Community Corner

The Pasta is Homemade at Antico Ravioli

The Italian market on Meriden's east side has been selling its well-known raviolis for nearly 20 years.

 

At the food, like the accent, is authentic.

For nearly 20 years, Renato "Ronnie" Antico has welcomed customers through the doors of the family-owned Italian market at 1243 East Main Street, a must-stop for anyone in search of fresh pasta.

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The Brooklyn native, along with his brother, Frank, offer a selection of Italian specialities, including Antico's most popular item — raviolis.

"It's homemade," says Ronnie. "The customers come in, they buy some raviolis, some sauce, and they go home and cook it."

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The pair came to Meriden by way of the borough in the early 1990s, moving the family owned business to Connecticut with them. Like many small business owners, the Antico brothers put the emphasis on quality over quantity.

"I make my own product. I know what I put in it, and I know the difference. We don't cut corners," says Ronnie.

The store's raviolis are stuffed with cheeses, meats, spinach and even lobster, and fluff up nicely in a pot of boiling water.

Antico's also offers freshly made manicotti, cavatelli and cannelloni which can be topped with either one of the store's two homemade sauces — marinara or meat flavored sauce made from a simple, yet flavorful combination of San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, parsley, olive oil and salt and pepper.

Soppressata, an italian dry salami, is also made on the premises.

"Companies like this, they're just not around no more," says Ronnie. "The mom and pop stores are fading away. The neighborhood's gotta support it."

Antico Ravioli is open Tuesday through Friday from 8-5 p.m., and on Saturday and Monday from 8-2 p.m. Orders can be placed by calling 203-237-3252 or by email at info@anticoravioli.com


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