IL PENSIERO “THE THOUGHT”
Office: 10001 Stonell Drive
Member of FUSIE (Federazione Italiana Stampa Unitaria all’Estero)
Febbraio 2024 THE ONLY ITALIAN NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI
NUMERO 2
An Italian American Publication
Anthonino’s Taverna Owners Named Restaurateurs of the Year
at the top-rated culinary program at St. Louis Community College. Anthony further fortified his expertise with a business degree from Saint Louis University. This solid educational foundation laid the groundwork for the success of Anthonino’s Taverna. When creating Anthonino’s Taverna, the Scarato brothers drew inspiration from the rich heritages of both their parents. With a mother born in Greece and a father whose roots trace back to Italy, the restaurant’s menu is a heartfelt homage to the flavors of their upbringing. Many of the recipes featured are cherished dishes from their family table. In expressing their gratitude, Anthony and Rosario extend heartfelt thanks to their wives, Katie and Cindy, their families, and the dedicated staff who have played a pivotal role in creating and maintaining the excellence of Anthonino’s Taverna. Anthony Scarato remarks, “We look forward to continuing a legacy that is truly an asset to the community and city.” In addition to serving up great food, Anthonino’s Taverna gives back to its community through the GiftAMeal program. Each time a guest takes a photo on the free GiftAMeal app of their Anthonino’s order, a donation is made to Operation Food Search to help provide a meal to a family in need locally. Since joining in 2015 as one of the first restaurants on the program, Anthonino’s has helped provide over 6,500 meals locally. Over the past three years, Anthoninos
The Missouri Restaurant Association has selected Anthony and Rosario Scarato, respectively, owners of Anthonino’s Taverna, as the 2023 Restaurateurs of the Year. This prestigious recognition pays tribute to their dedication, culinary expertise, and contribution to the vibrant dining scene in St. Louis. Anthonino’s Taverna, a culinary gem blending Italian and Greek cuisines, opened its doors in 2003 under the leadership of the Scarato brothers. Their culinary journey traces back to their early years. Before establishing Anthonino’s Taverna, they gained invaluable experience working alongside their father, Robert “Bob” Scarato, who, in the 1980s, pioneered the Athens Cafe, a quick-service Greek restaurant with multiple locations. Both brothers honed their skills
St. Louis, Missouri 63123
CONTINUOUS SERVICE AND ACTIVITY SINCE 1904
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has partnered with Backstoppers through the Karen Cares organization, donating over $10,000. Hosting two dinners where a portion of the proceeds were given directly to Backstoppers. This year, they launched a new initiative selling their frozen pizzas at Schnucks, contributing $1 per pizza sold during select months to Backstoppers. Anthonino’s Taverna stands not only as a culinary haven but also as a testament to the Scarato brothers’ commitment to their craft and the community they serve. The Restaurateurs of the Year award is a fitting acknowledgment of their outstanding contributions to the Missouri dining landscape.
“SEMPREVERDE: EVERGREEN” Thousands of Students Learn Italian at the Theater With Original Edumusicals
Incanto Productions Company is thrilled to announce the reopening of “SEMPREVERDE: EVERGREEN,” a bilingual (Italian-English) edu-musical designed for schools and families. The production is scheduled to open on March 13, 2024, at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, located at NJ 07748. Continued on page 5