Small Bites

I’ve been in this Italian shop in Nyack a couple of times — mostly stopping for a loaf of bread or a bag of pasta. But today, while waiting for my panino to grill, I poked around a little more carefully. Mike Angarola, the owner, has started offering prepared foods like chicken Parmesan and stuffed shells, and he told me he’s clearing out the whole display case to make room for more. There’s also a really nice selection of cheese — even the hard-to-find stuff like taleggio.

And, like I said, it’s a great place to stop on the way home for a fresh loaf of bread. Gracie’s carries Balthazar.

I also like this feature. Buy a bottle of Gracie’s olive oil once, then you can come back and fill it up with your choice of varieties later:

Isn’t that the coolest? Of course he has the fancy kind above the jugs, too.

And here’s a chance for audience participation: If you know how to cook a great Italian dish, come in and cook it on Thursday and it can be the daily special that day. So far only a few people have taken advantage of it (including Mike’s pediatrian), but he’s hoping for more participation soon. Hmmm — I’ve got a good sauce recipe…..

140 Main St. (entrance on Franklin Street), Nyack. 845-727-1600.

Photo Caption: library-9739.jpg