Football’s main event is just days away. In our opinion, the food is just as important as the game itself… the fans have to fuel up too, right?
There are a lot of foods that are tradition while watching– wings, pizza, sub sandwiches, beer, and more! Sometimes it’s fun to put a little spin on tradition.
Maybe for this year’s watch party, you want to show off your cooking skills and make something extra! Not sure what to make? We have some ideas for you!
Sheet Pan Nachos
Impress your football-watching crew with super-simple Sheet Pan Nachos. piled high with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and all the fixin’s. Feel free to tweak your toppings.
Love is in the air and that’s because Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Valentine’s Day has always been a day to show your loved ones that you care… whether it’s sharing a special meal, going out of your way to send a text or call, or getting a little something– there is plenty you can do to make the one you love feel extra special February 14th.
Need some inspiration? Here are a 3 things you can do or give as a token of your love.
Sweets
Does your loved one have a sweet tooth? Chocolates, cookies, pastries, chocolate covered strawberries, candies.. So many opportunities! Our bakery has a variety of Valentine’s Day sweets! We have special cookies and butter cookies decorated with pink sprinkles. We have chocolate covered strawberries. We also have special, heart shaped cannoli cake or a cookie cake. Nothing quite says “I love you” like a sweet from our La Bella Romana Bakery!
Flowers
An easy reminder of your feelings is flowers! With all the different bouquets and arrangements, it is easy to find the one that fits your loved one perfectly. Whether you want to order an arrangement or just pick up a bouquet, we have just what you need!
Flowers are proven to release happy chemicals into the brain because the vibrant colors, the fragrance, and the overall look can bring about a sense of joy. Flowers are a great way to spread love. We have a wide selection of flowers at each store. You can also call Naperville, South Elgin, or Carol Stream to place a custom order!
Love flowers, but want to do something a little different that will last longer? Check out our rose globes! In a variety of different colors, round or heart shaped glass, these are awesome! They last for a long time, so this happy reminder will be around for a while.
Cook a meal
Cooking a meal together and sharing laughs, conversations, and maybe some wine is a great way to make memories and spend time with your valentine. You can stop by our seafood department or meat department to pick up some main course items… surf and turf anyone? If you want to cook together, but need some ideas on what to make, here is a few that we are looking forward to testing out
In the winter and especially right now, it is important that we take care of our bodies and strengthen our immune system. You can take supplements and vitamins, but what you consume also has a big effect on your body function. There are many foods that will naturally help your body stay strong and boost your immunity.
Your immune system protects your body from viruses, bacteria, and other harmful substances and toxins that may enter your body. Your immune system has the ability to distinguish between good blood cells and bad blood cells, and a healthy immune system helps to fight off the invaders.
There are tons of foods that you can incorporate into your diet that are full of vitamins and nutrients you need. So if you’re looking for some easy foods to add into your diet to help your body, we can help you!
Here are 6 of our favorite immune boosting foods… and some recipes to make them!
Citrus
Citruses like oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes, clementines, and more! These are high in Vitamin C. Vitamin C aids in increasing the production of white blood cells– the blood cells that help your body fight infections! A good way to get your vitamin c boost is to drink our fresh squeezed orange juice! Squeezed fresh daily, we put the oranges in our juicer, and transfer to the bottles… that’s it! No additives, just fruit! It tastes delicious too
Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Anti-inflammatories are important because inflammation can have a negative effect on your immune system. Ginger also is a rich source of antioxidants.
Broccoli is filled with vitamins and minerals. There are vitamins A, C, E, fiber, antioxidants, and more! The properties in broccoli boost the antioxidant and enzymes which help combat free radicals!
Berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are high in antioxidants. Eating a bowl of mixed berries will do great things for your immune system!
Fish is high in Omega 3 Fatty acids which are vital to increasing the activity and strength of white blood cells. They are also a great source of vitamins, known to contain vitamin A and B, and are a good anti-inflammatory.
