More than 350 people turned out for the event, which was staged at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and featured community leaders and elected officials serving as celebrity waiters. In addition, local restaurateur Steve Martorano was recognized for his culinary excellence.
"We changed the recipe for this year's event, and we were thrilled with the results," said Joy Satterlee, the center's executive director. "Everyone present thoroughly enjoyed themselves while raising funds for the center's education, visual and performing arts programs."
Celebrity waiters included Hollywood city commissioners Patricia Asseff, Dick Blattner, Fran Russo, Beam Furr and Linda Sherwood, Vice Mayor Heidi O'Sheehan and Mayor Peter Bober, Broward School Board members Robin Bartleman and Ann Murray and Chairwoman Jennifer Gottlieb, Memorial Healthcare System's John Benz, AutoNation's Gale Butler, Bitner Goodman partner Michael Goodman, County Commissioner Sue Gunzburger, Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President Alan Koslow, Nova Southeastern University's Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences Dean Don Rosenblum, Funding Arts Broward! President Drazia Rubenstein, former Miami Dolphin and Russell Life Skills and Reading Foundation founder Twan Russell, and Winterfest President and CEO Lisa Scott-Founds. Event co-chairs were Jules Meyer, Susan Renneisen and Anna Smith.
The event kicked off with wine and vodka cocktails, beer and meatballs. The reception was followed by a sit-down dinner, a silent auction and a raffle.
The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood presents contemporary gallery exhibitions, live stage performances and education programs for adults and children.
To learn more, call 954-921-3274 / http://www.artandculturecenter.org.
Steve Martorano certainly upped the stakes with his new venture at Seminole Paradise, and the lavish 378-seat restaurant is already looking like a winner.
The sprawling setting near Hollywood has the same mobster film clips, sparkling disco ball and late-night party scene that helped elevate the South Philly native to celebrity magnet, but on a much bigger scale.
The place is more than twice the size of Café Martorano, which opened 17 years ago in a Fort Lauderdale strip mall and spawned a Las Vegas version in 2007.
The Seminole site has 32 plasma TVs (the sound is off most of the time), a DJ booth with state-of-the-art equipment (Martorano's son, Joey, often takes over the spinning) and a gleaming open kitchen with 42 burners. There's a cook whose sole job is to boil pasta -- to order -- all night.
Dining here is fun, vibrant and not for everyone. Come before 8 p.m. for a fairly quiet meal (it's much easier to get a table during the summer) or join the younger, late-night crowd for the good times.
You're most likely to find the big guy himself at his ``baby,'' the cozier Fort Lauderdale café, where he cooks (the menu is more extensive), spins tunes and schmoozes with celebs like the former Sopranos cast and sports stars Jason Taylor and Shaq.
Martorano's tough-guy persona (he's actually charming) and superb cooking have landed him an agent, an autobiography with recipes (Yo Cuz It Ain't Sauce, It's Gravy, due out in September) and a deal for Steve Martorano's Italian Village, a restaurant-lounge with a limited menu expected to open in South Beach this year.
Despite the hype, homey Italian-American comfort food is still the star of Martorano's show. He prides himself on using the wonderful recipes he learned from his mama and top-notch ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, Sicilian olive oil and house-made pasta.
Martorano is the meatball king. His light, seven-ounce fried meatballs -- with ground pork, veal and beef -- are heavenly, served with a soul-satisfying pork- and beef-enriched ``gravy'' and a mound of salad. A bite of those vinegar-dressed greens enhances the experience.
As a Philly native, I'm generally disappointed by cheese steaks outside the city of Brotherly Love, but Martorano does a killer version. He stacks American cheese (I'm happy to forgo the Cheese Whiz), tender pieces of rib-eye and caramelized onions on a toasty hoagie roll and serves the sandwich with irresistible truffle-flavored, Parmesan fries.
Martorano makes his own silky mozzarella as a starter -- try it with his salty, thinly sliced prosciutto.
If available, go for plump mussels in an exquisite red sauce, the brininess of the sea mingled with the heady aromas of garlic and basil. We sopped it up with slices of Italian bread, sipped the rest with a spoon and nearly licked the bowl.
