I've been shopping at Venda since I moved here 9 years ago. I've watched them grow over the years, and not all changes have been for the better. Don't misunderstand me, I LOVE Venda, but some of their products have gone down in quality.
Their raviolis ARE good, but no longer great. They switched to using a higher amount of whey in their product, and this is NOT good - it affected the quality and they actually charge more now for making a cheaper product. So I quit buying ravioli from them, and instead, I simply buy their pasta sheets and make my own (if you want to do it yourself, all you need is a good-quality ravioli die and some good recipes).
The other problem is less tangible - it's the new customer base they've attracted. It seems every tourist or tourist-type in and around RI has overtaken what used to be an intimate and traditional Italian grocery. And Venda - sensing the big bucks coming their way - has accomodated them by offering some rather silly touristic touches that encourage them to come in like a pack of starving dogs and overtake the store while trying to figure out exactly what Reggiano is. And so the staff is more stressed while trying to meet the demands of their new customers, it's no longer the cozy, quiet place it used to be.
However, I have found that shopping there on weekday mornings are much more enjoyable, and I can't find a better shop to get my favorite cheeses.
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