Happy Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is this Sunday. It is the day to honor your mom and all those who you have maternal bonds with.

I am incredibly grateful to have many strong, beautiful women to celebrate, two of which hold a very special place in my heart, Romana Caputo and Antonella Caputo Presta.

Our matriarch and my grandmother, Romana Caputo, was one of the best women there was. Any person who has crossed her path is sure to tell you a memory centered around her cooking skills, generosity, or classiness. A self taught cook, she spent hours in the kitchen preparing for various occasions and meals. No one who encountered my Nonna was left hungry. It was her mission to make sure all of her loved ones were happy and she did everything she could to lift others up. She was always there for her husband, Angelo Caputo, as his biggest support and his rock through his long, grueling days of hard work. She made sacrifices to help him achieve his dreams. She had the biggest heart and the kindest soul. The picture of class, she made everyone in her presence feel like a part of her family. It is inspired by her beauty and exceptional cooking skills that we get the name of our private label, La Bella Romana. Translated to the Beautiful Romana,  Angelo created our private label as a way to acknowledge all she did for our family and company. Although gone too soon, she has left a beautiful legacy and we continue to honor her in every way that we can. Her spirit and her mission lives on through her daughter, Antonella.

Another integral part of the foundation of our family and business is my mother, Antonella Caputo Presta. She is the perfect example of a mother, daughter, grandmother, business owner– really of just a woman in general. Her selflessness, humbleness, and hard work are inspiring. She is the heart and soul of our family– a devoted mother and the best nonna, she does everything she can for her family. My siblings and I spent some time reflecting this year on what we’ve learned from our mom and the memories and lessons were countless. She has taught us everyday tools like don’t wake a sleeping baby, drive defensively, and always clean as you go. She is a woman of faith and lets her trust in God guide her and encourages all of us to do the same. Some of her other lessons that our family carries with us everyday are do what you know is right and let God control the rest, you don’t know what’s going on in someone’s life so don’t judge, the importance of family, and so many more. She is always there for a hug, a meal, a prayer, or anything we may need. 

I am so blessed to have my grandmother and mother as role models in my life. They are everything I hope to be one day. 

Happy Mother’s Day, Nonna and Mommy, and Happy Mother’s Day to all the beautiful mothers and motherly figures ❤️

From Our Family To Yours

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo With Our Mouthwatering Recipes

Who is ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? You don’t have to be from Mexico to celebrate the fantastic culture and their delicious food. You may have sorted your decorations and place settings but what about the food? Fear not; we at Caputo’s have the perfect fish tacos and enchilada recipes, plus the tastiest guacamole and nachos that are ideal to make in bulk for a family party that will put you in the mood! Continue reading to create a Cinco de Mayo party your family and friends will never forget.

The Best Fish Tacos

No Cinco de Mayo party would be complete without tacos. Our Crispy Fish Tacos with Avocado and Pineapple Salsa is our favorite taco dish. The salsa perfectly complements the fish. You’ll have to be quick to get your hands on one of these as we guarantee there won’t be any left by the end of the night. If fish isn’t your thing, we have plenty of other taco recipes to get your taco fix! Search our Recipe Rack for “tacos” to find more.

Enchiladas with A Twist

Delight your vegetarian friends with these Vegetarian Green Chile Enchiladas! The prep time with these is only 15 minutes, and then simply cook in the oven. A great twist on a classic, this is a dish that everyone can enjoy.

Super-Simple Nachos

We like to keep things simple but delicious when hosting a party. These sheet pan nachos are a crowd-pleaser and easy to make. Toppings can be altered to keep even the fussiest guest happy. We can’t think of anyone who would be able to resist this tasty dish.

The Perfect Dish to Serve with Guacamole

You could put a dish of guacamole and a spoon on the table, and everyone would be happy, but we recommend serving your guacamole with this mouthwatering chicken quesadillas recipe. This only takes 5 minutes to prep and 8 minutes to cook. Everyone’s a winner with these.

Drinks and Desserts

No party is complete without some Mexican-themed drinks and desserts. Tequila, margaritas, and craft beer are popular Mexican alcoholic drinks. Provide raspberry hibiscus iced tea and Horchata for those not drinking alcohol.

For dessert, churros are a no-brainer, and you can easily satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth with a Tres Leches cake. With all of these recipes, everyone’s going to want to come to you for Cinco de Mayo every year!

Party with Caputo’s

You can find all the ingredients for your Cinco de Mayo party at Caputo’s. When searching for recipes, you can add all the ingredients directly to your shopping basket to make things even easier! Pop down to your local Caputo’s or shop online today.

