Food and Wine

THE OPENING OF NUNZI’S

CREATES THE HOTTEST “FARMINGDALE TO TABLE” DINING EXPERIENCE ON LONG ISLAND

By patriCK steVens

Afamily’s love for good food and good vibes has created what is destined to be the hottest new restaurant in Farmingdale, New York. Inspired by a grandfather’s passion for bringing people together at a table and a grandmother’s love for food is the launch of Nunzi’s.

Owner and operator Michael Napolitano along with his brother, Vincent Jr, are out to prove that the incredible dishes made in the kitchen are only to be rivaled by the fantastic hospitality of Nunzi’s where everybody is treated like a VIP.

Traditions and respect for the good ole days,’ are incorporated into a sleek and modern layout by renowned designer Derek Axelrod.

“Here at Nunzis we plan on keeping my grandfather's traditions alive. You will eat with us, drink with us and laugh with us. Families and friends will all enjoy delicious food, fine drinks, good music and making memories,” states Napolitano.

The modern take on classic dishes, highlights a menu that incorporates unique twists on old school Italian meals. With superb creations such as Grandmas Meatballs, Pappardelle & Lamb, Heritage Pork Chop, Pan Seared Scallops; and desserts like Cannoli Cream with Biscotti.

Not to be missed are fascinating interpretations that will satisfy the cravings of adventurous foodies such as one-of-a-kind Limoncello Chicken Wings and a boisterous menu placement of a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich.

What Chefs Anthony LoCastro and Marc Wisehart have collaborated to produce, are memorable moments on a plate.

In fact, the outstanding time restaurant goers spend at Nunzi’s is considered an immersive cultural experience that warmly embraces the best minute of our lives.

The moment guests walk in the door they are dazzled by a lively environment that is both edgy and delightful. Both Axelrod and the Napolitano’s worked in harmony to launch a soon to be Farmingdale institution. Nunzi’s seeks to enchant young and old alike by capturing a fresh, contemporary, and sleek look, with nods to the glamour and romance of classic Italian meals.

Nunzi’s 125 Secatogue Avenue, Farmingdale

nunzis1274.com @nunzisfarmingdale.

HOURS: Monday & Wednesday: 5:00pm – 11:00pm Thursday & Friday: 5:00pm – 2:00am Saturday: 1:00pm – 2:00am Sunday: 1:00pm – 11:00pm Tuesday: Closed

LIVE AXE

NEW IN MANHATTAN, AN AXE-THROWING VENUE LIKE NO OTHER

By Bennett MarCus

Zac Segal created Live Axe, a bar and lounge featuring axethrowing. It brings a sophisticated, New York City-level experience to this activity that has become popular across the United States. Manhattan’s first axe-throwing venue offers delicious food, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, an elevated cocktail menu in a Viking-themed bar, and chic, Instagramfriendly industrial design in its 10,000-square-foot Soho space. And no worries, it’s perfectly safe to hang out there — the axe throwing is relegated to cages and guided by highly trained “axperts” called cage captains. “We elevated the experience; it’s not just a barn or warehouse. The vibe is like going to a fancy lounge in Manhattan,” says Segal.

INNER VIKING

Part of the experience is in doing something unique, something that most people haven’t done before. There’s a strong social aspect. “You get excited. You see people being tense, and then half an hour later, screaming and yelling and rooting for their friends, getting very competitive,” Segal explains. Because it’s a fairly new activity, not many people are really good at it, so everyone is competing at the same level, and you don’t feel intimidated. “Unlike, say, bowling, where there are people who have been playing since they were young,” says Segal.

POPULAR WITH ALL AGES

The proprietors have been amazed at the variety of people Live Axe has attracted. A few months ago, a woman held a 35th birthday party there. Not long after, the birthday girl’s mother celebrated her 76th at the venue with a bunch of female friends, all of similar age. “They had so much fun, these mature ladies,” Segal says, “that they said next time they’re bringing their husbands.”

CORPORATE EVENTS

Segal has been surprised at how popular the place has proven for corporate events. “People are branching out, and it’s fun for everybody,” he says. With different sections on different levels, parties can have their own space, or even their own floor, in which to mingle, munch, and imbibe near their dedicated cage.

RAGE ROOM

In the planning stages is a rage room, where patrons will be invited to break things. It could be plates or glassware, a computer, or anything that comes to mind. You choose your weapon, perhaps a sledgehammer, baseball bat, or, yes, an axe, and smash the object. Loud music may be your accompaniment, getting you even more keyed up — or more precisely: more gleefully vengeful.

Live Axe 96 Lafayette Street 888.812.9060 liveaxe.com @liveaxe

ELISABETTA’S RISTORANTE

By rolise raChel

One of the newest additions to West Palm Beach is Elisabetta’s Ristorante, by Big Time Restaurant Group. This 10,000-square-foot restaurant with a multi-tiered balcony faces the Intercoastal Waterway just behind the Palm Beach Yacht Club. The restaurant’s size and location, and its delicious housemade dishes keep the 300-seat restaurant booked, and those who go do so frequently. Many of the restaurants on the strip don’t have the capacity to provide open-air seating on a large scale. Elisabetta’s has become a must for many diners and an anchor in the community.

The restaurant’s interior was designed by Karen Hanlon along with Big Time partner and co-founder Todd Herbst. The décor includes vintage fixtures, terracotta floors, and Old World touches like brick walls, pewter accents, and wooden ceilings. The interior boasts two gold-tiled, beehive-shaped Neapolitan pizza ovens and a salumi bar faced with Calacatta marble.

Guests pass a 19th-century gelato cart and indoor-outdoor bar if entering from the east side of the terrace, which also features a regulation bocce ball court, a 25-foot tall fireplace, an outside pizza oven, and four vintage gazebos. The restaurant features a 12-seat private dining room for a more intimate dining experience. Elisabetta’s wine list boasts 400 vintages, a selection created by Ervin Machado, a Level 2 sommelier. The wines range from well-known to lesser known reds, whites, and proseccos and can please the most discerning wine aficiando. The wine menu also offers 70 wines by the glass. Elisabetta’s also cures its own salumis for delightful plated selections that can accompany generous portions of cheeses and seasonal fruits. The menu includes dozens of lunch and dinner options, ranging from traditional to artisanal pizzas, salads, and paninis as well as classic to gourmet entrées. Big Time Restaurant Group’s corporate culinary director, Lisabet Summa, and Elisabetta’s executive chef, Andris Salmanis, are responsible for the menu while the general manager, Drew Shane, is responsible for the day-to-day workings of the restaurant and staff. Elisabetta’s first restaurant opened on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach in July 2019; the West Palm location in January 2020. The restaurant serves dinner seven nights a week, lunch Monday to Friday, and brunch (with unlimited mimosas, Aperol spritzes, bellinis, bloody marys, proseccos pops) on weekends.

Elisabetta’s Ristorante 185 Banyan Boulevard, Palm Beach 32 East Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach elisabettas.com