The Goods Italian Market — one of the best new fall additions to Downtown Merced — is open at 348 W. Main Street, as an extension of the popular Bella Luna restaurant
The highly-anticipated store is the place to pick up fine and carefully-curated Italian cuisine, including fresh deli products; prepared deli dishes; canned and packaged items; kitchenware and specialty gifts.
Some of the highlights include an array of custom imported meats, such as Mortadella with pistachios, Soppressata, and Coppa, as well as high-quality cheeses, and an impressive variety of pastas and sauces.
The Goods is quickly becoming a staple spot for not only local foodies, but also the average downtowner who is just looking for a quick bite.
This new space is the latest venture by local entrepreneurs and Bella Luna owners, Giancarlo DiTullio and Anaid Martinez-DiTullio.
In an interview with the Times, Giancarlo DiTullio explained: “We had an ear out over here at the restaurant where folks were asking, ‘Can I buy, your mortadella? Or, ‘Can I buy prosciutto from you guys?’ And so, you know, we just were listening to what the community was saying. We realized there is no deli in town that serves imported cold cuts and imported cheese. People have to travel out of town for it. So, the idea stage was in January, and then we just kind of, organically put things together.”
DiTullio went on to express his gratefulness for Head Chef Noah Jackson, who has not only been a key figure in Bella Luna, but is the creative mind behind the varied and incredibly tasty menu for the Goods Market.
“The menu is led by Chef Noah in the kitchen. He leads the culinary side of what we’re doing for The Goods. Whether it’s specials, cooking demos, and guest-facing interaction. He’s definitely, you know, a key component to what we’re doing.”
Anaid Martinez-DiTullio pointed out: “Another aspect I would say is that we wanted to be closer to the community in their day-to-day life. Although with Bell Luna we have a lot of regulars that we see very frequently, for a lot of people, Bell Luna is only for special occasions and get togethers, but with The Goods, we’re seeing people every day grocery shopping.”
She added, “Over these last, almost five years, we’ve really ingrained ourselves in the community. And it’s something special. I can’t walk down the street without seeing 10 people that I know, and it feels amazing. And, I think The Goods is just going to really solidify that. We love being part of the growth of Merced.”
