By MICHAEL CASTELROSO
Special to Forgotten New York
The original Puglia, 189 Hester Street, Little Italy, was opened at 117 Mott Street by Gregorio Garofalo in 1919. Garofalo, an immigrant from Puglia, Italy, opened to serve the needs of the community with familiar foods: capozzelli (roasted sheep’s head), pasta fagioli, and tripe. A vintage business card from Puglia translates into “A very friendly place.” The restaurant was in the basement, while the family lived upstairs. They even made the wine for Puglia in their apartment.
Puglia moved to 189 Hester shortly after World War II. At one time, the restaurant consisted of four rooms, but is now down to one. The classic capozzelli was served until about 1980, when trends, and the area, changed. Puglia is still in the Garofalo family, with Joe II, Gregorio’s grandson, in charge. That makes it the oldest continuously family-owned Restaurant in Little Italy. Today’s Puglia serves family-style food and portions with a diverse menu. Night time brings live entertainment.
Some menu items:
Hot antipasto $12.95
Baked clams $8.50
Frued calamari $12.95
Arugula salad $9.00
Cavatelli with sweet sausage & broccoli rabe $14.95
Risotto con piselli & pancetta $16.95
Pasta figioli $7.50
Shrimp Fra Diavolo $17.95
Risotta alla Sambuca $17.95
Chicken Travolta $16.95
12/27/14