Along this highway in Farmingdale, you will find an Italian deli that serves quality ingredients. I…read moreonly went there to support local businesses, and I will say that I do not regret it.
Brand: 5/5
Tenth and Willow is an Italian-themed deli located in Colts Neck Plaza in Farmingdale. The logo has the Italian flag emblazoned in the background. The solid aesthetics on the website of the sparkles and shining rays perfectly represent the brand. When it comes to the interior, I will say that they deliver on all they promise, for you will find many Italian food and ingredients throughout the establishment.
Website: 5/5
It brings you immediately to an image of a sandwich, which makes a good first impression on anyone coming to the site. Scrolling down, you encounter the backstory and the menu with many selections from beverages to wraps to heroes. You will find at the bottom a regularly updated blog section filled with fun facts of Tenth and Willow.
Wait Time: 5/5
I experienced no delay or disruptions during the time I waited for my order.
Ambiance: 4/5
The establishment housed plenty of Manhattan Specials of varying flavors throughout the aisles. You will also find plenty of cookies and treats upon racks, including meats and cheese hidden behind large glass counters. The aisles and the space between them and the deli did feel cramped with no tables or seats available.
Food: 5/5
I ordered the Maple Ham Hero, which considers maple ham, fontana cheese, lettuce, tomato, and balsamic glaze. The maple ham had a sweet taste, as expected, which complements well with the sharp fontana cheese and the lettuce. The balsamic glaze had its own strong taste. The bread held well and had a decent amount of crunch, without becoming stale. Everything in the hero stayed in place while it also had a rich, thick taste.
Service: 5/5
The staff managed to get my order without any issues.
Worth The Money?: 4/5
The selection of meals, such as heroes, definitely reflect the brand of Tenth and Willow as an Italian market-and-deli. While I did not have a problem waiting, it did feel cumbersome in a cramped area for my order. Nevertheless, the ambiance of exploring around the establishment did not have an issue with me, especially as I got to see the delicacies from the cookies to the marzipan. As for the Maple Ham Hero, the appropriate wait time matched the quality of the food.
The organization of the food shows that the staff care about their ingredients. They make it clear on their website that most of their partners provided locally sourced ingredients. If that is true, then this establishment deserves more attention, and I can see how Italian restaurants would rely on this deli for their ingredients. While the website does not scroll down with silky speed, it does provide a sense of welcoming ambiance with its deep, green color.
I will say ultimately that the price of the Maple Ham Hero and the experience going to Tenth and Willow was worth it.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
I have hope that Tenth and Willow will continue to have relevance in Farmingdale, and among those who prioritize Italian cuisine and ingredients.
Recommend To...
Anyone just starting an Italian restaurant and is looking for key ingredients, since you would be supporting local producers while propping up your local business, thus creating a network of local businesses that help the community through the local multiplier effect. I also recommend to anyone looking to add more to their Italian-inspired cuisine and need suggestions about which meats, cheese, or spices to use. If you like Manhattan Special, then I would also recommend this establishment to you.
