By: BJ Harris
Business Manager, Chesapeake Inn Restaurant & Marina

In 1967, Giuseppe Martuscelli came to the United States with the Italian Navy and although he fell in love with the East Coast, he was largely unimpressed with the quality of the traditional Italian cuisine that he encountered while here. Many dishes were frozen and prefabricated, marinara sauce was canned, and on the whole these “Italian” dishes lacked the freshness and flavors of the homemade pastas and sauces that he had known for his entire life.

He returned to Italy to complete his tour of duty, but dreamt of returning to the U.S. to bring fresh, homemade Italian dishes to the area in a warm and welcoming environment. In 1978 he began to realize his dream as La Casa Pasta Restaurant opened its doors with Giuseppe as Chef and his wife, Anna, welcoming guests and working the floor. As with any fledgling business, things weren’t exactly easy. In addition to designing the menu and making the pastas, sauces and accompaniments by hand, Giuseppe traveled from his home in Newark to the Italian Market in Philadelphia each morning in order to bring the freshest ingredients to his customers.
Fast forward to 2010 and much has changed both inside and out — spaces previously occupied by a beauty salon and liquor store have been redesigned and incorporated into the restaurant’s floor plan. Redecorating projects have seen color schemes, fabrics and tile updated periodically. One thing, however, has not changed — Giuseppe’s passion for fresh, homemade food, friends, and laughter. You’ll still find him in the kitchen crushing imported Italian tomatoes for his marinara or deboning the catch of the day. If not there, he may be in the wine room selecting the perfect pairing for one of his loyal patrons. See, Giuseppe’s motto, “mangia benee sorridere sempre” which translates to “eat well and always smile” is more than just a motto. For he and his family, it is a way of life.
One visit and you will agree that his menu creations rival those of even the most celebrated Italian Chefs. Take, for instance, the Paccari all Giuseppe, fresh Monkfish, jumbo shrimp, and white Cannellini beans are sautéed to perfection in a light sherry marinara sauce. Once the       flavors have meshed, the contents of the sauté pan are tossed with homemade wide Napolitan pasta. This dish is a foodie’s delight, and it’s no surprise that it bears his name. While enjoying your Paccari, allow Giuseppe to select the perfect wine accompaniment. After dinner, treat yourself to Giuseppe’s homemade Tiramisu.
I promise it will be the perfect end to your culinary visit to old world Italy.
On your way out, make sure to say hello to Anna. She’ll be the one at the front desk thanking you for coming, just as she has for now 31 years.

BJ Harris is the Business Manager for the Chesapeake Inn Restaurant & Marina.

You can reach BJ at
bj@chesapeakeinn.com
or 410.885.2040.

La Casa Pasta is located on Route 896 in the
Four Seasons Shopping Center Newark, Delaware 19702.
For more information or reservations call 302-738-9935.
Visit them online at www.lacasapasta.com
or email info@lacasapasta.com.