ABOVE: The chicken and arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette, a staple at Enzo’s. (Of course, since I know the secret Minturnese handshake, I got it with an extra cutlet on top.)
ENZO’S ITALIAN FINE FOODS: 231 HOPE STREET, STAMFORD
2/15/2010
Every time I walk into Enzo’s on Hope Street it’s like a bocce league reunion.
But that’s not why I go, it’s all about the food.
Enzo Cardillo opened his namesake deli a couple of years ago after working at A&S Italian Fine Foods in Fairfield. But Enzo’s is decidedly more low-key.
Sam Laria, who owns a landscaping company in New Canaan, and his friends hold court at the table nearest the counter at lunch every day. They go for the daily specials; last week everybody was talking about the pork chops, but the stuffed peppers looked pretty decent too.
Perennial favorites are the fresh caprese salad and the signature prosciutto panini with a delicate combination of mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and balsamic – pretty standard fare but definitely worth checking out.
I’ve become a big fan of the chicken and arugula salad. It’s a nice mix of peppery arugula, tomatoes, onions and grilled chicken with a balsamic vinaigrette. The best part is, it only sets you back six bucks.
Enzo also makes fresh mozzarella daily, as well as some of his own desserts, like the rice pudding and the cornetti (a flaky pastry similar to a croissant).
If you are looking for some down-home Italian cooking in addition to a full deli menu, give Enzo’s a shot.
–CP
