Italian cuisine has distinct "regional" flavors, and because of this I will feature my favorite Italian restaurant by region.  Today I am pleased to feature at IL Triangolo, embracing the food of "southern" Italy. It was not easy making this selection, as to be honest many NYC Iralian restaurants left me disappointed, food pretty good - but nothing that made me really excited, and so often way over-priced.  I think my feelings on this were skewed by having traveled and eaten so much delicious food in Italy.  However, when I discovered IL Triangolo, first attracted to it buy the shape of the building, my faith was restored. IL Triangolo located in Corona (Queens) run by the gracious affable Mario Gigliotti and his wife Pierina. The food is outstanding, and the  generosity of the "hosts" is felt throughout. 

Anti pasto Caldo - baked clams, mussels, shrimp, scallop and calamari. A terrific starter.

Mario suggested I try a special dish of his mothers, "Homemade Papardella di Mamma Angela," - ground sopressata, garlic, onion, parsley in a filetto di pomodero sauce. A beautiful presentation and the taste full flavored, and a wonderful zest in the spice of the sausage. Thank you Mamma!

IL Triangolo is made up of two small handsome rooms. The restaurant is comfortable and refined with nice spacing between tables. Red brick walls adorned with old maps of Italy, scenes of the Almalfi Coast, a large exposed wine rack. One aspect I especially found arresting was that there was a sign "NO TALKING ON CELL PHONES" allowed as you entered the restaurant.

Homemade Fettuccine con Fugi - Sauteed mushrooms, smoked bacon, parsley and shaved ricotta salata. I was crazy about this dish, so much so that two days later I prepared it at home. I came up way short to the fantastic taste experienced at IL Triangolo.

Mario and Pierina Gigliotti. They met in a small village in Calabria when they were twelve years old and arrived in the states twenty years ago. Mario runs the front of the house, Pierina is in the kitchen with special focus on the desserts and homemade bread. They are both very warm and caring.

A wide selection of desserts are available at IL Triangolo. Delicous.

Italian language lesson - "Hello" (buon giorno)   "Thank you"  (grazie)   "Delicous"  (delizioso)

Interesting fact about Italy - More than 20% of the population is over 65, this is the highest percentage in Europe.

Address - 96-01 Corona Avenue   Corona (Queens)   (718) 271 - 1250