Rocky’s – A Bite of The Apple

Raise your hand if you know a New Yorker who thinks they’ve got it all figured out, particularly when it comes to food? Of course, I tease my Yankee friends, especially considering the fact that I am from Miami, which is essentially New York with better beaches. Oh and prettier ladies and NBA teams. But I digress.

I don’t think it a stretch to believe that when it comes to Italian food, you’re likely to get something special when the person doing the cooking is Italian and hails from the Tri-state area of New York, New Jersey or Connecticut. Italian culture is rich in that region. When you know where to find the great food? Fuhgettaboudit.

Bill Vissicchio is one of those guys. Moved to Savannah years ago in a management position with the McDonald’s Corporation. I first crossed paths with Bill back in the day at a fundraiser “Chef of the House Challenge” for the Ronald McDonald House at Memorial. My team against his. They cleaned my clock.  Those are things, however, we don’t speak of. Long time ago.

When Bill’s run with McDonald’s came to an end, I surely thought he’d leave town. He was a New York kinda guy, through and through. A couple of years later, however,  I heard he was still here. Living in Pooler. He was doing some catering here and there. There and here. Ultimately he wanted to open up his own Italian joint and dedicate it to his hometown of New York City.  Well, Long Island, but those are semantics.

Rocky’s of Savannah NY Italian Deli is now open in Sandfly. The early returns? Fuhgeddaboutit.

“I really like it here.” Bill says of his decision to stay in the area and open a sandwich shop. “The people are so nice. It’s just a great place to be.”

As you might imagine, the space pays homage to the unique culture of New York City. There are photos Bill had donated by dozens of friends framed on the walls. Memory lane for his beloved New York Mets as well as pictures reflecting life in the city. “We aren’t New York Style” the sign on the door proclaims. “We are New York!”

Bagels, breads, even his coffee cups sourced from New York. Bill tells me he spent months and a couple of trips to the City working on what products he would use in order to deliver as authentic an experience as he possibly can.

The list of 12-14 sandwiches written on the chalkboard all named after something iconic from The Big Apple. Ebbets Field, The Red Hook, Canal Street Station or The North Shore. Pastrami is being made daily “I’m having trouble keeping enough to last a full day.” he says. Roast Beef, same deal. All made in house and all selling out almost daily.

My go-to for a first visit? “The Vito Spatafore.” (picture above) Breaded chicken cutlet, Soppressata, Provolone, Roasted Red Peppers, Arugula and red wine vinaigrette on a hero. Yes, a hero. They are not subs, they are not hoagies. At Rocky’s, they are heros.

That sandwich was actually named for the popular character in “The Sopranos” who met his demise toward the series end shooting pool in Fort Lee, New Jersey. The recipe provided by the actor who played Vito,  Joseph Gannascoli. “I found out he was on Facebook, so I sent him a note asking him for an autographed photo for my new restaurant” Bill says. “20 minutes later he responded. He said he’d send me the photo but I had to add this sandwich to the menu and call it The Vito.” Done deal. The signed photo is hanging on the wall. Oh and by the way, it’s delicious. And quite large.

Breakfast and lunch is the main attraction at Rocky’s, although Bill does offer an extensive catering menu. Italian classics, of course. “The catering has really been picking up.” he says. “A lot faster than we thought it would.”

Must be good, don’t you think? Fuhgettaboutit.

Go see Bill. He’s a good fella.

You’ll find Rocky’s Savannah NY Italian Deli 7360 Skidaway at The Shops at Sandfly a few doors down from Tequila’s Town Mexican Restaurant. They are open 6 days a week until 5pm.

See you on TV,

Jesse

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