From Our Family To Yours

Recipes Worth Getting Your Grill Out For

For some people, it is always grilling season, and they don’t need an excuse to get the grill out. For others, it’s nicer to wait for days to get a bit longer and the weather slightly warmer before eventually deciding that today is the day for the grill. Whatever your preference, Caputo’s has the best recipes that will have you wanting to grill every day of the year.

Cilantro-Salsa Steaks

These delicious Cilantro-Salsa Steaks are first marinated in a flavorful salsa overnight. They are then grilled to your desired perfection to release all that wonderful flavor for juicy steaks that are nice and tender. They can be served with salad, potatoes, or any other of your favorite side dishes that complement this appetizing meal.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Meatball Kebabs

Kebabs are a popular choice for a grill as the grill marks and taste enhance the flavor of the meat and the vegetables on the kebabs. These Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Meatball Kebabs can be personalized to suit the eater with all kinds of different vegetables, and once you’ve tasted one of the teriyaki chicken meatballs, there’ll be no other kind of meatball you will want to eat again. If you’re tempted by a kebab but want to try a different recipe, check out The Recipe Rack for a whole host of kebab recipes for you to try on your grill.

Shrimp and Avocado Tostadas

For something a little different on your grill, try our delectable Shrimp and Avocado Tostadas. These will surely become a firm favorite with you and any guests you invite for supper. Lime, avocados, grilled shrimp, and crunchy fried tortillas- we don’t think it gets much better than that!

Grilled Desserts

The grill isn’t just for savory. Try out some of these mouthwatering grilled desserts the next time you eat outside.

Bananas split down the middle and filled with chocolate and marshmallows wrapped in foil and put on the grill are an easy go-to dessert that will always thrill. The melted chocolate, marshmallows, and heated bananas go down so easy you’ll have to put your name on one to ensure you get a bite!

We all love savory kebabs, but have you tried a grilled fruit kebab? Heating the fruit allows the total juiciness and flavor to come out, and served with a side of whipped cream or ice cream tops the whole thing off wonderfully. Fruits like pineapple, peaches, watermelon, and pears are just a few fruits that are great on the grill!

Shop Your Food Supplies at Caputo’s

Caputo’s equals quality food. Whether you are looking for ingredients for your next dinner party or are looking for inspiration for midweek meals, Caputo’s has everything you need. When planning your next outdoor grill session, choose Caputo’s for your ingredients and try out some of the recipes above. The Recipe Rack even enables you to add ingredients straight from the recipe card to your cart for easy shopping. We also have plenty of stores to visit if you prefer the in-store experience. Shop at Caputo’s online or in-store today.

From Our Family To Yours

National Picnic Day

The sun is shining and the weather is changing which makes us want to spend more time outside! We’re in the time frame of fresh, crisp spring weather when all you want to do is enjoy the outdoors. A great way to do this is with a picnic! There is nothing like a relaxing picnic outside with friends or family. 

April 23rd is National Picnic Day which makes it a great day to gather your favorite foods, your favorite people, and go have a picnic! 

Whether you’re going to a park, a special area, or just want to get into your backyard, here is some inspiration for some easily packable and shareable foods for your next picnic!

3ft Sub Sandwiches

Available with American or Italian lunch meats, the 3 ft subs are perfect because you can cut ahead of time (or not, it’s up to you!) and are easy to serve. The sandwiches are easy to eat on the go and require no prep, just cut and serve! The Italian features mortadella, volpi salami, mild capocollo, and provolone cheese. The American features hard salami, Krakus ham, oven roasted turkey and yellow American cheese.

Olive Salads

Our olive salads are another great addition.With so many different varieties, they are bursting with flavor and an easy addition. We use a variety of different olives and each salad is a different blend of ingredients, herbs, and spices. Some of our salads are greek olive salad, sicilian olive salad, olive and artichoke salad, and more! Easy for snacking, they can compliment any dish perfectly!

Crackers and Breads

Items that are individually wrapped or sized are best for sharing, so foods like taralli, mini focaccia, and other crackers not only taste good, but are great for snacking and for bringing along on your picnics!

Fruit

When spending all day outside, it’s important to keep the nutrients up! This is why fruit is a great addition. It is refreshing and there are so many tasty, in season fruits this time of the year. Cut fruit, berries, whole fruit, or maybe a nice mixed fruit salad!

