An Italian deli in Mystic and I didn’t know about it? How have I missed it all these years? It wasn’t until my friend mentioned one night that she had to work in the morning at the Italian deli in Mystic that I learned of Pasta Fresca & Piadina. Of course that caught my attention right away.

My mouth watered as my friend told me about the Italian Trio, meatball and eggplant grinders, the daily soup specials and the buffalo chicken chili! I couldn’t get there fast enough to check it out for myself.

It’s not often that I get to Mystic on a Saturday afternoon before 2:00.  Since we slept late and had to be in Westerly later that afternoon it was the perfect day to head over to Mystic for lunch at the deli.

We pulled up just before closing. When we walked in I was immediately greeted by name (how did she know my name?) I could see my friend working hard in the back making grinders – the biggest grinders I’ve ever seen! Holy cow! There were two customers sampling and raving about the buffalo chicken chili and there on the counter sat my container (I was advised to call earlier to reserve.)

Tia Bettencourt, the owner, told us she purchased the deli 2 1/2 years ago from a gentlemen that owned and operated the deli for almost 30 years.  She continued to run the business the same way it had been for decades making sure to maintain the deli’s loyal customers.

Don’t let the size of the deli fool you! There is no inside seating…it’s take out only. They offer made to order sandwiches, grinders, daily specials, soups, salads, meals to go, chips and drinks. All made fresh daily! We ordered lunch and picked up food to go; an eggplant parm meal, homemade meatballs with sauce, and macaroni and potato salad. We were all set for lunches next week!

Tia was not kidding when she says, “No one leaves hungry!” Wow! We estimated my “small” grinder weighed over 3 lbs! Genoa, pepperoni and capicola! We laughed and thought I couldn’t possibly eat the whole thing!

It was a beautiful sunny day so we drove to the marina and enjoyed our lunch alongside the Mystic River. We were right! I could barely eat half. There was enough left over to make a grinder for Mike and I to share the next day!

It’s no surprise why the customers keep coming back.  The food was excellent and the owner and staff were lovely. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for the daily specials! Next time I will be sure to get there earlier for the Saturday Special – eggplant grinder! You should, too!

Oh and if you’re having a gathering….she caters, too!  Italian meat platters…Oh my!

Pasta Fresca & Piadina is open Monday -Wednesday 10:00-3:00, Thursday & Friday 10:00-5:00 and Saturday 9:00-2:00.  They’re located near the train station on 9 Lincoln Avenue, Mystic, CT.  When you go be sure to tell Tia that Out and About Allie sent you!  Buon Appetito!