MICHAEL’S MARKET

By John Grossi

A TASTE OF MICHAEL’S ON NAPLES AT HOME

While nothing will taste quite like an award-winning dish of handrolled cavatelli in a garlic pesto sauce prepared by a chef with years of culinary training, Michael’s Market may get you closer than you ever thought possible.

The new market on East 2nd Street carries an array of authentic ingredients used to create the signature Italian dishes served at Michael's on Naples, which opened on Naples Island in 2008. Inside the small annex space, shoppers will find gourmet groceries that include house-made sauces, fresh pasta, breads, cheeses, Italian meats, wines, oils, and other imported goods.

While the market celebrated its grand opening in October 2022, the concept first took off during the pandemic.

“At a time when more and more people began cooking at home, many customers were looking for a way to still enjoy the familiar flavors of their favorite dishes from our menu,” says general manager Massimo Aronne. "We began making fresh pasta and house-made sauces available for purchase as a way to fill this need."

The pandemic became a catalyst for more permanent change. Last summer, Michael's on Naples merged with Michael’s Pizzeria, introducing wood-fired pies onto its fine dining menu. The pizzeria closed, and its former storefront adjacent to the restaurant transformed into Michael's Market.

Today, the upscale market sells everything you might need to prepare a quality Italian dinner at home. In addition to packaged and fresh ingredients (like Michael’s house-made mozzarella), there's a mouthwatering selection of prepared items like sandwiches, soups, ready-to-eat sides, charcuterie boards and more. Recently, new roasting spits were installed and a limited number of whole rotisserie chickens are available daily.

Michael's Market is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. And soon, shopping there will come with an additional perk: a new loyalty program will provide shoppers with complimentary items and exclusive access to the latest promotions.

"We're fortunate to be part of this community that has such an appreciation for Italian cuisine," says Aronne. "We look forward to welcoming more shoppers into the market who want to recreate the magic of Michael's at home."

5616 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803