Desperate for Pancetta from Italy

[wj818]

Does anyone know of a good source for imported Pancetta, from Italy, in the Los Angeles area or online? I've been looking for a long time. Whole Foods pancetta is too peppery. Most online sources only sell domestic or imported for Canada. I used to get a decent pancetta from Mr. Marcel in the Farmer's Market but I'm not sure if they still sell it. I just want the real thing and I'm willing to pay for it. Thanks!

[Husky]

I've never found imported pancetta in the U.S. Molinari in San Francisco makes a good pancetta. Not sure if it is available in southern California.

[rachaels]

You can't get Imported Italian Pancetta in the US.

[JudiAU]

I don't believe you can buy imported pancetta. Niman Ranch or ever better, Salumi make better products. We used to mail order both and freeze what we weren't using or pick it up in SF. Most of WF cured meat products are poor. In a pinch, the type sold by Bristol Farms is better. Now we make it ourself-- very easy.

[wj818]

Thanks for your suggestions! I'll definitely check them out.

[pizzafreak]

Bay Cities in SM and Domingo's in Encino both sell a good pancetta, and rachaels and JudiAU are correct- you cannot buy imported Pancetta.

[irishkevbo]

Claros
http://www.claros.com/

[luswei]

www.chefshop.com

[chefthisguy]

I second Claros' or Mario's Deli in Glendale...I also got some from the cheese store in Beverly Hills....

[Dommy]

My favorite Pancetta is the little cubes they sell at Trader Joes. It's become a staple in my frige to toss into soups and stirfries.

--Dommy!

[sweethawk]

YES - Surfas in Culver City has Molinari Pancetta. I just got some. Yum.

[notmartha]

If you can drive to Pasadena the best is at Roma market. I've tried the one from Claro, TJs, and so far the best is Roma's market. It's essential to have a good one for dishes like carbonara (actually would be better to be able to find guanciale, but that's harder).

Don't get too put off by the strong cheese scent at the store, btw.

918 N Lake Ave
Pasadena, CA 91104
[phone]

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/378178

[Will Owen]

"Don't get too put off by the strong cheese scent at the store, btw." Or intoxicated by it, as I tend to be, and wind up buying three times what you went in for! His Parmigiano (the principal source of the smell) is wonderful, and his handmade sausages are the best I've found anywhere, and cheaper than Claro's. And the mortadella, which a man of my age and condition ought to be avoiding, is simply pink piggy heaven.

And yes - great pancetta.

[JimmyC]

yep roma and claros i prefer claros sausage over romas romas prosciuttois killer.and the owners a trip we are buds and im not even italian

[notmartha]

Not sure which cheese gave out the strong scent, but it was definitely an unexpected surprise.

Agree completely on the proscuitto and mortadella. They are heavenly!