Lo Adoro Italian Market
It seems that everyone is feeling the frustration of traveling out of the country these days. Canceled flights, pre-travel Covid testing — no matter which way you look at it, traveling abroad is a hassle. But, we might just have the perfect solution: stay-at-home traveling! That’s right, bring Europe to you! First, download some Italian music (hint: go for some Bocelli or Pavarotti, not that lousy Italian wannabe rock), lower the curtain on your window so the neighbor’s Red Sox flag is out of view, and stock your kitchen with as many authentic imported Italian goodies as you can — and we’re not talking about Ragu tomato sauce here (leave that to the Italian rock music lovers) — we’re talking about authentic Italiano! So, how does one find authentic Italian foods on Cape Cod? Head over to the corner of Jarves Street and Route 6A in Sandwich.
Lo Adoro Italian Market is fully stocked with imported pastas of every fan-shape, fold and twist, from spaghetti meccas like Sicily and Puglia. Heavenly sinful anise, vanilla and chocolate-flavored Pizzelle (waffle cookies) line the shelves, and extra virgin olive oils, with flavors ranging from porcini mushroom to garlic and chili, are stocked to make the most of your “vacanza falsa” (fake vacation). Bruschetta bakers can get their toppings fix from jarred and ready-to- smear grilled zucchini, sun dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts and olives. But what trip through Italia would be complete without a sip of something sweet? For the cocktail lover, check out the back wall for ready-to-swig elixirs like Negroni and Limoncello. The exclusively Italian wine selection is carefully chosen by owner David Whynot with prices starting from $14 to a $250 rare vintage Barolo. For those looking for something a bit stronger than a Chianti (and with no flights to catch, why not?), small batch, organic bottles of vodka and gin from Italy are also available.
Whynot originally stopped in at the store’s former location, a few miles east on 6A, and instantly fell in love with the store, which happened to be for sale. “I guess you can say that my love of Italy stems from my 10 years in the Navy. I loved pulling into port in Greece and Dubai, but Italy always held a great fascination for me. The culture, the food, I couldn’t get enough of it!”
In summer, cool off by sticking your head in the Lo Adoro refrigerators for a look around. Italian ices, chocolate mousse and fresh sorbets line the frosty shelves (we recommend the mascarpone gelato with fresh berries, but the espresso and coconut gelatos should definitely be considered). For dinner the Parmesans — chicken or eggplant — deliver enough sweetness and zest to make one consider throwing their passport in “la spazzatura” (the trash), but the refrigerator’s “deliziosa stella” is no doubt the fresh frozen pasta selection. A sampling of gnocchi makes it hard to choose just one, and an array of ravioli are available and stuffed with anything from short rib, mushroom, spinach and ricotta to four-cheese, seafood, or fig with prosciutto and mascarpone, all ready to pop into a pot of bubbling salt water. To accompany the dozens of frozen fresh or dry pasta are steak tips, mouthwatering meatballs and sausages of various kinds and don’t forget to grab a little of David’s homemade tomato sauce.
The new location on Jarves Street (open every day from 11am-6pm) made Lo Adoro a local hub overnight. Every weekend over the summer David’s brother Adam — who does everything from making sandwiches, restocking, and watering the tomato plants in the window — has been manning the Lo Adoro grill, making grilled sandwiches or sausage subs for anyone within a smoky scent away. Locals pop in daily to check out the unique cheese selection or snack on a sandwich from their deli case (it should be noted that all the sandwiches are named after neighborhood pooches, including the “Suede” sandwich, with two kinds of prosciutto, Taleggio cheese and orange fig spread on ciabatta, making both dog and sandwich beloved by the neighborhood). Further plans to wow the growing Lo Adoro fan base include an expanded lunch menu and the addition of a pizza oven. So, say “arrivederci” to Logan airport, check out Lo Adoro Italian Market, and let your taste buds take the trip for you.
Lo Adoro Italian Market
132 Route 6A at Jarves St., Sandwich
774-205-2281
facebook.com/loadoromarket
