Fruits, vegetables, flowers and many good things at Lariofrutta, on Lake Como
If it were an adjective, it would be ‘colourful’. If it were a verb, it would be ‘run’. If it were a flavour, it would be ‘the good kind’. Because yes, Lariofrutta, the grocery shop in San Siro on Lake Como attracts you by its bright colours, convinces you by the efficiency of its service, and conquers you by the quality of its products.
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So here I am today to tell you with pleasure about yet another local reality that I have had the opportunity to get to know! A small neighbourhood shop much loved by those who frequent it and immediately appreciated by those who discover it for the first time!
The story of Lariofrutta, a grocery shop on Lake Como
I will tell you in a few lines even though it has been going on for over 20 years.
It was 1999 when Stefano (Eto to his friends), the current owner, took over the business, with the desire to finally run something of his own. And to get up every morning (very early!) to do a job he was passionate about.
He decides that the shop’s DNA must remain the original one, that of a small neighbourhood grocery shop, in perfect 1950s style, a reference point for the locals. But to this strong identity built up over time, Stefano slowly added his touch. He moulded Lariofrutta to his liking, putting in taste and attention to detail, with an eye always on change.
Today, what greets you in his shop are first and foremost a beautiful expanse of flowers and seedlings at the entrance (he knows how to attract the ladies!), an inviting window display, fruit and vegetables stored in small handcrafted wooden crates, and a wide selection of new food products selected over the years and rigorously of high quality.
What products can you buy at Lariofrutta
Fruit and vegetables of course and in summertime also 0 km vegetables picked directly from the family garden.
But also flowers and seedlings and many packaged products capable of tempting even the most difficult palates.
The criterion he takes into account when deciding whether or not to put a new product on his shelves is quality. Stefano told me one by one about the excellences he proposes to his customers, and it is really mouth-watering. The common thread to follow is the careful selection of brands that are not usually found in large-scale distribution.
Ample space is given to the products of a couple of artisanal companies from Morbegno (Valtellina): Il Gusto, specialising in soups, artisanal pasta, condiments and spices, and Sapori di Montagna, producing sauces, ragouts, pickles, jams, juices and so on.
The niche products chosen also include Calippo tuna (from Calabria), Bacoli breadsticks from Vicenza, pasta, rice and saffron from Rustichella d’Abruzzo and mustards, sweet and sour sauces and chestnuts in syrup from Barbieri (Voghera).
The local products you can find at Lariofrutta
But do you want to know what local products Lariofrutta offers its customers?
I’ll tell you right away!
Vanini oil, honey from Marco Ruga, a beekeeper from San Siro, wines from the Sorsasso company, sweets made by Galli Patisserie from Dongo, and Vismara craft beers from Bulgarograsso (Como).
Gift packs for every palate
Before saying goodbye, I asked Eto to suggest 3 gift ideas to my blog readers and here they are for you! The first two are perfect for all seasons and occasions, the third is more suitable for the winter months and why not, for Christmas!
1# Fresh fruit and vegetable box
By now it is his workhorse, always very popular with his customers. Both because giving fruit and vegetables as a gift is a highly original gesture, and because the wooden boxes used to make up the pack are custom-made, available in a couple of sizes and reusable for many uses.
2# Happy hour box
This is perfect for aperitifs. He proposes it with pickles, breadsticks, beer, anchovies, but of course you can compose it as you like!
3# Gourmet Box
It contains everything you need to prepare a nice plate of steaming pizzoccheri to eat in company: Savoy cabbage, potatoes, garlic, pizzoccheri and Valtellina Inferno wine.
If desired, the groceries are delivered to your home.
In the midst of the pandemic, Stefano didn’t lose heart, rolled up his sleeves twice as hard and, like many others, set up in no time, home deliveries in the area, publicised through social media.
A success!
And he hasn’t stopped since.
INFO
Lariofrutta
Via Statale, 56 – San Siro (Co) Ph. +39 338 274 0060
Article in collaboration with Lariofrutta
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