CULTURE SHARE: Italy on Madison ~ Book Signing with Vittorio Assaf ~ Serafina

Vittorio Assaf is the Founder at Serafina Restaurant Group. He grew up in Milan where he earned a degree in Political Science before studying Law at the University of Urbino. Assaf spent eight years on the floor of Milan’s Stock Exchange and then moved on to pursue an opportunity in the fashion industry. He came to New York in 1985 with the seeds of priceless ideas that have grown into a string of flourishing businesses.

Assaf opened Café Candiotti in 1985, which featured original paintings by Andy Warhol and quickly became a true Manhattan hot spot. Assaf works tirelessly and with undiminished enthusiasm for all his ventures. Vittorio Assaf’s culture, sense of style, and passion for food is the heart of all menu creations for all the restaurants of the Serafina Restaurant Group. (source)

Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato were already good friends when they became unexpectedly lost at sea. Stranded in a small boat, exposed to the elements, and without any food, they daydreamed of the perfect pizza. To strengthen their hopes of surviving, both promised that they would open a restaurant together serving the best Italian pizza and pasta in the world. Vittorio and Fabio were saved, and they honored their promise to each other by launching the highly acclaimed Serafina Fabulous Pizza on 79th Street on the Upper East Side in New York City in 1995. (source)

Following the success of their first Serafina restaurant, the duo have now expanded the Serafina brand across three continents, with dozens of restaurants in the U.S. and around the world.

It was exciting for me to speak with Vittorio Assaf at his SERAFINA BOOK signing. We were happy to catch up on things in relation to Italy and the Vatican! We especially loved catching up on nutrition, healthy italian food eating, and changing foods and diets…. : )

@nycmayorsoffice

#ItalyOnMadison