Ani’s Table & Marketplace Opens In Rocky Hill Location With Plenty Of History

ROCKY HILL, CT — A Rocky Hill Italian market has opened under new ownership. Ani’s Table & Marketplace opened Sept. 6 under the leadership of chef and caterer Ani Robaina.

The space previously was home to the family-owned DiFiore Ravioli Shop. The market at 397 Cromwell Ave. has been in business for more than 40 years and is known for its homemade ravioli.

DiFiore Ravioli Shop also has a location in Ellington and will open a dedicated ravioli/past production space there.

Ani’s Table & Marketplace offers scratch-prepared foods including a variety of sauces, seasonal soups and salads, along with locally sourced produce, and artisan products, including DiFiore Ravioli.

"Chef Ani has transformed the space into a prepared foods, espresso bar, pantry, and home goods market, an oasis for home entertaining and for those who simply want to incorporate eating well into their busy lifestyle," according to a statement.

Robaina was classically trained at the famed French Culinary Institute and has cooked with well-respected chefs, including chef Douglas Rodriguez, chef David Bouley, and chef Monique Barbeau at the James Beard Award-Winning Fuller’s Restaurant at the Seattle Sheraton before ultimately becoming the executive chef at the Pond House Café in West Hartford. Robaina is also a regular guest chef at Weekend Kitchen in Essex.

She started Ani’s Table Distinctive Food & Catering in 2019.

“We are thrilled to begin this next chapter of Ani’s Table and create a Marketplace that provides food that comforts you and perhaps makes your life a little easier," Robaina said in a statement. “The Marketplace features many of my favorite things produced by some of the best artisans and food companies I have worked with over the years. We are excited to share these products with you.”

A ribbon cutting and coffee reception will be held Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. with the Connecticut River Valley Chamber of Commerce. A grand opening will be Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.

For more information, go to Ani's Table & Marketplace's website.