ShoppingValvona and Crolla

[Helencbradshaw, 27.01.2008] I first heard of Valvona and Crolla a good couple of years ago now, via an on-line review of all things. And it took me a few months before I was able to make it to their wonderful shop in Elm Row, nr Leith Walk, Edinburgh. I thought it was high time I share this little delight of Edinburgh that has graced its streets since 1934.

Its not the easiest place in Edinburgh to park but by sheer good fortune I have managed to find a spot right outside the place on the two occasions I have chosen to visit..but believe me, dont count on this!

Valvona and Crolla established itself in Edinburgh in 1934 to serve the Italian population within Edinburgh, but these days its stock and its clientele are much further reaching, yet still retaining the overall air of an Italian Deli.

For me Valvona and Crolla is pretty unique. I regularly frequented Sartis deli for lunch in Glasgow several years ago, and that comes a pretty close second. But the whole ambience, inviting air, outstanding product selection, service and opportunity to try their delicious products means that a trip to Valvona and Crolla can take a couple of hours, or even longer with a girlfriend in tow and you both in a people watching and wine tasting mood

On entering the shop you may think that it is quite narrow, and indeed it is, given the type of shop and the volume of people who like to meander away an hour or two in here. A couple of years ago it was also a Venue for the Edinburgh Festival. As you enter the shop, on your right you have the deli counters which are bedecked with finest of cheeses, and deli hams you could wish to see. Behind the serving counter, the ceiling rises perhaps 15 feet high or more with fine whiskies and other spirits from around the world, with the whisky attention being given to Scotland, Ireland and America.

Pick up your basket because you are definitely going to need it. The left hand side of the store is adorned with many of the store cupboard staples, including some of the finest Italian pastas and polentas, antipasto, coffee and tea, biscuits and fine chocolates, cakes and syrups. I picked up a small jar of tomato cream paste (dont be put off by the word cream, it's never seen any, but oh my god it is to die for..taste testing being an essential part of the process here yknow). I also picked up a jar of sunblushed tomatoes in the most delightful olive oil ever.

Amongst the shelves of delightful produce you will also find other culinary items including some delicious crockery and some key book titles which lend themselves to the experience. From time to time the store hold events including book signings by famous chefs.

Just as you would expect from any self respecting Italian deli, there is a fine array of oils including specialist oils for sale, together with the wonderful balsamic vinegars and an assortment of pourers to enhance your enjoyment of these flavours. On the side of the counter you can sample some of their home made bread on the premises and try the oil and vinegar combination, if you are fast that is

The refrigerated section contains yet more fine prepackaged produce in the meat and dairy section and the store also stocks a small selection of organic fruit and vegetables.

But I could spend hours in the wine section alone. The extensive wine area is more or less given over to the Italian variety, and I have to admit I am more of a fan of the WA Australia and NW wine variety at the moment. That said the last time we visited we managed to obtain a bottle of le chryma Christi (tears of Christ) Italian white wine as well as some Margaret River reds. The New World collection boasts wines from Australia, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand and south Africa (This is why you need money ysee). I particularly enjoy this section as Margaret River is by far the best wine making region in Australia and finding its wines in the UK is a challenging prospect. Today however I settled with a couple of tempting new selections from the DArenberg range of McLaren Vale, and Mount Riley Sauvignon from NZ, a taste which switched my wine allegiance totally when I first tasted it in Banff in 2001.

The wine cellar also stocks specific wines such as sparkling, and port, and can box and gift wrap to your wishes.

Moving around, and spending time in the VC café is inevitable and you will certainly be sorry if you dont. The queues at peak periods may mean you have to wait a short while for a table, although on my last visit, I waited no more than 5 minutes at the most. The café has about 25 tables in a narrow galley, and the walls are bedecked with some fine artwork depicting mediterranean landscapes in a modern style, using yellow, blue and orange hues; and all for sale by their original artists.

The café represents a wonderful opportunity to sample some of the delicate flavours, with someone else at the helm. Today we sampled some tomato bruschetta and some wonderful bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, all washed down with a glass of fine Italian white dry wine. The sandwiches and puddings which were being brought out for other customers all looked simply heavenly though.

Service isnt necessarily the quickest, but you know, whats the rush once you are seated?

There are a number of general, gift items including delightful coffee cups especially depicting their 70th birthday. You can also purchase gift vouchers as well as VC branded wines and implements such as corkscrews. You may also purchase coffee makers, wine accessories and hampers and gifts and cookshop items.