My grandfather Patsy worked his way up in the restaurant industry becoming the general manager of The Villanova, which was the best Italian restaurant in the 30's and 40's. In 1942 he decided to open his own restaurant and called it The Sorrento. I chose IL Sorrento as the name of our restaurant in honor of my grandfather and his dream. He was born in Naples, Italy, but always loved its sister town, Sorrento, which is just across from the Bay of Naples.

The Sorrento was a partnership, and in 1944 he opened his own restaurant and called it Patsy’s Italian Restaurant! Everyone in the family has worked there, including my mother, Anna, and my three sisters. It became a rite of passage for kids in the family to work at the restaurant when they were old enough. Many a summer and Christmas break were spent dutifully in the family business, learning the ins and outs of customer service, as well as the cardinal rule that makes our place special – Treat everyone like family. We like to say that we don’t have customers, but instead have old friends. And we don’t have employees, but a found family that has bonded together over decades.

Patsy was more like a father to me. My father died when I was very young, so I was raised by my mother, uncles and grandparents, along with my sisters. My grandfather and I had a very special relationship, and worked together until he passed away in 1986.

Patsy was also a very talented musician, (piano and mandolin were his favorites), and so he became very close with all the Big Band Leaders, including the Dorsey brothers! They loved my grandfather and brought all the famous singers at that time and that’s how he met Frank Sinatra. Mr. Sinatra loved my grandparents and was a good friend of the family until he passed away.

My family believes that although the restaurant business is difficult because of the hours, it’s a very simple formula. Give people what they want - good food, good service and good value.

My family taught me everything about the restaurant business and also about how to deal with people - truly an invaluable education! My grandfather was a very humble man. He would dress as a busboy and bus tables for people, going out of his way to please them. Everyone loved him, and while they always loved his food, the true secret to Patsy’s success and reputation was that he treated everyone like a cherished member of his own family.

My mother was the best cook in the family, although she never actually cooked in the restaurant. Her style of cooking was calm and methodical, not really suited for a NYC restaurant, but she made the most unbelievable food we’ve ever eaten. Anna’s sauces were outstanding, and her meatballs were to die for. IL Sorrento will dedicate some dishes to my mom, and of course use her recipes! So if you see something on our menu that mentions Anna, you know it’s going to be special.

At IL Sorrento, we’re embracing the old world charm of Southern Italy and bringing it to Westchester County. Our hope is that you will enjoy being at IL Sorrento as much as we will enjoy serving you, and that, in time, we will become old friends.