The Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Jerry Longo’s Meatballs & Martinis on Friday, October 11th, at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. Members of the Chamber staff were pleased to join Jerry Longo, Frankie Storione, Paul Juliano, and members of Jerry Longo’s team to celebrate the grand opening of the new restaurant.
Longo’s originated in the Historic Federal Hill area in Providence, RI, where owner Jerry Longo created a unique menu of authentic Italian cuisine. Jerry, along with his talented culinary team have now brought their authentic brand back to the Delaware Valley. With his roots stemming from the area, Jerry Longo is especially thrilled to bring his flair for Italian cuisine home.
Owner, Jerry Longo, was born and raised in South Philly where he learned to respect and appreciate his Italian-American culture. Jerry often found himself in the kitchen with his mother preparing “Italian Soul Food.” The techniques and recipes of his childhood now live on in his restaurant’s menu items. Menu items are reminiscent of those commonly prepared in an Italian-American household – straightforward and arguably simple. Jerry takes these familiar foods to the next level by using only the finest imported and domestic ingredients, and by paying close attention every detail of the cuisine.
Upon entrance to Jerry Longo’s Meatballs & Martinis, the customer is greeted by the beautiful colors and smells of the delicious antipasto bar, located near the old-world, yet state-of-the-art bar area. Menu entrees include a variety of pasta dishes with home-made sauces, and other specialty items such as classic chicken parmigiana, orechiette with sausage and rabe, as well as a variety of veal dishes. Pizzas featuring a thin crust, baked in the restaurant’s imported Italian brick oven, and topped with quality ingredients are also part of the menu. Jerry Longo’s signature meatball is at the center of the menu - and is an amazing delight! Accompanied by a scoop of homemade, whipped ricotta, this simple meatball is a clear representation of the chef’s heart on the plate. In addition to an incredible dining menu, Jerry Longo’s Meatballs & Martinis features custom craft cocktails, an extensive wine selection, and Italy’s iconic beer, Peroni, on tap.
A walk through the classically designed restaurant is reminiscent of a walk through an Italian grandmother’s kitchen… the same foods, the same smells, the same experience. Shades of black and grey, accompanied by large black and white photographs, take the customer back in time, to a simpler place where the dinner table served as the touchstone of every family. With the restaurant’s mantra displayed in various prominent spots, diners can see and feel the authentic welcome of the Italian-American: “Mangia bene, ridi spesso, ama molto – Eat well, laugh often, love much.”
Please join the CDCC in saying “Benvenuto (welcome)” and “Congratulazioni (congratulations)” to Jerry Longo's Meatballs & Martinis as they launch their new restaurant in Central Delaware! "Grazie" (thank you) to Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc., and Dover Downs Hotel & Casino for bringing this taste of Italy to our community
