Growing up in Sicily, Mimmo Gambino worked his way through the ranks in hotels and restaurants, building his education through firsthand experience. When he came to America, the language barrier forced him to begin anew as
a busboy and work his way up once more. He persevered, opening a restaurant in Manhattan. Prompted by the glowing praise of a colleague, Mimmo took a trip out to Long Island. He fell in love with it and opened Casa Rustica in Smithtown. Though the menu features traditional Italian fare, there
is nothing common about the food: Casa Rustica received an excellent from the New York Times and has remained a culinary destination for more than two decades.
Benny Gambino didn’t know he would wind up in the restaurant business with his father but, looking back, he realizes it was inevitable. Benny attended culinary school at NYIT. He found himself in the employ of several restaurants, but understood he would end up partnering with the elder Gambino. The two work on Casa Rustica’s menu together, and Benny tries to shake up tradition just a bit. He incorporates new ideas and flavors without abandoning the roots of Italian cooking. The cuisine, then, reflects the relationship between father and son: they learn from each other as Mimmo imparts the old and Benny brings the new, a recipe for success. CLICK HERE TO POST YOUR COMMENTS
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