Gather Around the Table
~Where the fondest memories are made~
NEW YORK
Taking a Trip Back in Time
50's & 60's Style
By Dawn Marie
Now as everyone knows, I'm a pizza fanatic and due to location there are a lot of pizza places that surround Sam's, so with all due respect to each and everyone of them who carry their own style, flavor and technique, there is no competition here, I'm a tremendous fan of all, there's only pizza love.
Sam's "Steaks & Chops" has been sitting on Court Street in Brooklyn since 1930. Louis Migliaccio, who runs and operates the restaurant these days never thought he would be the chief, cook, waiter, bartender and what ever else needs to be done to run a restaurant. Despite after speaking with him on several occasions, always says, ohhhh I've had enough, but always gets up the next day to do it again.. Louie who was born and raised in that same building where Sam's is today, has been working there since a young boy helping his Dad.
Originally opened and owned by brothers Danny and Sam D'Arco, Lou's great-great uncles, Sam passed away before the grand opening, thus making sense to name the restaurant Sam's. It was not until 1950, when Danny requested the presence of Mario, Lou's father, who was Danny's nephew to attend a cousins wedding.
Mario, who was born and raised on the island of Ponza, Italy, resided there until his early twenties, when the request was sent. But prior to leaving he was finishing up a tour of duty, while already courting and not knowing at the time, his soon to be wife. Mario looked at the opportunity as a fresh start, in a new land, America. So he left everything behind. Once here in the states there was no turning back and immediately Mario started working with his uncle at the restaurant washing dishes for twenty dollars a week.
After a few years, Mario rekindled his courtship with the girl whom he was dating in Italy, when finding out through family and friends that she had moved to the Bronx. Shortly after, the two were married, moved into the apartment above the restaurant to start a family and the rest, as they say, is history. Mario took over Sam's in the early sixties and the restaurant became a family affair. Lou's Mom would work in the afternoons, while Mario with Lou by his side, would teach him how to make the red sauce, their famous baked clams, and hearty dishes like Eggplant and Chicken cutlet parmigiana.
Lou did eventually make a way of his own by doing construction and landing a job at Hunts Point Market, but when the market changed locations he decided that going back to work with his Dad was really what he wanted to do.
Sam's has been run by the same family, making this year it's 90th anniversary. Louie, still living in the neighborhood, has seen a lot over the years with the changing of the neighborhood and although we have gone through many decades since the opening, when walking in you are automatically catapulted right back to the early sixties. Still serving up meals like your Mom and Grandma used to cook, let alone the Pizza, which it's signage for, is no where near the magnitude of "Steaks & Chops" is the show stopper and definitely should not be overlooked. Make room to experience it all, from the fabulous food to the atmosphere.
It's now been a few years since his Dad Mario passed, but he keeps up with tradition, he's an old school guy, in an old school neighborhood. "Leave the gun, take the cannoli" in this case "you'll order the pie, not the slice" fair warning, which is clearly stipulated on a sign that is taped to the window and reads "NO SLICES" as you walk down the steps to the entrance. It could also possibly give you an inclination of what you will experience when there, but don't let that stop you, just order the whole pie, stay awhile, have an old fashioned cocktail, reminisce about the neighborhood and chat with Lou for awhile, he has quite a few stories, and truthfully part of the experience here. while he might seem a little rough around the edges, he is really a sweet guy that is set in his ways, running the show himself and should no way interfere with what is being brought to the table, which is great food and excellent brick oven pizza, made the old fashioned way.
When approaching Sam's, especially at night, those mesmerizing neon signs in the windows, laced with curtains, that read Lunch & Dinner on one side, Italian Cuisine on the other will have you drawn, having to take a few steps down to a heavy windowed stainless steal door sitting between those glass pane windows, above signage that stipulates in large white lettering, Sam's Steaks & Chops, above that, Sam's Restaurant in gold lettering. Walk through the door and the transformation begins, from the first door to the second, you could call it a time machine, open the second door and there ya have it,1960 in the heart of Brooklyn, the only thing different is what your wearing.
This little joint, this neighborhood spot, is like a scene right out of Ocean 11, walk through that door, and one might think, that's where possibly Frank, Dean, Sammy, Joey and Peter were sitting, sipping on good old fashioned whiskey from the bar, cigarette in hand as clouds of smoke lingers above them, discussing business, while Etta James is playing in the back round, waiting for some baked clams and hearty dishes of Eggplant Parmigiana, Ravioli, and Spaghetti and Meatballs. There is even an old fashioned wooden phone booth, and if you listen carefully, you might hear Frank say, toss me a nickle Dean, I have to make a phone call. Sam's is a far cry from Monte's on Carroll Street another spot that they liked to frequent, which was more for the night life and a whole other story.
