Casual Italian Lunch at Roma Imports

The other day I was perusing the Chow section from the Tucson Weekly site and came across this review of a place called Roma Imports. I'll let the review stand on its own, as I cannot write a better or more complete one. By the time I finished reading it, though, I had decided we'd go for lunch the next day (Saturday). And we did.

Lucky for us there were map directions included in the article, because, being newcomers to Tucson, we'd never have found it. It truly is off the beaten path in a semi-industrial neighborhood. We knew we were close when I saw the Italian flag flying over some nearby trees and buildings.

Eddie had the Ultimate Roma sandwich (capocolla, Genoa salami, Mortadella, tomato, lettuce, red onion, vinaigrette) for $6.50. I had the chicken Parmesan sub (whole grilled chicken breasts and marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese and Provolone melt) for $6.99. Both came on their delicious French baguette bread. We didn't talk much during lunch; we were too busy enjoying the food. Truly, we could have shared a sandwich, and next time we will, but we both devoured the whole thing and loved every bit.

While waiting for the order to come out, we chatted with Lillian, the owner. Born in Calcutta, schooled in Israel and after a brief stint in Scotland where she met her husband, she settled in Tucson and built up this fantastic following for her homemade Italian and Mediterranean foods.
We asked to be put on the e-mail list for the next big banquet she throws, which will be in October. This one is going to be totally different: German foods in honor of Oktoberfest time. Can't wait!

After lunch, we took a moment to look through the deli, which includes coolers and freezers full of prepared foods to take home, such as lots of varieties of raviolis and gnocchi, lasagne, canneloni, sauces and pizza dough, just as examples. We bought a baguette, some sliced pancetta, some hot salami and Spanish chorizo.

Roma Imports was a real find for us and we'll be going back often to sample lots of their other menu items. It's located at 627 S. Vine in Tucson, AZ. Phone is 520.792.3137. Click here for a map and directions.