THE 3 GAVONES

Enjoy this video covering our entire 1st Annual Pastry and Food Crawl!

The 3 Gavones are three food critics who joined forces not only for enjoyment but to share the great food destinations in the Tri-State Area. We may be a growing bunch as the next Food Crawl so feel free to join in on our next Food Crawl!  We plan to expand our critics and also help spread the word about the great establishments we visit.  Enjoy our reviews, factual interviews and overal enjoyment of Food!  Buon Appetito!
Gavone Ratings are 1-5 Stars, 5 being the very best!
It was a simple invitation by Johnny C to two friends to go to a few pastry shops to pick up pastries for the Christmas Holiday including visiting family in NYC.  Well Johnny L and Don agreed and we began our voyage.  We arrived in Hoboken to try out the famous Dom's Bakery.  Then we took our bread filled bodies into the Holland Tunnel and made our way to Veneiro's Pastry Shop in Manhattan.  After we topped off our bellies with a Cannoli each we headed to the Borough of Queens. This was Don's recomendation and we enjoyed German meals at Zum Stammtisch. Getting up from the bar was challening for all of us but we were determined to make a preplanned trip to Long Island. Johnny C was visiting a cousin to bring some pastries and we had to try two other bakeries there, Leonetti's Pastry Shop and St. Rocco's Bakery.  At this point we just had to sit down and take in all of the great food we have been eating and treating ourselves too.  Then the long rainy drive back into the city for pizza in Brooklyn.  We were all going back and forth on where to go for pizza and we chose Johnny L's passion place for a pie, L&B's Pizzerea and Spumoni Gardens. We devoured a large square pie that was a topper for us all.  Then cleaned our palletes with spumoni's!  
 
Enjoy the reviews, pictures and videos below and look forward to the next Food Crawl...

     Johnny L "The Food Lover"
     Johnny C "The Pizza Guy"
Don "It's an Occasion"

12-23-15

First Annual Pastry and Food Crawl

Dom's Bakery

506 Grand St, Hoboken, NJ
201-653-1948
Johnny C has been craving to try bread at Dom's Bakery and the time finally arrived.  We drove about an hour and arrived around 830AM.  Walking in we didn't know what to expect but when I saw a regular patron walk out with a bag full of loaves of bread and delivery trucks arriving to pick up bread I just had a feeling this was going to be a great place!  On the way in Johnny L said I think they also make pizza and then I remembered they do and the excitement then really grew.
When walking in there was Dom and the hard working staff and bakers.  After a quick introduction we were allowed to go to the prize of the bakery, the 125+ year coal oven.  This oven baked the bread that Frank Sinatra enjoyed.  They even shipped him his bread from Newark Airport to California as Dom shared with us.  We were so impressed with the oven and practically stuck our heads inside as we admired the craftsmanship and years of use.  Dom gave us some bread to try and we were sold.  We then enjoyed a slice each of their Tomato Pie, it's served cold and let me say it was beyond delightful!  The sauce was so fresh and the crust was so good and chewy.  A complete winner.  We purchased Sausage Bread as well for our families and different types of bread including their famous Baguettes, French Bread and Semolina!  Be sure to go to Dom's Bakery and try for yourself you wont be disappointed!  Dom's gets 5 Stars for their dedicated workers and owner who create their few perfections!

Short discussion with Dom, he was busy!

Veniero's Pastry Shop

342 E 11th St
New York, NY
212-674-7170
www.venierospastry.com
Meet the Owner & Baker
We arrived with Pastries on our mind and we sure came to the right place.  This is the pastry shop that Johnny C's Grandfather and family used to frequent when migrating from Sicily. They only lived a few blocks from here.  This is also the only Pastry shop in the Tri-State area that makes Pignulata (not honey balls or Struffuli) which many pastry shops get confused about. My father carried on the tradition of getting the Pignulata which is only made during the Christmas Holidays as his father did. So Johnny C must continue the tradtion.  Take a trip to this Pastry Shop have a cannolli, or a piece of NY Cheesecake. Sit down in the beautiful cafe and taste the years of success and tradition handed down from Venice, Italy.  Enjoy the pictures and videos with interviews of one of the owners, Robert Zerillo and Baker Angelo Santamaria.  Johnny C walked out with many pastries and delivered them to family in Brooklyn and Long Island and of course took some back to Jersey! The Gavones loved Veneiro's!
Listen to Robert Zerillo share about the history of Veniero's and how they migrated so many years ago from Venice to here in NY.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Listen to Angelo Santamaria share how they are famous for the authentic Sicilian Pastry, Pingulata. Only here can you get Pingulata, no where else in the Tri-State! Especially not like this.
Robert Zerillo, Great Nephew of the founder of Veniero's shares more history and especially Pignulata! Enjoy!

