A Look at the Grand Opening of Red Sauce Studio in Little Italy, New York

Dolores, John, Pat, and Rossella getting ready
to record the studio's inaugural podcast episode

Friday evening, some 125 well-wishers converged on Little Italy, New York, to celebrate the long-awaited grand opening of Red Sauce Studio, the new home of the widely popular Growing Up Italian and Italian American Podcast. Also housing the forthcoming Italian American Emporium, the store/studio (located on the corner of Grand and Mulberry Streets) promises to breathe new life into the old Italian enclave.

Red Sauce Studio is now open for business

(L) John and Sabino. (R) Eric and Tony

Chef Greco invites us to partake in his delicious repast

Fr. Leo Camurati enthusiastically blessed the store and attendees

Partygoers were treated to an incredible Italian-style buffet by chef David Greco from Mike’s Famous Deli and the roisterous musical stylings of Lena Prima, the youngest daughter of music icon, Louis Prima (1910-1978). Actor and comedian, Joe Piscopo, also wowed the crowd with his consummate renditions of Ol’ Blue Eyes’ favorite standards.

(L) Joe Piscopo got the party started. (R) Revelers dance the night away

Sabino's family came ready to party

(L) Carlo and Rossella. (R) John and Marianna

Vincent, Charles, and John

(L) Drew and Dolores. (R) Charles and Gianluca Rottura
from In Vino Veritas Wine and Spirits

Lena Prima and John Viola had the crowd jump, jive, and wailing

A good time was had by all

Dressed to the nines, Rossella and Pat enjoy the festivities

Revelers trip the light fantastic

After blowing out the candles, Sabino cuts his birthday cake

In addition to cake, cookies, and pastries, guests were treated to Chef Nick
Di Bona's artisanal Bona Bona Ice Cream parked outside the studio 

While the store is completely decked out in green, white, and red, there is no shortage of memorabilia spotlighting the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. My favorites include copies of the portraits of King Ruggero II of Sicily (1095-1154) and King Ferdinando II of the Two Sicilies, and a hand-painted plaster coat-of-arms of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies gifted to the owner, John Viola, by HRH Princess Beatrice di Borbone.

Always going above and beyond for our community, we are excited to see what John and his partners have planned for the store. Knowing him, and getting to know his capable team, they will undoubtedly exceed all our expectations. We wish them great success and happiness in all their future endeavors. May San Giorgio and the Madonna della Neve protect and watch over you.

Busts of Servant of God King Francesco II (1836-1894) and his
father King Ferdinando II (1810-1859) of the Two Sicilies

(L-R) Hand-painted plaster coat-of-arms and embroidered
coat-of-arms of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies

(L-R) Wood-burned engraving of King Ruggero II of Sicily beneath vintage
Sicilian marionettes (Saracen, Orlando, and Angelica) and a painted
copy of a portrait of King Ferdinando II of the Two Sicilies

Miniature painted terracotta carnevale masks from Campobasso, Molise

John spent many late nights working on this ornate chandelier
(replete with lucky horseshoes, cornicelli, and innumerable
le corna pendants) to have it ready for the party