Category: News

Busy schedules mean a shorter amount of time for things like meals. You need food on the table quickly so everyone can eat and go to their meetings, practices, or another obligation that comes up. We’ve been there and we believe that you should never have to sacrifice a quality meal for the sake of time. Our rotisserie chicken is a go-to on hectic days like these!

June 2nd is National rotisserie Chicken Day which makes it the perfect time to pick one up and taste for yourself! 

Rotisserie chicken is a chicken cooked on a rotisserie, using direct heat to cook because the chicken is placed next to the heat source. The chickens are put onto rods that rotate to ensure optimal juiciness and cooking. 

You can feel good about feeding it to your family. Our chickens are always fresh and never frozen. There are no added hormones or steroids and they are MSG free. In addition to these benefits, the taste is incredible!

Our chicken is known for its outstanding flavor and juiciness. We season it with a special herb rub. The special seasoning is made with a variety of different herbs and spices to give the chicken a unique and delicious flavor. It is our homemade blend that we took the time to test and develop until we got it to the special blend we were proud to feed you and your families!

We offer three different styles of rotisserie chicken– traditional, Mexican, and jerk. Each different style has a unique flavor profile you can’t get anywhere else!

We love using rotisserie chicken in recipes that call for shredded or pulled chicken. Like these chicken & cheese enchiladas! It’s delicious and simple!

The Recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?dishId=e56409f9-a1e8-4ae0-9243-92e36a24b1f3&dishName=chicken-and-cheese-enchiladas

Because the chicken is already cooked, it is one less step for you! Plus, you never have to sacrifice taste for convenience because our rotisserie chicken gives you both! We love to use rotisserie chicken in things like

• tacos
• buffalo chicken dip
• chicken soup
• pulled chicken sandwiches
• tamales
• chicken chili
• … Basically any recipe that calls for shredded chicken

Pick one up and let us know what you think!

From Our Family To Yours

Labor Day Weekend is usually considered the end of summer for most people. Kids are back in school, the weather is going to start changing, and schedules are starting to get busy. We can’t let summer go without having another celebration! Create some more summer memories with your Labor Day BBQ.

Grilling is great because there are a variety of items you can grill– meats, fish, veggies, even fruit!

Here are 4 great-for-the-grill recipes! 

Kabobs

Kabobs are a great way to incorporate many vegetables into your dinner without dirtying a lot of dishes. The grill adds great flavors to the protein as well as the vegetables. We also offer pre-marinated chicken and steak kabobs so all you have to do is put them on the grill and enjoy!

The recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?dishId=8e85fbfd-f08d-4697-849c-bb942509b56c

Garlic Stuffed London Broil

When you cut into this steak, the garlic and onions ooze out! Your mouth will be watering at just the look of it

The Recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?dishId=4fb1175b-e80e-4a11-a456-20f863548af5

Grilled Artichokes 

The grill adds a delightful, smoky flavor to this veggie! With artichokes being at their peak right about now, it’s a great veggie to incorporate into your barbecues! It takes a bit of prep, but is worth it for the taste and nutrients! 

The Recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?dishId=67b75425-18e9-4745-8a7d-53e718e06aee

Shrimp Tostadas

The flavor combination here along with the amazing contrast of textures is mind blowing. Lime, avocados, grilled shrimp and crunchy fried tortillas…yes please!

The Recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?dishId=b8925669-1c17-4872-bf39-8b6695a44dbf

Want to keep it simple with little prep, but still want tons of flavor? Stop by our meat department for tons of options! A few that we think you cant miss? Any of our homemade sausage, stuffed burgers, marinated chicken breasts, and so many more options!

We hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day Weekend. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who are currently serving or have served our country, as well as their families. We especially remember the fallen soldiers who gave their lives to protect us. We remember and we honor today and every day.

From Our Family To Yours

Summer days are ahead. That means long, hot days spent outdoors with your friends and family! While you’re soaking up the summer sun, it’s important to make sure you’re properly nourished! 

