Ricco is from New York, the guttural side of New York. He knows and uses more profanity than, well, even me.
He is particularly fond of berating, swearing at and ousting patrons who break his VERY specific rules.
Only what's on the menu...
Exactly as it is on the menu...
No changes, substitutions, extras...
And, the cardinal rule of all rules, NO SALAD.
Why eat at his restaurant? It is the best Italian food I've ever eaten, that's why.
And, if you get to know him, and obey the rules, everything is OK.
He is 70 years old. He gets to the restaurant every morning at 6 AM to start making fresh Italian sausage each day from a pork roast. He does this by himself, alone...every day. The restaurant opens at noon. He is helped by a rotating array of women who stay only short periods of time because he has a temper problem.
All his food is fresh, cooked only by him.
Today, while I was getting fuel at 9 AM, he runs out of his restaurant next door to the filling station, and asks me if I want any Italian sausage. I tell him no, I am going out to eat tonight but tomorrow I will stop by.
That makes him happy.
You see, he doesn't run out to talk to people because he is pushing food and building business. He does it because he knows what you like and he loves to feed you with what you enjoy.
No hawking. This he does as a service.
Remember, he is 70 years old and he has been cooking Italian food for 50 years.
He still loves it and takes great pride in it. The real pride of a craftsman, not arrogance.
This is the part I like best.
After every time you eat at his place, he asks you if you like it. And he waits expectantly, leaning forward on his feet in anticipation of your answer.
When I say I love his food, it is the best I've ever eaten, he gets a little shy, looks down, then up at you from under his eyebrows, with a little smile, he says thank you...like it is the first time he has ever heard this complimented.
He knows how to ask for a compliment and more important, how to receive it.
That charms me every time.
Who would think that such a rough and tumble guy would have such a tender heart.
2 comments:
Man, how did I miss meeting this guy? I think we stopped by one day but he wasn't there if I remember... Love You, Tom! Darshan
Too bad we didn't connect with Ricco. I don't know how we missed him. Oh well, can't get them all!
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