bamba Mexican Restaurant

As part of the Taste of Manchester 2015 Marketing Committee, Amy has volunteered to write short features on the participating restaurants and share them via our blog here.This year's Taste of Manchester will be held on Tuesday, May 12th from 5:30 to 9 p.m. See the TOM webpage, Facebook page, or Twitter @TastyTownCT (#TOMCT2015) for more information. 

When you hear “La Bamba,” no doubt the traditional Mexican folk song popularized by Ritchie Valens strikes up in your brain. Now you can visit La Bamba, the Mexican restaurant that opened recently on Hartford Road. And you can sample their food at this year's Taste of Manchester, taking place on Tuesday, May 12th.

The cheerful décor is a refreshing change from the dark bar that was once in this location. Mismatched chairs in vivid hues have symbols of suns, maracas, and cacti in their backs. Sombreros decorate the brightly-colored walls. The bar serves various flavors of Jarrito sodas, made in Mexico and sweetened with real sugar. They have not yet received their liquor license, so for now, it’s BYOB (with no corkage fee).

To start there are warm, crisp, tortilla chips served with zippy fresh salsa. A nearly-nuclear hot sauce sits on each table; use sparingly if you dare. The first page of the menu lists appetizers, salads, quesadillas and chimichangas. Most are convincingly Mexican (cheese dips, guacamole, tostadas) and worth a try. Chunks of grilled chicken float in the uber-creamy “White Cheese Dip” that has hints of allspice, or perhaps nutmeg. Whatever it is, it is a highly recommended starter.

Page two offers a variety of tacos made with beef and/or pork, tortas Mexicanos (sandwiches), and a couple of out-of-place pasta dishes. Flip past these to the back to find two categories of entrees -- carnes and mariscos. Carnes feature steak and chicken in a variety of preparations. There are fajitas, enchiladas, and burritos for those who delight in the ordinary. However, the mole sauce at La Bamba is seductive – deep and dark with hints of chocolate, coffee and smoky, spicy chile peppers. Try it drizzled over chicken and rice (the “Mole Veracruzano”) or in the tortilla-wrapped chicken Enmoladas. Seafood plates are mariscos, including the house special “La Bamba,” a marvelous mix of lobster, shellfish and tilapia served with a chipotle-and-tequila-infused cream sauce. Desserts include flan, ice cream and the enticing Tres Leches cake, a subtly-sweet milk-drenched cake.

The service here is friendly and welcoming, and, if you wisely choose the traditional Mexican fare, the food is remarkably delicious. Prices for most items are in the $12-$20 range. La Bamba is participating in this year's Taste of Manchester on May 12th, and is located at 485 Hartford Road. They are open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and their phone number is 860.474.5955.They do not have a website, but can be found on Facebook. 

About the Taste of Manchester 2016

Perhaps you read the recent post on Mike's Pizzeria and your interest was piqued. What is the Taste of Manchester and how does it work?

The Taste of Manchester is a single-night fund-raising event that supports the Manchester Dog Owners Group and is run entirely by volunteers. Your ticket offers you the opportunity to explore, in pub-crawl fashion, the flavors of Downtown Manchester, and support the local businesses in the City of Village Charm.

Each participating business will have a "Tasting" area set up either at their own location, or at one of the joint locations on Main Street, where they will offer a taste of their menu items. You can start anywhere along the route, and travel by foot or take one of the shuttle buses that will be available. Visit as many businesses as you like, but make sure you end up at the Army & Navy Club for the after-party and raffle drawings! 

This year's event will be held on Tuesday, May 10th from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. All the information you need, from purchasing tickets to finding out more about the participating restaurants to volunteering for the Taste of Manchester, can be found at one or more of the following sites:

Website: http://tasteofmanchesterct.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TASTEOFMANCHESTERCT

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tastytownct

Twitter Handle: @tastytownct  

This year's hashtag: #TOMCT2016

Get those tastebuds revved up and ready by reading about a few of the 2016 Taste participants below, and BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!!!

Hartford Road Pizza

The Hungry Tiger

Top Shelf Brewing Co.
La Bamba
Lucky Taco
La Via Del Gusto

Taste of Manchester: La Via Del Gusto

As part of the Taste of Manchester 2015 Marketing Committee, Amy has volunteered to write short features on the participating restaurants and share them via our blog here.This year's Taste of Manchester will be held on Tuesday, May 12th from 5:30 to 9 p.m. See the TOM webpage, Facebook page, or Twitter @TastyTownCT (#TOMCT2015) for more information. 

La Via del Gusto on Broad Street

Think you need to go to Franklin Avenue to purchase great Italian meats, cheeses, espressos and pastries? Think again. In the Strano Bakery building on Broad Street, you'll find a hidden treasure - La Via del Gusto, an Italian cafe, bakery, deli and market, right here in Manchester, CT. The Italian name means "The Way of Taste," and this business is Manchester's way to the old world tastes of Italy. They will be participating in the Taste of Manchester 2015, their second year. 

Owner Claudio makes a cappuccino

Frothy, sweet, and delizioso!

CAFE: Business owner and ever-the-welcoming-host Claudio makes a mean espresso, or a cappuccino, if you prefer. Sip on one as you listen to Italian music and browse the multiple pastry cases in search of the choicest accompaniment to your caffeine fix. And speaking of pastries...

Fresh Bread

Creamy, crunchy cannoli

Lobster-Tail Pastry

BAKERY: One step into the building and the tempting aromas give it away -- La Via del Gusto specializes in freshly baked Italian breads and rolls, flaky pastries such as ricotta-stuffed sflogliatelle and cream-filled "lobster tails," cannoli (plain or chocolate-dipped) and assorted Italian cookies. All of these can be ordered in individual servings or by the dozen (pastries) or pound (cookies), to eat in the cafe or to take away. Just like their deli items...

Italian Cheeses

Sweet Sopressata, Sharp Provolone, Scamorza Garlic Bread, and Meatballs in sauce 

- the at-home feast of foods we bought at La Via del Gusto

DELI: Italian meats, like prosciutto, capicolla, salami and sopressatta are among the deli choices at La Via del Gusto. But what is meat without cheese in the old world? Parmigiano-Reggiano, scamorza, Grana Padano, provolone - take your pick. You're sure to find one that is crumbly, stinky, salty, smoky, or nutty enough to suit your needs. If you need a quick breakfast or lunch sandwich, look no further. Claudio's Classic Italian Combo is the way to go - ham, Genoa salami and sopressata with your choice of cheese, veggies, and special housemade roasted pepper cream, or any other combination for a grinder or panini you can think up, will be magnificently stuffed with freshly sliced Italian-style formaggi and carni.   

Serving up a hefty sandwich

MARKET: La Via del Gusto also has a market area with shelves overflowing with imported pastas of every shape, bottles of olive oil and vinegar, tomato sauces and other Italian specialty items. They also sell their own items such as meatballs, spaghetti sauce, soups and more. Which means you can buy the best ingredients to make your dinner from scratch, or get that dinner ready-made to simply heat and eat. 

Oils, vinegars, tomatoes, sauces

 Homemade Meatballs are vacuum-packed and ready to heat 'n eat

Pastas of every shape

So, Manchesterians, next time you are craving the culinary delights of Italy, rather than wrestle with traffic on I-84 into Hartford, keep it truly local and travel "the way of taste" to La Via del Gusto. 

The Menu

La Via del Gusto is located at 255 Broad Street, in the old Strano Bakery Building. They are open Monday-Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Their phone number is 860-432-2122, and you can eat in the cafe, take items to go, and/or purchase catered platters and trays.