Summer yummies: have a meal, plan a party, grab a picnic

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT /// Roma Italian Deli and Restaurant



DELICIOUS DISH—At top, a dinner special filet mignon ala Palermo: filet medallions crusted with tasty Parmesan capers and garlic, served over toasted grape tomatoes and garlic mashed potatoes. Above, the hands-on new owner of Roma Italian Deli, Domenick Medina.

DELICIOUS DISH—At top, a dinner special filet mignon ala Palermo: filet medallions crusted with tasty Parmesan capers and garlic, served over toasted grape tomatoes and garlic mashed potatoes. Above, the hands-on new owner of Roma Italian Deli, Domenick Medina.

Now that the summer season is in full swing, it’s the perfect time to visit Roma Italian Deli and Restaurant in Newbury Park for all your picnic and party dishes as well as for your lunch or dinner gatherings.

Roma has been serving area residents since 1979, and its longtime customers already know about the huge selection of Italian-style hot and cold subs, hearty pasta, seafood and salad dishes, and delightful meaty and vegetarian meals, not to mention the large selection of scrumptious pizzas.

About a year ago, after 31 years in the business, former owner Philip Hariot took his time choosing someone to take over his pride and joy, finally handing over the reins to new owner Domenick Medina.

At first, Medina said, he was hesitant to change anything on the menu out of respect for the loyal customers, but over the past year he’s been offering a slew of specials, which, with patron approval, often end up on the menu.

But the old favorites are still in demand, including the antipasto salad. It’s heaped high with mixed greens, artichokes, mortadella, ham, Genoa salami, mozzarella, egg, green beans, olives, grilled eggplant, bruschetta and Italian dressing.

Photos by ELA LINDSAY/Acorn Newspapers

Photos by ELA LINDSAY/Acorn Newspapers

There’s a ton of food in all the salads, enough to share, and plenty of vegetarian, seafood and meaty options are available.

Another great thing about Roma Italian Deli and Restaurant is that vegetarians and meat lovers alike can find something to tantalize their taste buds. Also, anyone with diet or health restrictions will be happy to know that gluten-free pasta and pizza crust are also available.

Now that it’s picnic and party time, think of Roma’s as the place to pick up the fixings for a great outdoor meal that will have your family and guests raving about the food. Or bring the gang to the restaurant—indoors you’ll feel like you’re visiting a deli in Italy, or you can sit on the patio when it’s cooler in the evenings for al fresco dining. And don’t forget your pooch, who is also welcome and will get a biscuit and water.

Another option is to rent out the restaurant for a private party of your own. Either way, there are loads of options to please all customers looking for great, Italian-style goodies.

Medina said his focus is on quality.

“I take it really seriously,” he said. “And I don’t take anything for granted. I tell my staff that everything can always be better and that we have to be better than the next guys.”

In this regard, the restaurant makes almost everything from scratch, and Medina said he gets up early to make the bread and pizza dough himself.

And if bread was his business card, people would know right away that quality, freshness and taste are front and center at the Roma deli. The homemade focaccia bread is worth a trip of its own! The soft, thick cloud of yumminess is enhanced by the amazing dipping sauce, worthy of such perfect pillows of bread.

With lots of Italian favorites to choose from, the chicken cacciatore is a hit, with slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone thighs braised in white wine, garlic, onions, bell peppers and tomato served over garlic mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables, the latter still fresh and crunchy.

Medina said his restaurant doesn’t focus on any particular region of Italy in its cuisine; instead tradition and robust flavor are at the forefront, and often he’s trying out new Italian dishes “with a twist,” he said, like one of the newer items, filet mignon ala Palermo—filet medallions grilled to order (I would suggest medium rare or rare) crusted with Parmesan capers and garlic, served over toasted grape tomatoes and garlic mashed potatoes.

I was so full I almost turned down dessert but was glad I didn’t. A couple near me practically swooned when they saw a dish of limoncello creme brule come my way. The delightfully fresh, sweet-and-sour concoction topped with fresh blueberries is definite must-try.

There isn’t enough room to highlight many dishes, but think of your Italian favorites and you’ll be able to find them at the Roma deli. Entrees include eggplant or chicken Parmesan, chicken piccata or marsala, veal osso bucco, 12-ounce ribeye steak grilled to order and grilled salmon.

There are complete menus for carryout family dinners and pickup catering as well.

“Good food isn’t a mistake,” said Medina, who definitely is a hands-on owner who is at his restaurant most days of the week. “I like to share my ideas and lead by example.”

SIP & SAVOR

Roma Italian Deli and Restaurant 2247 Michael Drive Newbury Park Open for lunch Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Open for dinner Sunday through Thursday, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (805) 499-2455