Dining with the mob
Urban legend had it when I first moved to Baltimore that Little Italy was so safe because the Mafia wouldn't let any petty criminals hurt the restaurant business there. I figured this was a rumor started by the restaurants themselves because it made the neighborhood more interesting. It's not something I've heard about or thought about in years, though. Until our Shallow Thought Guru John Lindner's guest post today. EL
My former hometown, Milwaukee, has (or had) Mafia restaurants. (Piano Rob, if you’re listening, am I right or am I right?)
They didn’t advertise the connection, but people knew. Some restaurants bore the family name of alleged mob bosses, though I don’t know if said restaurants were mob owned and operated. In fact, the places in question may have simply been hangouts.
One common distinctive: they were all good. In one of these joints, you could not go wrong.
Another key attraction was celebrity mobster sightings.
I’ve never heard of such restaurants in Baltimore. Is it omerta? Or do we not have them?
Comments
I know there is one in Detroit. The owner was so happy when they started eating there.
Excellent food, too.
Posted by: Lissa | April 15, 2009 1:27 PM
Those who know keep their pie holes shut.
Posted by: vinnie | April 15, 2009 2:51 PM
I had heard that Baltimore was a place where "retired" mob guys went to live out their days in peace. And they brought their favorite chefs with them.
Which doesn't make sense, since supposedly you can never leave the Family.
Posted by: PCB Rob | April 15, 2009 3:16 PM
Despite the Mobtown moniker, I don't think Baltimore has ever really had a "mafia," per se.
Bookies and guys who fence stolen goods have always been here. And people who head-up certain labor organizations with ties to the ports (and their muscular companions) have also always been here. And I've heard the occasional "connected" guy will come through town and dine at a Little Italy restaurant.
As I understand it, the stories about the safety of Little Italy started when, during the riots, property and business owners patrolled rooftops with shotguns to keep rioters out of the neighborhood.
Anyway, that's as I understand it, having spent nearly a decade living in Little Italy.
Posted by: LittleItalyResident | April 15, 2009 4:32 PM
We have a "mob restaurant" here, Gaetano's. It was originally owned by the Smaldone family, but now it is one of several restaurants owned by Denver's mayor. His name is Hickenlooper, so I don't think he's connected.
It has great food...I especially like their meatballs subs. But the best thing is their marketing slogan:
"Italian Food To Die For"
Posted by: Bucky | April 16, 2009 4:17 PM
Bucky, now you have me questioning Gaetano's meatball sub. Is it of YOUR variety or the normal kind? ;)
Posted by: mmmcorn | April 16, 2009 4:47 PM
Point to Bucky for the meatball sub reference. I'm a bit embarrassed that I missed it until mmmcorn pointed it out.
Posted by: Hal Laurent | April 16, 2009 7:01 PM
Having grown up in a NJ town where everyone was (or, at least claimed to be) connected, I've never gotten the same feel here.
Posted by: Eve | April 16, 2009 7:28 PM
mmmcorn - I was joking. They have a meatball sub, but when I go there for lunch I always eat their Italian sausage sandwich. I'm sure their meatball sub is good and, also, traditional.
Posted by: Bucky | April 16, 2009 8:19 PM
Not Salvatore Hickenlooper by any chance? He's connected up the wazoo. Sal "Funny-Tastin' Meatballs" Hickenlooper? Oh, the stories I've heard tell.
Posted by: jl | April 16, 2009 9:01 PM
jl,
ROTFLMAO
Posted by: RayRay | April 17, 2009 9:00 AM
Is the cook named Lovett? And is there a barber shop upstairs? I'd say "Try the Priest" but I know a good Catholic boy like Salvatore would never do anything like that to one of the Church's own.
Posted by: Retired in Elkridge | April 17, 2009 4:04 PM