It was a cold, early Sunday morning in the fall of 1985, we had just moved to our new house in Staten Island, New York. My mother, raising seven kids on her own, four boys, Joseph, Michael, Paul and Anthony…. two girls, Christine and Rosanne and a Pekingese named Muffy, began sautéing garlic in the kitchen. As I opened my eyes and stretched I heard a scream coming up the steps “C’mon kids, your uncle’s are on their way” …. It was 7 a.m.

The scent of sauce slowly cooking on the stove , the faint sounds of my mother humming along to the music of Frank Sinatra and Jimmy Roselli and the thought of what this day was to bring, made me scramble to get dressed. I knew today would be a wonderful day. You see, today was the day our entire family got together, sat at the dining room table and simply ate all day. Course after course we listened in awe as the ‘grown ups’ shared their favorite stories of year’s gone bye.

These were good times, times I'll cherish forever, and times I'll never ever forget.

As I grew, I watched my mother, the best Chef I have ever known; prepare dishes in an innovative flair that stunned even the stuffiest critics in New York City. As one person put it, “I’m convinced that Marian can make your socks taste good”. Her passion for food was unbridled, her creativity unmatched and her love for people, well ~ Saint like.

My mother has since passed and I miss her dearly. I have followed in my mother’s footsteps as a Chef and have created some pretty fancy dishes. I now find myself doing what my mother always did, creating and cooking innovative dishes for people from all over the world. I have won several awards and was even given four stars. To this day I still can’t believe I have been given such wonderful praise for doing something I truly love to do…honestly, between you and me; all I ever wanted was to try and emulate my mother.

I bring you Saluzzi; inspired by my son my mother has never seen. Here on my menu you will find the very food we ate as kids; classic Italian cooking truly at it’s finest. Food which warms the soul, made with the freshest ingredients served in plentiful portions at a fair price. The same traditional recipes my great grandmother Caesarea shared with my grandma Rose, who taught them to my mother Marian, who in turn taught me. Now, I get to share this with my son and you.

I am devoted to providing you with the very same food I ate growing up. The food our mother served to our family and friends. I am committed to cooking for you in a way that with every bite brings you a smile like it brought me and my family.

Welcome to Saluzzi

This kitchen I share with my mother and if you want to eat at my mothers table, please sit back, loosen your belt and enjoy. From my family to yours, buono fortuna and buon appetite.