Looking for nostalgia, Sam's is where it is at, from the patent leather seated booths, red plastic table cloths with a linen napkin over it that are covered in glass for protection, the original bar in the backdrop serving traditional cocktails from back in the day, like the Stinger or Black Russian, Italian statues in corners, with dimly lit lights, the back room is lined with booths on both sides, and directly in the center a long table spanning the whole room, mostly used for parties. Still serving hearty traditional dishes made from recipes brought back from the old county by his great uncle with an array of salads and appetizers. Their Pizza, authentic Brick Oven, thin, thin crust that is slightly charred, nothing has changed here, right down to an absolute "NO" on remodeling, he says: are you crazy!! movie sets pay lots of money to design something like this for a scene and there have been many of movies that Sam's Restaurant has been in, in the past...
Lou is the last of the Mohicans, sorta speak, keeping the business going. He still gets his regulars, but a lot of the old timers are gone, paying tribute as their mass cards are out for display on the wall.. When I had asked about them, he paused for a moment, turned to me and said, they were my friends that turned into family, they helped build this place and kept it going..
He doesn't seem to be slowing down though anytime soon, except for the yearly hunting trip and every Tuesday he takes off, and when the nice weather rolls around he’s usually enjoying some deep sea, fresh water fishing, or to visit his children and friends, other then that he is open six days a week, serving hearty Italian food like back in the day with an atmosphere to accompany it.
Sam's Steak & Chops
238 Court Street
Brooklyn N.Y 11201
718-596-3458
D' Amico Coffee
"Rich in History, Flavor, & Family Traditions
By Dawn Marie
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Strolling through the beautiful neighborhood of Carroll Gardens this morning, being the beginning of December, it felt like a chilly early spring morning with the sun already peaking over the rooftops of brownstones and churches. Taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells of what was around the area that at one time was referred to as Red Hook-South Brooklyn and still is by the old timers along with the people who grew up in this neighborhood. Stopping at D’Amico Coffee Roasters, located at 309 Court Street, the aroma that was in the air, heavenly, and the draw for me. Established in 1948, it was Francis’ great-great grandfather, Emanuel, an Italian immigrant, who traveled from Palermo, Sicily, seeking to make a home and a better life for him and his family. D”Amico is still going strong by third generation, Francis and his wife Joanie. They have been roasting coffee in this Red Hook, Carroll Gardens neighborhood for more than seventy years. Some of the people might have changed, but there are still a lot of the old timers around who were huge parts in building this great neighborhood.
Making myself comfortable at a table in the corner to write and have a nice cup of Cappuccino, not realizing at the time the wonderful door that would open in front of my eyes..
Sitting to my right was an older woman, who had peaked my interest to ask her name, but more so to tell her that she looked and reminded me of my Grandmother. Her name, Rose, my Mother and Grandmothers name, which at that point, said to myself, this meeting of the day from the beginning was a definite meant to be, with all of the angels stirring around from above.
A lot within D’Amico has changed over the seventy years, the one thing that hasn’t, roasting coffee beans, Francis throughout the day is still roasting the beans in small batches, while also having another location just up the street for roasting the majority. Where we were sitting used to be a little grocery section, which now offers customers a place to sit, have a cup of coffee while chatting with family and friends, or maybe catching up on some work. It is the perfect space to do all of that. While the times they are a chang’in, as Bob Dylan would sing. Francis and Joanie had felt it was a good move to offer their customers a space like this. While keeping up with the constant evolving of the landscape in the neighborhood, and all though they might have put in, as what we call it today a “Cyber Café” it sits amongst all the original interior from 1948, a decorated floor of carefully designed small mosaic tiles, while the tin ceiling and crown molding beautifully grace you from above, glistening from the beams of light that shine out of the traditional globes from back in the day . It is unique, vintage at its finest, all while being rich in history, wrapped in one, a pleasant surprise in a modern world.
Their coffee, like their history, rich, deep in flavor with an assortment to choose from, the most popular the Red Hook Blend, while also offering a variety of flavors, all being ground while you wait, They also have a breakfast/lunch menu, with traditional items along with a twist on some of their sandwiches, a nice selection of pastries and muffins are also available to accompany that wonderful cup of café. But it’s not just about the coffee at D’Amico”s, it is the whole experience in the nutshell.
Rose and I sat for quite a while reminiscing about the neighborhood, how she has lived above the coffee shop since it was established. Originally from Islen, New Jersey, Rose had cousins who lived in Brooklyn and would visit her on their weekends. On one particular weekend visit a good friend of one of the cousins, living on Union Street in Red Hook at the time, tagged along and would later become Roses husband. After getting married they had moved into the apartment above the coffee shop where they raised their five children. Her children all grown now, four out of the five are living throughout New York, while daughter Nancy still lives in Brooklyn and operates Chic Beauty Salon right next door to the coffee shop.
