RSSWhy Small is Sometimes HUGE – (Moccia Italian Meat Market)
June 17th, 2009 by Dawn, Co-founder of Rouxbe
The store front of Moccia (here in Vancouver, BC) is rather small and their selection is not overly extensive; however, their products and service are outstanding. Perhaps it’s because they’re family owned and operated or perhaps it’s just because they believe in and love what they do. You can read more here about their philosophy.
Their salami (especially the one with whole fennel seeds) is so good that I drive across town for it. It has such a nice consistency and flavor and it’s delicious just sliced and served with some cheese and bread.
However, it’s great with pizza. In fact, it’s so good that I can no longer make my pizzas without it. I have now started to buy the whole piece (which is only about $10). It keeps for oodles of time in the refrigerator, so I always have some on hand.
I think the thing I appreciate most about Moccia, is the fact that they are not huge. They are not trying to be or do everything for everyone. They have found a small niche and they stick to it. In the end, we all win, as this ultimately means that they won’t have to compromise on quality or service. And to me, that makes it worth the trip across town. Oh ya, that and the fact that they give out yummy tasters if you want to try different salamis :-)
So I say, thanks to the “small guys” and those that do what they do “on a smaller scale”
Ciao for now
dawn
I am a huge fan of Moccia and the staff. They are always so nice when I go in there. I especially like that they slice some of the salami lengthwise into long, papery-thin strips. It’s great on pizza and sandwiches…I also chopped some up and put it in my pasta and even in my salad yesterday. Like Dawn says, they focus on quality, not quantity, in so many ways. Wish there were more places like this in Vancouver.
People have been asking me which of the salamis do I buy? The three I buy the most are the Spicy Casalingo, the Fennel and the other one I love, I believe is called the Casatorie – it’s long and skinny and they slice it lengthwise for you, into these nice long thin little delicious strips of love!
I did just speak to Claudio at Moccia and he said that they are out of a few things for the next few weeks. You may say “WHAT” – well don’t. This is because they can only do so much at a time. If they tried to do more it would compromise their quality. I absolutely know and believe what they are saying. I know this, because I have been to other stores that also make salami (here in Vancouver) and I have purchased salami and then come home to find that the salami is greasy and way too moist. When I went back and mentioned it to them, they simply said “well ya, it wasn’t ready yet…but we had to keep up”. Personally I don’t know what they were trying to “keep up” to, as I haven’t bought salami their since.
I would rather have to wait until the salami is ready. Besides things are often better when you have to wait for them!
I live in White Rock, B.C., so I decided to call up Moccia to see where they were located. After he told me, he did mention that there was a place in Ocean Park (near White Rock) that he supplies with his sausages. WELL… I went to the store (Del Italia) and bought the ’spicy fennel sausage’. Oh my gosh, is it ever good! They seemed to have a few different kinds of Moccia’s sausages. I can’t wait to make a pizza now – or slice some for my Italian friend. It is excellent.
Dawn, awesome find! I went and checked it out this weekend though was disappointed they were out of the fennel sausage. But, I picked up a box of risotto balls, some of their Casatorie, natural smoked bacon and chicken sausages. I can attest that the people behind the counter are extremely friendly. So much so that they gave me a freshly made risotto ball while I was paying so I could try what I’d just bought. A nice touch and one that brought back childhood memories of getting a free cookie at the bakery! I love this place and will now add it to my “rounds” that also include Columbus Meats and JNZ Deli.