Food is served hot, when it's ready. It's wise to eat family style so you can share the parade of generous plates whisked to your table by a young, capable staff. Rigatoni and superbly tender Sunday-style pork gravy is outstanding. Martorano lets the delicate, sweet flavors of lobster and shrimp carry a seafood linguine special. Halibut is juicy and perfectly cooked, served with a lovely risotto studded with peas.
Our only real disappointment was a New York strip special. It was well-prepared but didn't wow us at $69, especially when there were so many other terrific dishes.
For dessert, linger over luscious house-made waffles or a brownie topped with fudge sauce, both served with vanilla ice cream. Like most of the dishes at Martorano's, these are a taste of home -- wherever home may be.
Place: Martorano's
Address: Seminole Paradise, 1 Seminole Way (off U.S. 441 north of Stirling Road), near Hollywood.
Rating: * * * ∏ (Excellent)
Contact: 954-584-4450 www.cafemartorano.com
Hours: 5:30-11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday, 5:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday (bar open to 2 a.m.)
Prices: Mozzarella bar $16-$18, pizza $16-$18, salads and starters $14-$23; entrees $25-$42, desserts $12
FYI: Reservations for four or more accepted online. Full bar; corkage $45 (only wines not on their list). Free parking garage. AX, DS, MC, VS.
NFL All-Pro Jason Taylor, the 2007 NFL Man of the Year, and his wife, Katina, hosted the seventh annual Jason Taylor Celebrity Golf Classic Presented by BankAtlantic at Martorano's Italian-American Kitchen at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel. Proceeds from the event benefitted the Jason Taylor Foundation, Holtz Children's Hospital and Take Stock in Children.
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Check Out Mike Sorrentino at the Grand Opening
March 27, 2010
NFL All-Pro Jason Taylor, the 2007 NFL Man of the Year, and his wife, Katina, hosted the seventh annual Jason Taylor Celebrity Golf Classic Presented by BankAtlantic at Martorano's Italian-American Kitchen at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel. Proceeds from the event benefitted the Jason Taylor Foundation, Holtz Children's Hospital and Take Stock in Children.
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Check Out Kelly Bensimon at the Grand Opening
March 27, 2010
NFL All-Pro Jason Taylor, the 2007 NFL Man of the Year, and his wife, Katina, hosted the seventh annual Jason Taylor Celebrity Golf Classic Presented by BankAtlantic at Martorano's Italian-American Kitchen at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel. Proceeds from the event benefitted the Jason Taylor Foundation, Holtz Children's Hospital and Take Stock in Children.
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Steve Martorano Brings South Philly Signature Italian Flavor to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with Martorano’s Set to Open February.
March 27, 2010
NHOLLYWOOD, FLA. – Restaurateur Steve Martorano is bringing his signature Philadelphia-inspired Italian flavor and flair to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino this February (date) with the opening of Martorano’s.
Martorano’s is designed as a dining experience where guests can expect a friendly, atmosphere accented with, classic movies and more. The 7,400-square-foot restaurant, located in the former Jazziz space, will have inside and outside seating for approximately 300.
Martorano's restaurant coming to Seminole Hard Rock
January 8, 2010
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is about to up the ante. This time, foodies – not gamblers – will be the winners.
Steve Martorano – one of Fort Lauderdale's most original restaurateurs - will open his second Broward County restaurant just in time for next month's Super Bowl within the reservation's entertainment and shopping area known as Seminole Paradise.
Called Martorano's, the 7,400-square-foot eatery will open in the old Jazziz Bistro space with 300 seats inside and out.
"The Hard Rock is all about entertainment," Martorano says. "But everyone looks at liquor. We're looking at the food part besides the liquor."
Martorano’s Masters Meatball- Eating Championship: Joey Chestnut Chokes Down 50 to capture Victory at Martorano Meatball Championship
Martorano's restaurant coming to Seminole Hard Rock
November 10, 2009
It was a balls-to-balls battle, with Joey "Jaws" Chestnut squeezing out a victory over Pat "Deep Dish" Berletti at Sunday night's Masters Meatball Eating Championship in Las Vegas. The competitive-eating marathon was sanctioned by Major League Eating and hosted by Broward restaurateur Steve Martorano, the tattooed hulk we recently profile
November 11, 2009
When did pie-eating contests go from backyard activity to competitive sport? These days there are eating contests for just about anything: birthday cake, steaks, oysters you name it. When Steve Martorano, owner of Martorano’s restaurant at the Rio, stopped to think about all the things that could be eaten en masse, he got an idea.
