GUILDERLAND — Those who love gourmet Italian food, but don’t like to travel, need look no further than Guilderland’s own Western Avenue.

Via Fresca, an Italian gourmet market, opened its doors in early December at 1666 Western Ave.

Going into the market a visitor steps onto yellowed marbled ceramic tile and smells freshly-baked bread. The soft track lighting above gives the market a home-like atmosphere, and the enticing rows of cookies and pastries on display beg to be sampled.
"We felt the community needed something like this," said Christina Randazzo, who owns the store with her husband, John.

The Randazzos spent 10 years working as chefs in the demanding and fast-paced restaurant industry in New York City, and have brought their experience and expertise back to the Capital Region. Christina Randazzo grew up in the Guilderland and the couple wanted to move back so they could be closer to home to start a family.

Within a year’s time, they also started a business. In that year the Randazzos created the business, picked the site, and completely renovated the location to fit their needs. In addition to the solid wooden doors and trim throughout the store, they built an addition on the back of the building for extra space.
"Fresh to go" is the store’s motto, and that is exactly what the market provides with its ready-to-order, chef-inspired meals, according to Randazzo.
"Everything is made on premises," said Randazzo, who believes her use of fresh ingredients and modern cooking facilities will seperate Via Fresca from the chain stores.
"We’re definitely using good ingredients, not like what you’ll find in the chain restaurants. People are used to tasting that....When people taste the difference they always come back," Randazzo said.

The kitchen is fully capable of catering events large and small. The market has already gained a reputation for its hot panini sandwiches, Sicilian arincini, homemade potato croquettes, and homemade sauces, Randazzo said.

It’s the panini and grilled sandwiches that people really seem to enjoy, which are served to order and popular with the lunch crowd, said Randazzo.

Via Fresca concentrates on Italian cheeses, but continues to expand its selection of French and Greek cheeses as well.

The market offers everything from cold and hot subs, to fresh salads, to specialty panini. With prices for these items ranging from $5.79 to $7.99, Via Fresca’s menu not only looks good, but is affordable too.

They also have catering prices starting at $24 for small trays, which serve eight to ten people, and they also offer large trays, which serve 18 to 20 people. The catering menu boast a variety of selections from greek salads, to wild mushroom ragu, to filet mignon with mushrooms and risotto.

Open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. through 7 p.m., and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. through 5 p.m., the Randazzos invite all who love freshly-cooked Italian gourmet meals, to stop by Via Fresca and enjoy their selection. The number to call for delivery or menu options is 452-1179, and their website is www.viafresca.net.
"I like being a part of the community," said Randazzo. "It’s so nice being back home."