The Fascinating Story Behind Netflix’s Nonnas
Enoteca Maria, a cozy 35-seat restaurant in Staten Island overlooking the Manhattan skyline, is a special place where grandmothers from around the globe take the stage as chefs. This unique spot is now the star of a new Netflix film, Nonnas, set to release on May 9. Vince Vaughn stars as Jody “Joe” Scaravella, the restaurant’s founder, paying homage to the incredible Italian women who inspired his love for cooking—his grandmother Domenica and his mother Maria, after whom the restaurant is named.
As we step into the heart of this culinary hub, we find Scaravella himself, a lively and passionate soul with grey curly hair, who graciously pauses our conversation to receive deliveries of fresh mozzarella and branzino. Amidst superhero decorations adorning the walls, he shared that the true heroes of the restaurant are the grandmothers working diligently in the kitchen, pouring generations of culture into each dish they create.
Enoteca Maria initially began as an Italian restaurant but has since evolved, welcoming grandmas from diverse backgrounds to share their cherished family recipes. Scaravella explained that these remarkable women infuse every dish with the essence of tradition passed down through generations. The menu has seen exciting additions, with Mexican, Uzbek, and Greek cuisines offered on different weekends, showcasing the rich tapestry of flavors these grandmothers bring to the table.
Scaravella’s journey to opening Enoteca Maria is a tale of deep personal loss transforming into inspiring resilience. After experiencing a string of devastating losses, he found solace and purpose by establishing this vibrant culinary sanctuary. Drawing from fond memories of his grandmother Domenica’s culinary prowess, he sought out real grandmothers to helm the kitchen. The response was overwhelming, leading to a rotating lineup of talented chefs from all corners of the world.
Beyond serving delectable meals, Enoteca Maria also offers cooking classes with the grandmothers, facilitating intimate culinary experiences that celebrate diverse gastronomic traditions. Scaravella is keen on preserving family recipes and plans to create an online platform for sharing these culinary treasures in the future. However, when it comes to reservations, he maintains a traditional approach, preferring bookings via phone rather than modern online apps like Resy or OpenTable.
Nonnas, the Netflix film inspired by Enoteca Maria, portrays a fictionalized but heartwarming narrative of the remarkable women who shaped the restaurant’s legacy. From the compassionate baker Gia, played by Susan Sarandon, to the resilient widow Antonella, portrayed by Brenda Vaccaro, each character draws from the colorful personalities of the real grandmothers who graced Enoteca Maria’s kitchen. The film beautifully captures the essence of these women and their culinary magic.
As we delve into the enchanting world of Enoteca Maria and the captivating narrative of Nonnas, we are reminded of the profound impact grandmothers have on our lives and the power of shared meals to bridge cultures and generations. Join us in celebrating the culinary heritage and heartfelt stories woven into every dish served by these incredible grandmothers at Enoteca Maria.