Dessert

Something sweet is always appreciated! Our bags of cookies are great because they come in resealable bags so you have as many as you want and then close up the bag and pack them up again! Baked in house, these cookies are just some of the sweet treats we offer! Available in different types like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, and m & m!

What are you bringing on your picnic?

From Our Family To Yours

Surprise Your Senses with Fresh Citrus Fruits

We love fresh, seasonal food at Caputo’s, which is why we’re bringing you some fantastic recipes involving your favorite fresh citrus fruits, including grapefruit and oranges. Prepare your senses for some sharp and sweet combinations that are sure to put a spring in your step!

Chicken Breasts with Orange-Balsamic Glaze

Who says fruit is only for sweet not savory? Try this Chicken Breasts With Orange-Balsamic Glaze recipe for a tasty zing and robust flavors. A versatile recipe, this can be served with rice, potatoes, or any accompaniment you like. It is also super easy to make, with just five minutes of preparation time needed and 15 minutes of cooking time before it is on the dinner table.

Slow-Cooked Carnitas Tacos

Slower cooker meals are life savers in a busy household. This Slow-Cooked Carnitas Tacos recipe is full of citrusy goodness that you can leave to cook in a slower cooker during the day and just assemble when you are ready. It doesn’t get much better than crispy pork and spicy juices coming together in a taco that all the family can enjoy.

Strawberry Mango Popsicles

Let’s not forget about dessert! Don’t let anyone tell you these Strawberry Mango Popsicles are just for kids. Any age can enjoy the delicious cooling taste of these delightful fruity popsicles. Keep some handy in your freezer so you can bring them out whenever you need a refreshing taste of something chilled.

Italian Ice

It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t mention homemade Italian Ice. This glorious sweet treat is dairy, gluten, and egg free, so it is perfect for those who can’t indulge in ordinary, run-of-the-mill ice cream. Italian Ice can be made with any of the fresh fruits that are in season right now, so you can be creative as you want. It’s simple, all you have to do is blend some ice, lemon juice (or a bit of juice of your choice), and some fresh fruit of your choice! All of the ingredients to make Italian Ice are available in Caputo’s stores and our online shop.

Berry Salad

With the warm weather, fresh fruit is always a go to snack. We love to get our favorite berries and mix them together to make a berry salad. then we add some of our fresh squeezed orange juice or lemon juice and a little bit of brown sugar and you get a delicious and simple fresh berry salad! Watch here

Shop for Citrus Fruits at Caputo’s

Caputo’s is known for its fresh, flavorful food, and nothing tastes better fresh than citrus fruits. Take advantage of them when they’re at their tastiest, and enjoy creating these recipes that make the most of their flavor. If you like these recipes, we have more available on our website at The Recipe Rack for you to try out. Shop Caputo’s today online or in-store.

From Our Family To Yours

Italian Easter Staples

Many holidays come with tradition. In Italian culture, traditions are centered around what brings everyone together… food! The days leading up to Easter are spent in the kitchen, prepping meals and all the delicious desserts and foods that remind you of this joyous occasion. If you have less time to prep this year, but are still looking to enjoy some of the traditional items, you’ve come to the right place! We have tons of traditional items that will transport you right back to Nonna’s house on Easter. 

Here are 7 Items we look forward to every Easter!

1. Calzone

Calzone is dough in the shape of a pie or a pizza, then filled with various foods. There are two different kinds. The traditional style has no meat, but is filled with eggs, black olives, onions, and mozzarella cheese. All the ingredients are put into our homemade crust. On Good Friday, we eat calzone because there is no meat on Fridays during Lent. Some people enjoy another type of Calzone enjoyed on Easter Sunday. This one is our homemade sausage, eggs, black olives, onions, and mozzarella cheese. This calzone is typically enjoyed on Easter day. The addition of meat makes it a heartier calzone. Heartier foods were typically used at feasts. Since Easter is a celebration and everyone is rejoicing, the more ingredients, the better for the calzone with meat! Learn more about calzone here

2. Easter Bread

Easter bread is a fun and colorful tradition! It is a sweet bread with dyed eggs baked right into the bread! It is usually baked in a circle to symbolize the crown of thorns that was put on Jesus. The egg in the center is to symbolize new life– like when Jesus resurrected. Some people also use Easter bread to resemble the tomb that Jesus was put in and that they found empty on Easter Sunday. 

3. Pastiera

Pastiera, also known as Easter pie, is a traditional Easter dessert whose main ingredient is Ricotta! This dessert is light, has notes of citrus, and takes a while to prepare which is why picking one up in store is worth it! Pastiera is meant to symbolize peace and Resurrection! 