The weather is getting colder and we’re getting cozier. In the winter months (and especially now), there are nights when all you look forward to is staying in with a fire going, a blanket, some good music, and comfort food! What’s the ultimate comfort food? A warm bowl of soup!
January is also National Soup Month, so it’s the perfect time to explore the varieties of La Bella Romana soup we offer! We have a full line of soups– vegan, vegetarian, broth, cream, hearty, and nostalgic– we have it all! Some of our recipes are original recipes going back over 20 years. You can get the same soup your mom or nonna would make with flavors that will transport you right back to their kitchen.
Our soups are made in-house. We use all natural ingredients, no preservatives, and no additives so you can feel good about what you’re eating! We use real cream, fresh vegetables, our homemade sausage, and meat prepared by our meat department.
Here are just a few of some soups we offer
Chili (awarding winning and will make your taste buds do a happy dance)
Cream of Chicken
Minestrone
Vegan Butternut Squash
Chicken and Dumpling
Clam Chowder
Cream of Broccoli
Lentil
Beef Barley
and so much more! Check out all of our offerings in store in our prepared foods section!
A customer recently made a vegan meal using our new vegan butternut squash soup! This customer used the soup as a sauce and added protein+ penne pasta, spinach, and topped with salt and pepper for a delicious looking meal!
Let us know what soup you’re trying first in honor of National Soup Month!
2020 is coming to a close and we are thrilled to enter this new year! 2020 was a trying year and with hope we look to 2021 for a new beginning. What better way to start this new year than celebrating the birth of our founder and my grandfather, Angelo Caputo!
89 years ago on January 1, 1932 in the little town of Mola di Bari, Angelo was born. I want to take this opportunity to share some words.
My grandfather is one of the strongest men I know. I am fortunate enough to hear the stories of his early years- in Italy, coming to America, working, and everything in between. He did not always have it easy. His life was full of obstacles and his ability to overcome them is a true testament to his character. He made great sacrifices in order to give his wife and children the best life possible. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and never complained because that is the kind of man he is.
He will face any challenge, big or small, head on and he will persevere because of his dedication and strong work ethic.
Most everything he does, he does with his family in mind. His family has since grown to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nothing makes him happier than being surrounded by his loved ones and seeing the smiles on his family’s faces.
I am so blessed to have him as my Nonno, may God bless him always!
We hope you and your family have a safe, happy, and happy New Year!
We want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! We know that celebrations may not be normal and traditions may look different this year, but it is still important to make the most of what you can!
We hope that you all have a safe, healthy, and happy Christmas!
Here is a special holiday message from Angelo Caputo
We are very excited to announce that we have revamped our catering menu. We have spent a lot of time reorganizing and re-creating our menu to give you an easier way to plan a special meal, an office party, or even a wedding! No event is too big or too small.
The inspiration for our catering department comes from my grandmother and our matriarch, Romana Caputo.
Romana was Angelo’s guiding force and his pillar of strength. In 1984, Angelo began his quest to start a private label. He used this new private label as an opportunity to honor his wife and named it, La Bella Romana, which translates to “The Beautiful Romana.” La Bella Romana products are sold exclusively at Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets and the La Bella Romana brand includes our Cucina and Catering department.
Romana was known for her passion for cooking. Nobody could prepare a feast or host a party quite like her. Every person left her house feeling full and like a member of the family! Her love and incredible talent for cooking inspired many of our featured recipes. In upholding Romana’s legacy, we take pride in creating delicious meals with the best ingredients. Family is who we are, and we want you to make the most of all the time you can spend with your family.
Choosing La Bella Romana Catering is an easy way to make any event or gathering a success!
Remember, our La Bella Romana Cucina is just as prepared to serve a simple, grab-and-go meal as feed a family of eight or cater a party of 1,800. Every day of the week we offer a wide selection of entrees, sides, soups, and salads. When planning a larger event, simply call your local store — or get in touch with our catering department at (630) 620-4444 ext 1040.
We have items for every meal– trays, buffets, meal combos, full meals, and more! We’d love to work with you to make your next event a success!
