Meet Rosa…one of the grandmas
Enoteca Maria of St. George, Staten Island
New York City
Oh my, where do I start?
One hops on a ferry from Manhattan…then cries their eyes out…takes a short walk to Hyatt Street…and arrives at a small Italian restaurant and wine bar with grandma cooking in the kitchen.
Huh?
Yep, the mastermind of Joe Scaravella. He employs grandmas to cook in his kitchen.
The grandmas come from various regions of Italy, bringing with them the traditions of their own family from their own towns in Italy. All of them share the passion of cooking traditional local dishes, all handed down from mother to daughter, generation after generation. This isn’t a restaurant advertising “like nonna used to make…” In this restaurant…nonna is making it!
The menu changes daily depending on which grandma is in charge of the kitchen. Everything is made fresh, all from scratch. Yes, just like grandma used to make. But, like any good food…it takes a while, but their Italian wine menu will certainly keep you entertained along with their homemade focaccia. Oh, yes…and their music…the Beatles and perhaps a little Led Zeppelin to start.
Rosa was the grandma in charge of my dinner and what a treasure she was! A grandmother to seven grandchildren, she moved from Italy to the U.S. in 1956 sharing her love of cooking gnocchi, tortellini, and many other dishes to the delight of her family and now many satisfied Enoteca Maria customers.
Waddle back to the ferry and take in the nighttime views of New York City. A perfect outing from Manhattan.
Salute!
So nice to see you working in Black and White! What an interesting place along with an interesting photograph.
Rosa looks like a doll. I’d love to have her tortelinni (my favorite).
I just love when I get to see your beautiful face in your photos, too. It’s always a treat!
CO
What a great idea ! The advantage of living in the heart of Europe is that Italy and its cuisine is just around the corner.
Thanks for introducing Staten Island -I have never been but now it will go on the “To-Visit” list.
What a fabulous idea, Robin…using grandmas to do the cooking!!! I love it. But I really started laughing out loud when you “waddled” back to the ferry. HAHAHA!
The places you visit are so great, the people you meet are so special. What a treat to eat there and meet the cook. I think it is great that in this way the old recipes stay alive and are enjoyed!
Thank you for sharing.
Ginnie got a Chocolate Sinterklaas Letter in her shoe yesterday 😉
Now that is a fabulous idea. What a great way to get all kinds of special dishes on the menu. Love it and you. XoXo More!
Can’t we swap for a few hours? You being here, me being there … that sounds like wanting to eat there each and every day. What an idea! Robin, you’re the best. Have a great weekend!
I love Joe! I love the grandmas! I love you for knowing about these awesome spots and sharing and I love this city where you have such lovely adventures.