That primitive dairy, a relic of a bygone era, stood just opposite the location where Di Palo’s Fine Foods unveiled its new space—an area that speaks volumes of elegance, coolness, and sleek, contemporary design. Stepping inside feels akin to entering a set from a sophisticated modernist Italian film, complete with a Carrara marble counter, refined slate floors, walls adorned with reclaimed wood, and inviting cream leather banquettes.
“We aim to honor tradition while embracing new trends, connecting our rich history with a new generation,” explains Jessica Di Palo Canal, Marie’s daughter and a proud fifth-generation Di Palo. Alongside her cousins Sam and Caitlin Di Palo (Lou’s children), Jessica is a vital force driving the wine business and the newly established osteria, injecting fresh energy into the family legacy.
Lou, with a mix of pride and wry amusement, points to the striking light fixtures that illuminate the custom-made pewter bar. “My son Sam is truly passionate about Ingo Maurer,” he shares. A devoted father, Lou firmly believes in empowering each generation to pursue their aspirations. “Family is paramount,” he emphasizes. Above the entrance, a sign simply reads “C. Di Palo.” Lou clarifies, “That’s for my grandmother. She passed away in 1956, but her spirit very much remains here.”
Linda Schulze, a loyal customer and neighbor who, with her photographer husband John Matturri, settled in a nearby loft in 1979, was granted an early preview of the new space. “You simply cannot find food of this caliber anywhere else,” she states emphatically. “If Di Palo’s ever departs from this neighborhood, we would have to leave with it.”
In a city like New York, where residents often voice complaints about change and loss of character, yet equally critique stagnation, Di Palo’s Fine Foods stands as a rare institution. It delicately balances the weight of its past with the dynamism of the present, a place where local history is not just remembered but deeply felt. Imagine Mott Street in a bygone era, or picture scenes from “The Godfather”—Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone purchasing oranges in front of 131 Mott Street. Lou recounts a vivid memory of his mother crafting mozzarella when “this slightly disheveled man walked in. She recognized him as part of a film crew and pointed out historical inaccuracies, suggesting changes for authenticity. I later told her, ‘Mom, do you realize who that was?’” It was Francis Ford Coppola, who, charmed by the authenticity and quality, became both a fan and a regular customer of Di Palo’s Fine Foods.
