For European specialties, there’s no place more beloved in Edmonton than the Italian Centre Shop. The range of imported Italian goods alone is mind-boggling: pasta, olives, cheeses, dips, spices, chocolate, olive oil and tomatoes galore. And more than 100 varieties of meat at the deli. Which might make the thought of assembling a charcuterie plate, or as the Italians say, “antipasto platter,” a bit daunting. We asked shop owner Teresa Spinelli for a few tips:
• Add colour to the platter with a bright red salami like calabrese or soppressata.
• Choose at least three varieties of pork. Prosciutto, salami and mortadella are traditional.
• Plan for about 100 grams of meat per person – more if the platter is the only food being served.
• Serve red and green whole Bella di Cerignola and Davinci olives. The acidic flavour balances the meat.
• Go for a non-pork option such as bresaola (a dry-cured beef) or pastrami.