Fontano's is a family-owned Italian deli at the end of our block in Little Italy, a long-standing Chicago spot (my brother remembers going their for their famous six and twelve-inch sandwiches in the late 1970s). Now with small restaurants/carry-out spots throughout the city, the original is at the end of the block that we live on. I've been hoping to photograph sausage making, which they do in front of one of the large picture window at the back of the store, so that anyone walking by can watch (see Extras album shot for today for the context: http://365project.org/taffy/the-also-ran-ph/2013-03-28). Today, I was lucky enough to catch one of Fontano's senior family members mentoring his great-nephew in the art, passing down their knowledge to the newest generation. They let me in to take photographs up close -- the little one was so intent and there were times he and his great-uncle were moving in perfect rhythm. I chose this shot because of his intense focus, and because you could see both the sausage making machine and the stack of sausages that he was building.
@bardejov I'd wondered the same thing, but in watching them, I could see the meat isn't out for long -- quite an assembly line they have going with just a few people. no wonder the store is so cold in summer!
@jyokota@tuesdaygirl@jankoos Thank you Junko, Jess, and Jan (three J's -- the odd things we notice...). Anyway, thank you -- I so rarely do candids and I appreciate your encouraging response.
@jyokota I took about 30 photos total and am deciding on which set to print for them. I'm thinking of giving them one that is a 5 X 7 since they sometimes tape those up on their walls. And then about 6 of grand-uncle/nephew, and the one of each of the broader views. They were so gracious about letting me film!
What a wonderful capture! How special is this to see something multi-generational and the continuity of a family tradition being passed on. They are going to love whatever shots you send them I'm sure, but even moreso- what a privilege to capture it for all time!
