Long before you taste the goodness created in the Marini’s Italian Foods kitchen, you know you’re in for a treat.
Whether it’s the aroma of pasta sauce bubbling on the stove or the colourful array of olives in the deli case, this is a local shop not only worth discovering, but exploring.
Foodies know they’ll find the authentic oils, vinegars, truffles and other unique ingredients to make their food truly special, but there’s much more in store.
Offering Old World quality in the heart Surrey, “the benefit of a small business like ours is the quality of the food and the affordably priced home-cooked meals,” explains Cathy Bach – Barone by birth – chef and owner with husband Randy Bach. “Our customers really love the quality of our food and the service they enjoy right in their neighbourhood.”
A culture of food and family
Seven years ago, following a career as a retail executive, Cathy was excited to tap into her Italian heritage at Marini’s, which has served the community at its current location for more than 25 years.
“Food is at the centre of every Italian family. Everyone gathers around the kitchen table for eating and drinking and enjoying each other’s company,” she says.
With that in mind, Cathy shows today’s busy parents that her “ready to serve” meals for soccer night can be a great thing!
Serving traditional flavours
“The traditional Italian lasagna is my No. 1 item – between the meat and vegetable varieties we’re doing 100 lasagnas a week,” Cathy says. “You can usually come in and pick up a single portion or our one-kilogram size, but anything larger is a special order that we’re happy to prepare for you.”
Other popular favourites include meatballs, stuffed cannelloni, prepared meat and cheese trays perfect for entertaining, and a variety of sauces to take home to dress your own pasta.
“They always say, ‘It’s just like cooking it myself!’ and I say, ‘You don’t have to tell anyone I cooked it,” Cathy says with a laugh.
Sought-after Italian foods and ingredients are also on the shelf, including many non-GMO options.
Fresh and affordable
Prepared fresh through the week with no preservatives, affordable options include delicious sandwiches, plus single home-cooked meals starting at just $6.99.
Partnerships with a local Italian baker and butcher ensure a fresh supply of traditional breads as well as sausages – both “the sweet and the hot,” or “mild” and “spicy” in Canadian terms. “They’re amazing on the barbecue, but equally amazing in sauces.”
Turning to dessert, Cathy’s hand-made cannolis are a must-try: The not-too-sweet treat features imported Sicilian shells stuffed with traditional ricotta filling.
Try Cathy’s Tiramisu, with coffee flavour and mascarpone, or for special occasions, order a classic St. Honore “cream puff” cake, Black Forest or Diplomat cake. Order by Wednesday to have your cake for the weekend.
Discover the Marini’s Italian Foods at 15151 Fraser Hwy. in Surrey or visit on Facebook for the latest news and promotions.
