Brace yourselves, because “sandwich culture is coming to Adelaide,” announces Taylor Ferrante, co-owner of Dante’s Deli.
Along with brother, Blake Ferrante and long-time compadre, Nick Buesnel the trio have a vision to revolutionise the grab ‘n’ go style of eating in our corner of the world.
The recent deli epidemic in Adelaide has swooped in thanks to Australia’s eastern states’ sandwich scene. First came Pinco Deli in Eastwood, then Carton Deli in the city centre; both in the latter months of 2022.
With a passion for simple food and quality ingredients inspired by Italian culture, Glenelg’s anticipated Dante’s Deli is set to create sangas that are not only fast and affordable, but highly enjoyable in all the ways that everyone can relish.
“Our idea came together by observing the trending culture in cities such as Melbourne and Sydney,” Taylor shares.
“They have a booming sandwich culture which we hope to emulate and build upon by providing the simplistic and casual feel that resonates with the Australian culture, and we feel that we can break through the market.
“We have a small yet varied menu of both fresh and toasted deli style sandwiches,” with bread supplied from dough experts, Boulangerie 113 on Goodwood Road.
“Our fresh sandwiches come on a sesame seed topped Turkish sourdough, such as our sopressa with fior di latte, spicy mayo, chilli, olive oil, tomato, and basil.
“Our toasted sandwiches will be served on a rye sourdough bread, such as our mushroom ragu, and tuna melt,” with the keen eye to expand the menu with rotating weekly or even monthly specials.
It’s no secret that sammies and coffee go hand in hand, quite literally; and such things are entirely possible by virute of local, and delicious beany roasters, Hark. Plus those in need of a sugar hit, never fear; scrumptious, freshly baked pastries shall be reeled in from a nearby supplier.
As for plant-based options, Taylor notes that, “Our vegetarian one can easily be made vegan with a few subtractions, but we are willing to customise most sandwiches to fit a vegan diet.”
All these sandwiches and sweets, but where to put ’em all? Well Dante’s Deli wouldn’t be enlivening the Jetty Road precinct without the help of local creatives and architectural visionaries, Alex Makridis and Simon Loucas of Studiohead.
“Alex and Loucas really brought the space to life; utilising every inch to its full capacity to allow such a small space to work for not only the customers, but for us working in the kitchen.
“We’ve created a space that is very open and welcoming with plenty of access points for customers to enter and wait while we prepare their food.
“We’ve always had the vision of customers spilling out into the streets, hanging out, and chatting while they wait for their sandwich and coffee.
“And while we have limited indoor dining, we’ve utilised the area to create several spaces for outdoor dining, such as our al fresco-style courtyard and our banquet seats under each of the windows.
“Aesthetically we have worked together to create a simple yet elegant design to mirror Dante’s ethos in our menu,” Taylor shares.
Although it’s early days, Taylor, Blake, and Nick have glimpsed into the future. And it’s looking up in the world of sandwiches.
“We hope to one day open more across Adelaide and venture into expanding operation into being completely self-reliant with the possibility of an off-site kitchen.
“And there’s even the option to look into the night trade to transform the shop into a hybrid bar.”
The triad are setting the standards high for daytime joints too. Chats with the local council and surrounding businesses are imminent with the hope of street parties on the horizon for Dante’s nook.
Dante’s Deli is forecast to open on Friday 21 April 2023, at 3/58 Jetty Street, not road, Glenelg – super close to the lively Moseley Square. Heaps of seating after all.
“With our close knit and friendly team of owners and employees, some funky tunes, and residing in the heart of the busiest beach precinct in Adelaide, we will create a bustling yet casual environment for people to hang out and enjoy a quick sanga and coffee,” Taylor finishes.