How America’s Abundance Gave Way To Italian American Cuisine | Close To Home

You’ve heard of spaghetti and meatballs and fettuccine alfredo, but have you ever wondered how those dishes came to be? In this episode of Close To Home, Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast sits down with Emilio and Josephine Polito of Tony’s Beechhurst Deli to talk about the evolution of Italian American food and how Italian immigrants adapted their Old-World recipes to include New-World ingredients and cultural values.
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[@bvanry]

I think Michelle is a fantastic host! She puts the guests at ease and creates a comfortable dynamic for them to really share how they feel about their work and what they have going on.

[@DasKommandoTV]

I wanted to comment the same. Now I don't need to. Great host!

[@MemoryLaneCinema]

hostess

[@JoeBlow_4]

wrong. she talks about cultural appropriation and fusion in food like it's some sort of bad thing. she is forever freaking out about other cultures influencing "real" food. she's a food snob. her episode on Korean food was a total turn off. It was brutal to watch. Maangchi had to redirect her over and over to stop being such a dick. she's mixed race too which is why it's so disconcerting.

[@BigSCTVfan]

Tattoos suck, though.

[@keely_cn8924]

Her questions get a little repetitive though.

[@caterinanasini8346]

Comes for a simple interview...goes home with 15kg of food. Yeah, sounds about right

[@TanukiSC]

That’s how you know you did it right!

[@cockatooinsunglasses7492]

As someone who has Italian neighbors and friends, that sounds just about Italian.

[@emalinel]

My goodness Michelle is a WONDERFUL interviewer. You could see the astonishment and nostalgia in her eyes when she was talking about going back to Korea and figuring out they made their own wine!

[@coyotefire69420]

I like the interviewer in this! Shes really articulate and helps pull the story along.

[@MarkMcAllister-ni9sf]

she's a gross pierced city slag covered in cartoons

[@kanedalo2822]

She's fine as af

[@EmVeeBeen]

I agree it's refreshing to hear a YT video presenter that doesn't say "like" after every 5 words.

[@chancejewson1516]

@@Kosmo999 so hilarious...

[@NOCAPCUTS]

Shout-out to all the hard working immigrants in providing us with fresh, delicious and historic food for us to enjoy and love!

[@forceoneX]

People not immigrants. THis country was built off than hands of people.

[@NOCAPCUTS]

@@forceoneX don't try and correct me, I meant immigrants you bitch

[@Xmasta420]

@@forceoneX the fuck you think immigrants are?

[@personanongrata80s]

@@NOCAPCUTS that's rich coming from someone name "Patel". Very genuine American name there, I forget from witch tribe? Reminds me again bruv?

[@Boomer-nb1wd]

They should enrich their own countries

[@iea96]

I remember the video they've done at this place a while back. Great to see them again.

[@personanongrata80s]

Define while back? Wanna know how long they're editing process

[@iea96]

@@personanongrata80s - I meant the other video they've made about this place 2 years ago. This one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rH20lpVugbysnpI

[@stevenw8538]

What an amazing family. I worked for them for a couple of years. I'm happy to see there getting the credit they deserve.

[@shellinger13]

Michelle is such an awesome interviewer!!! She is able to make a connections and brings out the best of Emilio and Josephine!!!

[@SkurtavusGrodolfus]

Old Italians are the most wholesome people on the planet. Big facts

[@sk33t_38]

ehhhh, kind of depends on who they were supporting during ww2. These people on the other hand are very sweet.

[@sk33t_38]

@@maxwerner5251 does the fact that people who supported Mussolini were bad make you mad or something?

[@67claudius]

@@sk33t_38 those who supported Mussolini are dead or a hundred years old.

[@giobs6319]

You can trust me about the fact that there are a lot of big old moron here in Italy who right know are actually saying things like "we want Mussolini back", or even worst "Mussolini did great things", like guys, trust me, the italian classic dude, guy, adult or elder, is actually pretty stupid and ignorant

[@giobs6319]

Max Werner the fact that obviously i don't know everything doesn't make those statement about Mussolini right, yeah you can say he did not do only bad stuff, but you can't say he did good, cmon, that is just stupid to say. By the way, my grandma who lived through the world war 2, would never say something like that, and still she admit that he did also good things, but that doesn't substitute the bad ones. Hope i've been transparent enough, my english is not so perfect.

[@wanderingheart13]

Yo, first off "Munchies" never stop making these kind of videos. This is seriously your best kind of content. The host is amazing, she is super charismatic and always seems to get along with whomever she is meeting with, and the people you get really seem to respond to her. I love these videos, they seem genuine, believable, and relatable. Nicely done!

