Loved Gino’s, the first time I went was in the 70s for lunch with my bosses, it was packed, and I will never forget the wallpaper — or the waiters in their white jackets! Went so many times over the years, thanks for this sweet memory, Domenica. xx ps — the legend was that when Marilyn lived in the neighborhood, she and Frank would go there and then after closing at Gino’s would head across the street to the Subway Inn for one last late- night pop.
Loved Gino’s!! When I moved to NY in the 89’s it was still swinging with that old NY flair I loved so much. I remember seeing the odious Norman Mailer there. And so many politicians. My dad and I would go because it was one of the few places where you could get cervello fritto and animelle. And that wall paper…still adore it to this day.
So THAT’S where my mom got the idea to make fried calves’ brains for dinner one night when I was a kid! (I tried but ultimately fried myself an egg 😂). You must have some wonderful memories. Also “odious” NM 👍
Gino's was my parent's favorite restaurant as well and they took me often. As a young boy I remember being transported by the wallpaper which made the restaurant feel like another world. If brightly colored zebras were on the wall, anything was possible. I can't remember at all what my parents ate, as I wasn't the least bit interested. I was completely absorbed in my "straw and hay" pasta (didn't Zebras eat straw and hay?) and my Biscuit Tortoni. And then there was that strange banged-up, upside down pot the waiter set on the table at the end of our meal.... It's nice to know that Gino's holds a place in other people's hearts.
This is great, Knute. It's been wonderful to read others' memories of Gino's. Your mention of paglia e fieno (hay and straw) really caught my eye, as it was a dish my mom used to make. I would bet that Gino's was her inspiration.
Brava, Domenica! Grazie per la ricetta. Your story about Gino’s and your dear parents is fascinating and delightful! The link to the textile company was most welcome as I haunt the Garment District for my sewing needs when in NYC.
Great memories, Domenica. I don't remember Gino's but I do remember some other Italian dining spots, now just fded away. One favorite, near where I worked, was Niccola Paone on 34th Street. It's where I was sitting when the news came that the President had been assassinated, but there were other reasons for it to be memorable too. Niccola himself was the hero of a classic NYC immigrant story, had been a waiter on one of the Italian Line ships, jumped ship in New York, went to work in an Italian restaurant and eventually had his own place. I wonder what ever happened to him. Or to Gino?
There are so many incredible Italian immigrant stories (and of course countless others!). Gino died in 2001 at age 89. I believe his maitre d’ took over the restaurant and it thrived until its rent went up to some obscene rate 😕
Domenica, I love the story and the way you tell it, about your parents. I was lucky enough to go to Gino's with Maria and fondly remember the "secret" sauce and the zebras! My favorite Italian restaurant memory from childhood? A place called "Crazy Tony's" that my Uncle Tony (no relation) would take us when we visited him in Brooklyn. Don't remember what I ate, probably plain ziti, but desert was always Tortoni served in a white pleated paper cup with a cherry on top! Miss those days❤️
Wonderful story about Gino's... My father had the first Italian Restaurant in the Chicagoland suburbs. He started it in about 1946. I remember people waiting in lines outside to get in when I was a little girl. All in all, I can't believe I never went into the restaurant business. Life is interesting!!!
OMG Tears! Gino was my favorite of all time! Their Pasta Fagioli! Secret Sauce and they used to make fried potatoes off the menu if they were not too busy ! Thank you for the remembrance
What do we ever know of our parents? Yet somehow you bring yours to life, Domenica. I can picture them from your description. Thanks for sharing this, the memories of Gino's, and the recipe for Pollo alla Diavola that sounds much more divine than devilish!
Loved Gino’s, the first time I went was in the 70s for lunch with my bosses, it was packed, and I will never forget the wallpaper — or the waiters in their white jackets! Went so many times over the years, thanks for this sweet memory, Domenica. xx ps — the legend was that when Marilyn lived in the neighborhood, she and Frank would go there and then after closing at Gino’s would head across the street to the Subway Inn for one last late- night pop.
Ooh what a dishy detail. Thanks for sharing it, Jolene 🌟
You’re a delightful storyteller and the stories of your parents’ meeting, Gino’s, and the wallpaper are told beautifully.
