Forza Meats — the Glenview-based all-in-one butcher store, market and deli — is basking in its one-year anniversary this week with its loyal buyer base and rising recognition.
“To have customers in here two or three times a week getting deli meat, prepared food or meats makes me feel like I’m doing something right,” co-owner Mario Minelli mentioned.
If the Minelli title rings a bell it’s as a result of Minelli is a third-generation butcher. His grandparents owned a store on Lexington and Western within the 1950s, and his father, John, and brothers, opened Minelli Brothers in Niles in 1970.
Mario Minelli continues to be a accomplice at his household’s enterprise in Niles and likewise opened The Chop Shop in Wicker Park in 2013.
When Minelli’s childhood buddy, Tyler Pontarelli, recommended they open a spot collectively of their hometown of Glenview, there was no hesitation.
“We were always the oldest kids in the youngest kids’ Little League. [We’d] get paired up together even though we went to different schools,” mentioned Pontarelli, a former commodities dealer.
The Old-School idea of understanding your neighborhood butcher is up to date at Forza, 1811 Glenview Rd., with fashionable, industrial decor that includes gleaming white subway tiles, vaulted ceilings and a glossy, 20-foot butcher counter displaying essentially the most pristine cuts of recent meat.
Forza Meats is a full-service butcher store and Italian market positioned within the coronary heart of downtown Glenview. Brian Rich/Sun Times
“I grew up eating Mario’s family recipe Italian sausage and Italian beef — the best this side of the Atlantic,” mentioned Pontaelli, Forza’s co-owner.
“Forza” in Italian interprets to “power,” and is usually used as a catch-all euphemism for delight in a single’s heritage or to root on a sports activities staff as in “Forza Italia!”
All meats at Forza are pasture-raised, home, all-natural and antibiotic- and hormone-free. The meat is regionally sources from purveryors reminiscent of Slagel Family Farm in Fairbury and La Pryor Farm in Ottawa the place heritage duroc hogs are sourced.
“We’re hearing more and more people want to know where their food comes from; they want to get closer to it,” mentioned Pontarelli. “It’s better for the planet, it’s better for the animals and ultimately it results in a better product.”
Sausages are made in-house, together with specialty sausages, bratwurst and Italian (sizzling and delicate) sausage. Porchetta is made with pork stomach and loin, flavored with citrus, complete fennel, garlic and crushed crimson pepper.
“At the end of the day, something gave its life for us … We try to use every part of the animal that we possibly can,” mentioned head butcher Jimmy Shay. “Those odd bits and little pieces are nothing to be afraid of. They can be just as delicious a pork chop.”
In line with such considering, the New Orleans-style boudin is made with pork trotters, shanks, liver, coronary heart, tongue and cheeks blended with rice, greens and spices.
Favorite sizzling subs at Forza embrace Italian beef and the meatball, and Italian sausage. Paninis and conventional deli subs typically characteristic in-house giardiniera. The well-liked “Paisan” has capicola, sopressata, casalingo, provolone and different fixings. “The Salvatore” (named after Pontarelli’s son) options Genoa salami, capicola, mortadella, provolone and different objects. Salads and vegetarian sandwiches are additionally accessible.
The Italian beef served at Forza Meats.Brian Rich/Sun Times
Take and bake pizza, cold and hot sides, pastas and ready-to-heat dinners are additionally accessible for pick-up. Forza additionally takes catering orders and customized orders for hard-to-find or specialty objects.
The Paisan sandwich, served at Forza Meats, is made with capicola, sopressata, casalingo, provolone, lettuce, tomato, crimson onion, sizzling giardiniera, oil & vinegar.Brian Rich/Sun…
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