Staten Island’s Enoteca Maria Featured in New Netflix Film Nonnas

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Enoteca Maria, a unique restaurant in Staten Island where grandmothers serve as chefs, is the focus of a new Netflix film titled Nonnas, set to release on May 9. The restaurant, which has 35 seats and overlooks the Manhattan skyline, was founded by Jody ‘Joe’ Scaravella in 2007 as a tribute to the Italian women who inspired his love for cooking, including his grandmother Domenica and his mother Maria.

Scaravella, 69, transitioned from a transportation worker to restaurant owner, hiring senior women from diverse backgrounds to share their family recipes. In an interview with TIME, Scaravella described the restaurant as ‘not just a restaurant, but a cultural exchange.’ Decorated with superhero figures and family portraits, Enoteca Maria creates a warm ambiance for its guests.

The menu has evolved to feature various cuisines, including Mexican, Uzbek, and Greek dishes, reflecting the cultural influences of the chefs. ‘These grandmothers bring a wealth of culture with every dish they prepare,’ Scaravella said. ‘They share their heritage and traditions through food.’ Enoteca Maria also offers free cooking classes where participants can learn directly from the grandmothers.

Scaravella, a Brooklyn native, faced significant personal loss before opening the restaurant. After losing multiple family members, he decided to start anew in Staten Island, where he found a suitable location next to the St. George Theatre. He expressed his determination to keep the restaurant traditional, opting for phone reservations instead of modern booking apps.

The film Nonnas tells the story of the women behind the restaurant, portrayed by an ensemble cast. Characters like Gia and Teresa navigate personal challenges while finding purpose in the kitchen. Scaravella’s cookbook, Nonna’s House, highlights the stories of these remarkable women, such as Carmelina Pica, who has deep ties to the Staten Island community.

While the cooking environment at Enoteca Maria is often lively, Scaravella acknowledged that competition among the chefs can lead to ‘family-style arguments.’ He recalls moments of tension in the kitchen, illustrating the passionate nature of the grandmothers. Despite these challenges, the restaurant thrives as a place where cooking traditions come to life.

In Nonnas, themes of food, family, and memory intertwine, capturing the essence of what makes Enoteca Maria special. The restaurant hopes to inspire others to preserve family recipes while celebrating cross-cultural culinary exchanges.

As the restaurant continues to grow, Scaravella remains committed to his dream, understanding that each dish tells a story and each grandmother adds a legacy to the kitchen at Enoteca Maria.