Staten Island Nightlife: Italianissimo, the Arrochar dining spot that's served generations - SILive.com

Pappardelle Toscana, a fresh tomato sauce topped with shaved reggiano parmigiano. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)

Executive chef Franco Ortega is filled with fond memories of the days when he began his culinary career at the former Il Ponte, the Arrochar dining spot that would eventually morph into  Italianissimo Ristorante, Café and Bar.

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From left, Dr. Michael Gastaldi, Franco Ortega, owner/executive chef of Italianissimo and Roseann Gastaldi. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)

That was more than a quarter century ago.

Then when owner, Gianvito Fanizza retired 2006, chef Franco and a partner bought Italianissimo until Franco took over on his own more than five years ago.

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Stuffed artichoke was another of the evening's specials (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)

Fast forward some 26 years, and the passionate chef has witnessed lots of changes in the restaurant business with rising food prices and as trends in the food industry gravitate toward quick service and casual and alfresco dining.

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Pappardelle in a fresh pomodoro sauce. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)

In speaking of the dining spot, the Ecuadorian native, who immigrated to the United States in 1993  and served generations, notes he changes the Italian-inspired menu seasonally —  usually three times each year —  but insists on keeping mainstay dishes that remain popular with his steady diners.

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From left, Robert and Debra Esposito and Terry and Peter Lazzara. (Courtesy/Robert Esposito)

“Our diners request what they like, so I keep a lot of favorites. But I also customize dishes to meet their dietary needs as well,” says the passionate culinary artist, before adding: “But a lot of my customers leave their dishes up to me. They ask what specials are on tap for that night and I prepare their selections whatever way I think it best.”

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Bartender, Joe Mutoli mixes a cocktail at Italianissimo Ristorante. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)

Though veal, steak and chicken entrees have carved a significant niche in his bill of fare, Franco nonetheless pays special attention to his  seafood specials.

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Members of the wait staff prepare zabaglione table side at Italianissimo Ristorante. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)

“I  travel several times each week to the Fulton Fish Market in Hunts Point, Bronx because I only serve fresh fish on a nightly basis,” says he, before adding he travels abroad as well to absorb local color.

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Fresh artichokes are stuffed with croutons, breadcrumbs and savory spices at Italianissimo Ristorante. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)

Franco features exploring all options.

“I also try to travel to Italy, France and Spain each year to observe and familiarize myself with all the outstanding dishes served in different regions to see what’s new in the European world of culinary arts.”

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A succulent veal chop with sauteed mushroom, roasted potatoes and broccoli served as a special at Italianissimo. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)

In conversing about the holiday season he noted:

“We had a big holiday season here in the restaurant and we catered a lot of parties as well. And we’re serving Valentine’s Day specials all that weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. But of course we also have Sunday sauce with fresh pasta and gravy meat, meatballs, sausage and bracciole.”

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A head of oven roasted fresh garlic is a complimentary prelude to every dinner at Italianissimo. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)

Then there’s “Carnavale,” the Mardi Gras festival also known as Fat Tuesday coming up on Feb. 25,  the traditional pre-Lenten feast initially commemorated in Europe that’s derived from the Latin word that translates into a farewell to meat festival.

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From left, Nick Dianto, Diane Lore and Linda Dianto. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)

Franco’s eager to shout news about the special menu for that occasion, and the party that will include entertainment like Brazilian and Samba dancers and the tunes of Italian born song stylist Francesca Cavaliere.

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Homemade zabaglione prepared table side at Italianissimo, is a popular dessert at the Arrochar restaurant. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)

Come March 8, International Ladies Day,  a time that marks the movement for women’s equality and  appreciate the integral role women play both in and out of the work force —  Franco will play host to yet another celebration.

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From left, from the wait staff, George Rivas, Franco Ortega, owner/executive chef, Joe Mutoli, bartender, and Mario Cabanas, Tomas Flores and Yany Macareno, of the wait staff. (Courtesy/Robert Esposito)

He explains: “’Faste del Donna,’ which is Italian for ‘Feast of the Women’ has been celebrated here 11 years and this is the 12th year at Italianissimo.”

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Homemade Italian cheese cake prepared by Chef Franco. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)

THE MENU

Antipasto standouts: the menu features selections like oysters, shrimp, clamS and lobster cocktail, fruitti di mare, mozzarella in carrozza and zuppa di mussels.

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Hand crafted focaccia and crisp Italian bread at Italianissimo. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)

From the pastas: Penne Amatriciana, San Marzano tomatoes, onions and pancetta and Pappardelle quattro formaggi, large noodles in a four cheese sauce.

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From left, baby Suzana, 16 months, Sarah Abdou and Amrou Eldsoky. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)

Entrees like Gambarone Ripiene con polla di granchio, stuffed shrimp with crab meat, Pollo Sorrento, chicken breast, eggplant, prosciutto and mozzarella, Saltimbocca, veal scaloppini with prosciutto in a sage sauce served on a bed of spinach and Bistecca alla griglia, grilled Angus certified steak with vegetables of the day – continue to be most popular.

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From left, bartender, Joe Mutoli and Robert Esposito. (Courtesy/Robert Esposito)

Don't leave without sampling their zabaglione, an Italian dessert, prepared with egg yolks, sugar, and a sweet wine — (usually Moscato d'Asti or Marsala wine, prepared tableside.

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Nick and Linda Dianto. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)

The cozy eatery, that’s etched with the beauty of fresh florals, tapestries and gold gilded frames of European art work — and attractive moldings —  is one of those restaurants accented with old world charm and contemporary creativity.

There are two banquet rooms that seat 60 and 65 diners, respectively.

Italianissimo is located at 107 McClean Ave., Arrochar 718-442-4442.

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