It’s zeppole season and Buono’s Bakery on Hartford Avenue has a wide variety to choose from. Behind the counter is Leah who joined the Buono’s team two years ago. She gave me the rundown yesterday: “We have rum flavored . . . very popular . . . we also have the original, strawberry, chocolate, pistachio, and Irish Bailey’s.” You can see the Irish flags on the Bailey’s variety. No matter what you are celebrating this week, there is a zeppole with your name on it. Check out their pix on FB.
From their history: The bakery opened 90 years ago with the Buono family taking over in 1989. In 1997, the bakery received a declaration from the Rhode Island House of Representatives for “Rhode Island’s Best Bread.”
They also make biscuits, calzones, pastries, pizza, and dough. Leah’s shirt says “It’s a good day to bake.” I say let them do it. Go here for complete menu.
(Zeppoles — sometimes spelled zeppoli or called sfinge di San Giuseppe — are the traditional dessert served up in Italian households on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19th.)
The bakery is just north of Neutaconkanut Hill in the Silver Lake neighborhood. Closed Mondays.
Buono’s Italian Bakery, 559 Hartford Avenue, (directions)
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