Tuscan Market Salem NH

I was lucky enough to be invited to Tuscan Market in Salem for a promotional lunch, and they are just over the border in NH, so it was a quick ride up Rte 93 on an overcast and gray day.

The Tuscan Market is located next to the Tuscan Kitchen, and they now also have a location in Burlington with a smaller market.

A small sampling of what's available. All pasta, bread and sauces are made in-house. Look at the Mohawk rib-eyes that are dry aging up top, they are dry aged for 15 days.

After founder Joe Faro had told us about the background of the company, he started Joseph’s Gourmet Pasta and Sauces that become the biggest supplier of pasta in the country, we got a tour of the facilities, including behind the scenes areas. Everything was impeccable clean and very impressive. They are starting to make and age their own Salumi Artisan Cured Meats.

Butternut Squash Cappellacci is being made and later appeared on our table.

Grand Tasting of Artisan Cured Meats and Specialty Cheeses, Notable was the Burrata as well as the Parmigiano Reggiano, that you dipped in the Truffle Honey. Everything was excellent, who doesn't like cured meat?

But wait, there is more! They referred to this as Speck, and it refers to Italian Speck, a type of prosciutto, not the more common meaning of fat. Need I say it was delicious?

Next was the Paninis. New York Italian “Grinder” Sopressata, Spicy Coppa, Prosciutto di Parma, Mozzarella Fresca, Hot Pepper. This was my favorite and I also really liked the Porchetta with Sliced Pork, Seasoned Mascarpone, Pear Mostarda, Roasted Onion, Rucola. Also included was a Caprese and a Chicken Parmigiano and a Pollo with Grilled Chicken, Rucola, Fire Roasted Pepper, Aged Provolone, Lemon Garlic Aioli.

Then the pasta arrived. First was the Rigatoni Alla Bolognese, Orecchiette with Braised Sauce of Beef and Veal, Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano followed by

Ravioli ai Quattro Formaggi. Parmigiano Reggiano, Burrata, Fontina and Fresh Ricotta San Marzano “Alla Vodka” Sauce. The filling was really good, and the pasta was thin and cooked perfectly.

Then the aforementioned Roasted Butternut Squash Cappellacci with Sage Brown Butter Sauce, Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano appeared. I'm not a fan of butternut squash but this I will eat.

The Truffled Mascarpone Gnocchi was my favorite dish. Mushroom Mista, Fava Beans, Shaved Pecorino Tartufo. The gnocchi was featherlight and filled with ricotta, and the sauce was outstanding.

Are we done yet? Not at all. Featherlight Tiramisu arrived followed by

a lemon tiramisu.

Last it was House Made Artisan Gelato & Sorbetto Tasting. What I could try at this point was all very good. I did try to restrain myself, but now I was seriously stuffed.

The seating area in the Market. They do serve alcohol here, and they have an extensive selection of wines available, some are exclusive to the Market. In the Burlington Tuscan Kitchen, they serve Opus One by the glass. A deal at only $89 a glass.

This was complimentary by Tuscan Market and organized by Florence Tambone, but all opinions are my own.