Northeast Pennsylvania can boast an abundance of delicatessens, but few can compare with the Arthur Ave. Italian Deli in Honesdale. Now in its second year, the specialty dining establishment is situated in the Route 6 Mall (K-Mart) in Honesdale.
When brothers Peter and Paul Pons decided to relocate to Wayne County from their, what else, Arthur Ave., Bronx, N.Y. roots, they had a vision of opening a business which would offer them a comfortable living and a great place to raise their families. Just a few short months later, they have surpassed their goals and are contributing to a growing NEPA community.
The personable young men have brought their charm, dedication and business acumen to the busy “strip” and, along with a touch of the Bronx’s famed Arthur Ave. Italian “food capitol”, a charming and super clean little spot for even the finest gourmet taste.
Specializing in the “hero” sandwich market, the brothers have not neglected to provide hot platters and a wide array of Italian cookies, meats, pastas and salads at prices which are comparable, if not more reasonable than the average “run-of-the-mill” deli.
Hot or cold heroes are available in 6” or 12” versions, ranging in price from $3.95 to $5.95, the only exception being the fabulous sausage, peppers and onions sandwich at $4.50 and $6.50 respectively.
Among our favorites are the cold prosciutto, fresh mozzarella
and roasted pepper sandwich at $5.95 and generously adorned with lettuce, tomato & mayo on a fresh hero roll. The prosciutto (Italian ham) , has a unique taste of its own and is far superior to anything outside the famed Bronx market area, home for most of the finest imported Italian food products. Another outstanding hero is the roast beef, delicately sliced and heaped onto a hero roll with the usual lettuce, tomato and mayo.
Sopresatta (hot or sweet), capocollo (hot or sweet) and mortadella heroes are also available and are prepared for even the most discriminating taste buds. Among the hot heroes are chicken, eggplant or meatball parmigiana sandwiches, along with a variety of others. Newcomers to the gourmet deli environment might want to try the grilled eggplant, zucchini and
roasted pepper hero, a vegetarian delight.
Dinner platters include chicken marsala, chicken francese and a mouthwatering chicken scrapallelo combing white wine, lemon, garlic sauc with chunks of chicken and sausage and served with a side of pasta. The chicken sorrentino, prepared in a marsala wine sauce, is topped with eggplant, prosciutto, mozzarella and is highly recommended. All platters are prepared fresh and include a side of pasta. At $9.95 all the hot platters are sure to tantalize the most discerning palates.
Freshly prepared salads, including Italian specialty salads are also available and an array of Italian cookies, pastry and desserts top off the menu. The ever popular “cannoli” is
priced at $3.50 and the gourmet treat “Tiramisu” is available at $3.95. Other Italian specialty desserts include Tartufo and Tortoni.
While all items are freshly made, and available for dining in or take out, many patrons also avail themselves of the Arthur Ave. catering service as well. A wide variety of trays are available ranging in pri
ce from $19.95 for house or Caesar salads, to $29.95 for the cold antipasto salad. Entrees are available from $29.95 for the penne vodka, or rigatoni tomato basil, to $45.95 for the sausage, peppers and onions tray. Many trays are priced at $41.95, including the chicken specialties, and all are designed to feed 10 to 15 people.
Needless to say, an array of frozen or dry pasta is available for home cooking, along with breads, cookies and drinks.
Overall, the Arthur Ave. Italian Deli can boast one of the finest lines of deli food available this side of New York City at prices which are considerably more reasonable for the quality and quantity than those available at lesser establishments.
Peter and Paul can also boast of a clean and friendly, though somewhat confined, dining area, and can be proud if their achievements. Customers are greeted with a warm and friendly smile, fast service and are made to feel at home and like old friends. The well-lighted and comfortable surroundings are impeccably clean.
Business hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. six days per week. Closed on Tuesdays, the Pons brothers are to be commended for their quality foods, service and prices. We first encountered them a few months ago and delight in making the occasional trip from Scranton to partake of their excellent offerings.
If a deli can be rated as a gourmet dining spot, Arthur Ave. Italian Deli in Honesdale merits a 5 star award., and many dining establishments in NEPA could learn from the brothers’ personal charm and speed of service. No matter your location, a trip to Honesdale and the deli should prove a delight to anyone. Orders can be placed ahead by calling 570-253-6095. Tell them you heard about them here! JT
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