Today Rose had come down for a bite to eat, like she has been doing for the last so many years. It was a late Saturday morning, all the regulars started coming in, along with the newbies of the neighborhood entering the shop. But it was the old timers, as the early afternoon progressed that were making their way in, some staying for a while, others just grabbing a cup of coffee, a quick hello, catching up, then making their way on to the rest of day. I had the pleasure of being introduced to each and every one of them as they would make their way in and over to where we were sitting.
The first to sit, Auggie, an older gentleman, from what I understand is the neighborhood electrician, he sits down in front of me, orders himself an espresso, while right off the bat starts ribbing Rose about her humming, allthough he’s very quiet and stays to himself, it seems to be one of his pastimes, while Rose doesn't seem to mind, and continues humming the tunes, which was music to my ears, because who does that anymore. Then Rose and her husband Dan make their way over to the table, original owners of Choffies, Rose and Rose have been long time friends for a little over 65 years. The conversation quickly turned into, hey Auggie, did you enjoy that lasagna I sent over? I had made a big pot of sauce the other day and knew you would like it! Ohhhh yessss, it was delicious Auggie replied. Luann and Michael soon joined us, sat down and chimed right on in to the conversation, then there was Noel, who has also lived in the neighborhood all his life and has seen many, many changes , but still can’t understand with all the change why they haven’t put a supermarket closer to him. Then strolled in Buddy, the original owner of Scotto’s Funeral Home, he had walked over to the table with much help from his cane, said hello, then cracked a joke, I can drive better than I can walk, still spry as ever joined right on in not missing a beat, a little while later, John a friend of Auggies came in and sat with us, while a few others made their way over. We sipped on espresso, had a warm cup of coffee, a chilled Manhatten Special, which is a traditional cold coffee drink of Brooklyn, or a cappachino, all while noshing on whatever was coming out of the kitchen. As the small crowd grew the tables were brought together for an afternoon of what we all remember as kids growing up in this beautiful neighborhood. Nancy from next door had come in to check on her Mom, joined us for a bit, and then had to run back. Joanie, who you can most of the time find at the register, mingling with the customers that are strolling in or yelling back to the table before joining us to make sure Rose is not eating something she shouldn’t be, The gathering lasted quite the while, talking about everything from food, family, who’s getting married, and, of course, one of the biggest topics this time of year, who is going where and cooking what for the Christmas Eve and day celebration? We talked about everything, how it was back in the day to the change of the neighborhood, and what it has become as of today. Yes, this is a coffee shop on Court Street in Brooklyn, but, it might as well have been yours, mine, your mothers or grandmothers kitchen back in the day. Although the newbies of the neighborhood are making their way in and the times are changing, D’Amicio Coffee is the place to go for some old school reminiscing, a great cup of coffee, a little bite to eat or a delicious sweet treat, all while having the feel of gathering around the table with family and friends. That’s how it is there, everyone watching out for each other and it shouldn’t be any other way. As the afternoon came to a close, it was time to continue on with the day, which at that point was early evening by then. Noel, who was sitting to my left gets up, turns to me and says , it was very nice to me you! Likewise I had replied, maybe I’ll see you again sometime when I’m in the neighborhood and stop on in for a cup of coffee, he turns, says, ohhhh were here every Saturday and most definitely we’ll see you again, your one of the regulars now. Hats off to Francis & Joanie of D’Amicio Coffee, and all those beautiful people that I had the privilege to get to know, while continuing to serve this wonderful neighborhood with their fresh roasted coffee and keeping it old school, making a girl feel right at home…
D' Amico Coffee Roasters
309 Court Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
(718) 875-5403
Mon-Fri. 7:00AM - 7:00PM
http://www.damicocoffeeroasters.com/
A.L.C GROCERY
"A Time Gone By Returns"
By Dawn Marie
I just recently had the opportunity to meet with Louis Coluccio Jr. a third generation Cheesemonger and owner of A.L.C Grocery in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Nestled on 3rd Ave. A.L.C Grocery has already become after five years, an institution, a staple to the neighborhood. Standing on family, tradition, and great fare, including over 55 varieties of cheeses as the foundation.
Sitting at a table in the front of the store, behind a huge glass window overlooking 3rd Ave. as the people pass by, Moms strolling their babies, others following behind while their children are riding scooters, older kids just getting out of school, there is Italian music playing in the backround, and framed black and white family photo's of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, from here in Brooklyn and Italy, that adorn the wall in front of us. You automatically feel a sense of comfort, a
sense of home, along with the armoa of cheeses, while food is cooking on the stove in the back, you will be saying there is no place like A.L.C Grocery.
Louis knows all about this type of business and serving the community with great products and equal customer service, in his eyes, it's not even like a business at all. Starting at the early age of five at his Nonno's, that would be grandfather in Italian, Import Company in Borough Park, Brooklyn, which is still open and striving for more than 60 years offering quality goods that include pasta and flour, olive oils, vinegar's and other various products being imported from Calbria, Italy where Louis' family originated.
