Schenectady’s La Gioia Italian Deli passes hands to second generation
La gioia means “joy” in Italian. Laura Marino is filled with it after preparing to reopen the Italian deli and import business that her family has owned and operated in Schenectady for the past three decades. Marino will relaunch La Giola this fall after a brief closure. Homemade pasta, meatballs, sauce and bracciole are in her blood, both literal...
Outdoor 'Porchetta Festival' at American Italian facility in Albany
Most Italian community events have a broad scope. But, the American Italian Heritage Association Museum in Albany, NY (1227 Central Ave.) is getting very specific with an upcoming event. A "Porchetta Festival" -- celebrating the iconic Italian preparation of a slow-cooked pork roast -- is scheduled for the following Saturday, September 17. The fun...
New Italian restaurant, Pulcinella, opens at Wading River golf course
A well-loved Italian restaurant has migrated east from Massapequa. Pulcinella Neapolitan Restaurant recently opened a second location, Pulcinella on the Green, at The Rock Golf Club in Wading River. The restaurant is the brainchild of co-owner and chef Ciro Tursi, a Naples-born hospitality veteran with decades of experience. “It’s a passion,” Tursi...
Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco Is Coming Back To New York, Performing Stand Up Shows For His ''Nobody Does This'' Tour
Fans of Sebastian Maniscalco have been waiting for the stand-up comedian to return to the New York area and in September, they're finally getting their wish. The comic has been doing stand-up for almost 24 years, starting his career with open mic nights in 1998. The Chicago-born Maniscalco, the son of Italian immigrants, has released a total of fiv...
At Giancarlo's Sicilian Steakhouse, a first-class brigade holds the fort
For the last few months, I’ve been wondering if the era of squadron service in glitzy surroundings had gone the way of the buggy whip. Watching the crack team at Giancarlo’s Sicilian Steakhouse perform their ballet des tables smoothly while delivering plates of well-crafted cuisine convinced me that I feared too soon. Anthony Ragusa and sister G...
NYC Italian restaurateurs opening fast casual spinoff
Serafina has been serving Italian cuisine in New York for decades and is now debuting a fast casual brand, Serafina Express, to meet the needs of busy New Yorkers. Using a self-service model with a strong emphasis on speed and easy-to-use mobile technology, Serafina Express offers a charming setting designed for convenience in a casual and smaller...
Italian Fest Returns to One of Upstate’s Most Beloved Neighborhoods
Who has the best Italian food in the Capital Region? Mamma Mia, the choices are endless! Is it Troy, Albany, Glens Falls, or someplace up in Saratoga County? If you said Schenectady, you'd be in the majority, as it's pretty much been ingrained in our heads that the Electric City is the place to go for authentic Italian food, made with love in some...
After 120 Years, Future of Parisi Bakery Looks Uncertain on Mott Street
Parisi Bakery, an institution in Little Italy dating back to the turn of the last century, appears to be on shaky ground. The landlord (May Leun Realty) last week taped an official Notice of Termination to the shuttered roll-down gate at 198 Mott Street. Seemingly signaling the end an era. The letter noted a cancelation of the tenancy that is effec...
Stretto serves up spins on Italian sandwiches at Broken Land
The Stretto Bros. have teamed up with local watering hole, Broken Land, to bring their popular sandwiches to Greenpoint. Last month, Broken Land (105 Franklin St.) started serving Stretto sandwiches, and it looks like the partnership might stick around for awhile. The teams at both Stretto and Broken Land have said they are excited to be working to...
Owners of Sotto Le Stelle Pizzeria and SoleLuna Open Gelato Shop on Queens Boulevard
The owners of two successful Italian restaurants in Sunnyside opened a gelato shop in the neighborhood Sunday. Valerio Marchi, Gina Mastrovito and Manuel Gregorio, who own Sotto Le Stelle Pizzeria and SoleLuna on Queens Boulevard, opened Arcobaleno Gelateria on July 31 at 44-09 Queens Blvd. The addition represents their third business in Sunnyside,...
Nunzio’s announces closing date: 80-year-old Staten Island pizzeria serving its last pies
In late spring, word spread that Nunzio’s Pizzeria was up for sale. Now, with the transaction complete and a future owner committed to the property at 2155 Hylan Boulevard, owner Robert Whiteaker announced the historic parlor’s final day of business. “Our last day is Friday — or until we run out,” said Whiteaker on Sunday. He’s not replenishing the...
Capri-Inspired Eatery Opens In Former West Vil Home Of YUCO
A Capri cuisine-inspired restaurant has opened in the West Village almost exactly one year after a well-received (and since-closed) restaurant launched in the exact same spot. The restaurant Mr. Capri opened at 33 W. 8th St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues, on June 24, the owners announced on Instagram. "Sharing the same love and vibe that has sur...