Month: August 2025

Add a little flare to your burgers

Is there anything more iconic than a juicy burger? From backyard barbecues to gourmet restaurants, this BBQ staple has captured hearts and taste buds worldwide. And what better way to honor this culinary masterpiece than with a dedicated day of celebration? National Burger Day is August 28th!

Whether it’s a classic cheeseburger, a gourmet concoction, or a plant-based alternative, burgers are a classic summer meal and there are so many ways to enjoy them! 

Different kinds of cheeses, different toppings, different buns… There is so much you can do. With Labor Day around the corner, make the most of what’s left of the grilling season and get creative with your burgers. 

The Perfect Burger

Everyone has their own idea of the perfect burger. Some prefer it simple with just cheese, lettuce, and tomato, while others love to experiment with bold flavors and unique toppings. Here are 5 different ways to take your burger to the next level

Add guacamole

Our homemade guacamole is a fantastic addition to any burger. Its creamy texture, fresh flavors, and hint of spice elevate the classic burger experience. You can go even further and add complementary toppings like grilled onions, jalapeños, pepper jack cheese or bacon

Use mini focaccia as the bun

A real game changer! We all know that bread has the power to make or break a sandwich and the same goes with a burger. Slice our homemade mini focaccia in half and use it as a bun for your burger! No burger will ever be the same after! 

Try a stuffed burger

If you want to try something different, head to our meat department and try one of our stuffed burgers! We have a variety of burgers that are filled with a mixture of ingredients and will make your tastebuds happy! We have cheddar jalapeno, black pepper, blue cheese, cheddar bacon, and cheddar stuffed!

Add chili

Chili on a burger is a classic combination that delivers a hearty and flavorful experience. The rich, savory chili complements the juicy burger patty perfectly. Award winning, our La Bella Romana Chili is made from scratch daily in our kitchen commissary. We use fresh ground beef and ground pork from our meat department. Our veggies come straight from our produce department. We use strictly california tomatoes and a special, hand mixed blend of herbs and spices that make it different from any chili you’ve had before! 

Add different veggies 

Veggies can change the whole flavor of the burger! Roasted Red Peppers are sweet and smoky, adding a Mediterranean touch. Fried Pickles are crispy and tangy. Caramelized Onions: are sweet and savory. Sun-Dried Tomatoes add a burst of Mediterranean flavor.Grilled Corn is sweet and juicy which adds a summery touch. There are so many different options!

Burger Italiano 

Our burger Italiano recipe is a great one to try for National Burger Day! Think Sunday dinner meets burger night with this delicious combo! An Italian-style hamburger elevates the classic American burger with the rich, aromatic flavors of Italian cuisine. These Italian-inspired burgers incorporate common Italian ingredients and seasonings into the patty and toppings.

The Recipe: https://www.shopcaputos.com/recipes/burger-italiano

With labor day coming up, the grills will already be going and it’s a perfect excuse to try one of these new ideas! 

At Caputo’s, we take our meats and cheeses very seriously which is why we import varieties from all over the world. 

This makes Caputo’s a go-to destination for all your charcuterie and antipasto needs. August 26th is National Charcuterie Board Day which is a great reason to look into the delicious and customizable world of charcuterie. 

Creating a charcuterie board is easier than you think and something you can have fun doing! Check out these 4 simple tips on how to create a fantastic charcuterie board and see some products we have that will go great on your boards!

Variety 

The key to a great board is offering a range of flavors and textures. Don’t be afraid to mix and match!

• Meats: Choose a mix of cured and cooked. A soft prosciutto, a spicy or peppered soppressata, and a savory salami offer a delightful trio. You can’t go wrong and you can choose what your guests will love!
• Cheeses: You will want a couple different types of cheeses. A good rule of thumb is to include a soft cheese (like brie or goat cheese), a semi-hard cheese (like cheddar or gouda), and a hard cheese (like parmesan or manchego). It is always good to switch up the cuts and sizes of these cheeses for a variety of textures too!
• Crackers & Bread: A few options here are ideal because they act as a vessel to enjoy, but can also be a palate cleanser too. You can go for a neutral water cracker, a seeded cracker for texture, a cracker with a flavor depending on your preference or even simple slices of a fresh baguette.

Balance

A successful board is all about balance. When picking your items, you can pair your items thoughtfully to create a mixture of flavors in every bite.

• Sweet & Salty: The classic combination! Drizzle honey over a salty prosciutto or place a dollop of fig jam next to a sharp cheddar.
• Crunchy & Creamy: A handful of toasted almonds or walnuts next to a soft brie provides a satisfying contrast in textures.
• Spicy & Mild: A little kick from a spicy salami can be perfectly balanced by a mild, creamy cheese.

 The importance of the “Fillers” 

These are the items that fill the gaps and add color, freshness, and unexpected bursts of flavor. An arrangement of color is another sign of a great board. These fillers are a great opportunity to incorporate some seasonal items and also a great way to add some different textures and flavor profiles to your board.