[@alexdiogenes4768]

Wonderful host. Lovely couple. Fascinating topic. THIS is a series worth keeping.

[@b4k3dpot8to2]

Munchies, give this family their own damn show

[@moin6077]

No, don't. They're a good and happy family working together. Don't ruin it.

[@jimmysaladstench]

Or at least a five part series !

[@DavidSaintloth]

"wait a minute let me tell the true story ...okay? " , mamma is always the boss!

[@dhession64]

How lucky you all are to experience this, you the host and crew. Michelle was so professional until she got to the fresh mozz sampling, and then the box of leftovers given to her at the end. How very genuine her gratitude is. The crew is most fortunate as well. My stepmother is from Brooklyn, and of Italian heritage. She's such a sweetheart and so warm and loving. She and my father live in FL but you still hear the Brooklyn and Italian in her speech. It warms my heart whenever we get to talk. Ms. Zauner and crew, you are fortunate.

[@odadilucredheads3954]

The Politos are super welcoming and the vibe they give is just, heartwarming :,) Michelle you're doing amazing as always keep 'em coming!!!

[@mellobear1989]

"YOU MAKE YOUR OWN WINE???" cracked me up Because, as a fellow Italian American. Almost all of us make our own wine. Or we have family members that do. We also do a lot of jarring.

[@christianb5551]

Jess Talley oh yes with the jarring. My kitchen window sill is full of jarred tomatoes, peppers, etc. Can’t even see outside hahaha

[@Udontkno7]

Same with us French Americans Imao! That's cool :)

[@frogtownroad9104]

Being of some Italian descent, we didn’t make our own wine but that side of my family didn’t really like to drink, that could’ve been why.

[@justanotherchick5757]

Watching this video is like a little slice of home. I never realized how much being an American changed how my family's recipes have been made. I miss the atmosphere at Italian delis like this, the food, the warmth you're always greeted with, and the joy of being with everyone around the dinner table with food from these places.

[@rolo8966]

Kudos to the reporter for a very well done job. Very warm and informative, her questions and conversation really caught the spirit of this great couple's roots and traditions. Awesome piece!

[@melaniecarter8604]

"There are no restaurants. You wanna eat - You cook" i love it.

[@MennodR]

Love the host! Humble, funny and honestly interested in the people she interviews!

[@_SHR00MY_]

AND ONE HELL OF A PERFORMER

[@Rocioslane]

I love watching this family - glad you brought em back

[@Rocioslane]

@Haya Hmm I don't think so, but they've been on here before a couple of years back

[@probablyaparent]

@Haya search "Munchies Tony's Deli" and it should come up.

[@rkmugen]

6:46 *"YOU MAKE YOUR OWN WINE!?!?!"* O_O I love this interview! It just shows that if you really want something, and you really want it done right, you've gotta make it for yourself! And on top of that, it is a perfect example of how holding onto traditions and working it into your way of life today, allows a your culture, your identity to live on by educating and inspiring others.

[@Ynimixer]

Love her face

[@chase9899]

This is such a great series. I look forward to these everyday

[@nitramkcirtap]

I love how you actually know history and food instead of just going there with/pretending to know nothing! Also saw this with your Korean food vid and loved it

[@dominickj.dilellojr.3093]

This deli in the middle of Whitestone, Queens used to be Mecurio's in the early to late 70's. Had GREAT products then also.

[@Estrellitawilliams]

DOMINICK DILELLO I LOVE that deli

[@kikkirow]

Stuff like this melts my heart and makes me smile. Bless these people.

[@Panster7]

Everything in this video is just absolutely lovely! The host, the guests, all the foods and the stories

[@sheilangumi-mbugua2173]

Such a wonderful warm generous couple. And the interviewer I felt was respectful and knowledgeable. I loved how much laughter there was.

[@jacobsquare4812]

I love all the work Michelle and the team are doing lately. All of these inside opinions and bits of info are things I've been curious about for a while.

[@JoeBlow_4]

she sucks. she's brutal to watch.

[@ctdemonet]

What a great episode! Thank you so much

[@jamesdooling4139]

There's nothing like being loved by an Italian. Conversely, God help you if you're ever hated by one!

