Whom You Know: BIG APPLE BUSINESS: Agata and Valentina

Thursday, May 7, 2009

BIG APPLE BUSINESS: Agata and Valentina

The name Agata & Valentina has inspired New York foodies since 1993, yet few are aware of the mother-daughter pair who lent their names to the specialty foods store. The duo, along with husband and father Joe Musco, as well as partner Louis Balducci, all play separate but vital roles in operating Agata & Valentina.

It is particularly appropriate that Agata and Joe joined forces to start a business together, as it was through their family businesses that they first met. Joe was raised by Sicilian parents in New York and traveled frequently to their hometown of Santo Stefano di Camastra and other parts of Italy to visit relatives, and later for the family business. Musco Food Corp imports Italian food products into the US, including Torrisi coffee, one of Sicily's oldest businesses, which as it turns out was Agata's family's business. After dating for a year, Agata moved to New York and married Joe. Their daughter Valentina was born not long after.

Musco Food also spurred an introduction to Louis Balducci. As General Manager of Balducci's, his grandfather's legendary specialty foods store, Louie often purchased artisanal Italian products such as cheeses and oils from Joe. In 1993, when Louie parted ways from Balducci's and the Agata & Valentina retail store was under construction, Louie joined his old friend Joe in the budding venture.

Agata & Valentina was born out of Joe, Agata, Valentina and Louie's boundless passion for high quality specialty food products from Sicily and around the globe, and they treasure every opportunity to share this passion with their customers. Whom You Know recommends a visit to this Upper East side institution-it is a favorite of Peachy Deegan!

1505 First Ave. @ 79th Street, New York City, NY
Phone: 212.452.0690
Fax: 212.452.0694
Hours: 8:00 am - 8:30 pm

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