Pietro Quaglia: Pietro Nolita
Nolita, Manhattan
Anyone who frequents dining out downtown--or simply was alive with an iPhone since 2016--knows about Pietro Nolita. If not for the delicious fresh pasta and tiramisu, for the postmodern pink aesthetic that has charmed so many to wait in line and snap a photo. 'Pink as Fuck' is the lifestyle, and owner Pietro Quaglia is living that Basta pasta life. Read on for a total serotonin boost below ;)
Full name, age, where are you from?
Pietro Quaglia, 42, Milan, Italy.
What was growing up like for you and did you have family meals growing up?
I was born in Milan and at the age of 1 year old I moved to NYC for 4 years and then moved back to Milan.
I remember my mom telling that in the 80’s in NYC there was no Italian food and she would have to bring pasta and parmigiano and jar of fresh tomato in a separate luggage in order to feed us…today.. almost everything is imported, thank god!
Dinner was the most important family meal and it was imperative that we would talk about our day and such…my mom fed us everyday 3 times a day..still today when i go visit her…we always eat at home..never go to restaurants…I miss her cooking…hopefully she can come soon and share her knowledge with my chef like she did when we first opened..
What meal, or beverage, most reminds you of your childhood?
My mom’s carbonara which now we serve at the restaurant..its a light version of the original one… it's a secret of course..
ell us a bit about your venture. What is your role and how did you get into this industry?
Man! Whoever gets into this business its crazyyyy!!!
I am the solo owner and I have no investors, i cover all the aspect of the business! Luckly I have a great manager… I wanted to open a restaurant in my neighborhood and charge the perspective of what Americans see Italian restaurants the USA as: salami hanging, checkered white and red table cloth and the wheel of cheese in the front! Mafia and il padrino!
I was inspired by the pastel colors of the Italian Riviera and the postmodern aesthetics of the Memphis group in Milan (an Italian design and architecture group founded by Ettore Sottsass in the 1980s), I opened Pietro Nolita in NYC’s Nolita neighborhood in 2016. Pietro Nolita is a little Italian restaurant that offers an authentic, healthy menu created by Pietro’s mother and grandmother, both of whom live in Milan.
How has the pandemic affected you?
It’s still a disaster… but we're still standing…2021 is better…thanks to the support of the fans of Pietro Nolita and the government help us out… February of 2020 was one of our busiest months ever! It was unreal! And then…we tried doing delivery…but fresh pasta doesn't travel well and its something am not keen to pursue since I know the final product is not as good as if just served right away…
What do you think working in this industry during this time has taught you?
I learned 2 things: 1) Appreciate life and family 2) I felt, among small businesses surrounding us, love! We supported each other..felt everyone was helping each other, reassuring and comforting one another..a sense of community.
What's your favorite dish and drink on the menu?
My mom’s handmade Carbonara is my favorite and fresh focaccia bread (we make it in house), and the spicy Nolitarita cocktail.
What is your favorite place to go out and eat at and what are you ordering?
Beside my restaurant, I love Indochine! Spicy chicken or the beef salad, steamed ravioli, 2nd booth to the right.
Anything exciting coming up for you?
During the pandemic we opened pinkasfuck.com which is our brand “Pink as Fuck” (trademarked finally) and we always doing fun collaborations! Stay tuned!
