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Their grandson Mark Bove developed the Bove’s of Vermont pasta sauce line over the last 20 years. Among Bove’s extensive range of sauces, the Vodka Sauce and Marinara stand-out as timeless tributes to his grandparents and the Italian heritage cuisine he grew-up on.

Bove explains, “It’s been an honor for me to continue the 20th century Italian restaurant business that my grandparents began in Vermont and develop it into a specialty food business for 21st century customers nationwide.”

A Legacy Rooted in Family and Flavor

The Bove family story begins in 1941 when Louis and Victoria first opened Bove’s Café in Burlington, Vermont. It was a town-favorite for more than 50 years, making it Vermont’s longest operating family-owned restaurant. The recipes, traditions, and values that drove the café’s success were passed to their son, Dick, and then on to grandson Mark and his brother Rick. In a state recognized for its specialty food businesses, Bove’s is a proud contributor with its Italian heritage food-line–well known throughout Vermont.

The Bove signature dedication to family and authenticity can be tasted in every jar of sauce, including the Vodka and Marinara varieties. Victoria, whose Neapolitan recipe for Marinara sauce became legendary around Burlington, taught her son and grandsons to preserve the family’s culinary heritage by staying true to her recipes and to simple, fresh ingredients.

“She was ahead of her time in creating what people now call “clean” food. For my Nonna, healthy, fresh, home-grown ingredients were the only things that went into her cooking,” says Bove.

Consistency is the hallmark of Bove’s. It’s about honoring the recipe, using the right cooking techniques, and the best ingredients to guarantee each sauce’s exceptional flavor.

“That’s the old way–the best way,” Bove notes. “We use San Marzano tomatoes, fresh garlic, basil, and imported Italian olive oil. No added sugars or preservatives—just real ingredients for an authentic, delicious taste that’s good for you, too!”

Bove’s commitment to quality is evidenced by the fact that they use only non-GMO verified products, gluten-free ingredients, and craft sauces free from added sugars or artificial additives, important for today’s discerning, health-focused consumer.

The Bold, Creamy Indulgence of Bove’s Vodka Sauce

Bove’s Vodka Sauce is a distinctive twist on a traditional favorite. Known for its velvety texture and creamy depth, Bove’s Vodka Sauce offers the tang of Italian San Marzano tomatoes, balanced with cream and a dash of Romano cheese. Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that rounds out the flavors beautifully.

“I developed this recipe by asking our customers to taste-test different versions of it at the restaurant during their meals, ” explains Bove, “It took a year–and a lot of good advice from customers– to get it just right.”

In a culinary landscape where vodka sauce is often underwhelming, Bove’s created a best in category and set the standard, as evidenced by its 2011 award from the National Association of Specialty Food Trades (NASFT). In that year, Mark and the Bove’s sauce line was also featured on The Today Show and The Food Network.

The magic of Bove’s Vodka Sauce lies in its versatility. It pairs perfectly with robust pasta shapes that can hold its luxurious consistency, such as penne, mostaccioli, and orecchiette. These shapes capture the sauce, ensuring every bite is an indulgent experience. Bove’s Vodka Sauce also shines in pairing with proteins and vegetables: think creamy chicken or shrimp dishes, or a robust pairing with hearty vegetables like bell peppers and Portobello mushrooms. For an inspired twist, try it as a base for Chicken or Veal Parmesan instead of the usual marinara—it’s a bold and flavorful choice that’s sure to become a new classic.

Marinara: The Heart and Soul of Bove’s Sauce Line

Every jar of Bove’s Marinara is a salute to Nonna Victoria Bove. This sauce is her signature and is at the heart of Bove’s product line. It’s a time-honored recipe that embodies the essence of not only Italian cooking but healthy cooking too: filled with simple, natural and fresh ingredients. Marinara sauce is deeply rooted in Southern Italian cuisine. Bove’s Marinara pays homage to this history, utilizing San Marzano tomatoes—the gold standard for Italian sauces—along with a light sauté of garlic and a drizzle of imported Italian olive oil to achieve a sauce that’s light, bright, and full of fresh, summery notes.

Important to note that Bove’s Marinara and the entire Bove product line are certified organic and gluten free, and verified non-GMO; they contain no added sugars and no added preservatives.

Marinara’s texture and flavor make it a natural partner for a wide array of dishes. With its slightly chunky consistency, Bove’s Marinara brings out the best in long, thin pasta varieties like spaghetti, capellini, and linguine. Its lightness allows it to coat these pastas

without weighing them down, letting each bite shine with the natural sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes. This versatile sauce is equally at home in dishes ranging from classic spaghetti and meatballs to seafood-laden pastas and even vegetarian meals.

Bringing Tradition to Modern Tables

The enduring appeal of Bove’s sauces lies not just in the healthful recipes that result in wonderful taste, but in the story of tradition and family.

At Bove’s, the art of sauce-making has been refined over decades, yet it remains faithful to the culinary wisdom passed down from Victoria and Louis to their son and grandsons. The commitment to using quality ingredients and respecting traditional cooking methods speaks to a deep respect for the people who first nurtured these recipes and those who

continue to cherish them today. It also highlights Bove’s continued drive to create delicious sauces that meet today’s consumers’ focus on eating healthful food.

In a world increasingly dominated by convenience, Bove’s of Vermont offers a return to genuine flavor and authenticity, preserving the integrity of Italian cuisine while adapting it to the health consciousness of modern consumers. Each jar of Vodka Sauce or Marinara is a tribute to Nonna’s Victoria’s original recipe and a testament to the belief that great food comes from great ingredients and a passion for quality. Bove’s has carved out a unique space where tradition meets healthful innovation, all while keeping family and flavor at the heart of everything they do.

An Invitation to Rediscover Italian Tradition

For over 80 years, Bove’s of Vermont has remained steadfast in its mission to bring authentic Italian flavor to customers in Burlington and then to kitchens across America.

“My family has been nourishing neighborhoods near and far for more than 80 years. To me that’s success,” Bove states.

The Bove’s sauce line offers an unparalleled taste experience, coupled with a healthy-eating focus, that reflects the Bove family’s passion and dedication.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your pasta night with the bold flavors of Vodka Sauce or prefer the light, classic appeal of Marinara, Bove’s invites you to experience the warmth and authenticity of Italian cuisine right from your own kitchen. With every jar, you’re not just tasting sauce—you’re tasting history, tradition, and a family’s legacy of dedication.

* In partnership with our friends at Bove’s Inc.* Photo courtesy of Bove’s Inc.
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