June Shop Watch: Camisa Online

Fratelli Camisa

Camisa

What?
Camisa Online Deli

Why?
The finest Italian deli to your door 

I am dreaming of the south and of Italy. I find myself watching episode after episode of Inspector Montalbano with its glorious opening sequence of the azure sea of Sicily. And I look for old films set in spectacular scenery (try Avanti with Jack Lemmon, Room with a View or Il Postino); and I am deeply immersed in the novels of Donna Leon and her perfect evocation of life in Venice.  But since a trip is out of the question at the moment, I can at least indulge in my dream by cooking and eating Italian food, especially as summer is on its way. For this I am turning to an online website again, Camisa, rather than featuring a simple ingredient, because one delivery can bring you the taste of Italy.

Camisa was a family business set up back in the late 1920’s in Soho. It was where all the Italians living in London congregated. Now, with the company Cibosano at the helm, it is still a family concern, delivering a wide range of specially sourced artisan foods. The online site is divided into: All Things Dolce; Store Cupboard; Cheese; Italian Wine; Pasta and Rice; and Charcuterie. I suggest you take some time to browse the range, but I am going to mention some of my favourites. 

Firstly, I always include some basics in my delivery: risotto rice – they stock both Arborio and Carnaroli from growers in the Po valley; dry pasta, especially Martelli pasta, which this website has always championed; some 00 flour to make my own pasta; a wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano (500g or 1kg); and at least two buffalo mozzarella cheeses along with some fresh olives.

Looking at their Charcuterie range I would recommend the smoked pancetta which I can cut into cubes for pasta alla carbonara and definitely include some packs of Parma Ham Reserva – the ham is of excellent quality and is always handy for an instant lunch with melon or pears or peaches or, indeed, with mozzarella. I also love their Tuscan sausages. The plain meaty sausages made from coarsely ground pork and tied by hand are great for a summer barbecue, and the Pork Sausages Toscanelle with Fennel which are the best for making a sauce for pasta.

But now is the time to treat yourself to some specials. The Aged Reserve Balsamic Vinegar would bring all your summer salads to life, and a few drops will bring out the taste of strawberries now at the height of their season.

And I love the range of fresh filled pasta, each pack enough for 2. The ones I especially like are called “Caramella”, so named because they are made in the shape of a wrapped boiled sweet or toffee – twisted at each end. They are stuffed with mozzarella and basil, and they take just a couple of minutes to cook. I serve them simply in melted butter, with a few fresh basil leaves tossed in, and some grated Parmesan on top. 

So, you can see, you can delve into this website for your dream of Italy.

Conclusion:
Dreaming of Italy

Contact:
camisa.co.uk
Telephone: 01992 804716
New stock arrives on a Monday.  If you see a product marked as out of stock do give Camisa a call.  It may well be in the warehouse waiting to be listed. 

Availability as of 28th May 2020

View all Rose Lloyd's Shop Watch products