As locals and visitors celebrated Canada Day in Port Dover, Michael Piperni was welcoming folks to the town’s newest restaurant.
As locals and visitors celebrated Canada Day in Port Dover, Michael Piperni was welcoming folks to the town’s newest restaurant.
On July 1, years of preparation came to life as Nunzio & Tony’s Cafe opened, offering espresso, Italian sandwiches, homemade pasta, and salads.
“I had a vision, and I’ve been wanting to do this for a while,” explained Piperni, who hails from Port Credit. “My parents are part-time residents, and they encouraged me to come here.”
Among the cafe’s features are The Nunzio (prosciutto, provolone, arugula, tomato, olive oil, and balsamic), and The Tony (genoa salami, capicola, provolone, romaine, tomato, red onion, oil and vinegar). The menu also offers backyard burgers, charcoal chicken and cheesesteak.
“It’s been fantastic,” Piperni said of public feedback. “Everyone has been really supportive. I was hoping for a good percentage of locals, and it seems like it is.”
The options don’t stop with the cafe menu either. On weekends from 2 to 7 p.m. Piperni and his team will also serve from the business’s alter ego – 615 Smoked Music City BBQ.
“I’ve been working on it for the past five years or so,” Piperni said. “I gravitated to the Tennessee menu, and I’ve been going back and forth to Tennessee to learn how they cook and their culture.”
Rather than advertise his shop online, Piperni has opted for a slow build for the first few weeks. That approach hasn’t been an issue with customers.
“This place makes the best sandwich I’ve had since being in Italy,” one online review noted. “I’ve been thinking about it for days. Their prosciutto is unreal.”
“My daughter and I ate there today,” another wrote. “Amazing.”
“Freshly shaved meats, freshly baked buns, nice people, big portions and fair pricing,” said a third. “Worth checking it out.”
Piperni has big plans for the future too. The building, located at 107 Market St. East, three doors from the town’s LCBO, will soon feature a walk-up window and private party space to pair with its several outdoor picnic tables.
“We’re going to be all year round,” Piperni said. “Hours and days I don’t know yet, but definitely Thursday to Sunday and for private parties we’ll be available seven days a week; we’re going to get into some catering as well.”
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.