Another wonderful childhood memory of the North End was shopping with Mom. As I was posting new recipes, I remembered her favorite butcher shop on Prince Street.
Besides their wonderful hand carved meats and poultry, they had a section specializing in Italian cold cuts sliced to order. Whenever butchers reached "ends", remaining hunks of cold cuts too small to slice, they were placed in a tray in their refrigerated showcases and were offered deeply discounted. Mom always frugal checked those available "ends" for valuables. I would help cube them as Mom added them to her Pizzagaina. "Easter pie" that was made with a variety of Italian cheeses, cured meats (cold cuts) and ricotta.
What I remember most, while waiting our turn, even while she was being served, Mom always held my hand.
Sandwiches were also offered there. They were uncluttered and customized on demand. Local fresh breads were stuffed with an array of specialty Italian cured meats and cheeses. The only condiment offered was mustard. One day in particular I remember watching as the worker was crafting sandwiches. After handing them off he reached back and surprised me by handing an extra one made just for me. Sixty years later I still remember that act of kindness. Lots of small things were cumulative. That was the North End.