Southampton Restaurateur and Priest Appear on Real Food
Rudy Gambino of Southampton landmark La Parmigiana Italian restaurant, and Father Michael Vetrano, Pastor of Southampton’s Basilica of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary will appear as featured guests on Telecare’s popular TV series Real Food this Sunday, January 25.
Hosted by President and CEO of Telecare TV, Monsignor Jim Vlaun, the nationally-syndicated cooking program Real Food is filmed right here on Long Island. Vlaun, who has also written two cookbooks, explains the show as being about “Gathering around the family table to celebrate the sacredness of the family meal…. When we break bread together, God is with us….Food is a common denominator…it’s our link to one another and to God.” Following its initial airing on Telecare at 9:30 p.m. on January 25, the episode will be rebroadcast on Monday, January 26 at 6:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Tuesday, January 27 at 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.; Wednesday, January 28 at 6:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Thursday, January 29 at 6:30 a.m.; Friday, January 30 at 6:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; and Saturday, January 31 at 6:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. You can find Telecare on Cablevision channel 29, Verizon FIOS channel 296 and Time Warner channel 471.
Famous for their excellent pizza, La Parmigiana has served authentic Italian cuisine in Southampton and surrounding areas for more than 40 years. In 1972, Celestino Gambino arrived in the US with his wife Josefina and their seven children. While working with his brother Peter and John at Baby Moon Restaurant in Westhampton Beach, he realized that in order to support seven children he would have to open his own restaurant.
La Parmigiana (44-48 Hampton Road) was born after Gambino took his family on a day trip to Southampton, where they found a German deli for sale on Hampton Road. He bought the deli for $10,000 and created what is now a local institution. Gambino spent the rest of his life perfecting the authentic Sicilian food and reputation of La Parmigiana. He passed his talents down to his children and grandchildren, who continue his legacy at the restaurant.
The Basilica Parish of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary is located at 168 Hill Street in Southampton. Completed in 1908, the white marble, Gothic Revival style church was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI on November 11, 2011. For information call 631-283-0097 or visit shjmbasilica.org for more special programs.