We’d like to congratulate Sorriso Italian Pork Store in the heart of Astoria on their 25th anniversary. Frank Fiorino, who took over from his father, and Frank DePaola, the owners, are very proud to serve the community with its fine selection of prime meats, cheeses, homemade sausages and everything else you’ll need for lots of fabulous meals at home. The word "sorriso" means "smile," and you’ll be greeted with at least one every time you come in. The friendly atmosphere and the excellent selection have made Sorriso so popular that a second location was opened two years ago to serve the Whitestone community.

A visit to Sorriso is like a trip to Italy. The freshest pork products and cheeses hang from the ceiling and display cases boast dozens of delicious dishes. Whether you just pop in for an Italian hero sandwich for lunch or are planning a dinner for 12, Sorriso has everything from soup to nuts, including expert catering, to make any meal a grand success. Keep them in mind for your upcoming Super Bowl party, or a romantic surprise dinner for Valentine’s Day.

Tempting antipasti to take home include paper-thin slices of prosciutto that melt in the mouth. Sharp or mild cheeses go well with their great assortment of olives and crusty Italian bread. Order an antipasto platter filled with grilled, marinated eggplant or pickled eggplant in vinegar, oil and garlic, among many selections, or compose your own. Sorriso’s own homemade red roasted peppers can be bought fresh by the pound, or packed in jars for future use. The octopus salad, tossed with red onion, celery, garlic and a special dressing, is tender and fresh. Seafood salad, with lots of calamari, shrimp and scungilli, is great, too. I smeared lots of chunky caponata (eggplant and tomato spread) onto thick slices of brick oven Italian bread. Between bites, I nibbled on tender, creamy bocconcini, little balls of fresh mozzarella made daily. Pizza rustica, or rustic pie was layered with salami, ham, eggs and ricotta, all underneath a tender crust, just the way my grandmother used to make it. A slice of this four-inch-high pie makes a nice snack or lunch in itself.

One of the best things about Sorriso is the helpful and friendly staff, led by the congenial owners, who know most of their customers by name. If you’re not sure what you want, the staff will offer some delicious suggestions. DePaola and Fiorino are particularly proud of their new assortment of homemade ravioli, with an extensive variety of fillings such as mushroom and truffle, spinach, broccoli rabe, smoked mozzarella and much more. Frozen ravioli can be made any time you want restaurant quality food at home. Top any of their homemade pastas with one of their delicious sauces, made on the premises, each day. Alla vodka sauce is quite popular, as are marinara, meat sauce or red or white clam sauce.

If you don’t feel like cooking from scratch and can’t afford a fancy restaurant, take home any of their prepared food including crisp flounder filets, chicken cutlets or fork-tender chicken francese in lemony butter sauce. Oven-ready meals include chicken rollatini, layered with prosciutto and cheese, and hefty stuffed pork chops. Stop by on your way home from work, pick your favorite dishes, put them in the oven, and by the time you’ve settled in, dinner is ready. Sorriso does all the work for you.

For those who want to do their own cooking, Sorriso sells the freshest prime meats including rib eye, Black Angus steaks and freshly ground beef, pork and veal. Fresh, plump Bell and Evans chickens can be taken home and prepared in your own favorite recipe. Handmade pork or chicken sausages make any meal special, and there are plenty of side dishes to go along with the main course.

Don’t forget to place your order for Super Bowl Sunday or any other party. Sorriso provides customized party hero sandwiches 2 to 6 feet long, filled with choice of cold cuts and vegetables. Hot and cold dishes can be prepared for any number of people and every platter is beautifully presented. See their ad for special offers.

Congratulations, Sorriso, on your 25th year in Astoria, and good luck to you in your new location on 150th Street in Whitestone. Thanks for providing both neighborhoods with delicious food, served with a smile.

Sorriso

44-16 30th Ave.

Astoria

718-728-4392

14-05 150th St.

Whitestone

718-767-7248