He could remember as a young boy going in with his Father and Grandfather, working all day bagging groceries for the families in the neighborhood, that were either being delivered, picked up or packing bags for customers who were doing their daily shopping. As he got older, more tasks to be taken on, but that was OK, because being in his families import store was second nature to him and soon realized that learning the process, is part of the process, so with that he learned it all over the years. The in's and out's of not only the import business but the store itself, how it operated, that is wasn't just about the quality products that were being offered to the customers, but the one-on-one customer service. After graduating with a business and International degree from Summit University in Pennsylvania, Louis made his way back to Brooklyn, moving into the apartment above his families Import Company and again it became his life, working their day in and day out, learning, experimenting with different products, testing recipes. Traveling to Italy several times just on food tours alone, eating his way through, learning, discovering and also creating. When asked what Chefs inspire him, all of them he says, cooking is a craft and with just 5 simple ingredients a magnificent dish can be born, don't get me wrong, I am no professional Chef by any means, I just love to create, put different ingredients together, simplicity at it's finest while referring to his
style as "Rustic Italian"
Realizing early on that this is what he loves to do, Louis and his wife, who is also in the field of serving the community as a nurse, opened their doors of A.L.C Grocery in 2012, staking their claim on 3rd. Standing on tradition of what an historic Salurmaria was and can still be, paying homage to his ancestors and the traditional Mom & Pop store that used to line the streets of Brooklyn. We were a little uneasy about it, nervous and somewhat skeptical, because there has been so much change, but the neighborhood, our neighborhood, welcomed us with open arms and here we are five years later with no turning back and glad we took the risk!
Like Louis says, this type of career is really not like a career, you're here on holiday's, especially holiday's they can tend to be very, very long, weekends,late nights, but it is a second nature and truthfully there are times when it becomes the number one. But being raised in this type of business you learn to make it work hand in hand. This type of work is instilled in Louis so much, that he does not even refer to it as work. Loving what he does, you can hear the passion and enthusiasm in his voice when talking about the various foods, products, culture, history, and Neighborhood that ties it all together. Inspiration and what motivates him comes not only from his Father and Grandfather, but from the immigrants, all immigrants of the past, that have built this country, their work ethic, drive and traditions. Being able to adapt is a great quality Louis posses also along with resilience, as he says, it can be tough at times and most of the time there are obstacles to hurdle over, especially when catering an event, just par for the course in the field, so being able to be versatile and resilient makes it go alot smoother.
What separates A.L.C Grocery from the rest, customer service, his employees, for lack of a better word, are like family, including the same work ethic, love and passion for what is being offered, the atmosphere warm and inviting, the food it's not your typical Italian grocer, outstanding and diverse, catering to the span of different generations, so yes, you can go in there and grab your traditional piece of lasagna, roasted pork loin, grilled & fried chicken, grilled vegetables, meatballs or sandwich, and cold salads.
Want something completely different they have an eclectic sandwich menu and other bites that is off the rector scale, with offerings like Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, Farro Salad, which is a combination of Farro Pasta tossed with artichoke hearts, peppers lupine beans, parsley and olive oil, their famous eggplant sandwich is "iconic", fried eggplant, sauce, fresh mozzarella, and a basil Pesto, or how about a mortadella, Gorgonzola and a quince jam, the Carmine a chicken cutlet with spicy calabria peppers, garlic ailoi, all on a fresh baked ciabatta roll . The list goes on tasting better then the next. There are salads of all kinds, from beet salad with fennel and blood oranges, Fregola and roasted mushrooms drizzled with truffle oil, and Orzo with Burrata, Quinoa Salad with Dill & Feta, yes please!!
Shall we dive into the topic of cheese here, over 55 varieties and if you are not a cheese lover, which to be honest, do those people really exist? sorry non cheese lovers, but ok, if your not, take a little visit over to A.L.C Grocery and the addiction will begin. I'm not talking a fontana dill, or a monetary jack, although they are there, ohhhh no, this is a cheese explosion of the masses, carrying a wide variety of cheeses from all over. There is the Tubby, made in Vermont and aged at Crown Finish Caves right here in Brooklyn. no need remembering those days of Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches on white bread as a kid, with piña colada aromas and a rind like crunchy peanut butter, I would say, pair that with some specialty crackers and a nice Martini made with Van Gogh PB & J Vodka, it's grown up time kids or Moliterno al tartufo by Central Formaggia is a sheep milk cheese, aged 6-8 months then injected with Black summer truffle, out of this world! Then there is the Sartori Cheese, what genius as to create a breakfast or dessert cheese, which in the past we have always eaten cheese for breakfast, either on a sandwich, melted in an omelette, or even by itself and for dessert in the form of a cake, pastry or cookie, but guess what, leave it to a forth generation cheese maker to create this gem as a delicious treat for your breakfast or dessert, they hand-rub freshly roasted espresso into sweet, sugary cows milk aged Parmesan wheels to creamy perfection, breakfast & dessert will never be the same andthank you Sartori Cheese makers for the early morning work ethic, Bravo!
