COMMUNITY & CULTURE
IN AND AROUND THE HILL
Gioia ’ s Deli Sure , it ’ s been singled out by the James Beard Foundation as an “ American Classic ,” making Gioia ’ s one of only five restaurants in the country to receive the coveted award this year . But for generations , St . Louisans have been waxing poetic about the glorious Hot Salami , made just like Charlie Gioia did when he opened the deli almost a century ago . We won ’ t judge if you consider Gioia ’ s Hot Salami sandwich a top answer to the ever-present “ If you were stranded on a deserted island ..?” question . Chances are , it would probably top our list , as well . gioiasdeli . com
DiGregorio ’ s Market Foodies and home cooks alike will find whatever their hearts desire for an Italian feast at this family-owned and -operated grocer . Browse the aisles for all sizes and shapes of pasta , hard-to-find authentic Italian Marzano tomatoes for marinara , and an impressive selection of wine to pair with anything and everything . Stop at the meat counter for DiGregorio ’ s made-from-scratch sausages ( more than 30 different kinds !), as well as the deli , for a dizzying array of Italian meats and cheeses . Have you ever been giddy about the frozen food aisle ? You will be here as you get a load of the selection : more than a dozen kinds of ravioli ( veal and sage or lobster , anyone ?) and other stuffed pasta , meatballs , pizza - even pizza dough - and sauces . Looking for olive oil in bulk ? Don ’ t miss the big drum behind the counter ! digregoriofoods . com
Steve ’ s Hotdogs This is definitely not your ordinary hotdog stand . From the colorful menu board to the tongue-in-cheek hotdog and macaroni and cheese selections ( like the Macho Nacho dog topped with Doritos and the MacGyver layered pasta bowl ), this eatery is quickly becoming just as famous as its namesake . Steve Ewing , the front man for The Urge , began the concept with a food cart , selling hot dogs to ravenous fans after his shows . Now , his original storefront on The Hill is one of three locations in the city . steveshotdogsstl . com
The Hot Salami from Gioia ' s
FESTA ITALIANA AND COLUMBUS DAY PARADE 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Sunday , Oct . 1 12:30 p . m . Parade begins in front of Shaw Elementary School ( Columbia Avenue and Edwards Street ) Parade ends at Berra Park ( from Marconi Avenue to Daggett Avenue )
1 to 5 p . m . Festa Italiana at Berra Park Food , drink and dessert vendors , live and DJ entertainment , games
Photos at lower right and opposite page by Justin Barr
Herbaria Herbaria Soap , which began as a kitchen experiment , now has a loyal following across all 50 states and around the world . The handcrafted , skin-friendly soaps come in 60-plus varieties . Our favorite scents include Pink Grapefruit , Triple Mint Oatmeal , Patchouli Orange , French Lavender and Evergreen . Ask for a free tour for an intoxicating behind-the-scenes experience . herbariasoap . com
Anthonino ’ s Taverna We realize everyone has a favorite Italian place on The Hill - and this happens to be ours - but what makes Anthonino ’ s unique is the added bonus of Greek menu items , courtesy of the Scarato brothers ’ Greek-Italian heritage . You ’ ll savor every bite of their Toasted Ravioli (“ Diners , Drive-Ins & Dives ” -approved ), fresh pasta and ravioli made in-house , and Greek comfort foods like Dolmathes , Spanakopita and Saganaki ( we order this one every time ). But wait ! Did we tell you about the pizza ? We can honestly say it ’ s the best . There , we just said it . Try the Ricotta or Margherita – you are welcome ! Plus , the cherry on top : bona fide great service . anthoninos . com
SAVVY I SOPHISTICATED I SASSY 79