At Verducci’s Italian Market It’s All About the Passion
The Verducci name has already become synonymous with top quality food at affordable prices on the barrier islands. That reputation is also getting to the mainland as word of St. Pete Beach’s new “Little Italy” spreads. With over 60 years of combined experience owning and operating several successful restaurants, Vinny and Giovanni decided to pursue their dream of opening an Italian Market.
Their commitment to quality and attention to detail shines through the minute you walk in the front door. The renaissance of this building is remarkable and the treats available inside are mostly new to the beaches. Verducci’s Market is the kind of place hostesses run all over their respective cities to find, right here at 7800 Blind Pass Road in north St. Pete Beach. “People who want to live their lives well are seeking out fresh, home-made food, prepared without preservatives. That is what Verducci’s Market is here to provide,” says co-owner Vinny Fortunato.
The passion is obvious. Here, you will be sure to find something delicious for everyone. Renee and I have brought several friends and neighbors there for lunch with great reception. I have overheard several customers saying they don’t ever have to go to the mainland again. Fresh baked breads, pizzas, Italian pastries, high quality deli meats, fine imported cheeses, Italian wines, coffees, pastas, homemade red and pink vodka sauces, fresh produce, dressings and fine imported packaged goods line the shelves in the lobby, which is bordered by a variety of coolers.
The southwest corner features an authentic brick oven, imported from Italy, part of the secret behind the Italian market’s great breads, pizza pies, Calzones and Strombolis. The stainless steel cater
ing kitchen covers the western wall with gleaming displays of fresh cut bacon-wrapped filet mignon for under $5, and thick New York strips. Lollipop lamb chops and Italian sausages share display cases with a huge variety of freshly-made Italian specialties like eggplant, veal, chicken, vegetables and pastas. Their home-made red sauces and Pink Vodka Sauce are sold by the pint.
At the north end is an incredible olive bar with top quality olives of every color and flavor. The coffee, wine and dessert bar on the north wall guards the entrance to the “wine room”. The walls of this room are covered with bottles of Italian wines, displayed in a resting pose that ensures the corks are always wet, and all kept at a perfect temperature.
You can try a glass of most any wine before you take home a bottle.
The success of Verducci’s restaurant has proven a challenge for the market. Parking is at a premium all over the beach, but the popularity of Verducci’s Trattoria prompted the hiring of a parking lot attendant. To minimize conflicts, Verducci’s Market is introducing breakfasts in addition to lunches.
Imagine yourself seated at the coffee and pastry counter or at a table on the front deck or inside for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner. He and Johnny have been tweaking the market times, adding Sunday hours. Now they are looking at opening earlier. “We are getting into breakfasts in a big way” says Vinny Giovanni. “There are 198 restaurants in St. Pete Beach and only a handful offer breakfast” he continues, “…and none of them offer what we plan to offer.”
Another option at which Verducci’s market can excel is off-site catering. A brand new catering menu is available with suggestions and surprisingly affordable prices to serve 6-16 people from Antipasto to Tiramisu. Their young catering team showed what they could do when they got on the Thanksgiving meal to go bandwagon. Reports say the thanksgiving meal was nothing short of spectacular. Just a few blocks from two of the largest churches on the south barrier islands and the St. Pete Beach recreation center, Verducci’s Market is a great choice for birthdays, weddings and anniversary party catering.
Whatever you try at Verducci’s, you can be confident it is made and served with pride and passion.
The NEW market hours are 8 am – 5 pm – six days a week and 9 am – 4 pm on Sundays. Call (727) 201-9740 or visit their website for more information at www.verduccismarket.com.
Story by Peter A. Roos