NY Restaurant Only Employs Grandmas Who Cook Their Native Cuisine

Just beyond the entrance of a charming Italian restaurant in the St George neighbourhood on Staten Island, a fusion of scents greets visitors. Instead of the typical fragrance of onions and garlic, the air is filled with the enticing smells of soy and ponzu. The magic behind this culinary transformation? 

Enoteca Maria, where grandmothers from diverse cultural backgrounds rotate through the kitchen, bringing their unique home-cooked specialities to the table. Let's take a look at its journey narrated previously by The New York Times. 

The Grandmothers of Enoteca Maria Make It Feel Like Home

Enoteca Maria, situated on Hyatt Street, prides itself on a dynamic menu that changes daily. Half of the offerings remain authentically Italian, while the rest feature cuisines from around the globe. What sets this eatery apart is not only the international flavours but also the fact that the masterminds behind the ever-changing menu are not professional chefs but grandmothers, affectionately known as "nonnas."

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A Culinary Journey of Diversity

Each evening, a different "nonna" from a distinct country takes the reins, designing a fresh menu inspired by her native cuisine. From Sri Lanka on Fridays to the Philippines on Thursdays, and Armenia on Tuesdays, the culinary journey continues. Customers eagerly anticipate the diverse offerings, fostering a sense of curiosity and excitement about the next night's culinary adventure.

Enoteca Maria's commitment to diversity is evident not only in its rotating cuisines but also in its patrons' choices. On a typical evening, guests might savour Russian dishes one night and Japanese specialties the next. The eclectic menu reflects the melting pot that is New York, creating a unique dining experience for locals and visitors alike.

The story behind Enoteca Maria is a serendipitous one. Owner Joe Scaravella, having moved from Brooklyn to Staten Island on a whim in 2006, stumbled upon a century-old Dutch colonial on Hyatt Street. Inspired by his losses, including his mother and sister, Scaravella sought to recreate the comforting presence of a grandmother in the kitchen, leading to the establishment of Enoteca Maria.

Nonnas To All

Enoteca Maria initially featured exclusively Italian grandmothers in its kitchen. However, in July 2015, Scaravella introduced the first non-Italian cook, hailing from Pakistan. According to Scaravella, these grandmothers, armed with generations-old family recipes, bring a unique and personal touch to their cooking, expressing themselves through their culinary creations.

The diversity among the rotating chefs at Enoteca Maria has created a harmonious atmosphere in the kitchen. Scaravella notes that the cooks matched with advocates or sous chefs, share tips, tricks, and stories, fostering a beautiful exchange of culture. This unique pairing system has helped alleviate any potential conflicts that may arise among the diverse group of chefs.

Cooking Classes and Cultural Exchange

Enoteca Maria goes beyond the restaurant experience by offering free one-on-one cooking classes, taught exclusively by women from various countries. The lessons, currently booked months in advance, provide an opportunity for cultural exchange and the sharing of culinary traditions. This initiative showcases Enoteca Maria's commitment to fostering connections beyond its dining tables.

Fully Booked, Yet Overflowing with Culinary Delights

In the heart of Enoteca Maria lies a distinct difference from a typical grandmother's kitchen – here, there is no room to turn anyone away. Scaravella finds himself in the unique position of having to manage the restaurant's popularity, often informing callers that they are fully booked. Despite the challenges, the restaurant's success stands as a testament to the joyous accident that brought Enoteca Maria to life.

Enoteca Maria's popularity has soared beyond expectations, with reservations pouring in from local and international patrons alike. Scaravella, wearing multiple hats as the owner and occasional headset-wielding reservation manager, continually juggles the demands of a fully booked restaurant, promising to call those on the waitlist if an opportunity arises.

In the heart of Staten Island, Enoteca Maria stands as a testament to the warmth of home-cooked meals, cultural diversity, and cherished memories created around the dining table. The grandmothers bring not only their culinary expertise but also a unique warmth that makes each visit a memorable and truly global culinary experience.