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Cheap Eats By Corinne Asturias La Villa Delicatessen 1319 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose (in Willow Glen) Open Tuesday-Saturday, somewhere around 9 to 6. 408.295.7851 LET'S PRETEND for a moment that we live in Roma, Italia. And let's say we live around one of the plazas in one of those old-school, all-you-really-need-to-sustain-life neighborhoods. And while we're at it, let's pretend we're so rich, are we working? Hell, no. So, let's say it's 11am and we're walking along the street, inhaling the divine aroma of what constitutes every family's main meal: garlic and marinara, pasta, olive oil, wine and romano cheese. Ah, as these mingling scents waft into our nostrils, it is like foreplay to the afternoon. Life is good, no? Well, yes, but here in Silicon Valley, you have to stop by La Villa in Willow Glen and take a number. But don't let that stop you. Those few minutes in line fingering a paper number are extremely useful to the patron of this fine Italian deli who wants to check out the daily specials and needs a few minutes or so to make the right choice, not to mention inhale the fine aromas. And choices here abound: stuffed artichokes, roasted meats, cabbage rolls or zucchini, sensuous lasagna, garlic bread and the plumpest melt-in-your-mouth ravioli this side of Genoa. A refrigerator case stocks fresh-made salads, including marinated olives, mushrooms and mussels. Sandwiches stacked with high quality Italian deli meats and cheeses remain the standby for regulars who know to order on an oversized Italian roll. There is even an authentic selection of home-baked sweets to finish off the meal. Note: La Villa is closed on Sunday and Monday, and you will never see a sadder face than that of someone who has forgotten this fact. If you want to score Big Points with the domestic partner, pick up a box of the uncooked ravioli and sauce to go. Add a bottle of vino rojo and some crusty bread and by dinnertime you might find yourself moonstruck again. Eat, be merry and say ciao, baby, to all that American reality. It's overrated, anyway. Send a letter to the editor about this story to letters@metronews.com. [ Silicon Valley | Metroactive Home | Archives ]