Nor-Joe Imports
505 Frisco Ave, Metairie, LA 70005, USA
Metairie 2: Orleans Line To Houma Blvd
Backstory
Norma and Joe, a pair of New York transplants, started business in New Orleans in 1982, making their own mozzarella cheese. That product caught the attention of the local Italian restaurateurs, and the business grew to encompass almost everything else they needed.
Dining Room
The store itself is so crammed full of products (and the appetizing aromas therefrom) that there's no room for tables. They have a few of them on a small covered porch outside. It's mostly self-service and takeout.
Why It's Essential
Nor-Joe is a wholesale merchant of European (primarily Italian) food products. They sell cheese, cured meats, anchovies, olive oil, pasta, and a million other items to almost every Italian restaurant in New Orleans. And they also offer a lot of the line at retail. Since they have all the makings except the bread on hand, why not make sandwiches?
Why It's Good
Why indeed. The menu is abbreviated. Not many tables are available (and those are outside). Nevertheless, the muffuletta in particular and the other sandwiches made with Italian meats, cheeses, and dressings are candidates for the best in town. The only drawback is the bread, which could be better.
Most Interesting Dishes
»Muffuletta<br /> Other Italian sandwiches
For Best Results
Buy the ham (or prosciutto), salami, cheese (fresh-milk mozz?), bread, and olive salad, take it home, and make your own sandwich. Nobody has better sandwich makings than Nor-Joe, but they won't break from their sandwich recipes just for you.
Bonus Ratings
1
Value