The sun can take a lot out of you, so making sure to eat and hydrate regularly is important! If you’re looking for some new recipes to try this summer, we have some ideas for you!

Here are 5 recipes to try out this summer that will make your taste buds do a happy dance! 

Strawberry Mango Popsicle

Popsicles were invented to make us feel like a kid in the summertime! These fresh fruit-filled wonders will make everyone happy. This will make approximately 3 cups of puree, and the size of the molds you choose will determine how many pops you can make. You can also freeze them in an ice cube tray and put them in a drink of your choosing! 

The Recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?collectionId=cb7ffbfb-90ea-4b64-9da3-a5063b70d56d&dishId=b7c7fb19-d903-4369-992c-ee29fd6e1339

Summer Gazpacho

This chilled Southern Spanish soup has spectacular variations, from rustic and chunky, to smooth and elegant. Make this dish by mixing and matching what’s in season or put that abundance of summer garden vegetables to delicious use.

The Recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?collectionId=cb7ffbfb-90ea-4b64-9da3-a5063b70d56d&dishId=a43b0b91-924a-414c-b021-2ed0fd75a92f

Caprese Salad

A caprese salad is a summer must! The fresh ingredients and great flavors make it the perfect salad to enjoy outdoors!  It’s simple, classic, and refreshing. 

The recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?collectionId=cb7ffbfb-90ea-4b64-9da3-a5063b70d56d&dishId=09297e13-7c5a-4b68-945a-c41db91fe944

Raw Berry Cream Pie with Chocolate Crust (Vegan)

Pure summer on a plate, this pie is light, refreshing, sweet and airy. Plus, made of all raw ingredients, free of gluten and free of dairy, it’s ideal for entertaining, especially when you want to please a wide range of palates. The Recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?collectionId=cb7ffbfb-90ea-4b64-9da3-a5063b70d56d&dishId=feb56163-4e7c-4a3e-997e-dd908bb4fe7e

Tequila Lime Chicken 

Fresh citrus juices, a splash of tequila (save a shot or two for yourself!), and a kick of jalapeño make this a super tasty dish! For the best tasting chicken, start marinating the day before. It’s excellent served hot off the grill or chilled for a hot summer picnic. 

The Recipe: https://shopcaputos.com/recipe-rack?dishId=095c48e4-0ca4-445f-acea-9f36e5e6921d

Happy Cooking!

From Our Family To Yours

Getting ready for a summer full of outdoor parties and celebrations? Party planning can be stressful, especially when you have to think of all the details! We all know that the food plays a key role in every celebration which is where we can help you out!

Let us take some of the stress out of party planning and bring a homemade meal right to you! Choosing La Bella Romana catering is a sure way to make any party a success. 

An appetizer, side, entree, or the whole meal… browse our catering menu and pick what works best for you! With a big menu and so many options to choose from, it can be hard to pick! 

Here are 7 items from our catering menu that everyone will love!

1. European Cheese and Olive platter

A variety of imported cheeses and olives, this antipasto tray is great for an appetizer and for picking throughout the celebration

2. Stuffed Zucchini

Pieces of zucchini carved out and stuffed with seasoned ground pork and marinara sauce, it’s a medley of delicious flavors!

3. Octopus Salad

Octopus and sepia are tenderized and marinated, then mixed with celery, carrots, parsley, a special blend of spices, and few more ingredients. This is light, fresh, and will have your guests coming back for more!

4. Pasta with Sausage and Rapini

A true classic, you pick the cut of pasta (we love orecchiette for a true Barese dish) and enjoy the homemade and authentic pasta dish!

5. Artichoke Casserole

Tender artichokes layered with seasoned Italian breadcrumbs and our homemade marinara & mozzarella cheese blend. 

6. Sausage and Peppers

Another classic! Our homemade sausage links halved and mixed with sweet peppers. This dish can feed a crowd and the flavor is unlike any other.

