"We’d trust the Delaurenti deli counter to cater a fancy charcuterie party, as they’ve got some of the best hand-sliced cured meats around. Thus, we also trust them with a lunchtime grinder. Mortadella makes a rare appearance here, and we like how the squeaky bologna-like texture gets along well with fat-studded salami slices. It’s all sealed up on a bouncy Macrina baguette moistened by garlic mayonnaise. When in Pike Place, skip Michou and grab this instead." - aimee rizzo
"DeLaurenti is an Italian specialty market that carries a ton of local and imported products like crackers, jams, olive oils, nuts, chocolate, spices, and even potato chips. (The big can of Bonilla A La Vista chips is well worth $38.99.) They also carry the best selection of cured meats and cheese in the entire city. And upstairs, there's a majestic section of hard-to-find wine and beer. We suggest making your own spread as a DIY lunch, or grabbing a cold cut sandwich from their front case. For dessert, don’t forget filled-to-order cannolis. Or the incredible homemade chocolate chip cookie. Or the delicious linzer tarts. Just get all of it." - aimee rizzo
"If you need some inspiration before choosing exactly what you want to be eating on your picnic blanket, stop inside DeLaurenti (or order same-day delivery from Monday-Friday). This Italian specialty market carries a ton of local and imported products like crackers, jams, honey, nuts, chocolate, spices, and Torres potato chips, which we’re convinced are the best on the planet (dare you to change our minds). DeLaurenti carries so much wine that their online bottle list is a 27-page PDF, and they also have the best selection of charcuterie and cheese in the city. Make your own spread of these things, or just grab a truffle oil-drizzled prosciutto sandwich and a couple of Linzer tarts." - aimee rizzo
"If there were a reality competition called So You Think You Can Quarantine, my partner Ben and I would win that thing for all the marbles. No grocery stores. No public transportation. No seeing our families back in New York until there’s a vaccine. Even our Animal Crossing avatars wear masks. So instead of real vacations, we’ve done truly weird AirBnb stays, like this one chic post-apocalyptic bunker isolated on a vineyard construction site. Every time I’d order supplies for a “vacation,” my first virtual stop would be DeLaurenti. Their decadent, buttery prosciutto di San Daniele (a.k.a. The Lamborghini of ham) always found its way into my online cart. Now I associate this ultra-aged, paper-thin cured pork with moments spent reconnecting with a person I’m incredibly grateful to have - all while taking a beat from this dark, water-doused grease fire of a year." - carlo mantuano, aimee rizzo
"Wait a minute, the Italian grocery store where you can buy Taylor Ham, Girl Meets Dirt preserves, and Christmas panettone under one roof? Yes, it’s also a spritz bar. At the upstairs wine shop, you can nab a table, fill out an order form, and hand it to a staff member who will bring you something topped with bubbles alongside snacks from the shelves. Shopping at peak times is a lot better when you can take a leisurely Campari-soaked pitstop." - aimee rizzo