My first visit to Alimentari was on a weekday afternoon that I later found out was actually their grand opening day. In retrospect, everyone working there did seem to have an almost palpable electric energy about them on that sleepy day and the entire store was spotless. I had taken my time to peruse around and filled my arms with an assortment of jars, cans, and packages from their bountiful wall of pantry offerings when I was handed a huge slab of focaccia to sample. It was incredible! A spoonful of organic balsamic vinegar was next and before the slurp even slid all the way down my throat, I had added a bottle of it to my bounty. I haven't been able to stop thinking or talking about this place and their goodies ever since.
This sunny afternoon, I brought my partner in for lunch and the crowded storefront almost made us turn around. Luckily, we took the time to peak into the back dine-in area and was most surprised to find it completely empty! We shared spaghetti cacio e pepe, fried polenta with salsa verde, and a porchetta sandwich with a healthy smear of chili oil and a couple of sodas. Everything was delicious. We came home with a doggie bag of polenta (with extra salsa verde which they kindly added without my needing to ask) and I still cannot wait to go back next time.