New Italian deli near the Amtrak station is a must-try on your next Mississippi Coast trip

Octavio Arzola is no stranger to the Mississippi Coast food and dining scene, and now he's brought a dream to life with a new European-style sandwich shop in downtown Gulfport.

A chef for three decades , Octavio has long dreamed of opening a salumeria — an Italian shop that sells cured meats. But he's expanded the concept to a deli with fresh-cut meats and cheeses, homemade breads, with both Italian- and French-inspired spreads and sides, desserts and beverages imported from overseas.

Tavi's Salumeria opened to fanfare last month, drawing big crowds at lunch to try the artisan creations and unique chip flavors.

It's just across the street from Pop Brothers, the flagship store for the artisan popsicle business he runs with his wife, Shannon. Both are about a block away from the new