Italian Star Deli

This week’s episode of City Sleuth had me in search of caper berries.  You may ask; “what the heck is a caper berry and why would I want one?”

Caper berries come from the caper bush – duh, right? but capers also come from the same bush.  However, capers are the immature bud whereas caper berries are the fruit of the bush.  Both are typically brined and have similar flavors but the caper is a strong salty flavor and the berries are milder and more piquant.  I use the caper berries in place of olives in many recipes, such as antipasto platters and my favorite; the filthy martini.  In a filthy martini, vodka and vermouth are combined with the brine of the caper berries instead of the usual olive juice used in a dirty martini.  Finished with a couple of caper berries instead of olives, it has a brighter tangier flavor than a traditional dirty martini.

Finding caper berries in Regina was a little trickier though.  Supermarkets  and smaller grocery stores have capers but alas, no caper berries.  This brings us to the Italian Star Deli on Victoria Avenue in downtown Regina.

Star carries lots of Italian staples such as semolina in white and yellow, cerignola olives, anchovies, aged balsamics and a wide variety of artisan pastas, should you choose to buy dried.  Most people go for the deli with its authentic imported Italian salamis, mortadellas, prosciutto, parmesan, provolone and the list goes on.  I make myself hungry just writing this!

I especially love caper berries on a nice antipasto platter and you can pick up everything you need to make a wonderful starter plate at Star Deli.  Add some fresh grilled veggies or melon, pair with a filthy martini and you’ve got the makings for a dinner fit for kings!

If you missed the Star Deli episode you can check it out on my YouTube channel here: CitySleuth Star Deli.  Please leave me a comment it you have ideas for new episodes or are looking for something elusive and want City Sleuth on the case!