Thank you so much, Sheryl!
Loved Gino’s!! When I moved to NY in the 89’s it was still swinging with that old NY flair I loved so much. I remember seeing the odious Norman Mailer there. And so many politicians. My dad and I would go because it was one of the few places where you could get cervello fritto and animelle. And that wall paper…still adore it to this day.
So THAT’S where my mom got the idea to make fried calves’ brains for dinner one night when I was a kid! (I tried but ultimately fried myself an egg 😂). You must have some wonderful memories. Also “odious” NM 👍
Gino's was my parent's favorite restaurant as well and they took me often. As a young boy I remember being transported by the wallpaper which made the restaurant feel like another world. If brightly colored zebras were on the wall, anything was possible. I can't remember at all what my parents ate, as I wasn't the least bit interested. I was completely absorbed in my "straw and hay" pasta (didn't Zebras eat straw and hay?) and my Biscuit Tortoni. And then there was that strange banged-up, upside down pot the waiter set on the table at the end of our meal.... It's nice to know that Gino's holds a place in other people's hearts.
This is great, Knute. It's been wonderful to read others' memories of Gino's. Your mention of paglia e fieno (hay and straw) really caught my eye, as it was a dish my mom used to make. I would bet that Gino's was her inspiration.
Brava, Domenica! Grazie per la ricetta. Your story about Gino’s and your dear parents is fascinating and delightful! The link to the textile company was most welcome as I haunt the Garment District for my sewing needs when in NYC.
That sounds like a fun outing, Katia. Thanks for your kind words. xx
Great memories, Domenica. I don't remember Gino's but I do remember some other Italian dining spots, now just fded away. One favorite, near where I worked, was Niccola Paone on 34th Street. It's where I was sitting when the news came that the President had been assassinated, but there were other reasons for it to be memorable too. Niccola himself was the hero of a classic NYC immigrant story, had been a waiter on one of the Italian Line ships, jumped ship in New York, went to work in an Italian restaurant and eventually had his own place. I wonder what ever happened to him. Or to Gino?
There are so many incredible Italian immigrant stories (and of course countless others!). Gino died in 2001 at age 89. I believe his maitre d’ took over the restaurant and it thrived until its rent went up to some obscene rate 😕
Domenica, I love the story and the way you tell it, about your parents. I was lucky enough to go to Gino's with Maria and fondly remember the "secret" sauce and the zebras! My favorite Italian restaurant memory from childhood? A place called "Crazy Tony's" that my Uncle Tony (no relation) would take us when we visited him in Brooklyn. Don't remember what I ate, probably plain ziti, but desert was always Tortoni served in a white pleated paper cup with a cherry on top! Miss those days❤️
What a great memory, Roz. Makes me want to devise a recipe for Tortoni! 🙌
Wonderful story about Gino's... My father had the first Italian Restaurant in the Chicagoland suburbs. He started it in about 1946. I remember people waiting in lines outside to get in when I was a little girl. All in all, I can't believe I never went into the restaurant business. Life is interesting!!!
Oh wow! You must have some stories, Lucrezia!
Love this story. Thanks so much for sharing it, Domenica.
Thank you for reading, Joe ~ much appreciated!
Yum! The chicken looks amazing! And I love the NY and personal history…
Thank you, Etta!
OMG Tears! Gino was my favorite of all time! Their Pasta Fagioli! Secret Sauce and they used to make fried potatoes off the menu if they were not too busy ! Thank you for the remembrance
Fried potatoes 🥹 Thank you for reading 😊
The zebras!!!
Iconic ♥️🦓
Such a vivid scene—your mom hurling gnocchi at the wall and that killer last line: “They went out to eat.”
The chicken sounds fiery good. I may attempt.
Domenica, I know you love to cook but I really think
you need to write a book of short stories to go with recipes!
I look forward to the stories as much as the recipes! Thank you.
A lovely story about your parents, Domenica. Gino’s sounds like an iconic place and the wallpaper is fabulous. I love an ‘out there’ wallpaper!
What do we ever know of our parents? Yet somehow you bring yours to life, Domenica. I can picture them from your description. Thanks for sharing this, the memories of Gino's, and the recipe for Pollo alla Diavola that sounds much more divine than devilish!