7. Party Cannoli 

No party is complete without a party cannoli! One giant cannoli shell filled with 50 mini cannoli 

Full meals, sides, or individual dishes. Let us be your sous chef!

From Our Family To Yours

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.

My grandmother and our matriarch, Romana Caputo, was one of the best women there was. Although gone too soon, her memory remains. Anyone fortunate enough to have met my Nonna can attest to her warm personality, impeccable style and class, and her unmatched generosity. She went above and beyond for everyone, eager to make sure everyone was served and happy. She had the unique ability to make anyone feel like a welcomed part of the family, mostly through her cooking. Anyone who has had a meal by my Nonna Romana knows that nothing can compare. Her self-taught skills in the kitchen remain a huge part of the legacy she left behind. Her sacrifices and strength are a huge reason why Caputo’s was able to be what it is today and her beauty inspired the creation of our private label, La Bella Romana. She was and still is a driving force behind our family and our business. 

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 started working at a very young age and she often shares memories, like what those freezing winter days working at our original location on Harlem and Wrightwood were like and all the hard work that went into it. She takes every opportunity to thank my grandparents for their sacrifices and dedication, but will never look for credit or draw attention to all of her own sacrifices and hard work. She was able to raise her family, run a business, and care for her parents without any complaints. She has done (and continues to do) so much for us as a business and a family. My mom will go above and beyond to make sure everyone feels special and appreciated. She has taken the time to teach us vital skills and life lessons. She is always there if we need someone to talk to, a prayer, or a meal. She never lets an opportunity go by to thank my grandparents or share a story about them to make sure their legacy will live on. One of the most important lessons she has taught is the value of family.

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

As the saying goes “April showers bring May flowers!” This means that our garden center is open and it’s time to start nurturing your home gardens! Watching plants grow and bloom is such a satisfying feeling and something to be proud of.

With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time to get outside and spruce up your home gardens. Our garden center is filled with flowers, vegetables, herbs, and more.. We have everything you need for your home garden!

For decades now, we have been buying from local farms and bringing plants into your homes. Nothing signifies that summer is approaching like walking into Caputo’s and seeing all the fresh flowers, herbs, and vegetables ready to be planted at your homes.

If you want to add a little color to your home, we’ve got just what you need– hanging baskets and flowers of all colors, shapes, and sizes! You can really make your outdoor space feel like home by adding colorful flowers!

Make Nonno proud and start your garden! We have tons of different vegetables, fruits, and herbs for you to plant. There is nothing like the smell of fresh mint from your garden. From the infamous Melrose Pepper (arriving soon) to different varieties of tomatoes– come pick out all the veggies you want to grow from home! 

We will be getting more shipments throughout the season including a full load this coming Friday (4/29/22) so our garden center will be fully stocked! 

From Our Family To Yours

I think we can all agree that sometimes we need a meal that tastes like a hug feels. Most of the time, a grilled cheese sandwich can do the trick! It’s the ultimate comfort food for many reasons! Maybe it reminds you of being a kid, maybe it’s the melted cheese (because who doesn’t love melted cheese), maybe it’s the special way you make it. No matter the reason, grilled cheese is classic.

April is National Grilled Cheese Month and we know that for adults and kids alike, you can’t go wrong with  grilled cheese come mealtime! 

When you think about grilled cheese, you probably automatically picture two pieces of sandwich bread and a slice of american cheese, but there is so much more that you can do to make your grilled cheese burst with flavor!  

Want to take your grilled cheese to the next level? Here are 4 ways to make your grilled cheese even better than normal!

1. Add cheese to the outside of bread

Why not make your grilled cheese extra cheesy? Coat the bread in olive oil or butter and add shredded cheese on the outside of the bread for great taste and a delicious crunch. This forms a crispy cheese crust as you grill each side of the bread and serves as an added layer of flavor. You can even use a different type of cheese to complement the inside.

