A few days ago, actor Tony Siriko passed away, playing the unforgettable character of the mafioso Polly Guttierez. Those who have watched The Sopranos (and those who have not – never be late to Binge) will surely remember the essential place that Italian-American cuisine occupied in the series. At a time when only life knows how to produce American soup soup – a pop-up that pays homage to the food of immigrants who came from Italy to the United States.
From Jersey to Tel Aviv. Zufa Americano (Photo by Noam Frisman)
The story of Zufa Americano began when Ofer Elmaleh, one of the owners of the old soup kitchen “Zufa”, had a longing for his childhood in New Jersey. He wanted to “make an ascent” to the experience of Italian restaurants as etched in his memory, with the tables covered with a checkered tablecloth, the family atmosphere, the music and the generous dishes. In Bufa Americano, which will run for six weeks, all of these are resurrected. Italian flags were hung on the walls and the menu included all the immediate suspects from Jersey: Chicken Parmesan – Parmesan-coated chicken breast and bread crumbs in tomato and mozzarella sauce; Meatballs in tomato sauce on garlic focaccia and herbs with parmesan and mozzarella; Baked Ziti, the mythological dish of Carmela and Keren Bacala, Bobby Bakleri’s wife, with ricotta, spinach and tomato or ragout sauce; And Chachiatura chicken with peppers, olives, capers, potatoes and shallots (54-74 NIS).
It is clear that there is Ziti (photo by Noam Frisman)
For the opening you can order a plate of Italian sausages, gherkins and mustard; Arancini, caprese salad and more, and of course focaccia with olive oil, garlic confit and olives (NIS 22-58). And watch for the millionth time the exploits of the craziest, most dangerous and funny family west of Manhattan.
Zufa Americano, Ibn Gvirol 138 Tel Aviv, 03-6020291, Sunday-Thursday 18: 00-22: 00, Sunday (17.7) until the end of August