[@sunnychun7105]

Can you guys add subtitles to this series? My English is pretty good but it's not my first language, and I have trouble with accents. I'm also a very visual person and need a visual anchor most of time when watching videos or else my A.D.D. will pull my focus away. I really want to watch all of the video, the host is a very interesting person, but I can't manage to finish it. I'm sure that I'm not the only Munchies subscriber who needs subtitles. Thank you for taking the time to read my comment! Have a nice day!

[@BrightAmbition]

I wanted subtitles too and I speak english. I'm visual oriented also...

[@sbakernyc5761]

try putting the captions on

[@maggieb9306]

The interviewer's voice sounds like Shailene Woodly

[@gambigambigambi]

They are one of the best drinking buddies I have ever had, hit home too cuz Im Spaniard so same cultural lineage. God bless Italians and viva Italia.

[@kobayashimaru65]

Great video and taught me many things I did not know about Italian cuisine and life. Thanks for the post!

[@theweirick]

The lady serving is the best! She won’t be happy until everyone is fed. How welcoming.

[@aaoa666]

Could be the best host you got on the show, adds just the right amount of character to stand out without drowning out anything else - great perspectives, interesting and engaging.. One of your best series.

[@ruggeropiazza2157]

Great video, definitely catched the spirit. Now you can understand why we are so into food: for us is a matter of love, kindness, sweet memories from childhood.

[@jdgonzo1982]

a lot of love on display here...gives me hope, thank you x

[@Timbo360]

ANOTHER Munchies with Michelle?! I am beyond delighted

[@golach420]

Lovely people. An aspiring Italian from Scozia!

[@waldwald7304]

Great to see them again. Great people with a big heart.

[@thetiredboy6607]

Glad to see this family again. Wish we could have seen their boys. Great family. Wonderful host.

[@eIegytothevoid]

love michelle doing this series shes the best!!

[@aparajitachaudhury8793]

What a lovely couple! Didn't feel like I am watching it, I just transported there. The conversation just flowed with such ease.

[@horizonanadyomene]

ok but when does she get her own food network show is what i wanna know. i would watch this series SO much

[@horizonanadyomene]

michelle is such a star on this earth omfg

[@Meepmeep888]

Michelle is so cool, I’ve always known her for her music but to see her so passionate and insightful in discussion about culture and food j makes me respect her even more

[@caseytrader7478]

Omg these 2 are so adorable!

[@neon471]

i love seeing michelle branch out!! brilliant musician, brilliant writer, and brilliant host.

[@mocapast]

Munchies always has great hosts and Michelle is probably one of the best I've seen.

[@thecolourtone]

Came here to say the same. Loved this episode, and she's a great host.

[@lorddread7]

Keep doing what you're doing. This is important stuff. Culture is the glue that binds our nation and our people.

[@jnels2007]

Michelle is an awesome interviewer!!! She’s so nice and it feels like she’s having a regular convo and not forced and awkward!

[@pieordi]

Good commentary, I liked your geographic description of her native city location in Italy

[@donna713]

I love this couple. Love the wife, she is so full of life and funnies.

[@Phobero]

I'd say Italian-American cuisine is a category on its own - spaghetti and meatballs are traditional to perhaps a bunch of villages in Puglia; chicken parm is not traditional anywhere here; Alfedo stuff started as a wholly different thing... It's like the US are our 21st region or something.

[@TRATTORE1225]

I’m from Puglia and Spaghetti and meatballs together it never existed, it’s an American thing nothing to do with Italy

[@mmps18]

Love the family, love the host, love the delicious topic! Planning a trip to go check this place out now.. :)

[@marypoppins123]

My first job was cooking italian food( when i was 15) awesome family and just awesome food, that i have passed down to my kids,

[@kathyerickson9402]

This place and these people have been featured in other videos and they always seem so lovely. They very much know and care about their customers. Shout out to Josephine, when she is holding "20...no, 21 pounds" of cheese curd like it weighs nothing...very impressive!

[@mangatakeshi]

I lost it when i saw them making their own mozzarella ! You have to master it to achieve a smooth texture at perfect temperature, it's freaking hard work, and I admire them for that !

[@himabimdimwim]

That was so wholesome!!! This made me happy.

[@thescarecrow.8581]

In our family food is love. There is nothing better and sitting at a table with your Nearest and Dearest enjoying the meal. I must admit I come from a family of feeders. We cook we eat we love.

[@cheungzane]

Great series!

[@cs4720]

Keep this series going

[@artee0]

fantastic series, authentic host, great content

[@The_Comedian556]

I didnt realise they did two videos of this deli. Love it.

[@BubbaBellin]

They exude so much joy and love

[@morgancallahan5813]

this was simply precious

[@dakotafisher8400]

Love this series!