Russo's Mozzerella & Pasta

The Gavones couldn't pass up this Mozzerella and Pasta spot right next to Veniero's.  We were not only fed the most freshest homemade mozzerralla but we had to purchase some goodies.  Johnny C got some Hot Soppressata and Don got some Fresh Mozzerella to bring back to Jersey!  I think Johnny L wanted some of their homemade Raviolis...We give Russo's 5 Stars just because they gave us the best fresh mozzerella that melted in our mouths. Oh and Don "It's and Occasion" said "Extra Salt on the Mutz!"
 
344 E 11th St
New York, NY
212-254-7452 
www.russosmozzarellaandpasta.com

Zum Stammtisch

We were looking for a place for lunch in Brooklyn and just kept driving around, we were thinking of places to go and had some in mind but all of a sudden Don "It's an Occasion" said he knows the place and we made our way to Zum Stammtisch. Don was there years ago and the minute we rolled up we knew it was fate. As a local contractor told us to take his parking spot in front of his shop entrance which was right next to the restaurant. When walking inside it was like we were transported back to Old World Germany.  The local patrons were all so happy and enjoying the food and atmosphere.  We were greeted right away and offered an immediate seat at the bar. We of course asked if we can eat at the bar.  Well boy did we eat and it was DELICIOUS! Johnny C had to have the Roast beef sandwich, Don had the Open Face Rueben and Johnny L had the classic burger.  Johnny C did have to indulge in a German beer too which was served in a cold German mug. We agreed to share a portion of each of our meals so we can each taste.  Top notch for all.  Johnny C didn't even have to dip his sandwich in the hot gravy provided but of course gave it a try. It was so moist it really wasn't even needed but sure was tasty. Don's Rueben was so delightful and was delicious with their homemade mustard.  Johnny L's burger was beyond cooked just right. You can taste the charcoal flame grill it was cooked on.  We then met Hans the owner who shared about their history. Enjoy and take the trip to Glendale, Queens.  It's right next to Cypress Hill Cemetery but this place sure ain't dead...It's ALIVE! 5 Stars for Zum Stammtisch, we may not be German by blood but by digestion we became German this one special day.
69-46 Myrtle Ave, Glendale, NY
718-386-3014
www.zumstammtisch.com

Meet the Owner, Hans!

Glendale, NY

Russo's Bakery

So at the bar in Zum Stammisch Don asked a local where there may be a local pastry shop. Well we were advised to check out Russo's Bakery which was literally a block and half down the street. NY is our kind of town. We made our entrance and unfortunatly after sharing that we were "The 3 Gavones" we were advised the owner was suppesedly in the back and was too busy to meet us.  Being Christmas Eve we understand but a hello is just a hello and may have counted for a review to be made. This means there is no review allowed except some pictures. In this situation or as Don would say "It's and Occasion" we can be invited back for an interview and full review, we await the call...

St. Rocco's Bakery

The Gavones were very full at this point and were heading east to Long Island in a bunch of traffic, Johnny L even took a quick snooze in the back seat.  On the way we heard of a great bakery in Glen Cove and it was beyond welcoming from the outside to the inside. The minute we walked in we smelt heaven and it was coming from the fresh bread baked in their brick oven and the lined up pastries. Patrons were sitting down enjoying coffee, homemade desserts and picking up their Christmas goodies.  We even spoke with one of the many loyal patrons who said she was a chef and graduated with high honors and testified their pizza here was excellent and she has had no better.  Again being full and pizza plans for later we stuck too pastries.  Oh the Biscotti and the Pignoli cookies were scrumptious. Johnny C spoke with the owner about their muffins well they came home for Christmas Day breakfast, an apple crisp and pumpkin spice muffin.  We met the owner and Don had a great interview. Lisa shared about her and her husband's pride and hard work for their Bakery that they built from scratch.  Lisa even shared about how her fathernlaw who is in his 80's comes in every morning to roll out the special pizza dough....well this is why I received that compliment before.  Go to St. Rocco's, support great owners and bakers, they get a 5 Star review all they do!!!! 

