05/13/2026
I was born in the Bronx into an Italian family from Pizzo, a town in Calabria in southern Italy and like most Italian families enjoyed traditional Italian cooking. Trips to Arthur Avenue were always a treat. That’s where my love for fine Italian delicacies began. My Nonna would fry up chicken cutlets with her homemade breadcrumbs loaded with freshly grated cheese and along with a loaf of fresh Italian bread from Arthur Avenue we would add our favorite Italian salamis and fresh cheeses.
Recently, I started a new position as an automotive general manager in Smithtown and Huntington where I met Chef David. It didn’t take long to realize we had a bond with our love for fine Italian foods. I went to Mercato Cucina and saw the quality of the foods he used and it was love at first bite! I ordered my childhood favorite sandwich and it instantly brought me right back to memories of my nonna. I enjoy it so much that I order from Mercato Cucina in both stores on most Saturdays to treat my staff to a taste of Italy. I am always asked “where did you get this food from?” I’m always happy to spread the name Mercato Cucina in Huntington. Thank you Chef David. There is no finer food anywhere!-Rich Pizzo
Come try Rich's sandwich! Fresh crispy chicken cutlets, housemade fresh mozzarella, spicy sopressata, nut free pesto, crisp arugula on the freshest semolina bread 🤌🇮🇹