Thanksgiving has passed and the holiday season has begun which means it’s time to start thinking about gift giving! Sometimes it’s time to give a gift and you’re just in a slump! It is hard to think of gifts, but we have some great ideas for you!
Here is a gift giving guide for you… Caputo’s style
Panettone
A classic and easy gift to give is a panettone! Wrap it in cellophane, add a bow, or add an ornament. It’s a little something to show someone you care and it’s delicious!
Torrone
Much like panettone, torrone is a typical holiday food. Only available during the holiday season, it is a fluffy almond bark that will bring about many memories of enjoying it around the Christmas season
Moka Espresso Maker
This espresso maker is a great gift for the coffee lover in your life! In different colors and sizes, you can make your own espresso right at home and instantly be transported to Italy! Include some espresso beans and maybe some espresso cups and you have the ultimate gift!
Cookies
Who doesn’t love sweets? Especially our homemade La Bella Romana cookies! You could even take it the extra mile and arrange the cookies on a pretty tray or plate, then gift them. These are easy and delicious.
Gift baskets
Did you know we have gift baskets available? In different sizes, with different products! There will be plenty of options to choose from. Whether the person you’re buying for likes fruit, cheese, pasta, candies, coffee, or is a La Bella Romana fan, we have gift baskets that will suit their needs!
Caputo’s Merch
For the Caputo’s fan in your life. An “I Love Shopping at Caputo’s” apron, a Caputo’s mug, a gift card, or a combo of all! These simple items go a long way!
We know this year has been full of ups and downs. In the blink of an eye, everyday life as we knew it was forced to change, but we adapted. As we reflect upon this past year and prepare to celebrate the meal in which we think of what we give thanks for, our family would like to share what we are grateful for.
Our Loyal Customers
We are incredibly thankful to all those who have supported us over the years. Whether you have been shopping with us since our Harlem and Wrightwood days in 1958, you recently discovered us, or anytime in between… we are incredibly grateful to the support and loyalty our customers and communities we serve have shown us!
Our Dedicated Staff
We want to thank our dedicated staff who have been working selflessly to keep our stores clean and our shelves stocked. We are so proud and thankful for the hard work and dedication, especially during these trying times. Our staff has made our family so proud in the way that everyone has stepped up and helped to serve our local communities!
We would also like to extend our thanks to their families for the support they have offered to our employees!
Our Family
Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets started as a dream. My grandfather, Angelo Caputo, left his home in Italy to come to America in hopes of creating a good life for himself and his family. His hard work, dedication, and sacrifice is the reason we are where we are today. The unending support of my grandmother, Romana Caputo, cannot go unnoticed. She was a helpful and supporting pillar through the hard work and long days. My parents, Robertino and Antonella, have done more for us than you can imagine. They both began working at very young ages. They take every opportunity to thank my grandparents for their sacrifices and dedication, but will never look for credit or draw attention to all they did for us as a business and a family. They have taught my siblings and I so much. I am also grateful for my siblings. Our parents have raised us to put family first and because of their influence, I am blessed enough to have siblings that I can call my best friends.
We hope that everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. We continue to hope and pray for happy and healthy days ahead.
With the holidays coming up, you may be preparing for small get togethers with loved ones. Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more… the holiday season means connecting with your loved ones. You may be charged with the task of bringing a dish or maybe you want to add a little flare to your at home dinner! An antipasto tray or charcuterie board is a go-to when this task comes up!
We can help you create the perfect seasonal charcuterie board that is sure to wow your group and their taste buds!
Whenever you make a charcuterie board, you have to remember that it is important to balance your colors, textures, flavors, and shapes!
If you’re looking for some advice on what to put on your board, here are some tips!
The Cheeses
Rustic Red Cheddar
This is a grass fed rustic cheese. It has a bit of a stronger taste and a bit of a crunch to it– it is sweeter and grittier than normal cheddar. The pop of bright orange color makes it really great on a board. For our board, we decided to cube it.
