Flavors of our Neighborhood!

As we prepare for finals, it is important to look back and remember the fun and educational programs we experienced throughout the semester. Here is an account by Allie Koo, a junior linguistics major, about our Flavors of our Neighborhood trip:

The latest trip for the Flavors of our Neighborhood series was to Vincent’s Clam Bar in Carle Place on November 20, sponsored by Off Campus Living and Commuter Student Services (OCLCSS) and the Multicultural International Student Programs Office (MISPO). Close to Hofstra, ambient, and delicious, this authentic Italian experience was extraordinary!

To our delight, the theme song to The Godfather greeted us when we arrived! The restaurant was buzzing with lively chatter, and lights were strung overhead. We passed a giant wall of sauces by the entrance and the famous clam bar along the left wall.

As we sat down at our table, Anita Ellis, Director of OCLCSS, shared stories of her Italian heritage
and about the distinct Italian-American culture that emerged from the arrival of many Italian immigrants in the early 1900s into the United States, including her grandparents. As we listened, we noticed Italian culture bears many similarities to our own.

The menu consisted of the following tastings:

• Calamari and tomato sauce
• Bruschetta topped with onion, olive, tomato, olive oil, basil
• Linguini in tomato sauce
• Rigatoni in tomato sauce
• Eggplant parmesan
• Chicken cacciatore
• Cannoli, ice cream, tiramisu for dessert!

At the end of our lovely dinner, Anita introduced us to Bobby, who opened Vincent’s of Long Island with his brother. He started as a waiter in the original Vincent’s restaurant in Little Italy, Manhattan, which is still open today! Bobby’s dream was to introduce Long Islanders to the intricate flavors of Italian cuisine and all the culture that comes with them. After dining in Vincent’s Clam Bar that evening, we definitely got a taste of Italian cuisine, culture, and Bobby’s dream!

Thanking Anita and Bobby, we walked out of Vincent’s towards campus with our stomachs and hearts full and satisfied.

Each participant was given a jar of Vincent’s Clam Bar  sauce to take home.

Guest Blogger: Allie Koo, junior linguistics major