Meet the Chef/Owner: Beth Amadio of Homemade Sandwich Shop

A savvy businesswoman who has been in and out of restaurants her entire life has found the right opportunity for herself and her family to open a business they have always dreamed about.

Beth Amadio, her husband, Lou, and recent Penn State graduate David, their son, work together at Homemade Sandwich Shop on Essex Avenue in Narberth to bring the public the delicious food and hospitality they enjoy in their own home. Amadio said her goal in opening this business was to make people "feel welcome and comfortable here."

She prepares the same food she has made for her family over the years for her customers. The recipes are time-tested and almost 100 percent her own (the grilled chicken sandwich is her brother's creation). Her love for her family shows in the menu as four of the sandwiches are named after her four children: Bryan, David, Sami and Bella.

The ingredients are always high quality and fresh. She shows her Philly pride by ordering the rolls from Abruzzi Bakery in South Philly. The produce is local and her butcher delivers a special combination of ground beef, veal and pork for her famous meatballs on a daily basis. Read below to find out more.

Name: Beth Amadio

Age: 49

Hometown: Penn Valley

Home now: Belmont Hills

Favorite thing about the community: It's a great community with lots of kids and local activities. It's close to our home and we look forward to doing work for the community very soon.

Years in the industry: Although Homemade Sandwich Shop is our first solo venture, I've been in and out of restaurants my entire life.

Earliest cooking memory: Cooking with my grandmother for Jewish holidays. We would make this vegetable soup together.

First restaurant job: Server in a restaurant down the shore on the boardwalk when I was in high school. I wanted to make some money during the summer and that's why I took the job.

Advice for home cooks: Keep it simple and fresh, use fresh ingredients.

Favorite thing to cook: On a whole, I would say Italian food, but my favorite thing to make is this pasta dish with shrimp and crab meat. The seafood gravy is great.

Favorite menu item: Any of the items with chicken cutlets (which are made in house daily, we have no freezers). The Sami's Way (chicken cutlet with roasted eggplant, roasted tomato, sharp provolone cheese, long hots and roasted garlic in olive oil) is really good.

Healthiest menu item: Besides the salads, the tuna (tuna packed in spring water, chopped scallions, chopped tomato, arugula and balsamic vinegar) and veggie (roasted eggplant, roasted peppers, roasted tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and pesto) sandwiches.

Favorite local restaurant: in Belmont Hills. I worked there for years.

Favorite restaurant in the world: Il Mulino in Vegas

Guilty pleasure (food or drink): I like wine and a good pasta dish.

Last meal on earth:  A glass of red wine (I like Zinfandels) and the pasta with seafood dish that I always make.

Favorite food shows: I really like Emeril and the Barefoot Contessa. I watch the Food Network a lot.