Listen to Owner Lisa Sacchetta share about St. Rocco's Bakery!

4 St Rocco Pl.
Glen Cove, NY
516-427-5333
www.facebook.com/StRoccosBakery

Leonetti's Pastry Shop

Glen Cove, Long Island, NY
Johnny C was a little early to meet his cousin to deliver the Pignulata so we had some more time to spare. We said why not make just one more Pastry stop, The 3 Gavone's rarely disagree with eachother especially when it comes to food, we kind of just go with our guts.  The owner was not in or not available we really weren't sure.  We did notice the homemade gelato and it was agreed it would help clear the palate for dinner.  Johnny L got Mango, Johnny C got Lemon and Mango. Don also got some Lobster Tails for the family. We took the time to relax in their nice atmosphere.  Everything did look good but again the rules are the rules. We can't make a review without meeting the owner or atleast a manager.  We invite the owner or manager to invite us back for a formal interview, the ball or in this case cookie is in your court!

L & B Spumoni Gardens

2725 86th St.
Brooklyn, NY
718-449-1230
http://www.spumonigardens.com
Well this video above explains it all. The 3 Gavones finally made it to their final desitination, the famous L&B Spumoni Gardens home of "The SQUARE".  You can hear from the video the excitement even the hunger that was alive. What a bunch of Gavones!  Johnny L is from this exact neighborhood and didn't live far even had a friend he grew up with that lived in the building next door. Don also was nearby and both grew up with L&B near and dear to his life. Even Johnny C has been here twice before but still what a treat for all of us.  L&B is such a gem, their pizza is one of a kind. Being from Brooklyn or familiar with NY pizza helps to appreciate even more.  First the SAUCE oh the SAUCE, it even has a little spice to it, just a tad maybe. Or it just may be magic on the lips.  The dough is so full of flavor and freshness, the crust is a delightful treat.  We first walked inside and took in the aroma. It was the day before Christmas Eve and they were surley busy. The dining room was packed but The 3 Gavones don't need to be wined and dined, just give us a pizza parlor table and we are good.  We met the owner Abe who gave us a nice backround and history from 1939!!! Plus they never changed their recipe. Others may have tried to take it but there is and will only be one L&B Spumoni Gardens.  As you will see the pizza didn't last too long with these 3 Gavones... Then came dessert. Oh my Oh my, in one of the videos you will hear Don in complete awe. We made sure to enjoy a Spumoni each. It's beyond descrption and not worthy of my words. I will just share the pistachios inside are plentiful and such a treat! Spumoni Gardens gets are full 5 Stars and if we didnt give them this rating the Pizza Gods would strike us down or simply take down this website and food blog!
Abe shares about L&B Spumoni Gardens, their roots and dedication to serving the best pizza around.  Watch as he unveils The SQUARE. You can see the heat rise from the sauce!
Meet Abe 
Also meet The Square!
A Lesson on How to Cut The SQUARE
Simply Watch and Listen to the Pizza
One Generation to the other, two differnt styles going on at the same time. Only at L&B Spumoni Gardens, only in Brooklyn!
 

"It's An Occasion"

Johnny L Offers a Unique Lesson on How to show Amore to the pizza!

Then it was time for the finale! Spumoni 3 of course one for each Gavone!

We hope you enjoyed our 1st Annual Pastry and Food Crawl, we sure did.  Johnny C will be adding more content soon to the 3 Gavones page.  Next Food Crawl is planned for February 2016 but the Gavones can always set up a last minute meal here or there. So be Aware The 3 Gavones may be Near!  Make sure to keep checking back!