takeout frozen cannelloni
Avoid these gluey tubes. Even Stouffers could do better.    [18 Jun 2003 22:41:05]

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     ­Anonymous   

Great Deli!
Great traditional Italian deli.    [20 Jun 2003 16:58:49]

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Recommended Dishes: Zucchini Torta

     ­rogndi, Oakland   

They come in 2nd only to my Nonna
My Nonna was born in San Francisco. My father was born in Oakland as were my many siblings, my children, grandchildren and I. With that little bit of history, my Italian heritage has brought me to many Italian delis from an early age i.e. Ratto's, Davini's and many many more that I can not even remember the names of. Oakland had a plethora of delis in those days (I mean 'BACK IN THE DAY').

By the mid-seventies only a few remained. Genova was always one of my favorites. As a kid at Christmas time, I remember walking in with my nonna and the smells were like, like ...well you just had to be there.
You see, my nonna spoiled me. She was the greatest cook in the world. I know, everyone thinks that their grandmother is the best cook, but my Nonna really was. She fed us foods that she made from scratch that today are delicacies. Back then they were known as food. Some were peasant foods to be exact. Foods like, polenta, risotto, tripe, tongue, brains, etc. We didn't know that. We just knew it was GOOOOD!

But my favorite (besides her stuffed zucchini), was her ravioli. She mai eit all from scratch. The filling, the dough and best even yet, her MEAT SAUCE! After she passed on to her reward, the only place, AND I MEAN THE ONLY PLACE that even came close to her meat raviolis and meat sauce was (and still is) Genova. I've noticed a few changes in the sauce over the years. But whom ever is making it now has got it pretty close to my Nonna's (if it isn't broke, don't fix it)!

I know these guys are busy most the time, but do yourself a favor next time and walk past the freezers and ask for boxes of fresh of meat ravs and fresh meat sauce from the back. You'll never go frozen again.

As for everything else they have to offer, what can I say. My wife and I will go in and buy 4 to 6 weeks worth of selected dried meats (soprasetta, panchetta, copa proscuto, imported mortadella, etc). Cheeses like provolone, good imported swiss. Almond cakes and the little boxed nougats that were my childhood's delight especially at Christmas!

I could go on for ages, but second to being an American, it's really great being Italian, and I really want to share these simple things with my grandchildren, so someday they can share them with theirs.    [17 Jan 2007 14:18:18]

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Recommended Dishes: Meat Raviolis w/ Meat Sauce (fresh, not frozen)

     ­name withheld at reviewer's request   

Disgusting
Went for the first time today to Genova Delicatessen in Napa for lunch.
There was a long line of customers waiting patiently, so I figure this must be a good place to eat.
The food display looked fresh and appetizing.
I order a croissant buscetta. To my amazement the employee picked up the meat with her bare hand. I though, I hope she washed her hands good. Then she proceeded to the cashier, picked up my money with her bare hands and went straight back to grab more meat for the next sandwich.
I could not believe such a disregard for the most elementary hygienic precaution.
Was I in a third world country or what?
I'll never get back there anymore.
C L
St Helena CA    [06 Feb 2007 23:20:29]

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     ­Anonymous