Sacramento Italian Deli Offering New Dinner Menu

"Mama Mia! Now that's Italian!!" Local Roots Tour Guide, Bethany Heckman steps behind the Italian deli counter at Sampino's Towne Foods. If you’ve ever stepped foot inside Sampino’s you’ll know the physical reaction you have to the place. Instantly, your taste buds awaken, you’re sense of smell ignites and you are quickly ready for one thing: Ready. To. Eat. Coming from an Italian family myself, I knew that I would instantly fall in love with this place. My grandparents both came from Italy and opened a deli/restaurant similar to this one in Northern California. The minute I tried the food, I was hooked. If you are seeking fresh, local and mouth-watering food- look no further than Sampino’s. Tucked away next to a Laundromat, fast food Chinese and a bail bonds company, you would never expect this little hidden jewel on the fast paced 16th Street. Sampino's is one of our tour stops on our Local Roots Food Tour; City of Trees. Sampino’s has quickly become an instant favorite. Tastings of button and porcini mushroom risotto to the handmade mezzaluna stuffed pastas and cappuccino/pistachio gelato, Sampino’s has a knack for food which is why we chose them to be on our food tour! Owners father Bill, his son Michael and daughter in law Gabi have turned Sampinos into a tucked away hot spot. But the word has gotten out about this treasure. So much so, Sampino’s is launching their debut dinner menu this Friday night, August 26. The owners of Sampino’s have seen the demand their customers are looking for. Food after 4 pm. Chef Craig Takehara has joined the Sampino team by donating many hours of his time while teaming with the Sampinos in creating a dinner menu that speaks right to one's palate.  Chef Takehara will be joining the Sampino Team if these dinners go as well as anticipated. “We looked around for someone with the same values we cherish. Quality food, fresh ingredients and a devotion to service. That is what this family business is about,” says owner Michael. “There are plenty of chefs in the area but we feel we found the one that will best fit in with us here at Sampino’s.”  Chef Takehara has lived primarily in Los Angeles but was trained mostly in Japan. “You may think it’s odd to have a Japanese chef at an authentic Italian restaurant, but you’d be surprised,” says Takehara. “I learned the most about Italian cooking while in Japan. The Japanese are passionate about noodles and rice. Similar to Italian cooking.” Click to continue reading!