Third-generation business owner David Stefanini runs Waverly Market with the right mix of creative inspiration, attention to detail and culinary acumen. Started as a meat market by his grandfather in 1929 and expanded by his father, the market is celebrating 80 years in business this year.
Waverly Market has carried Italian specialty items all along, including a unique selection of imported items and handcrafted foods made right at the market. This section of Framingham was a largely Italian neighborhood in the mid-20th century.
"The store's been known for our sausages all these years," said Stefanini, including a special sausage style from northern Italy called luganaga. They also make veal and lamb sausage in addition to traditional pork varieties.
Stefanini, always on the lookout for the unique and unusual, travels almost every year to Italy to seek out artisan foods. "Trying to get it here is tough," he admitted.
Stefanini runs the kitchen, creating - among other things - unique "burgers" for the lunch crowd. During a recent visit, Stefanini displayed that day's burger: a roasted portobello mushroom layered with saffron risotto, sauted spinach, grilled chicken breast cut into a round and topped with roasted pepper and asparagus. "I call it a well-balanced meal between two pieces of bread," he said. Patrons can also order sandwiches, Italian specialties such as veal Parmesan, soups and more.
In addition to the lunch-to-go items, Waverly Market offers fine cuts of meat, authentic Italian cheeses, imported dried pasta and unique items such as balsamic jelly and chestnuts in syrup, both in jars.
An impressive wall of freezer cases features homemade fresh pasta, tomato sauces, meatballs and much more. A brand-new item to the store is Gelato Giuliana made in Wallingford, Conn. Pints are available in vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, tiramisu and lemon.
More sweet treats include Italian chocolates, biscotti and candies. Homemade cannolis are made to order, so the delicate shell stays crispy.
