Catalano's: Not Your Average Delicatessen

Truth be told, I don’t normally eat at a lot of delicatessens, not even the chain sub shops.  Subs and sandwiches aren’t normally on the short list of foods that I want to eat.  But my friend, Jessie, knew that I had created this blog and said I must try Catalano’s Delicatessen in downtown Lynchburg since they have the best meatball sub she’s ever had.  She said that not only were the meatballs delicious but the bread was wonderful too.   So, off we went to try it last Wednesday.

My review?  Excellent!  The meatballs and bread were wonderful but the marinara sauce was too.  And that’s saying something because, being from the South, I’m not usually too big on just anybody’s marinara sauce.  I usually find most peoples’ marinara to be too acidic.  I’m used to my Mom putting a little sugar in everything, especially in tomato based sauces, to cut down on the acidity.  However, Catalano’s sauce was perfect! 

What about the prices?  An 8” meatball sub costs $7.95.  It may sound a little high to some but consider that you are getting two inches more than most places that only serve 6” subs.  And the ingredients don’t even begin to compare with some of the chain shops!  Catalano’s Delicatessen uses only quality ingredients, including Boar’s Head meats, and seeks to offer as many local, Virginia made, and organic products as possible. 

• Bread is made by Carter’s Bread and Albemarle Baking Company in Charlottesville.
• The coffee is roasted by Trager Brothers in Lovingston.
• The meat is from Bedford Avenue Meat Shop in Lynchburg.
• Additionally, Catalano’s carries many Virginia products including Route 11 chips, Blue Crab Bay Co. snacks, Edward’s hams and pork products, Caromont Farm cheeses, and Virginia Artesian bottled water.

The restaurant has a cozy, relaxed atmosphere and a loft for additional seating.  The design is clean and crisp but preserves the integrity of the buildings original appearance.  So, who is behind Catalano’s? 

Catalano’s was established in 2011 by the husband and wife team of Clinton Jones and Marisa Catalano.  Both have spent many years in the food and restaurant industry and bring a wealth of knowledge to their new venture.  Their full and impressive profiles, along with their menu, can be found on Catalano’s website at www.catalanosdelicatessen.com.   In addition to offering great food, Catalano’s offers catering services and hosts special events, like wine tastings and cooking classes. 

Catalano’s is located at 908 Main Street in downtown Lynchburg across from the Galleria and they are open Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 3 pm and on Saturdays from 9 am – 6 pm.  Stop in for a bite and tell them Cindy at explorevirginia.blogspot.com sent you!

Taste Selects Confectionery: Cupcakes for the Gourmand

Ever watch Cupcake Wars on the Food Network and wonder why we don’t have a fabulous cupcake specialty bakery in the Lynchburg, VA area?  I did.  But not anymore!  That’s because downtown Lynchburg is home to Taste Selects Confectionery. 

This mythological place became known to me three months ago when I overheard two friends talking.  In fact, since then at least six friends have stared at me aghast on six different occasions when I confided that I had not been to the “cupcake place” before.  They each then proceeded to describe their favorite confections in the most animated and rapturous of ways.  Entire bodies slumped in their seats.  Shoulders drooped.  Heads lifted toward fluorescent lighting as the most serene expressions flitted across and settled on smiling faces.  The vivid descriptions that inevitably followed were liberally interrupted with “umm”, “yum”, and “you have to try it”.  So, try it I did for the first time today. 

Crème Brûlée Cupcake

My son and I stopped by Taste Selects Confectionery and ordered two of their best selling cupcakes—the Chocolate Ganache and the Crème Brûlée.  The Chocolate Ganache consisted of chocolate cake layered with vanilla buttercream dipped in rich ganache and garnished with a fondant flower.  The Crème Brûlée was made of vanilla butter cake filled with sweet vanilla bean custard, finished with vanilla buttercream and shards of caramelized sugar.  Both were rich and decadent and delicious!  We also tried the macaroon, which had the perfect combination of flavors so that it was not too rich or overpoweringly coconut-ty.  It is now a favorite of mine! 

Chocolate Ganache Cupcake

The cupcakery is owned by Beth Baxter who, about six years ago, transformed her lifelong love of baking into a business by making cupcakes for private orders in her basement.  Soon she expanded to a retail store on 460 where she provided treats for local businesses, gift baskets, and hand decorated specialty items.  Taste Selects Confectionery moved to downtown Lynchburg several years ago and has resided at its’ current location at 912 Main Street since April 2011. 

Taste Selects Confectionery offers a wide variety of cupcakes (see menu at www.tasteselects.com), as well as, cookies, brownies, and coffee.  The overall décor is as chic and trendy as any eatery in Soho, NYC.  Plus, the cupcakery has a plum location right next to public parking making it convenient for patrons.  It is open from 10 am - 6 pm Monday through Friday and from 10 am - 4 pm on Saturdays. So, stop in for a little self-indulgence and when you do, tell them Cindy at explorevirginia.blogspot.com sent you!

Macaroon