Unless you have a passport and an airline ticket to Italy in-hand, or an Italian Grandmother hidden away in your kitchen, chances are you are not going to find a more authentic Italian culinary experience than you will at Paparazzi Gourmet Deli, located at 2810 Thomas Drive.
That’s because their recipes are from the ‘Old Country,’ passed down generation to generation, from Italy to New York, New York to Panama City Beach.
Owner John Trubia is rightfully proud of his very rich Italian heritage. His Father’s family were from Palermo, Sicily, his Mother’s, from Naples. John himself was born in Staten Island, New York.
Spend just a few minutes with John and you will quickly learn of his love of family, his pride in his Italian American heritage and his passion for food. Combined, they embody and define the man he is today, and all are clearly on display at Paparazzi Gourmet Deli.
John’s earliest memories revolve around family and food. After Immigrating to the US, his maternal grandparents ran a fruit and vegetable store on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, before converting the space into a popular neighborhood restaurant. John’s Mother learnt from her Mother, and John from his. The family premise is simple enough, ‘food makes people happy, so give people food!’
John’s mother went on to become an executive chef at a leading Staten Island Bank, but John did not immediately follow in his family’s footsteps choosing instead to join the NYPD at the early age of twenty.
After serving his City valiantly in the aftermath of 9/11 (he was on duty the morning of the attack and served on the bucket line for 24 hours straight immediately following the disaster), John eventually retired from the NYPD in 2006 and the following year moved his family to their favorite vacation spot, Panama City Beach.
Life has come full circle, today John now oversees his own successful family restaurant and catering business, always with one foot in the kitchen, keeping a watchful eye over every pizza toss and hand-made cannoli. Over the next several months John will be contributing a monthly column to PCB Life’s Dining Section, sharing a few of his family recipes (most remain coveted family treasures) and providing tips on how to cater the perfect soirée.
Here’s a taste of what is to come. This month Paparazzi’s is showcasing thier house favorite, “Chicken Maria” (named for John’s Mother):
A finely breaded chicken cutlet, smothered in sautéed spinach, grilled eggplant and fresh mozzarella, all topped off with Paparazzi’s signature Pink Sauce, baked to gooey perfection.
For a menu and more information on Paparazzi Gourmet Deli visit www.paparazzideli.com.
For catering information please call 850-588-8244.