[@yotaiji012]

I love this series!

[@alexiab3880]

Italian food is life

[@firstbiteburgers1021]

Who's hungry after watching this. 👍🏼😁🤗

[@landenkugler7906]

Shit I'm hungry for the interviewer!

[@tsocanuck]

italian generosity ....the italians have felt poverty that is why they are so giving now

[@lucianraphael9527]

Kilo Byte Italy was a poor country for most of its history, it’s poverty rate is still relatively high for Western European standards

[@tsocanuck]

@Kilo Byte why do you think ITALIANS immigrated to U.S because they had a better life in Italy ? I DON'T THINK SO

[@gnamorfra]

@Kilo Byte you're just plain ignorant

[@___Benedetto]

an a Second generation Italian American my grandfather moved for Sicily to America in 1956 technically he lived through both world wars it and came to America with the fifth grade education that’s so interesting to me.

[@evanc566]

Rest in Peace Mario, May Gods grace be extended to the family at this moment especially

[@thegourmetgrandadandfamily]

* I LOVE THIS CHANNEL* so much with its great videos>> big like 30 from me..

[@seamslatasha3598]

This place is actually on my bucket list of places to visit before I leave this mortal coil. Oh god that spaghetti and meatball plate alone would totally make the trip worth it.

[@Se2b11]

very happy to watch this show, michelle is a great host ^__^

[@vonlipi]

Great video!

[@12potatos]

If youre interested in the name of the girl, it’s Michelle Zauner, her artist name or band name is Japanese Breakfast!

[@of9727]

If I'm ever in near their restaurant then I'm gonna give them a visit based solely off of how generous and loving this couple treat their customers.

[@TJDASHDASH]

The couple were such a delight to watch.

[@v_alvonauta428]

"they come and pay the next day" that's the most southern italian thing i've ever heard, i live in a really small town in southern italy and that's a thing people often do here, some people find it "too good", they say "that's why things don't work properly"... but i find that a really sweet thing, i've travelled a lot even in italy itself and i can tell that not in every zone of the country they do that.

[@miffyjc]

I have read in Michelle's book that Korean is Italy of Asia, something about being in the peninsular and all. It is so familiar to me as a Korean person that the Italian lady gave so much food to Michelle to bring back home. It is such a Korean thing to do!

[@jungwhat]

"Come on, sit down." 😊What a warm and welcoming statement from Josephine.

[@christianterrill3503]

For sure need more of this host she is awesome

[@cherrellerichardson6284]

Great channel 👍

[@patriciamartin6756]

I love this. You have gained a fan

[@JR-hr8pk]

Nana says about the Zeppoli, "I made it this morning, early". So, like, b/c it was made "early", it was not REALLY cooking so it was no bother. What a wonderful attitude! Love it! Sort of like my Polish Aunt Lorraine (RIP) and her Mother (My Grandmother, RIP).

[@mattstirling7494]

Michelle is an absolutely brilliant host! Her experience in the industry is so clear when she talks to people in the industry, plus she's so warm and genuinely interested in the people she's talking to. Kudos!

[@robdor83]

I'm definitely paying this great family a visit next time I'm in NYC!

[@amirablue.b186]

this is beautiful I love it family oriented and and she even gives them the food even if they don't have money that's so nice and I miss home and Queens is the shit I love that family feel when you go in a restaurant and you feel welcome I love that they have that original Italian accent from home the Homeland wow I get so happy watching this

[@googlenutzer8768]

I want to be like them when I'm old!

[@talkingfights]

rly recommend munchies makes this a playlist? another close to home vid isn't popping up in my up next; often I'm watching all the tacos and I can use a handy playlist feature, I have taco vids lined up. rn though I have to look for more close to home videos, I don't wanna go through that effort when y'all already have fixed this problem lol

[@emiiimm7436]

Love the hosts personality she is everything

[@jungwhat]

This whole interview feels just like a warm conversation between new friends.

[@commentcopbadge6665]

Hey! They used a clip from the episode where the dude from The Pizza Show and his family were processing their yearly jars of tomatoes. 9:04

[@audrey1116]

This made me smile.

[@CplSpider]

Man I'm way late to this, but those two reminded me of my (Mexican) grandparents. No matter who you were or what time of day it was, you were being fed into a coma. If I ever have the chance I'm definitely going to their deli.

[@PSS521]

"we're like citibank we don't sleep" classic NYC joke.

[@acenanu121]

Love the Host! also the super sweet owners of the place!!