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By Mike Truax
Imagine for a moment being able
to take a step back in time. Walking through the door to the Old World
Market and Deli, 76 S. Washington St., downtown Valparaiso is a bit like
that.
As you enter the quaint building in the shadow of the old courthouse you
immediately notice the difference. The original stamped tin ceilings are
intact. The shelves that grace the walls remind you of days gone by and
are adorned with specialty foods from the four corners of the globe.
 
The deli case is packed with sumptuous imported meats
and cheeses.
You sniff and a wonderful array of aromas tickle your nose and promise to
please your palate. Your mouth waters as you continue to look.
Glancing around you half expect to see a couple turn of
the century blue-collar workmen in overalls or derby-decked businessmen
ordering lunch. The building itself dates to the early 1920s but the
clientele is today with representatives from every possible trade and
profession stopping in for lunch.
The owners, Dee and John Kowalski's intent is strictly
old world. They want to supply healthy but delicious meals to the masses
at prices attractive to all.
"We both love the food industry," John said. "So when I retired from U.S.
Steel and Dee from banking we decided to give it a try."
Now four years later they are not only successful but
are planning a mid-winter expansion that will double the size of the
market and the specialty foods they offer the customers.
Try their famous Muffaletta made in the classic New
Orleans tradition with only the best meats and cheeses. A half sandwich is
only $5.75 but with the whole one only $1.75 more you can't go wrong.
They have eight sandwiches total including vegetarian,
roast turkey, a classic sub, Italian sub, corned beef, Italian beef and
ham and cheese. The sandwiches are priced from $5.25 to $7.50 and all are
made on LaBriola breads.
Homemade soups are available year-round and you have to
try John's tomato basil soup, made with fresh tomatoes, never canned.
There is a 1/2 sandwich and cup of soup special for $5.75. They even have
a children's menu for the discriminating junior diner.
Home-made salads round out the meal and are priced from $3.75 to $5.95,
one of the best bargains in downtown Valpo dining.
Monday through Friday John and Dee have daily specials
with a variety of quiches and cream of chicken soup available Monday,
chicken salad and chicken or sausage gumbo on Tuesday and "something
different that is sure to please" on Wednesdays. Thursdays you will find
dilled egg salad with vegetable soup and on Friday tuna salad with the
tomato basil soup.
Gourmet specialty desserts are baked daily and sure to please. Having a
tough day? Stop in and get a cup of their excellent coffee, cappuccino or
latte and one of the rich desserts to relieve your stress. It's only
natural, after all, stressed spelled backwards is desserts.
Don't have time to sit and eat inside or at the outdoor tables, then order
a box lunch which includes sandwich, soup or salad and cookie from $7.95
per person. A breakfast muffin box is available with a fruit cup and juice
for $5.75 per person.
Want something more romantic, then order the Picnic to
Go. Priced at $10.99 to $14.99 per person all that is missing is the
bottle of wine and a blanket.
Catering is also available as is delivery in downtown
Valparaiso. Ordering is easy, too. Either stop in the market or order via
telephone at 476-0700 or fax at 476-0900. A website is in the works, too.
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