page 30 The Public Record • July 31, 2008
Cosmi’s Pastries Rock! Clemenza's command to “Take the cannoli” is an apt phrase when walking into Cosmi’s Pastries on Oregon Avenue. “They’re right up there,” states William Bianco, who was one of the first customers on opening day six years ago. Owner Greg Tenuto lets it slip that the secret is a touch of home-made wine to the shell batter. How much? Now, that’s the real secret! “Not only are the cannoli to die for,
1947. “Cosmi’s was a household name for 60 years. We want to continue that tradition,” he affirms. “We stand by our product 110%.” I’m also informed the
now exclusive to Cosmi’s. “It’s a popular cake for weddings and other big celebrations. This is a famous cake. It was the only product The Masi Bakery made. I now have the recipe and the name as well.” And another slice of South
Cosmi’s Pastries 1940s sign. Some members of The Cosmi Family: Greg, Jeanie, Pat, Giahna, Ashley, Eleanor.
Baker Pat Criniti prepares a pan of fresh pastries. but the fruit tarts, too,” enthuses patron Nicole Buonocore. “I actually have a lot of specialty cakes made here. I can’t get them anywhere else.” Tenuto has also saved a piece of South Philadelphia history. The post-WWII outdoor sign is an icon, painted in classic 1940s red with white neon tubing. It catches your eye right away. Original to the store, Tenuto, has kept both sign and name as it was in
recipes used have been developed by Tenuto after long and arduous research. “We built it up from scratch. Everything is handmade. We don’t use fancy machinery. My bakers are Pat Criniti and Sal Butto. They are the best in what they do. I also have a decorator named Reese. He’s an artist who turned his art into cake decorating. He can freehand any image onto a cake with accuracy.” If you’re looking for the attention-getting Masi Cake, a light and airy chocolate-chip chiffon cake with rich butter cream and large white or dark chocolate shaved ribbons, it is
Philadelphia history is saved. Thank you, Greg! Family is important to Tenuto. “I would not be able to do what I do without the love and support from my family. My wife Michell and my children, Lauren, Gregory Jr., and Tori give me the inspiration.” Working as he does a 70- to 80-hour week, I inquire of Tenuto how he finds the energy for the long day. “It’s all about how I was raised. My mother and father instilled a good work ethic in me. My grandparents were the first owners of The Triangle Tavern, so I come from a long line of hard workers. We do things old school.” Giving back to the commu-
nity is part of that work ethic, also. “I support anything police or fire or children, I do a lot of fundraising for autism
by Louis Borda
Pretzel Logic This summer, Philly’s famous Fiat, Luigi, has traveled the streets of South Philly in search of interesting stories. Whether it’s a slice of pizza at Franco Luigi’s, a water ice at Italiano’s, or a Pork Italiano at Tony Luke’s, Luigi has found a friend and a parking spot at many of our local favorites. Speaking of favorites, who from South Philly can resist the summertime staple of the soft pretzel, especially when they are fresh from the oven? This is what prompted my most recent visit to the newest Philly Pretzel Factory at 22nd & Oregon Avenue. When we arrived inside the newly-renovated store, 17-yearold Jill Fleming greeted us with a smile and 3 free pretzels. It looked like traveling with Luigi was finally starting to have its perks! To be honest, however, Jill and the rest of the staff were treating everyone to free pretzels during this grand-opening week. Life long South Philadelphians Romeo Carsello and his business partner Joe Ledger are prime examples of the “can-do” spirit and regional loyalty that resonates in our neighborhood. A successful entrepreneur, Romeo proudly boasts, “I have worked hard and done very well for myself and family, and while I am thankful that I can afford to live anywhere in the Delaware Valley, I would never move out of South Philly!” As Luigi helped greet first-time customers, conversations twisted themselves between warm pretzels and favorite car stories. Joe was eager to share his story of the “Best car he ever owned!” A 1979 Black Camaro SS with gold racing strips. Joe explained the Camaro, which in French slang actually means friend, was originally introduced in 1967 by Chevrolet to provide competition for the highly-popular Ford Mustang. Originally stocked with a 5.7-liter 8-cylinder engine, over 220,000 were sold that first year, proving the public was starved for these small-performance “pony cars.” As vehicles became safer, and consequently slower, the public shifted from wanting high performance to comfort and style. In addition, oil embargos and rising fuel costs had forced car makers into producing smaller more fuel efficient engines (sound familiar?). Thus, by 1979 the Camaro evolved into a very popular (yet practical), sharp, stylish car and it seemed everyone in South Philly had a “friend” or one who owned one. Joe recalled all the fun he had driving up and down South Street on Friday nights hoping for red lights so he could rev the engine and get the ladies attention. Today, Romeo and Joe look forward to your attention as a customer and welcome you to bring a friend (whether it’s a car or person) Luigi with Romeo Casello by their store to enjoy a fresh Philly pretzel. and Joe Ledger, co-owners Until next week, ciao for now! Remember to keep sending your car stories and comments to of Phila. Pretzel Factory at 22nd and Oregon. www.luigi@phillyrecord.com.
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research.” Though we can’t eat our cake and have it too, we can eat Cosmi’s Pastries and have
them whenever we want. Cosmi’s Pastries 1221 Oregon Avenue (215) 218-2001 www.cosmispastries.com
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