Those are just a few of the hand crafted artisan cheeses you will find at A.L.C Grocery and most likely walk away a cheese lover after all.
We shall not forget about the desserts that are offered here, cookies, pastries and sweetbreads, but the star of that show
"The Brownie" decadent, rich, and the best you will ever have this side of the East coast, and I'm even questioning that as far as the west coast goes too!
Catering is also available with a full menu, specializing in cheese boards that are loaded with delectable offerings. During the course of the week those cheese platters are available for ten, twenty, or even if it is just the two of you.
Louis not only has traveled to many catered events, but from start to finish he is there within the whole process. For him, meeting with his clients is just as important, I get to know them, listen to what they want, bringing their vision into a reality for the occasion. One of his most memorable events, right after he had opened his doors, a Graduation party for 150 people, on his home turf, Brooklyn, it meant a lot. Remembering the craziness and how so many things were going wrong gave him more of a drive to succeed, working better under pressure, as we all know, like every other event in the food industry, nothing ever goes smoothly. It turned out to be a fantastic time and those clients have now become friends.
Louis takes pride in offering not only great products to his customers from around the many regions, but taking it up a notch or two or even three by carrying products you will not find anywhere else, along with still keeping up to what a traditional Salurmaria is. We could have sat around that small table all afternoon talking about, families, traditions, and food. When I had asked him what doyou see in the future for A.L.C Grocery? Well, my wife and I reside in Brooklyn while raising our 2 children, I don't see myself or family anywhere else but here, I would love to expand, into other neighborhoods of Brooklyn, I've had people say expand into New Jersey or Staten Island, but says, he has such a love for Brooklyn, the community, how he grew up here, there is a certian energy. It's like when we think of Italy, we think of romantic Italy, I was born and raised here, so I think of Brooklyn in that same way of how it used to be and believe it is making it's way back to the way it used to be, minus maybe some of the brownstones and original structures, but family and traditions is what it's about anyways. Louis's way of thinking has made A.L.C Grocery a staple in Bay Ridge for the last 5 years and will continue to serve the residents of that community for many years to come and we can only hope that he expands into the other neighborhoods of Brooklyn, because baby you would be missing out.
8613 3rd Ave. | Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
New York, NY 11209
Email: info@alcitaliangrocery.com
Phone: (718) 836-3200
Monday8AM–9PM
Tuesday8AM–9PM
Wednesday8AM–9PM
Friday8AM–9PM
Saturday8AM–9PM
Sunday9AM–6PM
Eataly
"All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait"
By Dawn Marie
Honestly, there is so much I can tell you about Eataly, but one must experience it on their own. Taking in the different sight's, sounds, and smells. It is one of the most wonderful experiences and an addition to the wonders of the world, food world that is, here in the states.
Oscar Farinetti opened his groundbreaking food and wine market in Turino, Italy followed by three other locations in Bologna, Florence, and Rome. In 2010 there was a merging of the minds and culinary talent when Oscar teamed up with Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich, and Lidia Matticchio opening their first location, the largest artisan Italian food and wine marketplace in the world at 51,000 square feet. Located in New York City at 200 5th Ave. between 22nd and 23rd Streets, with a second opening in Chicago by the end of 2013. I had first walked through the doors of this amazing place on the advice of a friend. Have you ever been to Eataly? No, I replied... Well, you need to go!
My son and I had gone to The NYC International Car Show while there we decided to make our way over to Eataly. But being pressed for time that day, we could not stay. As I was walking around for the short time we were there an employee approached me. Hello! she said, with a smile. Can I help you? Yes, I am trying to find the Gelato. Hold on she replied, I will get you a map. As she walked away I had thought to myself, a map! How big is this place? It was no more than a week later I made my way back for a two and a half hour tour. If anything, here is where you want to be lost forever. With all the hustle and bussel that is going on in the streets of New York City, the people rushing to get from one place to another, cars and trucks beeping in the midst of day. Once you open the doors to Eataly, take your first step in, you are drawn to a way of life, a culture "it is in the air" with the outside becoming no more.