• Fruits: Grapes, apples, fresh figs, and berries add a juicy sweetness. Dried fruits like apricots or dates are also great for a chewy texture.
• Nuts: Marcona almonds, chocolate covered almonds, coffee flavored nuts, pistachios, or walnuts add a satisfying crunch.
• Olives & Pickles: These provide a briny, acidic note that cuts through the richness of the meats and cheeses. The best part is we have options that range from buttery to sharp to spicy so you can play with flavors here too!
• Spreads & Jams: Honey, fruit preserves, or a savory spread can be the perfect final touch. A little jar can add great shape to your board and 

 Arrangement 

How you present your board is almost as important as what you put on it and you can have fun with this! There really is no wrong way to do it.  

• Start with the Staples: Place your larger items like cheeses and bowls of olives on the board first. This creates a framework.
• The “S” Curve: Arrange your meats in a natural, flowing shape rather than just a flat pile. A folded “S” curve with prosciutto or salami is both elegant and easy.
• Fill in the Gaps: Once your main items are on the board, arrange the fruits, nuts, and crackers in the empty spaces. Don’t be afraid to let things touch and overlap; a full board looks more abundant and inviting.

The best charcuterie boards are a reflection of your own taste and creativity. If you need a little inspiration on where to start and what to include, here are a few items our cheese experts suggest!

Some Classics

Parma Prosciutto- This is a salty meat that is easy to eat and high quality. Cut each piece in quarters and roll each quarter on a bias or an angle. Rolling the meat on an angle changes the taste making it lighter and easy to chew. 

Homemade bocconcini– one of the reasons this is a classic is because we love the taste. Besides that, It is soft and adds a hint of salt!

Castelvetrano olives– This is a green olive imported from Castelvetrano, Sicily. These are buttery and smooth. They are easy to snack on and have an almost sweet flavor. In addition to the taste, the green color is vibrant and beautiful on a charcuterie board.

Some New Must Tries

Principe Sliced Meats

We have a variety of new, pre-sliced Principe meats that are perfect for a charcuterie board because of how easy they are to incorporate! You save a little bit of time because you don’t need to spend the time cutting it and you don’t have to sacrifice quality! The larger size allows for different ways to fold and display, then the different kinds allow for different flavor profiles! These are available in Prosciutto, Pepperoni, Genoa Salami, and Soppressata. 

I Macoritto Grissini

These mini Grissini are mini breadsticks imported from Italy. The dough is kneaded to remove air, resulting in a crispy texture. There are multiple flavors which also makes it great for a 

Woodriver Gouda Gruyere

Arriving early next week, Woodriver Gouda Gruyere is a unique, semi-hard cheese that is a blend of two classic European cheeses: creamy, buttery Gouda and nutty, complex Gruyere. The result is a smooth and creamy cheese with caramel-like sweetness, balanced by a sharp, nutty undertone from the Gruyere

Cady Creek- Truffle Gouda

Also arriving early next week, Cady Creek-Truffle Gouda is a luxurious, semi-hard cheese that combines the creamy, buttery flavor of traditional Gouda with the earthy, rich aroma and taste of black truffles. The cheese is handcrafted using locally sourced Wisconsin milk and Italian black truffles. This cheese has a smooth, creamy texture and a subtle yet sophisticated depth of flavor from the truffle infusion.

Remember, there are no strict rules. So, have fun with it, experiment with new combinations, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious results. Happy Charcuterie Board Day!

Get ready to usher in fall! Join us on September 20th, 2025 at 6pm at our Carol Stream location for our second La Bella Romana Signature Wine Tasting and Chef Showcase!

Grab your friends, make it a date night, or just treat yourself to a fun night out  and indulge in a 4 course plated meal perfectly paired with a unique wine chosen to enhance the flavors and aromas of the dish crafted by our very own Chef Douglas Yeomans!

Take a look at our last event https://youtube.com/shorts/qaSFbu4GEPU?feature=share

Here’s what to expect:

You will be greeted with a welcome wine while you enjoy a delicious, summer appetizer that will bring the freshest flavors of Italy right to you. Then you will be served a 4 course meal and you will be transported to a world of exquisite flavors and aromas.

Our very own executive chef, Chef Douglas Yeomans, who has been an executive chef for over 30 years, will be preparing a meal designed to satisfy every taste bud! Each course will be paired with wines that have been expertly chosen to compliment the dish.

You will hear from our chef about the meal you will enjoy and a wine expert to explain the  different wines all imported from Italy — the taste, the wine makers, discover the depths of the wines, and why they pair well! It is a great way to sample some wines we have on our shelves that you may have never tried before. We will have prosecco, rose, whites, reds, moscato– a little bit of everything. 

You will leave delighted in a delicious meal, filled with wine (and some wine knowledge), and get a step by step recipe for one of the incredible dishes so that you can recreate it at home! In addition we will have a goodie bag for each attendee and we will have some fun raffles! Attendees will enjoy exclusive discounts available that night only on the wines you just tasted.

