By John Lynds
A fire ripped through the kitchen area of one of East Boston’s most beloved deli’s early Tuesday morning.
At 1 a.m., the Boston Fire Department responded to a fire at Milano’s Deli at 978 Saratoga St. in Orient Heights Square.
When fire fighters arrived, they had to break through the building’s security grates, run hoses through the windows but were able to contain the fire.
The large apartment building next door above El Kiosko was evacuated as precaution during the fire.
Milano’s has been the go-to sub shop and Italian specialty store for the hungry Eastie crowd in the area for many years. While Milano’s focus has been its packed Italian-style subs like chicken parm, meatball and cold cut sandwiches, the deli also specializes in a wide array of Italian dishes like veal and shrimp scampi as well as catering.
Owner Vinny Caraglia said he is definitely rebuilding and will reopen better than ever.
“Everything is going to be fixed,” said Caraglia. “We already in the process of hiring all the right people, getting the insurance squared away so we are focused on that right now.”
Caraglia said the fire was contained to the kitchen and applauded the Fire Department’s efforts.
“I could have asked for anything more,” said Caraglia. “They did a great job tackling the fire and getting it under control.”
The East Boston Times will update the community at a later time on when Milano’s plans to re-open.