56 The QUEE NS Courier • SLICE OF QUEENS • APRIL 21, 2016 for breaking news visit www.qns.com ▶SLICE OF QUEENS Gino’s Pizza and Restaurant Ten years ago, Jennifer Molinari and first cousin Sabatino (Sal) opened Gino’s Pizza and Restaurant at 2519 Parsons Blvd., Whitestone, NY 11354. But the popular eatery’s roots go back more than 35 years. At that time, Alfredo Molinari— father and uncle to Jennifer and Sal, respectively—opened Gino’s of Great Neck. The family patriarch had come to America from Naples when he was only 15 and learned the pizza trade working at Gabby’s Pizzeria on Hillside Avenue. When he finally struck out on his own, he took his entire family, which according to Jennifer, was quite large. Over the years since Alfredo opened that first restaurant in Great Neck, various siblings and relatives have struck out on their own as pizza entrepreneurs, and Jenifer estimates there are approximately 15 eateries in Queens and Long Island with the Molinari pedigree. Her brother owns and operates Gino’s of Kissena on 6501 Kissena Boulevard in Flushing, which he opened 15 years ago, and another cousin opened College Point staple Sal’s Pizza and Italian Kitchen on 20-07 127th Street, plus there are restaurants in Port Washington, Hyde Park, Merrick, among others. Jennifer and Sal agree that after the plain, which is their most popular pie, the Buffalo Chicken and Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza’s are their bestsellers. They also offer a whole wheat option, with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, and a gluten free pie, which Sal admits sells surprisingly well. Jennifer was quick to point out that the salads and pasta dishes are also popular, with standouts being the Avocado and Caesar Salads and Penne Broccoli Rabe and Vodka Sauce pastas. Good service, homemade sauces and dough, and recipes handed down from generation to generation from Naples are some of the keys to the success of the Molinari pizza dynasty. When asked what it was that makes for a good dough, Jennifer said it was hard to quantify. “You can give someone all the ingredients; if he’s got it together, you got a good dough. You just know,” she said. “I love what I do,” Jennifer said. “I can deliver what I deliver, because it comes from my heart.” Which may be the real key to Gino’s Pizza and Restaurant’s success. FREETUSCAN BRING THIS COUPON AND GET A HUMMUS APPETIZER WITH YOUR ORDER OF TWO ENTREES 7103 80th St., Glendale, NY 11385 (718) 894-9400 • www.cpk.com DRUNKEN GRANDMA VODKA PIZZA We Are Not Just Pizza! Besides our delicious pizza we have a full kitchen and grill where customers can order from Specialty Menu, Pizza, Pasta, Burgers, Salads & Gyros The prices are unbeatable! Quality & Quantity and Freshness Guaranteed. Let Us Cater Your Next Event! Corporate Events • On-site Bar-B-Q Events Food Truck Catering • Delivery 47-40 Bell Blvd Bayside 718-279-0808 / 718-279-0809 www.mammaspizzarestaurant.com • Open 7 Days
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