Farewell to the Bs

Over the weekend we made our way over to Staten Island to dine at Fellippo's. This was my first trip to the other island and I marveled at the greenness of it all. There were trees everywhere - something that you just don't get in such abundance in Manhattan or Jersey City.

Fellippo's has been coined one of the best Italian eateries on the Island and it didn't disappoint. The restaurant had a familiar feel to it and offered a traditional menu with many seasonal specialties.

I started the meal with two slices of Sicilian eggplant sandwiched with provolone cheese, honey and breadcrumbs. I then enjoyed a tiny sample of Mr. Oh’s sautéed rapini topped with burrata, a buffalo mozzarella stuffed with cream that has an incredibly luxurious texture (see pic). We then shared an arugula and pear salad before I enjoyed my fettucini nero fra diavolo. My delicate squid-ink pasta was piled high with assorted fish (clams, mussels, squid and sword fish) and a spicy tomato-based sauce. Mmmmmmm!

It was a languid, indulgent meal, but the purpose of our trip was not simply to enjoy a new restaurant in a new area. It was, however, to bid farewell to B Sr. and his lovely wife as they embark on their retirement adventures in Florida and Connecticut.

Mr. Oh first started working with B Sr. several years ago. Over the years their relationship has flourished from boss to mentor to friend. It’s been comforting to watch this progression and I know Mr. Oh will miss his daily presence. But, something tells me his impact will reverberate for some time to come.