4. Pizza di Ricotta

If you don’t want a whole pastiera, pick up a few slices of our pizza di ricotta in our bakery case! This baked ricotta dessert is a must have on the Easter table. It has chocolate chips and zests of citrus

5. Tuma

Tuma is a cheese that can really only be found right around Easter! It is a mild and creamy cheese, similar to mozzarella, but a bit firmer and with a more mild flavor. People often use it in baking and cooking! In fact, we just used it to make artichokes sfincione style…It is meatless which makes it a great dish for Good Friday, but honestly we could eat this any day of the week… watch here! 

6. Lamb Cake

And for dessert, a lamb cake! This popular European dessert is a pound cake in the shape of a lamb. It is then decorated however you wish! Usually with frosting, including green frosting on the plate to show a lamb laying in the grass. This tradition also symbolizes Jesus’ role as the Lamb of God.

7. Chocolate Easter Eggs

While not usually handmade, chocolate Easter eggs are a timeless tradition! Many kids wake up Easter morning with these chocolate eggs ready for them, others bring them as a gift to loved ones or hosts, and more! They are festive and the chocolate is delicious! Can’t eat all the chocolate? Chop it up and use it in cookies or dessert that calls for chocolate chips or chunks.

We have tons of other Easter themed items in store! Want to make everything yourself? Stop by for all the ingredients you need for your traditional cooking and baking.

Looking for a basket stuffer that will keep the Italian heritage alive in your little ones? Pick up our children’s book which has all your favorite Italian grocery store items

From Our Family To Yours

Spring Charcuterie Board

Spring is here and so is the beginning of many celebrations! If you’re looking forward to enjoying all spring has to offer, you might be getting ready for a get together. If you’re hosting an Easter celebration, an end of school year party, a get-together to visit with friends and family, or you are always down to try out new items, we’ve got just the thing for you… a Spring charcuterie board! 

Explore some of our new items and create the perfect charcuterie board for everyone to munch on. It can appeal to a whole crowd and it’s a fun creative outlet for the one making it. However, cheese can be intimidating! With so many options from all over the world, it’s hard to choose what to add. Need some inspo? Here are some items for a perfect Spring Charcuterie Board!

The Cheeses

With every charcuterie board, it’s great to keep a balance. We chose a bunch of different cheeses that range from sweet to savory to bold. 

*Charcuterie Tip* cut your cheeses thin! When you cut your cheeses thin, you open it up to more oxygen which allows the cheese to breathe and a lot more flavor to come through. 

Beehive Cheese with Sea Salt and Honey

This Utah cheese is a gouda style cheese that has honey in the milk which is balanced with a hearty sea salt. It is a simple and creamy cheese with hints of salt in every bite that is balanced with the subtle honey. 

Sage Derby 

Derby is a blend of cheeses from England. This blend of cheeses is then infused with fresh sage. The cheese is very light with subtle notes of the herb coming through. It has a beautiful green marbled color because of the sage which makes it taste good and look beautiful on the board!

Sweet Swiss

This swiss cheese comes from Fair Oaks Farm in Indiana. It is comparable to a baby swiss, but it is much more creamy, yet full. It has a mild, sweet flavor which makes it great for a balance of the other strong flavors on the board!

Sartori Black Pepper Bellavitano

A full tasting cheese that dances on every taste bud! The Bellavitano cheese has a rich, nutty flavor. It is then surrounded with a fresh black peppercorn rind which adds a bold, intense flavor. The rind is meant to be eaten which makes the flavor of this cheese really pop!

Lemon Baked Ricotta

Imported from Italy, this Isola Lemon Baked Ricotta is like eating a dessert! Incredibly creamy and light, the rich, but delicate taste from the fresh lemon make this a wonderful cheese! The texture is similar to a cheesecake or a pizza di ricotta.

Cranberry Roule

From France, this cheese is similar to cream cheese and very spreadable! Smooth and creamy. there are layers of cranberries incorporated into the cheese itself and the outside is rolled in fresh cranberries. Subtly sweet, this is great with a simple cracker. The little pops of red add a great color to the board.

The Meats

With considering wanting balance and flavor on the board, we chose 4 different meats that do just that!

Busetto Salami Nuggets with Fennel 

The dry salami with aromatic fennel and a lighted flavor to this classic salami. Already cut, it’s an easy addition to any board!

Fiorucci Sopressata

Similar to salami, but it has a coarser, heavier taste. This sopressata has whole peppercorns delicately seasoned into the meat to give it a refined flavor that acts as a great accompaniment to the other items on the board!

