Boutique Pasta Shop, Farina Di Vita Just Opened Offering Hoagies, Italian Meats, and More
Two new entrepreneurs are bringing some classic menu items to 2nd and Catherine. Owners Jason Okdeh and Brandyn Luis Ortiz just opened business just opened up at the corner of 2nd and Catherine (250 Catherine St.). Boutique Pasta Shop, Farina Di Vita just opened its doors and it operates as both a classic Italian deli and hoagie shop.
“Guests can expect an Italian meats sandwich shop (both domestic and Parma prosciutto, genoa salami, mortadella, coteghino, hot and sweet capicola (but it’s ok you can call it gabagool), hot and sweet soppresata and chicken cutlets. We will also offer Italian specialities, like fresh mozzarella and burrata, imported meats, different types of olives, peppers and other cheeses for charcuterie. We will have prepared meals, hand made pastas, sauces and soups And we will also carry all P&S Ravioli packaged items. We also intend on bringing in Sarcone Bread, Kay Kay’s Bakery on 18th and Ritner makes us a Farina Di Vita Donut for the weekends and we are working out the details on an every day sweet offering supplied by Holy Cannoli (yes the place that made the Phanatic cannoli). And I’m sure more to come, but everything introduced a little at a time,” Jason states.
Both owners started with humble beginnings in the industry. Jason started off in the deli business as a delivery kid for A&S Deli while Brandyn got his start at Pops water ice every season, then elevated to Franco & Luigi’s/High Nite Cafe as a waiter. Eventually both went on to become cooks, Jason at a local catering business and Bradnyn at several local restaurants.
The name Farina Di Vita is kind of a play on words. As it translates to Flour of Life. But to owner Jason Okdeh it means flower of life, “as my grandfather George and grandmother Mary “Marie” Esposito loved their garden and even though a city of Philadelphia electrician by trade, my grandfather didn’t start doing what he loved until her retired. Farina, flour is my flower.”
“My hope is, over the years with how personal I am trying to make my clientele’s experiences, helps build relationships that our parents and grandparents had with their corner market or local shops. Everything (mostly) is so instantaneous and impersonal which I feel comes from convenience in a super market setting. Which sometimes people want, but I personally love having someone who knows my order and asks about my family. It’s honestly a really deep genuine experience like at a barber or salon. Oh yeah and we also make good food with quality products,” Jason adds.
At the moment Farina Di Vita is operating as a take out spot which the owners hope to change in the future. Hours of operation areTuesday – Friday 11am – 6pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am – 4pm, closed Monday.