"Eataly is Italy" in every aspect. With many ways to describe this grand market I would start off with "beautifully scrumptious". This is not just a market place with exceptional products, but a gathering place, that hosts seven restaurants, including Birreria, a rooftop restaurant and brewery that offers quality beer and food under the stars at night and skyline during the day. Each brew is served through traditional hand pumps and the perfect temperature just 30 feet away from where you are eating. The restaurants inside are located just behind their specialty counters of products. Pranzo, meaning lunch in Italian is one of the newest restaurants. In Italy "Pranzo" is the highlight meal, the big meal of the day. Tradition is to sit, relax, not for 1 hour, but maybe 2 or 3 hours, savoring, enjoying each and every bite while taking in what life has to offer. This restaurant focuses on educating guests about Italian cuisine with hosting cooking classes at night. Open only from 12- 3pm . Il Pesce has a seated counter area and table service. With a raw bar, using their selection of seafood in Italian Antipasti and creative dishes. Le Verdure, also a seated counter with table service serves vegetable dishes that include soups with warm and cold dishes mirroring the flavors of Italy. La Pizza and La Pasta, serves dried and fresh pasta's along with Rossopomodoro pizza, topped with the best San Marzano tomato's that are grown on a particular hillside in Naples, cooking them in brick ovens that were brought over from Italy makes these 10" individual pizza's primo. Close your eyes, take a bit while your taste buds transcend to another part of the world. Manzo Ristorante, Manzo; meaning beef in Italian, brings it to the table in the highest of quality. A formal dining experience with white linen table cloths, a grand bar with an extensive wine list or a mixed cocktail if you choose.. You can experience modern Italian beef dishes to traditional Piedmont's beef antipasti. Also specializing in wild game with boar sausage and rabbit..
In the heart of Eataly is "La Piazza" meaning "the square" a gathering place that every little town in Italy has, where meeting or making new friends goes hand in hand with traditions. I Salumi and I Formaggi serves up tastings with a variety of salami's, cheeses, fresh mozzarella, and a raw bar that can be paired with a nice glass of wine or a beer of your liking. Stay a while eat, drink, and converse while enjoying the experience of the food and company in the La Piazza. But that's not all, looking for a quick pick me up accompanied by something sweet, Caffe' Vergnano 1882 an espresso bar and The Pasticceria which offers small bite desserts and pastries that are delicately beautiful and sinfully delicious...Italy is also known for there nuts, finding them in mostly everything. In the North, the Piedmont region are Hazelnuts, in the southern region, Sicily, you will find pinoli, pine nuts, and pistachios. At Venchi you can order a shot of Gianduja, here in America the familiar name would be Nutella, which is nothing like what they are serving up, indulge in the purest form of what is true that includes an assortment of fine chocolates. Gelateria, brings to you that rich, creamy, silky gelato in traditional flavors of Italy right there at your fingertips.. We are not just "talking" artisan Italian food, they are "doing" artisan Italian food. Starting with the bread baking in the heart of the market that beats 24/7 round the clock in a brick oven that was brought over from Spain. Focaccia, Semolina, and Rustic Fig are just a few of the choices, making that panini all the more delicious. The Rosticceria offers meats from the butcher counter that are slowly roasted, maintaining their wonderful flavors accompanied with fragrant herbs. Most popular, the prime rib sandwich tender, juicy, perfect in every way. Here they are making Fresh Mozzarella every 20 minutes, a cheese counter stocked with varieties of cheeses from around the world. Olives that are harvested in Italy, bringing to you a selection of truly pure Olive Oil's, and balsamic that ranges from balsamic vinegar that is aged 7 months, to top shelf balsamic that is aged between 12-20 years. Each one with different standards, different quality levels, different from the other in every aspect and purely tantalizing to the tongue... While shopping through this wonderful market sip on a glass of your favorite vino making the experience all the more unique.. Homemade, hand rolled traditional pasta's, squid tagliatella that is deep in color, rich in flavor to ravioli's with a ricotta base that are stuffed with sweet spring pea's, spinach, and pecorino Romano. Biting into one of those you get the salty rush of the pecorino followed by the bright flavors of the pea's and spinach, cleansing your palette for the next... They are masters of their craft, like the artist that puts oil's to canvas. La Pizza and La Pasta, the making of fresh mozzarella and Neapolitan pizza's are done by skilled, trained, professionals straight from Italy. Not only do you taste the quality of the product, but they posses a passion, a love for this wonderful food and culture as well, that resonates in each and every bite. Boasting a produce area of fresh, delicious, fruits and vegetables, offering to prep your selections for you, all you have to do is go home and create that beautiful meal.Everything that is sold is also used. Chefs pick and chose what they will be putting into their dishes from the market everyday. If there is an over abundance of blood oranges, most likely the Chef will work them into a dish for the next day at one of the restaurants. What is stipulated is "fresh, clean, and fair" practicing what they preach in every aspect.. Each product is as fresh as can be, clean, nothing goes into your body that has been around, at fair market price. Taking very simple ingredients and turning them into something extraordinary...
"Eataly" is a whole learning experience! The lucky ones are those who live within reasonable distance to this amazing place . If your not that fortunate and are visiting New York City make it a point to stop on in, grab a map, explore, stay awhile, eat, drink and enjoy the fare and culture.
Ending my day with a whipped frozen espresso, sitting in the Gelateria, taking in every last moment, I say, Magnifico Oscar, Mario, Joe and Lida, we thank you for bringing Italy to us!!
Until we meet again, Arrivederci Bella!!
200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
Phone: (212) 229-2560
Entrances on 23rd Street between
5th & 6th Avenue and on 5th Avenue between 23rd Street & 24th Streets
Eataly NYC's Marketplace is open daily from 10am-11pm.
