By Merle Exit
If you are fond of “grandma’s cooking,” especially Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, you will not have to take the family out to dine.
Russo’s on the Bay Fresh Gourmet has launched its own brand, which is now being featured at the Key Food supermarket in Howard Beach.
You cannot simply dine at the catering hall or do takeout at its restaurant Vetro. Instead, the 28-foot section of the Key Food deli has it all to either host your own party or simply dine with your family as you create whatever atmosphere you wish and wear whatever pleases you.
“Families are experiencing a shifting pattern,” Frank Russo Jr. said. “There is less time for quality family dinners, conversations and real connection between your family members. For many of us, it feels like we never stop running and responding to our devices.
“Fine dining is taking a shift as well. With Russo’s on the Bay Fresh Gourmet, our mission is to make exceptional dining easier to enjoy for everyday couples, families and friends.”
Executive Chef Michael DeGeorgio is responsible for the food, prepared by the chefs of Russo’s on the Bay, which will be brought over multiple times per day to ensure the maximum quality of freshness. It has been designed to feature a variety of appetizers, entrees and side dishes. In addition to ordering from the counter, there is a “Grab to Go” section of homemade pastas and sauces.
“Those who have never dined at either Russo’s on the Bay or Vetro have the opportunity to taste our menus and experience the freshness and quality of our cuisine,” Russo said. “All of the food, except for what you would normally serve cold, is pre-cooked. Instructions for heating will be included as well as the list of ingredients.”
Items include stuffed shrimp, risotto with spinach, pork osso bucco, grilled salmon, lobster mac and cheese, veal spiedini, grilled octopus pie, calamari salad, eggplant caponata, chicken romano and even Chinese spareribs.
DeGeorgio said he will be handling quality control along with the Key Food team to ensure freshness and training the staff to be clear on the ingredients of each item so there are no problems with a customer’s allergies.
Key Food is at 163-30 Cross Bay Blvd.
