The closure of La Parma in Williston Park left a void in the local Italian dining scene, and Acasa aims to fill it. With a focus on family-style dining, the restaurant's new owners, Maurizio Venditelli, Peter Oppedisano, and Amanda Cestaro, have set out to reinvent the concept, offering a fresh and modern twist on traditional Italian cuisine. The name Acasa, meaning 'at home' in Italian, reflects the restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with plush booths, comfortable chairs, and well-spaced tables.
At the heart of Acasa's menu is Chef John Di Lemme, who brings his expertise from Mangia Bene to create a menu that elevates the family-style dining experience. Di Lemme's attention to detail is evident in his use of homemade stocks, high-quality wines, and freshly extruded pasta. The menu features a variety of pasta dishes, including stuffed mushrooms with chestnuts and sausage, arancini bound with Amatriciana sauce, and pasta al forno, a hearty casserole filled with mini ziti, sausage ragu, meatballs, mozzarella, and hard-boiled eggs. The queen of the pastas, as Di Lemme calls it, is expected to be a popular choice among patrons.
Acasa also offers a range of mains, from Parms and Marsalas to zuppa di pesce and shrimp Luciano. The menu caters to various dietary preferences, including a 40-ounce tomahawk steak for those who prefer a more substantial family-style entree. For those seeking a lighter option, individual servings of salmon oreganata are available.
The restaurant's dessert menu is equally impressive, featuring a 9-inch family-style tiramisu and a collaboration with Gelateria dei Coltelli, resulting in a unique tartufo made with pistachio and Amarena cherry gelato enrobed in fine dark chocolate. Acasa's wine list, curated by group beverage director Jade Lorenalti, offers a selection of mass-market crowd pleasers and less well-known, high-quality options, including magnums of Montepluciano d'Abruzzo and Napa Caymus.
In summary, Acasa promises to bring a fresh and modern take on family-style Italian dining to Williston Park. With its focus on high-quality ingredients, attentive service, and a warm atmosphere, the restaurant is poised to become a new favorite among locals and visitors alike. As Erica Marcus, a passionate but skeptical omnivore, notes, Acasa's menu and ambiance offer a delightful blend of tradition and innovation, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts on Long Island.
