A1 Italian Deli in San Pedro

Filed under: South Bay, Shop, Eat — StyleGuide @ 6:30 am

San Pedro, the port town at the southern terminus of the 110, is one of those places where the town’s main drag would regularly replace itself.  New buildings would spring up on the next throughfare to the west, and the town’s bustle would follow.  In San Pedro, the action moved from Pacific to Gaffey, and now to Western.  The old neighborhoods remain, a little more rundown and a little less crowded.

Some first-rate businesses continue to prosper around the older streets, and A1 is one of them, an authentic old school Italian grocer, a quiet place with a few loud employees.  It is the kind of shop that I imagine covers much of New York and Jersey (based entirely on my obsession with mob movies).  Their high standards for quality cultivate a loyal following that seems more like family. 

I shop affordable specialites like breaded chicken cutlets from the deli (pounded thin and ready for a quick fry in olive oil), uncooked pizza dough from the refrigerator section, fresh produce (including fun stuff like dandelion leaves), Italian wines and aisle after aisle of well-priced imported foods ranging from ladyfingers to olive oil.

But my favorite thing at A1 is their made-to-order Italian prosciutto ham and provolone sandwich.  The buttery prosciutto is laid thick on a seven-inch fresh baked french roll with all the usual toppings and a tangy vinaigrette, priced at a mere $4.25. 

A1 has been in business in San Pedro since 1947.  Although developers have rediscovered the neighborhood and begun populating it with modern loft condominiums, I’m hoping it will remain the same for another 60 years.

Price:  $ and up

Where:  348 W. 8th Street, San Pedro, Ca 90731

When:  Closed Sundays

Call:  310-833-4045

www.a1importgroc.com

Posted in South Bay, Shop, Eat |