Upon first entering DiMarco Bros. Deli, I felt transported to another world. Greeted with exotic smells, Italian music playing overhead and other Italian offerings either under the glass deli screen or on shelves near the walls, I felt like Dorothy and Toto, and that I was no longer in Meadville.

         Wanting some authentic cuisine, I soon realized I discovered the right place on a nondescript side street in Tool City.

         My first adventure for my taste buds? Pasta fazool ($3.95). Pardon my Italian foodstuff ignorance, brother/fratello, but I had no idea it was a soup! But then again, my only reference to it, is in a Dean Martin song.

Nonetheless, I ordered a cup of the warm, spicy tomato broth flecked with pasta and enjoyed it, a treat for my tummy and brain food, too, for the new culinary knowledge.

         On the hot summer day that I visited, I needed something to cool me down, so I ordered the Mediterranean Salad ($9.43). Good call. Topped with Feta cheese, cucumbers, red onions, chick peas, tomatoes and lettuce topped with marinated chicken, the scrumptions, big portion salad did the trick!

         Next, the Gabba Gool sandwich ($10.38) I ordered was piled high with capicola and other sliced meats, lettuce, Provolone and Burrata cheeses, lettuce, green peppers and seasoned with red wine vinaigrette. Umm, delizioso!

         So much food!

         I had ordered the full Focaccio round and my tummy needed a time out! I had to take the “Gabba” home to dine on the deli sandwich later. But then again, there are bigger problems in the world, right?

         Next time you’re in Meadville stop by DiMarco Bros. Deli for a big taste of little Italia!

         Buon appetito!

The Lunch Lady

        DiMarco Bros. Deli is located at 896 Market St. Meadville. For more information, visit their Facebook account.