Ottavio Italian Bakery & Delicatessen – Swiss Cheese Week

Happy Halloween pretty ponies:

We are hoping you are having a fun and spooky Halloween!

In anticipation of the sugar fatigue that invariably sets in after Halloween (what sane person can resist those little mini Mars bars?), we figured that come November, you might just be in the mood for some savoury sustenance, preferably in the form of melty cheese.

The fine folks at Ottavio Deli on Oak Bay Avenue are inviting customers to celebrate Swiss Cheese Week November 6-10th, 2015.  They will be samples of varieties of Swiss cheeses available (and, if you wish, you can purchase your favourite at a discount). Alpine cheeses reach their flavour peak in autumn as they have benefited from the fresh grasses and herbs of summer. To cap off your cheese chompings, in the adjoining cafe, Ottavio’s will be grilling up molten-crispy Swiss-cheese sandwiches (complete with a side of house made ketchup for dunking).

If you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Ottavio’s, Swiss Cheese Week would be as good a time as any to sample their wares.  In their freezer you’ll find Galloping Goose Sausage, house made lasagnes, basil and artichoke pestos, organic chicken, made from scratch pasta sauces and beef stock, demi-glace, and more.  Lining the shelves are premium olive oils and hard to find gourmet pantry items such as smoked paprika, champagne vinegar, and Puy lentils.  Ottavio’s also houses a full bakery and lunch counter (we had perhaps the best cappuccino of our lives in the cafe) and homemade gelato you can eat in house or take home.  The counter staff is knowledgeable and will assist you in narrowing your selection. The variety of cheeses, pates, olives and meats available are truly awe inspiring.

Ottavio is located at 2272 Oak Bay Avenue.  We hope we’ll catch you in the grilled cheese line up.

Love Monty, and the whole gang at Horsing Around (and Gromit too)