Carroll Place
"A Little Nook on Bleecker"
By Dawn Marie
Carroll Place, ohhhh what can I say, a million things to where you will find yourself sitting at this little nook on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village, New York...
Truthfully, I have only found myself wandering in there on a Saturday or Sunday during Brunch, and every single time saying; the next time, it will be dinner, but dinner never comes, because this place has the monopoly on a brunch spot.....
Nestled at 157 Bleecker Street "Carroll Place" is an Italian American Wine Bar & Gastropub with all the nostalgia and ambiance Greenwich Village is known for in the name...
When walking down Bleecker don't get distracted because there will be many more establishments you might want to frequent, like John's Pizzaria, Faicco's, or Murray's Cheese Bar, and believe me, they are all fantastic, but keep your focus on Carroll Place...
When coming upon the entrance, there are a few tables outside with the backdrop being of thick, dark wood framed windows and a door to match. Walk through that door and there to the left is the bar with an array of fine wines, liqueurs, & cordials that line the back wall. Long plank tables, Circular chandlers made of wood with candles hanging from above. There are old bottles, maps, metal, and trinkets, lining the walls that have been revamped with the original wood from the existing building that were found in the building which is 180 years old. That is only the front bar, make your way to the back or upstairs it gives the feel that you might have just walked onto the Black Pearl and your host, non other then, Jack Sparrow.
Shipwrecked in the middle of the South Village, absolutely, and you will be so glad you are....
Offerings that range from eggs, cooked many ways, a beautiful selection of wood fired pizza with an option to top any one of them off with 2 eggs, sunny side up of course, burgers, small plates, insalate, and market sides.. To round it all off, unlimited Mimosas, Sangria or both for a 2 hour stretch, that's right 2 hours!!
Brunch is $26.00 ( burgers and egg whites a couple of more bucks) runs from 11AM-4PM, well worth it's weight in gold without having to walk the plank...
I have had many items off their Brunch menu, Tartufo pizza, fresh mozzarella, speck, button mushrooms, truffle cream and truffle oil and if that wasn't enough, then why not top it off with the sunny side up eggs, if you have never had eggs on your pizza, now is a better time then ever here. The three fluffy egg omelette stuffed with pancetta & pecorino with a side of truffle fries, divine.. The Eggs Benedict, 2 soft poached eggs atop Canadian bacon resting on an English muffin draped in a light lemony hollandaise sauce accompanied by those scrumptious truffle fries. wonderfully light. Steak & Eggs, any way you like them cooked... The burgers here, at a whole other level.. Whether you choose the Carroll Place burger, crispy speck & Gorgonzola or the lamb burger, topped with red onion & feta, both nested between a brioche roll are winners and the service impeccable, friendly, outgoing, the perfect fit.
With the resurrection of this eclectic establishment, Owner, AJ Bontempo, obviously put his heart and passion into "Carroll Place". So weather you live in the neighborhood or just passing through, here is where old world atmosphere, a piece of history and a great meal come together. Don't let your ship set sail without docking for a short or long time here.
157 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012
(212) 260-1700
MULLIGAN'S PUB
"The Real Deal"
By Dawn Marie
Here it is the middle of February and what seems to be a long winter really has not been. With the weather sometimes in the 60’s it almost feels like, Spring. So while in Manhattan on this beautiful spring like day we decided to walk around. Let’s face it, New York not like any other city in the world filled with tons of things to do, even just walking around makes you feel like you are doing something. After taking in many sights we had decided to stop and grab something to eat. But like the sights in the city, there are many places to choose from. Were we to grab something from one of the food trucks and continue to trek our way through the city taking in more sights or go sit somewhere for Mexican, a classic Burger, Italian, Portuguese, Thai, Deli, etc. When picking one of those you are sure to frequent an establishment that specializes in that fare. For instance, never ever go to a diner and order, say Stuffed Flounder. Diner food is breakfast, burgers, fries, great home style cooking, and array of sandwiches to choose from that’s why you go to a diner, for many choices except seafood and a great steak!
Making our way into midtown we had stumbled upon Mulligan’s Pub. Honestly as soon as I had seen it “I knew” that’s where we were going With the menu posted outside we had decided to look it over, what we read was a menu filled with authentic Irish food, right down to the Shepard’s Pie and Irish stew. What we were not prepared for was, once we got inside it literally was an authentic Irish Pub with the owner, bartender, and servers, all speaking with the Irish brough. This was not your typical pub claiming to be authentic; Mulligan’s is an “Irish Pub” right down to the huge selection of fine ale, Guinness, and wine. I am sure you will find what you’re looking for to accompany that great meal. Red walls, dark wood accents and bar with old pictures hanging, and the only thing missing here was a crooner in the corner belting out in Irish song. I probably should have asked, and really would not be surprised if that was the case on the weekends. We had sat in the back, by the table, I am assuming where the family eats. While we were there they were all taking shifts sitting, eating, and conversing at the table beside us like a routine Sunday dinner back at the house. Sitting and listening to them speak with their Irish brough you get this welcoming, homey feeling, and to my surprise I never even heard the traffic or commotion going on outside those doors.
