New venue, old tradition

Pasetti’s on the Woods

183 Woods Avenue, Oceanside

Phone: (516) 442-4609

Fax: (516) 442-4607

While Pasetti’s on the Woods just debuted in August, the family name and the solid reputation behind it have been in Oceanside for a very long time. “My parents laid the groundwork,” said Steve Pasetti, who has now taken over. Starting out as a luncheonette on Long Beach Road, the original Pasetti’s opened in 1953.

Over the years it evolved into a delicatessen. Pasetti’s became known for its fabulous homemade soups and salads. When Steve stepped in during the mid 1990s, he developed the catering end of the business.

Now working from a new location on Woods Avenue (hence, the name change), the Pasetti family plans to carry on tradition with a modern twist and novel ideas. Offering far more than typical deli food, their Culinary Institute-trained chefs whip up ready-made dinners, gourmet wraps, a dozen different wing styles, and paninis to write home about. Create-your-own-salad from dozens of different ingredients. Breakfast options are endless, and prices will bring you back in time.

Nearly 30 signature sandwiches fill the menu, like “Norwegian Woods” (mesquite wood-smoked turkey, bacon and Vermont cheddar), “Long Tall Sally” (skirt steak and mozzarella on garlic bread), and for those who love heat, “Here Comes the Sun” (chipotle chicken, pepper Jack cheese, roasted and hot peppers). “Kid’s Lunch in a Box” consists of a choice of one of four sandwiches; soda, juice or water; and chips.

Creativity abounds on the catering end, be it a backyard barbecue, an intimate dinner party, or a huge gala affair. Whether it’s a platter of assorted wraps or a soup-to-nuts meal, Pasetti’s has the resources to do it right. You can order a hot dog cart, a taco station, trays of food, or gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Desserts, from cakes to cannolis, are available too. Pasetti’s on the Woods can provide a wait staff, bartenders, grills, tables, chairs, tents and more.

The new deli is bright and spacious with tables up front. Orders can be phoned in or faxed over. There’s a wide variety coffee bar in the rear, and groceries lining the shelves. There are always fresh muffins, other baked goods, and top quality cold cuts. Hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.