2. Use a special jam or jelly on the inside

A unique way to add some flavor is by spreading a gourmet jelly or jam on the inside of the bread! If you like a little bit of spice, coating the bread with pepper jelly adds a delicious kick of heat. If you prefer sweet, add a fig spread! We have a variety of fig spreads with different flavor profiles so there are plenty to choose from. This simple action completely changes your grilled cheese and makes it even more delicious !

3. Add Mac & Cheese

Mac and cheese and grilled cheese both make perfect comfort foods, so why not combine them? If you have leftover mac and cheese, there’s more you can do then just warm it up and eat it the same way. The addition of a creamy mac and cheese to your sandwich will give make for an extra cheesy taste! You can even add bacon for a crunch and great flavor! You can even grab some of our already prepared mac and cheese from our prepared foods section so you don’t have to go through the hassle of making it yourself! The result is a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich in just a few extra, easy steps.

4. Caramelized Onions

French onion soup grilled cheese? Yes please! All the elements of a French onion soup bring a sense of comfort, so why not transform this iconic soup into a grilled cheese… especially because we all know the best part of this soup is the melted cheese on top! That cheese is Gruyere cheese and it makes for a great type of cheese to make the star of your sandwich. Gruyere is known to be great for melting and has a rich, creamy taste! The addition of caramelized onions add a great flavor for an easy and customized grilled cheese!

These are just a few! You can use a specific bread, a mix of cheeses, specialty cheese, or maybe you add extras to your sandwich that take it to the next level! You can add things like mac and cheese, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, flavored olive oil, and more to make your grilled cheese elite!

Grilled cheese is a perfect way to play around and just have fun in the kitchen! So start cooking and just have some fun with it.

From Our Family To Yours

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! Come pick up all your traditional items that we make by hand for you to enjoy or come get all the ingredients you need for them!

Here are 6 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!

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.

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! If you don’t want a whole pie, pick up a few slices of our pizza di ricotta in our bakery case!

4. Tuma

Tuma is a cheese that can really only be found right around Easter! It is a mild and creamy cheese, similar to ricotta, but a bit firmer. Around this time, people use it in baking and cooking! 

5. 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.

6. Glazed Taralli

A classic Easter cookie are glazed taralli. You might be familiar with the taralli crackers we have year round, but this sweeter version only comes around for Easter. It is larger than the normal taralli, sweet notes baked into the dough, and glazed with an icing

What are your favorite Eater traditions? Let us know in the comments! Buona Pasqua!

From Our Family To Yours

 People have many different traditions when it comes to Easter, but most involve food. Sharing a meal has become symbolic of celebrations and Easter is a testament to this. If you’re looking for a homemade meal that will fill you up and not drain all your energy preparing it, we are here for you! We can offer you a homemade feast at an unbeatable price!

As a family business, we value time spent together. Time with loved ones is important and we want you to enjoy it to the fullest. Our Easter Feast is prepared in-house by our commissary. Just like all of our food, the feast is prepared with all natural ingredients with no preservatives. We take pride in using only the highest quality of ingredients.

The meal includes traditional and delicious Easter items that can feed between 10-12 people. Each course of the meal has a variety of options that you can choose from to best feed your group. The feast includes a ½ pan of salad, a ½ pan of vegetables, and a ½ pan of pasta or potatoes. For the main entrée, you get a choice of  a whole baked ham with our signature apricot pineapple glaze or our Mediterranean style boneless roasted leg of lamb. There is a side of a dozen dinner rolls and can’t forget the dessert! You can choose between zeppole or eclairs!

If you are just looking for a main entree, you can order a single roasted leg of lamb or a baked ham! A new offering this year is a whole roasted lamb.

Check out our holiday feast flyer for all your choices and more information. Call (630) 620-4444 ext. 1040 for more information and to place your order!

Going to do your own cooking but want some help with certain items? Check out our new catering menu to see our offerings!

From Our Family To Yours