The menu at Mulligan’s is the usual; appetizers, salads, burgers, entrée’s, and sandwiches, with daily specials seven days a week. What is typical to an Irish Pub is also served at Mulligan’s. Shepard’s pie, Irish stew, the classic Reuben, Corned Beef & Cabbage, Bangers, & Mash which is Irish Pork Sausage served with mashed potatoes to Fish & Chips and Brisket of Beef. We had decided on French Onion soup, Shepard’s Pie, the classic Reuben, and The Mulligan’s Burger. The soup was a traditional French Onion soup, bread at the bottom with melted mozzarella and was very, very good. The Reuben, out of this world! Thinly sliced Corned Beef topped with Swiss cheese, Sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on toasted rye with a side of Onion Rings that were coated in a light batter, fried, and absolutely delicious. The Shepard’s pie, which was a lunch special, was huge and filled with prime beef that was mixed with vegetables, then topped with mashed potatoes and toasted under the broiler for color. As for the Mulligan’s Burger, that got a two thumbs up as soon as it was bitten into, with no words to explain, except the fact that after it was all finished the only thing said was, “that was a great burger” . Big, Juicy and made just right with a side of fries. ohhh!! Nothing here is from a bag, everything hand cut, which makes it even better.
Technology meeting quaint Irish Pub has no effect on Mulligan’s. Equipped with televisions so you can watch your favorite game or games does not take away the atmosphere of this landmark restaurant. Kitchen is open late, and keep in mind they do cater on-site large and small affairs. With that being said, if you are looking for an Authentic Irish Pub in the middle of Manhattan, Mulligan’s Pub is the place to go!
Mulligan’s Pub
267 Madison Ave @ 39th Street
New York, NY
Phone: 212 286-0207
IL MULINO, NEW YORK
"Heaven on Earth"
By Dawn Marie
With all the bells and whistles of what goes on in Atlantic City, there is a restaurant that sits nestled in the Taj Mahal that is far above your very imagination. IL Mulino New York originally based out of Greenwich, New York for more then 20 years has decided to take the tastes of Italy in the truest and most original form to Atlantic City, New Jersey.
We pulled up to the Taj Mahal and there it was. The walkway covered with a canopy that reads IL Mulino New York. As you pass through the large glass doors and make your way down the carpeted casino, you are automatically drawn to the right as you come upon the outside of this warm, inviting, and beautifully decorated restaurant. Windows surrounded in dark wood with white and green canopies over them, wrought iron rails and beautiful soft music playing. Once passing through the restaurant doors, the casino is a faded memory.
We were greeted by the hostess, Hello!! "he said" dressed in a tuxedo with a big welcoming smile... As we were brought to our table I had noticed that the inside was just as inviting as the outside. White linen tablecloths adorned each table with a single red rose and a candle burning. The smells that were coming out of the kitchen surrounded you and was like a song playing in your ears. As I looked over the menu it was like reading a book of great poetry.. Our waiter came over to introduced himself , while two other waiters made there way over to the table, one offering a hunk of Reggiano Parmigiana right off the wheel to each of us, while the other placing a linen napkin on our laps. After going over the specials they continued to bring more goodies to the table, which by the way is on the house. Sauteed Zucchini and Garlic, Brusschetta over toasted Semolina, and a basket of three different types of bread as the cheese kept coming which was accompanied with a fine glass of red wine.
We had then moved on to appetizers, Calamari and Clams Oreganta. The Calamari was perfection, tender, lightly floured, and sauteed in the finest of Olive Oil and the best you will ever find on earth. The Clams were succulent, with just the right herbs and spices then drizzled lightly in a butter sauce. For the entrees we had chose Shrimp Ala Romano and Veal Saltibocca. The shrimp were extra, extra large, butterflied, lightly coated to where they were almost translucent in egg and flour then sauteed in Olive Oil and placed alongside Risotto made with Wild Mushroom's and Pea's. The Veal Saltibocca was just right not to thin nor thick, tender and also lightly sauteed in the finest of Olive Oil then drizzled with a sauce that was like silk, and accompanied with fresh baby spinach and garlic..
The food at IL Mulino New York is primo!! With a combination of great flavors and quality ingredients along with the service, atmosphere and cocktails (they make a mean French Martini) it is like a fine oil painting on canvas. They also have a marketplace where you can buy there imported Olive Oils, Balsamic Vinegars, Homemade Sauces, and Gourmet Coffee's...
Truly an experience that is a must, and I emphasize a must!
IL Mulino, New York
Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Reservations strongly recommended
Phone: 609-449-6009
Sun-Wed: 5-10
Thurs-Sat 5-11