I sort of get the impression that Stasio’s Italian Deli & Market is a work in progress and that the people doing the work aren’t exactly sure themselves what the final product will be.
But for all the tentativeness in the air, the food that I’ve sampled so far is solidly good.
I dropped in for an order to go because one of the things that is still uncertain is whether Stasio’s wants people to dine in. There’s a marble ledge at the windows for people to eat at, and a couple of outdoor tables. But it definitely isn’t a linger-over-dinner spot.
The menu is mainly sandwiches, though a couple of hot items, including a baked ziti dish, were pointed out to me at the counter, which is where one places an order. I chose the sandwich named after the place and another called The Package.
The Stasio was a cold sandwich with prosciutto, capicola, soppresata, roasted red peppers and mozzarella cheese in a very large but fresh roll. Actually, the sandwiches aren’t so much served on rolls than on loaves. And the size has a lot to do with the cost: $13 for my Stasio. The meats were plentiful and it was a good sandwich, though if I’d been dining in I might have asked for some extra oil and vinegar to oomph it up a bit.
The Package featured meatballs, spicy Italian sausage smothered in marinara and covered with a cloak of melted mozzarella. You know, a package. Good spicings in the sauce, and I liked it better than the Stasio, though I found the meatballs a bit too moist.
Staff were helpful in pointing out the process, such as it exists now. Menus on the counter, place your order there, pay over there, wait for someone to call your name.
While you wait, you can stroll through the few shelves that warrant the market designation. I liked seeing several upscale imports that aren’t available in most neighborhood markets.
But would I think to come there to shop for ingredients for an Italian dinner? Probably not, nor would I think to make it a destination to enjoy one.
But like I said, Stasio’s seems to be figuring things out as it goes. I like the way it’s going so far.
Stasio’s Italian Deli & Market is at 210 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. It seems to be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, though that information is neither on its Facebook page nor its website, which it does not have. The phone number is 407-277-7755.
