Peachy Picks Angelo's Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
Owner Tina Aprea and Executive Chef Giovanni Aprea, daughter and father
Owner Tina Aprea and Maitre D Antoine Porracchio, niece and uncle
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We quote lyrics from the musical 42nd street:
"Come on along and listen to
The lullaby of Broadway.
The hip hooray and bally hoo,
The lullaby of Broadway.
The rumble of the subway train,
The rattle of the taxis.
The daffy-dills who entertain
At Angelo's and Maxie's"
Tina's Uncle Antoine told us that they are referring to THIS Angelo's in the song which makes sense since it's been here since 1902 and the Maxie's is Maxim's in Paris. As the Maitre D since 1969, Antoine ought to know!!! Whom You Know is thrilled to kick off coverage of Angelo's, which may be our oldest restaurant review yet. Angelo's is one of few restaurants that is run by a woman: Go Tina!
Owned also by Partners Executive Chef Giovanni Aprea (Tina's Dad) and Gino Silverstein, Angelo's is clearly a family affair and the current ownership acquired Angelo's in 1969. The core of the family are the three sisters-among them is Tina's mom.
Since 1969, the neon sign has been kept in its original state as well as the Murano glass lamps from Venice. Angelo's was first featured in Tasty Tidbits:
and we are pleased to announce it has joined the ranks of Peachy's Picks! The warmth and professionalism of the family ownership, the absolutely phenomenal cuisine and the clearcut consistency are a few of the many elements that make Angelo's a winner.
Originally in 1902 it was called Red Rooster and was a pizza place, and was named Angelo's in the late 1940's. The cuisine is Neapolitan and simply marvelous. The three Sous Chefs: Jose, Manuel and Patricio, under Executive Chef Giovanni Aprea, EACH have worked at Angelo's for 25 years. Consistency is clearly an understatement!
We were graciously greeted as soon as we arrived and the hardest aspect of dining at Angelo's is narrowing down exactly what you want to eat, because if you have taste similar to Peachy Deegan, you'll see several captivating convincing choices. Tina was a total peach and guided us brilliantly with her expertise.
The table we dined at was under a lovely awning which added to the charm of the experience.
When you have made your choice, the waiters shout out the order to the chefs who take orders verbally only, in an old-school charming fashion. As your order is prepared, you will be delighted to see the extensive wine list-surely there is something for every palate here.
From the list of Imported Red Wines, we chose the 311 Nipozzano Riserva, Marchese de Frescobaldi. When you sip it, you will taste majestic notes of berries with a smooth finish. It is robust but not overpowering and is a fantastic compliment to most meals you'll choose at Angelo's we believe.
At Tina's suggestion, we began with an appetizer called the Continental, which would be just as aptly-named if it were coined the "Must-Have." By literal definition, the Continental is three baked clams, shrimp and fried mozarella in white wine lemon garlic sauce.
The picture does not begin to do the delicious starter justice though it was beautifully arranged. Every component spoke to the genius in the kitchen and the mozzarella especially was like a cloud sent from an angel in heaven...perhaps named Angelo?
When Peachy first arrived, she noted a couple at the bar ordering the meatballs. The savory scent alone is enough to convince you to order these pronto and sitting at the bar next to them was pure torture, that is until she got her own order! Two thumbs up on Angelo's meatballs. There are many, many Italian places in New York but not so many that have us at hello at each course respectively.
Again, less was more at the pasta course. Deciding what pasta course was like trying to pick your favorite Italian shoe designer (that also manufactures the shoes in Italy...Amo Le Scarpe Italiane!) The divine creaminess of Fettuccine Alfredo in the white sauce was worth the trip downtown alone!
And believe it or not, after 200 dinner reviews with a commanding majority of Italian spots among them, Tina suggested a dish that Peachy has not had before: Filetto di Manzo Ragoncino! Sliced Filet Mignon, Onions, Garlic, Mixed Vegetables, Nouvelle Potatoes with a House Recipe Sauce was comprehensively luscious! Each component was in a perfect ratio to the others and the savory unique course was juicy and captivating with every bite. And finally, we tried a traditional Tiramisu!
Just delectable especially with limoncello!
Our esteemed panelist adds:
For New Yorkers who don't have time for a quick get away vacation to Naples or other southern Italian locals, delicious Neapolitan dishes await any diner wise enough to book a table at Little Italy's historic Angelo's on Mulberry street. Romantic songs by the Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli waft through the restaurant setting a romantic and relaxed mood that is enlivened by the banter of the attentive old-fashioned Italian-speaking owners and waiters who are dressed in crisply starched white cotton jackets with black ties. It is a total treat to dine at a traditional family long-owned restaurant where you are greeted like a long-lost family member whether it is your first visit or you are a regular as seems to be the case of most of its diners. The extensive menu and list of specials can be navigated with the charming and courteous aid of the maitre d' as well as waiters.
The Stuffed Mushrooms (Funghi Selvatici Di Bosco Saltati) are a must appetizer particularly on a cold winter night but for the most hearty diners the Fried Mozzarella (Mozzarella in Carrozza) is heaven.
It is a meal in itself and I went to bed dreaming about it!
For a Main Course the Filet of Sole in White Wine and Lemon Sauce (Filetti Di Sogliola Mugnaia) is delicious and only rivaled by the Fettuccine in White Cream Sauce (Fettuccine Alfredo).
For dessert the Tiramisu is so divine it is sure to have single-handedly inspired many a proposal at Angelo's. It is without doubt the best I have ever had and the most charmingly presented on fruit-patterned dessert plates topped with shaped-cream and strawberry decorations.
The charming atmosphere and attentive service is a treat contrasting the chaos of many a trendy new restaurant. Angelo's proves once again the old adage that the oldest is the best ! At one hundred and eleven years counting that gives Angelo's quite a head start on its competitors !
Peachy Picks Angelo's!
Angelo's is Highly Recommended by Whom You Know.
