A new artisanal coffee shop and an authentic Italian ‘hangout’ open on the South Shore

by Marisa Procopio

NUOVO ITALIANO

Billed as a “casual neighborhood hangout” serving authentic Italian cuisine, EAT Italian, in
Rossville, was hyped on social media for months in anticipation of its late spring opening. With
celebrated chef and Chopped champ Gianfranco Franzese (a degree holder in Culinary Arts from
Istituto Profesionale Alberchiero in Bari, Italy and a veteran of restaurants like Villa Portofino, Cafe Del Mondo, Excelsior Grand Caterers, and Bocelli) in the kitchen, the menu, the farmhouse-chic decor, and the overall vibe combine for something quite unique—in a borough not exactly underserved by Italian options. Serving pasta, pizza, paninis, and other classic dishes like rigatoni Bolognese, spaghetti carbonara and gamberoni (baked jumbo shrimp with seasoned bread crumbs, garlic, lemon and basil parsley), the restaurant also has a dozen house-made desserts and an elaborate specialty coffee menu. 655 Rossville Avenue, eatitaliannyc.com

“EVERY CUP TELLS A STORY”

In a quaint little Queen Anne, Kevin Gumb and Juan Becerra are brewing coffee. And not just any type, mind you, but small batch coffee, roasted in Williamsburg, with hints of milk chocolate, truffle, and dried fruit.

“We believe that each cup can tell a story, and we strive to do just that,” noted Gumb.

Located on a bustling strip of the Tottenville thoroughfare, Main Street Coffee took up residence in the landmarked George Cunningham store several months ago. Gumb and Becerra renovated the space, adding subway-tiled walls and copper countertops.

Serving açaí bowls, smoothies, pastries, and a variety of toasts (think avocado, arugula, salt, pepper, and an olive oil drizzle), the shop is open seven days a week, with coffee supplied by Toby’s Estate Coffee, which travels the world sourcing beans and celebrating quality and complexity. 173 Main Street, Facebook

Summer at Starbucks

The Seattle-based mega-brewhouse recently introduced, just in time, two new Cold Foam Tea Lemonades— Summer Sunrise and Summer Sunset— though they’re only available for a limited time. The icy beverages are a layered combination of tropical pineapple infusion and lemonade, topped with a velvety cold foam, a modern twist on the classic steamed foam that has been a hallmark of Starbucks since the 1980s. Frothed cold instead of hot, cold foam is created by blending nonfat milk until smooth, creating layers of creamy texture, but without added cream. 10 locations in Staten Island, starbucks.com