06/18/2025
~Carmelo’s Farewell Feast~
Carmelo came to Brooklyn in 1971 from the sun-drenched cliffs of Amantea on Italy’s Calabria Coast. He was just 21, armed with a few lira, a suitcase, and a stubborn belief that food—done right—could build a life.
By 1973, he had opened his first pizza restaurant on Mulberry St. It was a no-frills spot with a red awning and lines out the door. Locals quickly fell in love with his crispy pies, fresh sauce, and perfectly blistered crusts. “That pizza,” people would say years later, “tasted like Italy whispered in your ear.”
Carmelo had bigger dreams than pizza slices and late-night shifts.
In 1973, he met Carmelina—a seamstress, with a laugh that could stop time. They married in ’76, sold the pizza place shortly after, and traded NYC to CT for a quieter future to bring his dream to fruition and raise a family.
They moved to Connecticut, where Carmelo had spotted an old vacant building in Bridgeport while visiting family. He saw past the dust and broken tiles—he saw La Scogliera.
Named after the coastal cliffs of his hometown, La Scogliera opened in 1978. At first, it was a modest trattoria—Carmelo in the kitchen, Carmelina running the front, and a few neighbors curious enough to try his Zuppa di Pesce and Veal Saltimbocca. Word spread !! Families came , then generations growing up with us. Locals found something rare at La Scogliera—not just great food, but warmth, stories, belonging.
Carmelo cooked like he was feeding his own family, and in time, he did. He and Carmelina raised four beautiful daughters in the upstairs apartment above the restaurant. Between dinner services and school plays, he was always there. Flour on his shirt, hands smelling of oregano and garlic, eyes gleaming with pride. He taught his girls how to stir a sauce without bruising the basil , and that hospitality starts with listening. Not serving.
In 2007, Carmelo moved the restaurant to a space in Shelton. The menu grew, but the heart stayed the same. He greeted every table like old friends and made every plate like it might be his last. From the mayor to the mailman, everyone came to La Scogliera for anniversaries, baptisms, Sunday dinners, or just to feel like family for an evening.
When asked why he never franchised or “went big,” Carmelo would smile and say, “You can’t rush a good sauce. You can’t multiply love like that. One pot, one plate, one person at a time.”
Now, at 75, Carmelo is retiring and ready to hang up his hat. Carmelina, ever by his side, encouraged him to finally rest—and to enjoy their grandchildren, their garden, and maybe a trip back to Italy.
His final night in the restaurant, will be arriving soon. The dining room will be packed with old friends, long-time customers, former employees, and his four daughters—now grown women, each successful in their own way, yet still his proudest recipe.
We asked Carmelo, if there would be a speech. He replied, “No speech,” he said, voice thick with emotion. “Just… thank you. For letting me cook for you. For letting me be part of your lives.”
Then he turned to the kitchen, where a small pot of tomato sauce still bubbled on the stove. He gave it one last stir, tasted it, and nodded. “Perfect,” he replied.
And with that, Carmelo Maione will be walking away from La Scogliera—a chef, a father, a husband, a pillar of his community—leaving behind not just empty plates, but full hearts, full bellies, and memories that would last long after the last candle burned out.
We thank all of our customers who have supported us through out the years and who have become like family. Please join us in celebrating Carmelo’s retirement and having your last supper with us. His last day will be on the 29th of June.
New ownership will take place and the menu will remain the same. Our amazing staff will be sticking around to find those familiar faces. All gift cards will be honored. Please call ahead for reservations 203-922-1179. We look forward to seeing our customers and celebrating retirement with Carmelo and staff.
