Real Celebrities walking through Villa Russo
Like many iconic eateries in a city known for its reputable dining spots, Villa Russo has been a favorite for some recognizable celebrities. From prominent politicians, world class entertainers and accomplished actors to underworld gangsters, Villa Russo has served the likes of those both famous and infamous who have traveled to its outer borough, Queens location to enjoy authentic Neapolitan dishes.
Approaching its 70th year in the restaurant business, most of the well known celebrities reserving tables in its unique dining room harken back decades to a particular time in the New York City dining scene.
Of the more legendary was Frank Sinatra who would arrive late at night following his local concert appearances. Typically after our closing time, he along with an entourage of friends and fellow entertainers, like his opening act comedian Pat Henry, would drive into Queens and have my uncle prepare some of his favorite Southern Italian dishes. When he couldn’t leave the city Sinatra would request that my Uncle Joe Russo make his signature Italian cheese cake and personally deliver it to his suite at the Waldorf Astoria.
Other famous entertainers who would be seen at the Villa Russo back then would be Dionne Warwick, Bernadette Peters and Dom DeLuise. Pat Cooper performed his comedy routine there and Joan Jett filmed a movie in our catering hall. Cidy Lauper auditioned her 1983 hit song “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” in our party room and Mickey Rourke, still in character for his 1996 film “Bullet” was nearly escorted out the door before he was finally recognized and brought into the kitchen to greet my uncle.
Prominent politicians often held or attended fundraising events in our large banquet rooms. Tip O’Niel, Mario Cuomo, Geraldine Ferraro and Joe Addabbo were just a few of the politicians of past notoriety who addressed large gatherings in our hall.
Hall of Fame Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda was a friend of my Uncle Joe and a frequent diner when the Dodgers were in town to play the Mets. He arranged a special try out at the then Shea Stadium for a friend of the family who was a high school pitching star.
Our non-judgment, open-door policy was a refuge of hospitality for those from different walks of life. On certain nights you could observe John Gotti and his crew enjoying a meal not far from then Queens District Attorney, John Santucci or a well respected Supreme Court Justice. It was certainly interesting at times.
However, for all the famous people who sought out the elevated Italian cuisine at the Villa Russo over the past decades, to us the real celebrities were the loyal clientele who patronized us year after year. No matter the status or fanfare of those famous big names, it was most satisfying to serve the steady, familiar, everyday patron. Today, we are still serving these, our favorite local celebrities , whose names no one else would recognize but who occupy the best tables in the house.