Manchego
This is a sheep’s milk cheese that comes from Spain. It is 12 month aged cheese that is dry, but creamy at the same time. The dry cheese helps to incorporate the sweeter items on the board. This manchego is not as salty as normal manchego cheese either! We cut it in even wedges, leaving the rind on in order to make it easier to hold while you eat and add some color. You can eat the rind, but you’ll notice a different texture so we suggest not eating it.
Castello aged havarti
This ia havarti that has been aged for 12 months and is bold, creamy, and almost caramel flavor with a bit of a crunch. Havarti is typically creamy, but this one has a crystalline texture that adds little crunches to the cheese. This cheese is a great compliment for many dishes and even melts easily! For our board, we cut it in slices.
Marieke Gouda- Honey Clover
This is a raw milk, unpasteurized Gouda. It is sweet and has a kick at the same time as it is made with honey and a sweet clover herb. We started by trimming the rind off and then cut it in slices!
Sartori Chardonnay
This is an easy and delicious Wisconsin cheese. Sartori creates this line by taking their Bella vitano base– a parmesan. They then dip this wheel of cheese in a vat of Chardonnay wine. The rind is edible and delicious, so make sure to cut in wedges and to enjoy the rind. This cheese has it all– it is gritty, crunchy, and creamy
Lemon blueberry goat cheese
This is a goat cheese that is hand rolled in sweetened blueberries. This cheese is sweet and smooth, it tastes exactly like a blueberry lemonade! It is also seasonal, so it is only available while supplies last. For the board, we cut the cheese in half, then cut the halves again and placed it around the Il Nicciolo which is the center of our board.
Il Nicciolo
This is cow milk, sheep milk, and goat milk blended together to make soft ripened cheese with minimal rind. The outside is more of a butter line and inside is creamy which gives it an excellent flavor! We opened the box, cut the rind off, and placed it right in the center of our board! We put a special Limoncello jelly next to it because adding this jelly takes the cheese to the next level!
Limoncello jelly
With this jelly, a little goes a long way. Imported from Italy, this limoncello jelly is bursting with flavor. It is a great topping for a simple, creamy cheese! Put some on a cracker and top it with the vibrant limoncello jelly!
The Meats
We decided to use pre-cut salami and prosciutto because it is an easy time saver without sacrificing quality or taste. We all know that those extra few minutes, especially around the holidays, can be very helpful!
Bussetto salami nuggets
Classic, dry salami. It is simple, but compliments the unique flavors on the board perfectly.
Prosciutto di Parma
We grabbed the pre-sliced package and cut each piece in half. To put them on the board, we spun them into bite sized, round pieces. Want to try something different, but delicious? Try wrapping a pear slice in the prosciutto! You will get the perfect combination of salty and sweet.
Genoa Salami
This is another basic salami that adds a different texture and simple taste to the board. This one is inexpensive and you can use the whole package at once.
Fruit
Fruit gives you texture and a natural sweet on your board and breaks up the other flavors on the board. We used seasonal fruits
grapes
gala apples
d’anjou pear
Dry Figs (adds a good texture and natural sweetness)
The Crackers and Fillers
These are generally used a palette cleanser and are a great way to break up your board! Different flavors, textures, and colors help to create a balance and well-rounded board.
Mini tortas
This is a soft cracker with anise and crystallized sugar. It is sweet which complements the different flavors on the board
Parmesan crisps
Leave them whole and stack them on their side to add a different texture and crunch to the board.
Olina’s Fig and Sunflower Seed crackers
These gluten free crackers are firm and add a good crunch to the board. They are loaded with fruits and seeds to make them a wonderful mix of salty and sweet to compliment most any cheese!
Date and walnut cake
Dates and walnuts pressed together to form a cake. This is great with a sharp white cheddar!
Caramelized pecans
These are not too sugary because they are caramelized instead of sugared.
Cocoa almonds
These cocoa dusted chocolate almonds are perfectly sweet and salty with a crunch. They go great with cheese, especially goat cheese
Did you know that we will make the board for you? You pick the cheeses and we will create a masterpiece for you! You can provide your own board or we can get a small one for you. It is the perfect gift or tray to bring to a party!