Veroni Black Peppered Salami

This simple salami is seasoned with fresh pepper seeds around the sides. Pre-sliced, you get a bold, intense meat compared to the otherwise mild ones.

Prosciutto

A true classic! Cut thin, this is a nice, simple addition to any board!

The Crackers and Nuts

Effie’s Oat Cakes

This is a sweet, cookie like tea biscuit. They are very buttery with light hints of salt. This biscuit serves as a great element of sweet crunch to a board that has a lot of salty flavors

Sonoma Parmesan Crisps

For a savory snack, we used these baked parmesan cheese crisps. A good crunch, this crisp is light, airy, and delicious!

Rain Coast Peach and Pecan Crackers

This crisp has a combination of fruity, nutty, and warmth! The peaches, pecans, and warm spices blend together for a delicious cracker!

B’s Gourmet Nuts Insatiable Cashews

These cashews are heavily seasoned with a rosemary based seasoning and finished with spices that bring a little bit of heat and intensity at the end. These nuts are small batch and handcrafted locally. Another cool thing about this brand is that a portion of the proceeds goes to the Cancer Wellness Institute which supports the patient battling cancer and the caregiver. 

The Jam

Quince with Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla

This jam is created with quince fruit. Quince has it’s own unique flavor which is very sweet, some describe it as a cross between an apple and a pear. The naturally sweet, fruity flavor is then mixed with the vanilla to give it a delightful flavor! Because of how sweet this is, it pairs great with saltier cheeses (like the Beehive cheese on this board) to mild out the flavors!

These are just a few of the items we carry in store! We have a wide variety of cheeses and items from all over the world that pair wonderfully together to make a great charcuterie board!

From Our Family To Yours

Delicious Peanut Butter Recipes

Whether you like your peanut butter crunchy or smooth, these delicious peanut butter recipes will bring lots of smiles to the dinner table. Whether you want savory peanut butter dishes or are looking for a sweet treat with easy peanut butter desserts to round off a delectable dinner evening with friends, we have the perfect peanut butter recipes for you to try.

Savory Peanut Butter Recipes

Peanut butter is the secret winning ingredient in the dishes below. Adding peanut butter to your meals makes them more flavorful, and being high in fiber and protein, it also helps you to stay fuller for longer. Try these savory peanut butter recipes, and you won’t look at your jar of peanut butter in the same way again:

Thai Peanut Chicken– The peanut sauce in this Thai dish really gives it the edge over other Thai dishes. Top Tip- marinade the chicken overnight in the sauce ready to skillet the next day, and your meal will be ready in 5-8 minutes! Quick and delicious, you can’t beat that.

African Peanut Stew– Everyone loves a good hearty stew. This one is sure to become your favorite go-to peanut butter recipe. Packed full of flavor, with earthy spices, this stew is the perfect option when you want something healthy and meat-free.

Spiralized Pad Thai– This dish is so delicious you won’t even realize there are no noodles! A fantastic take on a traditional pad Thai, with the peanut butter adding the perfect nuttiness, this is a great midweek meal. Make extra so you can have leftovers for lunch the next day!

On the Sweet Side

Peanut butter is so versatile we can even show you some sweet peanut butter recipes that we know you’re just going to love. These are some super easy peanut butter recipes for you to make at home:

Peanut Butter Banana Oats– Have these oats for breakfast, dessert, or a snack! The peanut butter adds a depth of flavor that will ensure you are never going to use another oats recipe again.

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Smoothie– Just reading the title of the recipe is enough to cause mouths to salivate. Chill overnight before blending to create optimum thickness for a dessert or breakfast treat that will leave you feeling very satisfied.

Shop for Peanut Butter at Caputo’s

We would add peanut butter to almost anything! Try adding a dollop of it to make easy peanut butter desserts and treats to turn your boring old recipes into something new and exciting like your own peanut butter fudge recipe or peanut butter cookie recipe. Stock up on peanut butter by shopping online at Caputo’s or in-store and try more of our delicious peanut butter recipes.

From Our Family To Yours

Spring Produce Inspiration

We love the month of March and the start of the spring season at Caputo’s. With the lighter days and slightly warmer temperatures comes a host of fresh seasonal ingredients that really flourish this time of year. It’s time to start putting away your heavy stews and soups and look towards lighter, refreshing fruits and vegetables that pair greatly with different proteins or are great on their own. These are sure to give you a spring in your step in keeping with the season! 

