Italian Inspiration: Piazza Italian Market
Easton, Maryland is not the most likely place one would find a bustling Italian market. But thanks to Emily Chandler, locals are spoiled with Italian wine, cheese, prosciutto, pasta, and more. This bustling shop has so many reasons to visit. If you're looking for a quick and delicious lunch, they’ve got you covered. For take and bake lasagna or pizza, Piazza has that, too. And if you’re looking for inspiration from a fine Italian wine, olive oil, or exceptional cheese, Piazza is the place to go.
The story began when young Emily got her driver's license and started exploring grocery stores near her family's home in Northern Virginia – experiencing the world by diving into other culture’s cuisine. Through these grocery store visits and three trips with her family to Italy, Emily gained an intense interest in Italian food and wine. While in Italy on the family's third trip, her father found a source of olive oil so amazing that he started an import business. The seeds of Piazza Italian Market were sown from those early Italian travels.
Before opening Piazza, Emily had worked for a goat cheese manufacturer, a tofu and seitan business in Connecticut, her college campus grocery store, and the Bedford Cheese Shop in Brooklyn. Learning cheese mongering was an important part of her on-the-job education. She also spent a semester in Rome studying art but ended up more interested in studying Italian food and wine.
The idea to open Piazza was hatched when her parents suggested she open a small Italian specialty store. From there it was just a matter of choosing the place to open a full-service deli, market, and catering service. Easton was chosen partly due to the popularity of Scossa Italian Restaurant in the historic downtown. Emily partnered with her parents to start Piazza, and her dream food market opened in December 2008. Emily takes care of ordering all the food, wine, supplies, and supervision of the 15 employees. She also travels to Italy each year for inspiration and to find new products and menu items for Piazza.
“Even though I have taken my staff to trade shows in the past, taking two of my employees to Italy this past summer was one of the best business decisions I've ever made,” she says. With this firsthand knowledge, Emily and her staff are well-prepared to guide customers to the best Italian products.
Business has been good, and Piazza moved into their current space in 2017 to add more seating. The move also gave them room to offer wine and other beverages by-the-glass. The added space meant they could add a dishwasher, and were able to using ceramic dishes and cups instead of single-use serving dishes.
Lunch is popular with locals and is offered seven days a week; with one of the favorite specialties being panini hot off the press. Pronto Panino is a grab-and-eat sandwich that changes daily. Their soup of the day is perfect for pairing with their mini grilled cheese. It’s best to take your time deciding what's for lunch then step up to the counter and place your order and receive a numbered marker for your table that the staff uses to deliver your meal.
Drink options for lunch or takeaway are many and varied. Specialty coffee drinks, beer, cider, wine-by-the-glass, or several cold case soft drinks are on hand. House-baked treats are cleverly placed near the cash register to temp you. The almond cake and apricot tart vied for my attention on a recent visit. Deciding on just one proved so difficult I dove in and bought both. The tart was just that; very tart with a thick layer of sweet apricot jam filling, and a rich-buttery crust. I took the almond cake home and topped it with fresh peaches and whipped cream for a roll-your-eyes-in-ecstasy type of dessert.
The deli case is full of delicious meat and cheese options, beyond the excellent Italian options. Piazza participates in the Adopt-An-Alp program, buying from a specific cheese maker in Switzerland who makes organic cheese in an ancient way. Most days you'll find 30+ kinds of cheese, four types of prosciutti, speck, coppa, mortadella, two types of paté, and salami. Take advantage of the opportunity to sample to find the perfect match for your taste.
Emily and the Piazza chefs offer an excellent section of take-and-bake dinners. Consider bringing a cooler to take home spinach lasagna, eggplant parmesan, or a pizza to bake. Be sure to check out their olive oil, anchovies, specialty salts, savory spreads, and other tasty imported products. They partner with several local companies like Turnbridge Point, The Bay Mushrooms, Chapel Country Creamery, Lyon Distilling, Rise Up Coffee, and others to offer local products.
Piazza Italian Market is a success story worth sharing, and her customers quickly become avid fans. Some of Emily’s favorite comments include, “Piazza was one of the reasons I moved to Easton” and “I drove here straight from the airport.” Clearly, this shop is one of the best reasons to stop for lunch in Easton, whether you are holiday shopping in town or staying for a vacation. This taste of Italy is a true gem on the Eastern Shore.
Piazza Italian Market
218 N. Washington Street, Easton, Maryland
410-820-8281
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Hours: M-F 10-6, Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4
Order online for curbside pick up or free home delivery for orders over $100. Open for limited indoor and outdoor dining.
