Palmerino’s began as a cottage food operation out of the family home.

By David Dindak

David Dindak

Happy January, Morgan Hillians.

Did you know the Native Americans named our piece of heaven “Valley of The Heart’s Delight” due to its fertile soil? Prior to the dot-coms and creation of “Silicon Valley,” Santa Clara Valley was the first premium wine production region. The first root stock plantings were by Italian immigrants along Hecker Pass. Fast-forward about 130 years, and Morgan Hill — “Jewel of the South Bay” — will soon be welcoming Palmerino’s. From what I can recall in my 34 years here, it’s the first authentic Italian market and deli.

Owner Tommy Palmer moved to Morgan Hill with his family at the age of six in 1999. Being from a large family, as tradition, once a month up to 40 members would gather to make pasta and celebrate birthdays. As a result, some of the most important things in Tommy’s life have been family and food.

Palmerino’s began as a cottage food operation out of the family home. Tommy decided to take it to the next level in honor of his nonna who passed away in 2017, by opening a brick and mortar market and deli in downtown Morgan Hill.

This dream would not have been possible without the partnership of Joe and Lisa Raineri, owners of Terra Amico Farms, tomato producers in San Martin. Their relationship evolved as once a month Tommy was preparing a farm-to-table seven-course locally sourced Italian meal. They tried to cap the number of attendees at 50, but it was so successful the last one had 90.

Tommy is a graduate of the Italian Culinary Institute. He said his deli/market is as authentic Italian as you can get — something a majority of our town has never seen before. The market has 400 imported Italian products ready to go for you to enjoy, as Tommy anxiously awaits the doors to open. Like pasta? How about four different flavors, 11 different shapes, five different raviolis, five homemade staple sauces, and pizza dough you can bake at home. But that’s not all.

You’ll be able to find imported cured meats and cheeses as well as local olive oil, biscotti and pepper jelly. Some sandwiches on the menu are found predominantly in Italy.  Want a little toasty? Ask to have your sandwich put on the panini press.  Don’t want take-out or grab-‘n-go salad? Gotcha covered with outdoor dining. Thirsty? Gotcha covered as the deli has beer and locally sourced wine and cider.

Tommy shared a fun story — ever wonder why there’s no salt in Tuscan bread? Folklore has it there was a feud between two city-states in the Middle Ages. City-state No. 2 had monopoly on salt. From what I read they taxed the heck out of it and impoverished Tuscans couldn’t afford it. So, Queen No. 1 said they’d never buy salt again. That’s why you’ll find Tuscan bread getting stale more quickly. However, add a little liquid and you’ll get it “springy, not mushy.”

Palmerino’s is located at 35 E. Main St. (the previous La Nina Perdida site). A soft opening is scheduled for the last weekend in January. A grand opening is expected to be the first weekend in February. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Reach them at (669) 888-3199 and www.palmerinos.com.

Remember to keep Wine, Art and Music Stroll on your radar for spring. Hoping to see you soon at Palmerino’s. Ciao.

David Dindak is the president of the board of directors for the Morgan Hill Downtown Association.