What Produce Is in Season in March 

March foods include a lot of green vegetables! Think of asparagus, artichokes, lettuce, and more. Here is our full run-down of some of our favorite March seasonal foods: 

  • Artichokes                                                             
  • Asparagus 
  • Bananas 
  • Bok Choy
  • Broccoli 
  • Brussel Sprouts 
  • Cabbage 
  • Cauliflower 
  • Celery 
  • Kiwi
  • Lemons 
  • Lettuce 
  • Limes 
  • Onions
  • Mushrooms
  • Peas
  • Radishes
  • Spinach
  • Strawberries

Recipes for March Seasonal Foods 

Check out three of our favorite recipes that include March seasonal food. These recipes will have you delighting in all things spring for the whole season: 

Our Artichoke Pesto and Kale Pizza with Sundried Tomatoes is calling out to be eaten al fresco with friends under some budding trees. The best thing about this recipe is that it is super quick and easy to make, so as soon as the sun is shining, you can invite your friends over and whip this up in minutes!  

Lemon-Baked Salmon with Asparagus is not only delicious but delightfully light and healthy. This is the perfect recipe for when you are looking for simple, clean food that is still full of flavor and feels special.  

Our recipe list wouldn’t be complete without something a little sweet! Strawberry Mango Popsicles are the ideal way to end a scrumptious spring feast or to eat as a snack midway through a sunny afternoon. Mango and strawberry make such a good combination you’ll be making these popular treats every week. 

Shop Your March Seasonal Food at Caputo’s 

We love delighting in recipes that take advantage of the fresh seasonal produce that we offer in-store and online at Caputo’s. Check out more of our recipes that include March foods. We have a handy tool so that you can pop the ingredients straight from the recipe into your cart, so you know you have everything you need to create the best March seasonal food at the click of a button. Or, see us in person and shop at your nearest Caputo’s store.  

From Our Family To Yours

International Women’s Day

March 8th is International Women’s Day. It is the day to honor and celebrate the achievements of women. 

In thinking about the meaning of this day, I cannot help but to think of two incredible women who deserve so much praise– Romana Caputo and Antonella Caputo Presta. Both women have led a life of sacrifice and are the backbone of our company.

Our matriarch and my grandmother, Romana Caputo, was one of the best women there was. Any person who has crossed her path is sure to tell you a memory centered around her cooking skills, generosity, or classiness. A self taught cook, she spent hours in the kitchen–  preparing feasts, cookies for weddings or parties, or a simple dinner… which could probably rival the best meal you’ve had. No one who encountered my Nonna was left hungry. She loved her family and did everything she could for them, no questions asked. It was her mission to make sure all of her loved ones were happy and she did everything she could to lift others up. She was always there for her husband, Angelo Caputo, as his biggest support and his rock through his long, grueling days of hard work. She made sacrifices to help him achieve his dreams. She had the biggest heart and the kindest soul. The picture of class, she made everyone in her presence feel like a part of her family. It is inspired by her beauty and exceptional cooking skills that we get the name of our private label, La Bella Romana. Translated to the Beautiful Romana,  Angelo created our private label as a way to acknowledge all she did for our family and company. Although gone too soon, she has left a beautiful legacy and we continue to honor her in every way that we can. Her spirit and her mission lives on through her daughter, Antonella.

My mother, Antonella Caputo Presta, is the rock of our family and a foundational pillar in our company. She has made it her mission to make sure the legacy and work of her parents do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. What she doesn’t realize is that the same traits that she so proudly uses to describe my grandparents are the very same traits that she embodies. Strong, smart, and hard working like Angelo and generous, humble, and classy like Romana… just to name a few. She will never look for credit or draw attention to anything she does, but we would not be where we are today without her. She started working at a very young age. She would take early morning trips to Michigan with Angelo to pick up fresh produce at the age of about 9 years old. She can tell you about the freezing days at the original store on Harlem and Wrightwood, the distinct smell of the store that brings tears to her eyes at just the thought of it, or her exceptional skills in the front end (she could beat anybody in a bagging groceries competition.) She will sacrifice her happiness just to see a smile on the faces of her kids or grandkids. She has taught us the importance of family, which I am so grateful for as my siblings are my best friends. She is always there for advice, a story, a prayer, a hug, a meal, and anything else you may need. 

I am blessed to have such strong, beautiful women in my life and am so grateful to be able to call Romana Caputo and Antonella Caputo Presta my role models.

Happy International Women’s Day to all the beautiful women ❤️

From Our Family To Yours