Even slightly overcast and nowhere near a mealtime, conversation and patio traffic bustles at the corner of Monterey and Oak Bay avenues.

Inside Ottavio Italian Bakery and Delicatessen patrons snug up at tables on one end, popping in for bread, cheese and imported delicacies at the other.

Andrew Moyer and Monica Pozzolo are famed for their traditional parties of food, music and fun that spills out into the street. So when suddenly 20 years passed in Oak Bay, they figured there was no better way to celebrate with the customers.

The Ottavio Italian Bakery and Deli began in 1997 in a much smaller space up The Avenue. Moyer remembers moving into the former hair salon and diluting down the years of hairspray that held the light fixtures to the wall.

Moyer, Pozzolo and her mom slaved to create the next niche in a family tradition. Building on the foundation of the Italian Bakery (Quadra at Tolmie) the couple created a small bustling shop that included quality imports in the early days of specialty shops.

In addition to the traditional baked goods, they honed the skill of offering quality products from small producers.

B次元官网网址淲e built this with our customers, side by side,B次元官网网址� Moyer said.

People are as key as the product. TheyB次元官网网址檝e hired former customers B次元官网网址� some they watched grow up B次元官网网址� and served generations of local families.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e many generations into this,B次元官网网址� Moyer said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a real treat to be able to serve some octogenarian, and then theyB次元官网网址檙e great grandchildren come in later with their children.B次元官网网址�

Local for the couple, expands as far as Sooke and the Lower Mainland.

Helen and Dave Ranson B次元官网网址� working a word puzzle with coffee on this mid-morning visit B次元官网网址� are among the devoted clientele visiting the eatery at minimum twice a week.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 the ambience of sitting down, relaxing and enjoying my puzzle or just watching people,B次元官网网址� Dave said. After doing the math, theyB次元官网网址檙e confident theyB次元官网网址檙e at least 1,000 visits in, taking into account vacations away. They often come together or with friends, though Helen says itB次元官网网址檚 perfectly comfortable eating solo there as well.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e made friends here,B次元官网网址� said Helen.

B次元官网网址淵ou get chatting and next thing you know youB次元官网网址檙e going out for dinner,B次元官网网址� Dave added.

And oh the parties. Both fully plan to attend the 20th anniversary bash planned for Sept. 23 featuring good food and fast cars.

ItB次元官网网址檚 a party to celebrate and thank customers for the first 20 years of business in Oak Bay. Plans include cracking open a big wheel of cheese, live entertainment, hot cars, a giant cake and of course the home-made gelato.

Vessel will be there sampling Italian wines and Farm & Field Butchers will roast lamb B次元官网网址� porchetta style.

The celebration is Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ottavio, at the intersection of Monterey and Oak Bay avenues.

cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com
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