Fulfilling a family tradition, the third generation of the Ambrosino family has brought a full Italian market and deli to Frankfort.
The newest Ambrosino outpost is owned by Peter and Mary Pat Ambrosino of Mokena. As in the family-owned specialty stores that served South Side neighborhoods for the last 100 years, there are the carefully framed photographs near the entrance. Shots of grandparents Peter and Ann Ambrosino, owners of the 69th Street market (now closed), have a place of honor, as do the photographs of the second generation, Joe and Barbara Ambrosino, who run the Hickory Hills market.
There’s the fragrance of homemade marinara sauce and display cases full of plump Italian sausage, roast beef, cheeses, meats and salads. There are homemade specialties ready to take home. They come both fresh and frozen and include lasagna, ravioli, pasta fagioli, and marinara, alfredo and clam sauces; for sweets, there are tiramisu and cannolis. The shelves are stocked with imported vinegars, pastas, oils and spices.
Hot sandwiches include the Puccini, a pepper sandwich ($2.49), and the Vivaldi, a combination of sausage and beef ($3.99). Cold sandwiches include five subs and a “Create Your Own” (all $3.49). Party subs, both Italian and American, range in size up to 6 feet ($24.95 to $69.95).
Quick and easy dinner options include homemade Italian roast beef au jus ($5.99 a pound), cooked sausage or meatballs in red sauce ($3.29 a pound), fried Italian sausage with peppers ($3.59 a pound), lasagna serving 8 to 12 ($24.99 for a half-pan) and a variety of salads.
Catering for parties of 15 or more ranges in price per person from $2.99 to $5.99.
For the cook, there are a number of gadgets to make Italian recipes perfect, from a pizzelle maker for Italian cookies to a cavatelli maker that produces pasta and gnocchi.
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Ambrosino’s Italian Market and Deli
20495 S. LaGrange Rd., Frankfort
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday.
Phone: 815-464-5002.
