There is a little piece of Italy in Reading – quite literally – thanks to Mama’s Way in Duke Street.
The tiny store sells a wide range of Italian goods, all imported directly from our European neighbour. Wine, pasta, snacks, deli items, oils and rare delicacies … it’s all there if you want the real deal.
It is no exaggeration to say stock is arranged from floor to ceiling. Every nook and cranny of this Aladdin’s cave is crammed with something, be it panettone, zampone, Kinder treats, pesto, bread, or, or … it’s an extensive list and chances are if they haven’t got it in stock, they’ll be able to find it for you.
This is a real gem, a true independent business that brings something special to Reading town centre. No wonder it has twice been a winner in Reading MP Matt Rodda’s Small Business Saturday awards.
What makes Mama’s Way different?
But there is more to stocking up on ham, cheese and wine.
The venue has a small bench in front of the window and a menu, making it a place for a very intimate meal. It also offers takeaways.
The menu includes starters such was olives (£3.90), soups (all £7.90), salads (from £9.90), and main courses such as meatballs (£8), risotto of the day (£10), and Chicken Milanese (£9).
Pasta will well represented, with an opportunity to build your own meal by selecting first the type of pasta you want and then the sauces.
Rigantoni (short tube pasta) is £5.50, while Trofie (fresh short pasta), Tagliatelle (fresh egg long pasta), and Orcecchiette (fresh short pasta) are all £7.
Butter and Sage, Salsa Arrabbiata, and Tomato Sauce can be added at no extra charge, while Beef Ragu, Genoese Pesto, or Amatriciana can be added for £3.50 each. Extra Parmesan cheese is £1.
There are also pizzas on the Pinsa Romana section.
A Pinsa is thought to be the oldest type of pizza and the word translates to “push the dough by hand”. They are oval rather than round, and come with the usual range of toppings – take your pick, with prices starting a £9 for the Pinsa Marinara (tomato sauce, garlic, oregano and extra virgin olive oil) to £15 for pizzas such as the Pinsa Capricciosa (tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, artichokes, mushrooms, taggiasche olives and cooked ham).
Gluten free options can be made for an additional £1.50.
Read more: Why are they queuing out of the door to get to Monty’s Café?
Try some Italian wine with the Sunday special
The venue has another trick up its sleeve, and takes place from 5pm on Sunday evenings.
The Aperitivo Italiano offers people an impressive deal.
For £10, they can have a glass of Italian wine and enjoy helpings from an unlimited buffet of its appetisers. Additional drinks are £6 each.
Choices include a glass of red or white wine, a Processo, and various spritz including Aperol, Campari, or Limoncello.
It is the perfect way to give Mama’s Way a test run.
On our visit the appetisers included a selection from the charcuterie – cheeses, breads and olives. Simple, and elegant.
And being the intimate venue, conversations flowed not just within our party, but with others and the friendly staff. That’s probably what Mama intended.
And sitting there enjoying a taste of Italy is quite like the experience of being there. Naturally, you want to take some of it away to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. And who can blame them?
The venue also hosts regular wine tastings on Monday and Tuesday evenings, check with the store for details.
With the option to create Christmas hampers, a wide range of everything you could possibly want and the option to dine in or at home, it seems that Mama’s Way is a great way.
Mama’s Way,
10-14 Duke Street,
Reading RG1
0118 327 3802
www.mamasway.co.uk
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