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$19.99 (as of November 6, 2024 14:46 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)If you’re on the hunt for a gourmet experience in Italy, look no further than Peck, the renowned specialty food store that has captured Ina Garten’s heart. Nestled in Milan, this iconic delicatessen and wine shop has been delighting food lovers since 1883 with its impeccable selection of cured meats, fine cheeses, and artisanal products. As you explore its aisles, you’ll find everything from premium salumi to delectable patisseries, each item hand-picked from small producers to ensure the highest quality. Peck’s rich history and commitment to excellence make it a must-visit for any food enthusiast, offering a taste of Italy that has even inspired some of Garten’s beloved recipes. So, next time you’re in Milan, take a page from Ina Garten’s cookbook and indulge in the culinary treasures at Peck—you won’t be disappointed. Ever stumbled upon a store that feels like a hidden gem, almost like a treasure trove of culinary delights? Well, that’s exactly how Ina Garten felt when she discovered Peck, an Italian specialty food store in Milan.
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The Magic of Peck: A Culinary Institution
In her “Cook Like a Pro” cookbook, Ina Garten recounts how she and her husband Jeffrey found Peck during their wanderings in Milan. If you know anything about Ina, you know she has a knack for finding the best of the best—and Peck is no exception. But what makes this place so extraordinary?
A Storied Beginning
Peck’s story begins back in 1883. Franz Peck, a Prague native, established what would become an iconic salumeria, initially focusing on smoked and cured meats, indulging the tastes of the Milanese elite. Over time, the store not only survived but thrived, evolving into a flagship destination, a rich tapestry of culinary delights that represents the very soul of Italian gastronomy.
Expansion and Legacy
From its humble beginnings, Peck has blossomed into multiple unique locations within Milan and even expanded internationally to places like Japan, Korea, and Singapore. It now houses three combined specialty shops under one roof—a wine shop, a cheese shop, and a rotisserie. Imagine strolling through a place where every corner you turn introduces you to a new flavor, a new scent, a new joy.
The Rich Offerings at Peck
When you walk into Peck, prepare yourself for an overwhelming array of high-quality foods. Each section of the store holds its own specialty.
The Meat Selection
Peck’s heart beats with its remarkable variety of meats. From filets to T-bones to Parma ham and salumi, the shop offers a tantalizing array of cured and smoked delicacies. Each bite carries a piece of history, tradition, and unmatched quality.
Cheese Galore
If you love cheese, you’re in for a treat. Peck offers a wide range of cheeses, from fresh mozzarella to burrata, ricotta, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Each type of cheese is carefully selected to ensure high quality and freshness.
Gourmet Ready-to-Eat Meals and More
Peck also excels in providing ready-to-eat hot meals, perfect for a gourmet takeaway. Indulge in fresh pasta stuffed with seasonal ingredients, assorted gourmet sandwiches, coffees, teas, and delectable patisseries like cakes, gelato, and chocolate.
Artisanal Specialty Products
What makes Peck stand out even more is its focus on artisanal products. The store hand-picks suppliers, often small producers, to ensure that every product you purchase is a piece of culinary art.
Table: Key Products at Peck
| Category | Products |
|---|---|
| Meats | Cured meats, smoked meats, filets, T-bones, Parma ham, salumi |
| Cheeses | Mozzarella, burrata, ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano |
| Ready-to-Eat Meals | Hot meals, fresh pasta, gourmet takeaway sandwiches |
| Patisseries | Cakes, gelato, chocolate |
| Coffees and Teas | Gourmet coffee blends, assorted teas |
| Artisanal Products | Select items from small producers |
| Wines | 150 Italian and French fine wines |
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Wine Heaven at Peck
Peck’s dedication to quality doesn’t stop with food. The wine cellars at Peck are legendary. With two separate locations for wines, you can find over 150 fine Italian and French wines. It’s an oenophile’s dream come true.
Fine Dining Options
You can also indulge in traditional Italian and iconic Milanese dishes at Peck’s three restaurants and cocktail bar. Imagine savoring a veal cutlet (cotoletta alla Milanese) or risotto in an ambiance that’s both luxurious and welcoming.
Table: Locations and Offerings
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Store | Deli shop, wine cellar, specialty meats, cheeses, ready meals |
| Other Locations | Additional spots in Milan and Lucca, international branches in Asia |
| Restaurants | Traditional Italian meals, Milanese favorites like cotoletta alla Milanese and risotto |
| Cocktail Bar | Creative cocktails using premium ingredients |
Exclusive Recipes Inspired by Peck
One may wonder how Peck has influenced culinary personalities like Ina Garten. Well, it has made quite an impact. For example, her famous warm marinated olives draw inspiration from Peck’s roasted olives, a staple at their rotisserie counter. These olives, along with an assortment of roasted vegetables, encapsulate the store’s flavorful offerings.
Why Peck is a Must-Visit
You might ask, why should you visit this store? Well, if you’re a foodie or a devoted fan of Ina Garten, Peck offers a unique and enriching experience that’s hard to find anywhere else.
A Hub for Gourmands
First and foremost, Peck is a gastronomic Eden for food lovers. From the artisanal food products to the ready-made gourmet meals, every element of this store is curated to delight your senses. It’s a place that has both history and passion woven into its fabric.
Ina Garten’s Seal of Approval
When someone like Ina Garten, who owned and meticulously operated a specialty food store for 18 years, tells you a store is worth your time, you can be sure it’s special. Her endorsement alone highlights the exceptional quality and charm of Peck.
Cultural Experience
Visiting Peck isn’t just about shopping for food; it’s about immersing yourself in the heart of Italian culinary tradition. Whether you’re picking out a fine wine or savoring a freshly made pasta dish, every moment is a dive into Italy’s rich food culture.
Inspiration for Home Cooks
Lastly, a visit to Peck can offer invaluable inspiration. You might discover a new ingredient, notice a cooking technique, or simply find joy in the art of food. Much like how Peck inspired Ina Garten, it can inspire you to elevate your cooking at home.
How to Get the Best Out of Your Visit
Plan Ahead
Given the extensive offerings and large space, it helps to plan ahead. Make a list of what you want to explore first, whether it’s the wine cellar, the cheese section, or the meat counter.
Ask for Recommendations
Don’t be shy about asking the knowledgeable staff for their recommendations. They can guide you to the best seasonal produce or suggest a wine that pairs perfectly with your meal.
Savor the Experience
Take your time. Peck isn’t a place to rush. Walk through each section, take in the aromas and flavors, and enjoy every moment. Take a seat at one of their cafes or restaurants and truly immerse yourself in the experience.
Conclusion
So, whether you’re an ardent fan of Ina Garten or just deeply in love with Italian cuisine, make sure to add Peck to your travel itinerary. It’s more than just a food store; it’s a culinary adventure that promises to leave a lasting impression. You’ll walk out not only with bags filled with gourmet delights but also with your heart full and your culinary soul enriched.
By now, you can see why Peck isn’t just a store—it’s a culinary institution that continues to captivate and inspire food enthusiasts around the globe. So next time you find yourself in Milan, don’t miss out on the one store that Ina Garten adores. Your taste buds will thank you.
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