When I first met “Odi”, my nickname for OdiseArmata, he had opened an indoor produce stand next to Scoops Ice Cream. He has moved and expanded twice since, becoming an eat-in deli as well as a conventional deli to go operation. He also married his sweetheart from the old country and their son has turned two.
Imagine a deli that serves the best Boars Head meats and cheeses and sells them by the pound for $1-$2/lb less than the cheapest competition. Add to that a produce store with fresh new arrivals directly from the farmers market 3 times per week. Then add a kitchen that serves a terrific Lemon Chicken soup, one of the finest Gyros, Chicken Souvlaki and Deli sandwiches, Greek Specialties, wraps and fresh salads.
Save room for one of the homemade desserts, or Apple Pie, Rice Pudding or Protein Bars. It is really more than a produce and deli, with a huge selection of local honeys, some wines you find no where else, a varied selection of Mediterranean specialty foods, the best deal in town on olive oils, vinegars, olives, goat and Feta cheeses and a great deal more.One of the very best offerings in the store is in a ‘salad case’ right next to the register. There is homemade salsa, Tzatziki Sauce, Beet Salad, Grilled Eggplant, Stuffed Peppers, Greek Sausage, several flavors of fresh hummus, fish spread, chicken and tuna salad loaded with fresh veggies, and terrific, incredibly fresh Orzo Spinach Salad, Quinoa and Tabouli.
With Odi’s most recent expansion, the kitchen has doubled in size, more seating was added, shelved products were moved to the front and the selection was expanded.
A brand new catering menu offers fruit, veggie, meat & cheese platters, plus sandwiches and wraps, popularly priced for tailgate parties, birthdays, anniversaries, condo association meetings, brokers opens, most anytime you need to feed from 6-20 people.
Visit SpbProduceAndDeli.com, call 727-564-0101 or stop by 6355 Gulf Blvd. on St. Pete Beach.
Story by Peter A Roos