New Kid on the Block: The "Village Gourmet Deli" on Broad Street

Okay, Bloomfield, we’ve got a story filled with some memories here, and you’re welcome to come along for the ride.

Welcome to Bloomfield’s Village Gourmet Deli -- a little bit of old, popular Bloomfield, and a whole lotta Mom!

“I always liked to do this,” says Tina Paladino Manzo, lifelong Bloomfield resident and eatery vet, regarding cooking and having a place all her own. The 1980 Bloomfield High School graduate dreamed of owning her own deli in her hometown, so she and little brother Sal unveiled the Village Gourmet Deli on January 14. “I was looking for a place for a while. I wanted to stay in Bloomfield, be true to my roots, with my kids. The place has taken off, and we renovated the place from top to bottom.”

Village Gourmet Deli has its origin in two places. “We all knew the Village Cupboard,” she says, fondly recalling the popular Broad Street, Brookside area deli. “They were there forever, and I used to visit there. I always wanted to open a place like that: homemade salads, gourmet foods.”

Well, she has, but she’s added a special ingredient: Eleanor DiBello Paladino, her mom, who passed away in 1992. She grew up cooking with her in their Bloomfield kitchen. “Everything is homemade here, and fresh. And everything is my mom’s recipes.”

Open seven days a week, the Village Gourmet Deli serves breakfast and lunch. There are a few tables to sit and enjoy your food and conversation(trust me, this is a friendly family place; it will happen.)  Catering, takeout and free delivery is also available.

Among the popular items are the broccoli rabe and roasted peppers, the Chicken Cutlet Supreme panini sandwich with roasted peppers, arugula, fresh mozzarella and balsamic dressing, along with a variety of wraps like the avocado with turkey, bacon, avocado, tomato and chipotle mayonnaise.

Other choices include ten varietes of cold and six hot subs, salad specials, soups, “from the grill” items like burgers and cheesesteaks, and fresh baked goods and desserts.

Soon to be offered on Sundays will be homemade manicotti, stuffed breads and much more. And DON’T forget Mom’s special recipe, soft biscotti. Tina makes a lot of them. “I’ve been selling them by the loads,” she laughs. “People love them!” Have them here with their always fresh coffee.

In the end, it comes down to, yes, local roots, but also quality at Village Gourmet Deli.

Village Gourmet Deli, 1290 Broad Street, Bloomfield

(973) 338-5759

Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.