We set our internal memory markers with dates. Significant times in our lives which we use as buoys in the sea of life. How far have we gone from land? How far until the next drawbridge? How many nautical miles has it been since that last school filled the holding tanks?

November 17, 2005 was my first big show.

August 29, 2002 was when Kaiya was born.

Of course, everyone remembers where they were on September 11, 2001.

And October 6, 2007 was the day that Midtown Harrisburg was “Ray and Graced” with the grand opening of Nonna’s Deli-Sioso. Central PA’s only authentic Italian deli. Today, Ray and Grace Diaz cross a milestone in the success stories of area restaurants: two years of successful operations.

They’ve kept it old-school, no doubt. Closed on Sundays, three day holiday weekends, and nary a Website to be found (they tell me they’ve got one in the works).

So what is it that’s kept Nonna’s rolling strong for two years? In this bloggers opinion, it can be summed up in one word: Quality.

Everything about the place screams “quality”. From the tiles on the floor to the ginormous mantle-mirror/bar you see on the right upon entering to the converted garage door which opens every day that’s above seventy degrees to the display case choc-full of delicious cakes, hand made cannoli and pastries.

But let’s not stop at the visuals. Ray and Grace Diaz are a dynamic duo host in every sense of the word. Joyfully greeting and thanking every single customer that walks through the doors is as standard as a weekly Spaghetti and Meatballs special on the whiteboard outside.

But ultimately, what will make or break ANY restaurant is the food. And Nonna’s never disappoints. White pizza, a plethora of hot and cold sandwiches available on several different kinds of rolls, the spinach-tortellini in Alfredo sauce and, my personal favorite, the Torino: kinda-spicy, sorta-crunchy, just-cheesy-enough combination of breaded chicken soaked in a homemade Buffalo sauce topped with Gorgonzola cheese, sprinkled with just a taste of blue cheese and served on a long Ciabiatta roll.

Many businesses (especially restaurants) strive to make the two year mark. And many fail. But considering the absolute attention to detail, quality of food and general atmosphere, there’s no doubt that Nonna’s Delisioso on Riley Street in Midtown Harrisburg will certainly celebrate the two-decade anniversary many years from now.