Friends and customers of
Anna Maria's Restaurant in Larchmont turned out in full-force on Monday evening, August 15, to honor founder and chef Anna Maria Santorelli and to help her celebrate a milestone—her restaurant's fifth anniversary.
During her career, she was in charge of the kitchen at Gracie Mansion for mayors David Dinkins, Rudolph Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg. She also fed many celebrities during her 13 years as chef for the New York City mayors. Autographed photos taken at various stages of her career are mounted on the restaurant's walls.
After leaving Gracie Mansion, she joined the Donald Trump organization as chef for Trump Grill in the Trump Tower; one of her tasks was overseeing food preparation for the staff and participants of the opening program of
The Apprentice television series in 2004.
While her Larchmont restaurant was still in the planning stage in 2006, the George W. Bush White House, seeking a chef, inquired about her availability. She was tempted but her heart was set on having her own place.
Notables that she cooked for when at Gracie Mansion include actors Harrison Ford, Danny DeVito and Woody Harrelson; songstress/actress Barbra Streisand; actor/comedian Billy Crystal; operatic tenors Andrea Bocelli, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti; film director Francis Ford Coppola; ex-president Bill Clinton and John Kennedy, Jr.
Santorelli is also a Food Network television celebrity chef.
Freddie Lando and Angelina Mendes entertained at the party with songs made famous by Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli and other music legends.
Anna Maria's is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday, and for lunch Wednesday through Sunday. It is closed on Monday. Anna Maria's Restaurant, 18 Chatsworth Ave., Larchmont, NY, (914) 833-0555.
