Marc and Virginia Tolkin have been working and operating Torcellos Italian Restaurant in East Northport for over 18 years. Marc, Torcello's President, recently left with a large number of staff and joined forces with the already successful eatery Olio's Ristorante and Pizzeria in Commack after a dispute with his partner.
"I believe the same magic we had over there will follow us to Olio's, in addition, there is plenty of parking and more room to accommodate our loyal customers," Tolkin said.
No stranger to the restaurant business, Marc spent a dozen years selling products to restaurants in Manhattan and Brooklyn. He fell in love with the business after seeing the inner workings of some well known eateries like Carmines, Time Café and Mahattan Grill.
"Seeing my customers and getting to know their families and catching up on their lives is so wonderful," he added.
Marc is excited about teaming up with Olio, owned and operated by a fourth-generation restaurant family straight from Sicily. Marc says they truly are the best at what they do and he is honored to work with so many talented people.
When asked about the specialty dish most people ask for, Marc confesses that it's the Farfale Olio: bowtie pasta with shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes and mushroom in a pink cream sauce. He also adds that there are several specialty nights for this recession-friendly dining world: Monday and Tuesdays are pasta night and for $12.99 every guest gets a fresh cup of home-made soup or salad, their pasta dish and a beverage and dessert. Pollo Night is Wednesdays for $13.99
The team is currently booking holiday parties both corporate and family parties.
Marc says the sign at the front of the restaurant says it all, "Enter As Strangers, Leave As Friends." He is thrilled to join with the Torcello team and their family and he looks forward to meeting new friends through their many clients.
