Want This 125-Year Old “Hero” Sandwich?
OK, here’s a classic “hero”sandwich from a New York Italian Deli that’s been in business for 125 years – making iconic food for a new generation!
I’m starting a new series: it’s my celebration of the “Oldest Food in New York”!
Welcome to New York’s West Village: home to great restaurants and classic food shops like Faicco’s Italian Specialties!
It was established in 1900 by Eduardo Faicco, an Italian Deli Owner and Grocer, making it a long-standing institution in the Village.
Faicco’s Italian Specialties sits on the famous Bleecker Street in New York City, where, as they say: “rich culinary traditions come to life in a warm, inviting atmosphere.”
This family-owned gem is famous for its classic Italian specialties like fresh Mozzarella balls, Prosciutto balls and more! Here’s a look at the deli case:
They also have a delightful selection of sandwiches – which they call hero’s…I grew up calling them “hoagies” or “Submarine sandwiches” but whatever you call them, what a selection to choose from!
They offer classics like the Chicken Cutlet with Mozzarella and Pesto, the mouthwatering Muffuletta Toscano, as well as hot options like the classic Meatball Parm! Each dish reflects a dedication to authentic Italian flavors, crafted with fresh ingredients.
Here’s a look at some of their menu items…I chose the classic Italian, which I took home to showcase the sandwich in all its glory:
For lovers of submarine sandwiches, this is a classic: tomato, peppers, lettuce and lots of meats and cheeses – in this case prosciutto, ham, soppresato and mozzarella cheese, with its of the Italian oil and vinegar splashed on top! Here it is unveiled:
Perfectly wrapped, this sandwich holds all of its goodies tightly inside a freshly baked bun…I grew up calling these “submarine sandwiches” but many call them “hoagies” – whatever they are, take another look!
The bun glistens just a bit, thanks to that oil, vinegar and herb mixture…and holds teogether perfectly:
As you can see, it’s stuffed: but the oil and vinegar dressing helps each ingredient pop: the Italian meats and cheeses are smooth and rich, and the peppers have a tangy burst of flavor as well…
The best part? You can only finish half, so plan for another meal with this hoagie for sure! While I was at Faicco’s, I picked up a few other items, like this large can of Scungilli!
Yep, it’s a giant can of “Scungilli!”
That’s quite the can of conch! Of course, I had to cook with it, and here’s what I came up with!
Overall, Faicco’s Italian Specialties is more than just a meat shop. It’s a celebration of Italian gastronomy, providing a space where delicious food, friendly service, and a casual ambiance meet.
I love traditional Italian cuisines, so when I attended the “Feast Of San Gennaro” I had to get a freshly grilled Braciole:
Expertly cooked, a chunk of the sausage is cut off, put in a terrific Italian bun, and then smothered with grilled onions….take a look:
See more of the Italian “Feast Of San Gennaro” here:
Since we are discussing food with an Italian heritage, let’s take a closer look at my all time favorite:
Rao’s Meatballs!
I love meatballs. I have shared many recipes for them, but this is the greatest, thanks to the iconic Rao’s Restaurant in East Harlem…I made them at home and the recipe is here:
I am sharing and storing all of these recipes on my food website “Bite! Eat! Repeat!” – it’s your site for all things food – if you like what you see, please click on my link and follow this blog as well!
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Categories: Bite Eat Swallow, Bite! Eat! Repeat!, Chef memoirs, Eat This!, Food, Food Porn, Food Travel, Recipes, Restaurants, Travel, Wacky Food, World's Wildest Food
Bite! Eat! Repeat! 
Wow, it doesn’t look a day over 100!
This is going to be a fun series.
I realized I was trying places that have iconic status for New Yorkers differed why not give some history and context to them…many more to come so thanks for reading and commenting, it is much appreciated!
Looks amazing!
Loving learning about food as much as I do – this is going to be a ‘put some time aside for fun’ series for me! As I have stated before I have been lucky to have visited New York a number of times but have always stayed in hotels near the Park and mostly eaten New York ‘French’ – in what I laughingly called the ‘le’ and ‘la’ restaurants 🙂 ! With my ‘peculiar’ habits may not necessarily like all, but will love to know 🙂 ! Scandinavian-style – do like sandwiches with a lot of different fillings . . .
it really looks good for its age! looking forward to the series –
Looks like a great place, John. I examined the photos, and now I want some Prosciutto Balls!
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks Pete! I am going to eat at more of New York’s classic haunts, some over a hundred years old!