Delizioso: Defalco’s Italian Deli

The Dishes: Italian Combo on Marble Bread, Italian sausage smothered in marinara
The Place: DeFalco’s Italian Eatery and Grocery, Scottsdale
The Location: 2334 N Scottsdale Road, Suite 133A, Scottsdale, Arizona 85257

By: Blake M. Wilson

The bell rings as I enter into stacks of imported Italian goods. Naturally, the rows of wine draw me through the grocery and up to the order counter. This is about the time I pull out my regular patron stamp card in preparation for my consistent meals to earn me an eventual sandwich for free. Or maybe a calzone. Or maybe pasta. I don’t know yet. I’m not an open book.

This trip, however, I order up the usual, Italian combo on marble with slices of avocado and a fried egg in between. Since I like to treat myself, I order the side Italian sausage drenched in juicy marinara sauce. Why, yes. I did in fact use it for sandwich dipping! Thanks for asking.

I take my seat among the Italian-clad packaging, awaiting “351!!” to echo through the dried pasta shells and coffee grinds. The plate finally arrived, steam emanating from the vast array of meats under the slice. The reddish-browns of ham, salami, pepperoni, mortadella, the cream colors of the fried egg and provolone, the accent of the green avocado. The hues of the sandwich, turn my face tomato sauce red, blushing from the excitement of the first bite directly down the middle.

“Move aside Italian sausage!” my sandwich presumably exclaims as I cover one end in the marinara. The tangy flavors of the sauce give my warm sandwich the perfect side kick to round out the circle of taste. Washed down with my iced tea, the meal is a satisfyingly perfect amount of food for lunch. Not too much. Not too little.

Sandwich lovers will love the chow, and world travelers will love the vibe. Beyond their wide selection of hot and cold sandwiches, their authentic food ranging from fettuccine alfredo to their cannolis will bring you back to this little corner spot just south of Old Town.

Now, I myself am not Italian. I understand this may raise questions to the validity of my claims for those whose roots stretch back to the Mediterranean. All of them should know that a close Italian buddy of mine, one that refuses to eat the majority of pizza joints for authenticity’s sake, advocates for the place to everyone he knows. I’m pretty sure he expects to be buried with one of their hot beef and juices sandwiches. This should undoubtedly solve any concerns.

It’s the Valley’s little slice of the Italian peninsula.