Carrie D\u2019Amico took first place, Debra Denmark came in second and Jennifer Arlotta placed third. <\/p>\n
Along with the fierce trial, guests who joined the family style dinner were entertained with Italian music from Tommy LaRocca and were able to watch the fresh pasta and sauce being cooked in front of them. Vinnie Parrelli of Montalbanos also made the mozzarella for the guests, serving it as a part of their appetizers and main dish. The meal was topped off with table side cannoli service. <\/p>\n
![\"Italian](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/I347REP5T5F3NCWBSTZDLY5TYU.JPEG\"\/)
Staten Island’s Patrizia’s Taverna and Montalbanos collaborated for a Sunday Sauce Festival featuring “Il Pentolo” cooking demonstrations and cannoli service.Courtesy of Patrizia’s Taverna of Staten Island<\/p>\n
\u201cMontalbanos, the pork store, has this thing called \u2018Il Pentolo,\u2019\u201d said John, one of the staff members of the restaurant. \u201cIt\u2019s a big pot and it\u2019s a big part of this. We cooked the sauce in the dining room and made fresh mozzarella.\u201d <\/p>\n
Debra Denmark, one of the competitors, was thrilled to see this expression of Italian food culture, support the restaurant and show off her cooking skills.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe made the mozzarella, they stretched the \u2018mutz,\u2019 and that was part of the meal,\u201d she recalled. \u201cThe team at Empire State Bank always tries to support and patronize our customers, and we love Patrizias.\u201d <\/p>\n
![\"Meatball](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/M7MJ2TZD2BFDJHXMCHZYQGDYWY.JPEG\"\/)
Debra Denmark, Ellen Plessias and Laura Dinten outside Patrizia’s Taverna in New Dorp with Denmark’s prized meatballs.Courtesy of Debra Denmark<\/p>\n
As a team member of Empire State Bank, Denmark often participates in events for her customers, but this was a new experience for her. While this was her first time participating in a competition like this, she had been making meatballs for years, using a family recipe. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s my grandma\u2019s recipe,\u201d the Prince\u2019s Bay resident said. ” This was the first time I ever entered a contest. Everybody was kind of encouraging me to do so.”<\/p>\n
Over the years, Denmark has become close with Vinnie Romano, one of the owners of the taverna. When she originally showed up to the event, she was empty handed and unsure about competing. <\/p>\n
\u201cI actually showed up and I didn\u2019t bring it because I didn\u2019t think I have a shot at winning. When I was parking, Vinnie asked me, \u2018Deb, I hope you brought your meatballs,\u2019\u201d she said. \u201cThen he said, \u2018Go get them!\u2019 So I drove all the way back home, and I got them, and then I came in second. So it was really great.\u201d <\/p>\n
Denmark\u2019s prize winning meatballs had a classic presentation that wowed the judges. \u201cEverybody had different presentations,\u201d she mentioned. \u201cMine was, you know, with a little side of ricotta cheese and a big fresh basil.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a great turnout,\u201d said Rocco, one of the managers of Patrizia\u2019s Taverna. \u201cWe thank everyone who joined us.\u201d <\/p>\n
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