Genuinely Italian, Genuinely Delicious
Marco Minieri could not help repeating this phrase, describing the piadini sandwiches (on imported Italian flatbread) he and wife Allison Kimmel prepare at their Bottega Bocconi, which they call an Italian Market, Salumeria (deli) and Caffeteria (sandwich shop). He insists on not “mixing the meats,” as they do in Italian-American grinders, in order to highlight the flavor of the prosciutto, mortadella, salami or porchetta (there are also veggie piadini, with marinated eggplant or arugula with mozzarella and garnishes). The chef-partners also turn out delicious take-home soups, sauces (a signature Bolognese, from Minieri’s home turf), meatballs and baked pasta dishes. Minieri came to the U.S. 14 years ago to be a chef, but when he realized the stark differences between “real Italian food” and typical Italian-American food, he wanted to share his knowledge, eventually opening his own shop (in 2019). He considers the market’s wares to be 99% imported, including bread, packaged cookies, olive oil, deli meats and cheeses, frozen pizzas, gelato and much, much more. With a fan base near First Beach, the Middletown Bottega Bocconi will definitely be hopping this summer! Also find them in Portsmouth.
36 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown. 401.324.5766 (parking in rear). Also, 1965 E. Main Rd., Portsmouth. 401.251.4122. BottegaBocconi.co
