DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — Defying the ongoing economic slowdown and a slew of closings by mom-and-pop businesses, the spiffy new F. Martinella delicatessen celebrated its Downtown Brooklyn presence at 119 Court St. at State Street with a ribbon-cutting event last Thursday, March 19, and a weekend open house.

Manager Stephen LoCastro from Staten Island, who has worked in the deli and food business for more than 20 years, and veteran chef Vinnie Massa welcomed customers with coffee and cannolis. Kids were served pancakes to decorate.

The spacious deli is L-shaped with an all glass street front. Gleaming showcases display an array of the shop’s specialty, Boar’s Head deli meats, cheeses and fresh ingredients were offered for making a menu of sandwiches, soups and salads. There’s free WiFi in a back room with seating for 40 diners. Prices range from $2.95 for a medium-sized Minestrone soup to $7.95 for the Vesuvio sandwich.

Martinella’s is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The phone number is (718) 858-6000, and the web site is www.fmartinella.com.

—Don Evans
Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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