This is a one of a kind dining experience that will combine delicious dishes, plenty of wine, and a lot of fun to create an unforgettable evening. 

The Menu:

Salad

Spiced Chardonnay Poached Pear and Quick Pickled Cherry Salad with Rose Marinated Red Onion and Black Pepper Goat Cheese Foam garnished with Marconi Almond Brittle over Peppery Arugula with Roasted Cherry White Balsamic Vinaigrette and Balsamic Reduction

Pasta

Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi with Roasted Rainbow Carrot, Fennel and Wild Boar Ragu finished with Smokey Asiago Cream, Parsley Sage Oil and Shaved Pecorino Romano

Main 

Toasted Garlic, Red Wine and Rosemary Braised Short Rib over “French Onion” Risotto with Caramelized Onions and Gruyere Cheese paired with Bacon Apple Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Rich Cabernet Reduction and Garlic Chive Oil

Dessert 

Spiced Seared Peach and Blueberry Napoleon over Burnt Cinnamon Brandied Crème Anglaise paired with Roasted Wild Blueberry Chardonnay Compote and house made Buttermilk Custard finished with Fresh Berry and Chantilly Cream

Space is limited and this event sells out quickly! Buy your tickets here

August is here, and at Caputo’s, that means Panini Month! At Caputo’s, we are incredibly proud of our deli. We aim to let people take a whole trip around the world, just by visiting our deli! Step into our deli, and you’ll find more than just sliced turkey and provolone. You’ll find a passport to a world of flavor because of the items we feature. We have everything from domestic to imported meats, cheeses, olives and more!

Take a look at our deli here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/l-HbR6KwRSM

A sandwich or a panini is a staple to anyone because there’s nothing quite like the perfect sandwich. It’s a testament to the simple magic of good ingredients coming together. Whether it’s a classic cold-cut creation or a warm, pressed panini, each one tells a story through its  symphony of flavors and textures. 

Need some inspiration to take your sandwich game to the next level? Here are some classic combos and some family favorites you must try!

Classic Combos:

• Prosciutto & Mozzarella: A timeless combination for a reason. Thinly sliced prosciutto, fresh mozzarella (our homemade bocconcini is the elite choice here), and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on fresh, crunchy bread. You can spice this up by adding arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze! Try this with DeLallo Castelvetrano EVOO and on a La Bella Romana baguette for one of our family favorites!
• Mortadella and Provolone: this panini highlights the rich, savory flavor of mortadella, a cured pork sausage studded with fat cubes. When paired with sharp provolone cheese and pressed until warm, it creates a comforting and flavorful sandwich
• A Caprese: A panini version of the classic salad, the Caprese features fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil. The ingredients are pressed just long enough to melt the cheese and warm the tomatoes, without turning them to mush. A balsamic glaze or pesto is a common and welcome addition

Family Favorites

While the classics are always a go to, we have a grocery store full of delicacies and imports that can be combined to take your sandwich to the next level! Our family has a little competition of who is the best sandwich maker in the family, so here are a few of our family’s favorites.

• A Barese Combo: This sandwich will transport you right to a beach day in our founders’ hometown of Mola di Bari! Homemade, hand dipped Ricotta, ripe tomatoes, and capers (Kalamata olives are also a good option instead of capers) all drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and topped with flaky sea salt!
• An American/Chicago Combo: A perfect mix of salty, sweet, and spicy! Try Boars Head honey ham, Boars Head honey turkey, Ellsworth pepper jack cheese, and Boars Head Havarti topped with mayo and some La Bella Romana giardiniera all on fresh sourdough bread
• Cheesy Italian Goodness: Cheese in every bite! Prosciutto San Daniele layered between sliced mozzarella and Stracciatella, topped with a drizzle of EVOO on an Asiago bagel and pressed on the panini grill
• Pistachio and Mortadella: The simple taste of Italy in every bite! Airy bread (a pinsa sandwich or ciabatta loaf), with imported mortadella, Divina pistachio spread, and Stracciatella… simple and delicious. 
• American Staples: Can’t go wrong with this classic American combo! Boar’s Head low sodium turkey, Havarti cheese, avocado, lettuce, and chipotle mayo on ciabatta bread and pressed in a panini machine
• The eggplant prosciutto: Caponata is always a good addition to any sandwich, but for this one, try it with our homemade breaded eggplant from our prepared foods! La Bella Romana breaded eggplant, prosciutto di Parma, sliced mozzarella or homemade bocconcini drizzled with EVOO and oregano on ciabatta loaf then toasted open face in the oven for melty cheese and crispy eggplant. Then topped with fresh arugula and a nice drizzle of balsamic

We love sandwich making because it represents the heart of what we do. It is about taking simple, high-quality ingredients and creating something truly special. They’re a testament to the power of tradition and the joy of good food.

Feeding Families and Their Traditions from Generation to Generation