CHEF MARY ANN’S STORY
Mary Ann’s culinary story began years ago in Brooklyn. Her mother Millie would be cooking Sunday dinner and the smell of garlic sautéing in sizzling olive oil would fill their small apartment. When Mary Ann, along with her sister and brothers would run to the kitchen to see what was cooking, her mother, always with a smile on her face, would scrape together a few cents and send them down to the corner bakery for fresh, hot loaves of Italian bread. Upon return they would break apart a loaf and begin dipping warm crusty pieces of bread into the bubbling sauce. This is truly where her love and passion for Italian comfort food began.
Mary Ann carried on the tradition of Sunday dinners, introducing some of her mother’s favorites to her own family. The only difference was now she was preparing the meals, not only for her husband and children, but also for her teacher…her mother. Eager to gain a place among the great Italian cooks in the family, Mary Ann began creating her own dishes as well as keeping true to the family recipes. At this same time, every night she would leave her job, jump in her car and set out to reach another goal, attending culinary school.
Every day Mary Ann and her kitchen staff prepare dishes from her families traditional New York Italian recipes for our valued customers at “THAT ITALIAN PLACE “. David and Jamie, Mary Ann’s son & daughter, work with her as they carry on the long-standing family culinary tradition. If you are very lucky you may even catch a glimpse of Millie bringing a bag of groceries through the dining room on her way to cook something special of her own.
Larry’s Story
I also discovered a passion for fine food and good wine at an early age; however circumstances led me to the corporate world to pursue a career. I was fortunate to be able to travel extensively and sample great food and wine in many countries worldwide. Then in 2005 I decided it was time to make a change and left the safety of the corporate surroundings behind. In between traveling and golfing I went about finding an opportunity to own and operate a restaurant. I was fortunate enough to be a customer of Mary Ann’s and realized what a great dining experience she had created. Eventually we decided to join forces and “THAT ITALIAN PLACE” was born!
My goal is to operate a restaurant serving outstanding food at a fair price in a friendly, comfortable atmosphere. My love of wine is reflected in our creative and unique list. I hope you find a bottle or two you enjoy. If you have any questions or just want to compare notes please feel free to ask for me. I believe in this community and I’m proud to be part of the intimate charm and quality of “THAT ITALIAN PLACE”.
We hope you enjoy your experience with us tonight as much as we enjoy having you as a guest at our restaurant!
Ciao’
Larry Hughes |