“I was debating whether to have a cheese steak eating contest or a meatball eating contest,” Martorano explained. “We’re really known for our meatballs, though. Gourmet magazine said we have the best meatballs in the world in 2007.”
This seed sparked the idea for the first ever Martorano’s Masters Meatball Eating Championship. The event, sanctioned by Major League Eating, was the first of its kind, because it required participants to use a fork rather than their hands to shovel the food into their faces. This greatly altered the eating technique, but the sanctioning body felt it was necessary to give proper respect to the restaurant’s famous meatball recipe.
November 10, 2009
On Sunday, November 8th, a host of top-ranked Major League Eaters, including #1-ranked Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, will meet at Martorano’s inside Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino for the first-ever Martorano’s Masters Meatball Eating Championship. The winner will be distinguished as a world meatball-eating champion and take home the lion’s share of a $3,000 total cash purse.
November 10, 2009
LAS VEGAS — Joey Chestnut maintained his dominance in the sport of competitive eating — and expanded his palate — by winning the first-ever Martorano's Masters Meatball Eating Championship in Las Vegas. Chestnut on Sunday gobbled 50 meatballs in 10 minutes at the Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino. The 6.25 pounds was a new world record and earned him the first-place prize of $1,500.
November 10, 2009
LAS VEGAS -- Joey Chestnut maintained his dominance in the sport of competitive eating -- and expanded his palate -- by winning the first-ever Martorano's Masters Meatball Eating Championship in Las Vegas.
Chestnut on Sunday gobbled 50 meatballs in 10 minutes at the Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino.
The 6.25 pounds was a new world record and earned him the first-place prize of $1,500.
November 8, 2009
Some of the biggest names in competitive eating are in the valley this weekend for a mouth-watering competition.
Rich "The Locust" Lefevre along with Steve Martorano from Martorano's Italian Restaurant are here to talk about the competition.
Martorano on the move
Chef and Philly native Steve Martorano expands his culinary empire.
By Adam Erace
November 4, 2009
Just off A1A on Florida’s Atlantic coast, you’ll find a slice of home tucked into an unassuming shopping center. The writing on the front door at Café Martorano says it all: south philly italian-american cooking.
Mention Café Martorano to those who’ve been there and you’ll be met
with sly smiles, wistful sighs and outlandish tales of three-hour waits,
epic meatballs and an ill-advised attempt to beat down a flaming bread
basket. Not that that ever happened to me...
Years ago, a chef I was working for tipped me off about Café
Martorano. He pulled me aside and whispered the address, secretively,
like he was telling me where to score drugs. What I didn’t know yet was
that Martorano’s lemony lobster Francese and lush yolk-covered bucatini
carbonara were just as addictive.
“There are about 18 places trying to do what I’m doing,” says chef
and owner Steve Martorano via cell phone, after a stint on Jimmy
Kimmel Live that became a six-day stay, cooking for Kimmel in LA.
“But they still can’t copy us.”
COUNTER INTELLIGENCE: MEATBALLS, TRUFFLES, DAN MARINO, JOSETTE’S BISTRO
November 4, 2009
Hot off the grill! It’s Steve Martorano’s first-ever Master’s Meatball Eating Championships, and top-ranked, major league eaters will meet at the star-studded Italian restaurant in The Rio on Sunday for a high-noon showdown. The contestants include No. 1-ranked Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, who wants the distinguished title of world meatball-eating champion and the lion’s share of a $3,000 cash purse.
MAJOR LEAGUE EATERS FACE OFF AT RIO IN LAS VEGAS AT
MARTORANO’S MASTERS MEATBALL-EATING CHAMPIONSHIP
#1-ranked Joey Chestnut to Compete; Utensils-Only Affair will Showcase Martorano’s Famous Meatballs
On Sunday, November 8th, a host of top-ranked Major League Eaters, including #1-ranked Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, will meet at Martorano’s inside Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino for the first-ever Martorano’s Masters Meatball Eating Championship. The winner will be distinguished as a world meatball-eating champion and take home the lion’s share of a $3,000 total cash purse.
Chestnut has won the last three July 4th hot dog eating contests and secured dozens of other Major League Eating contests including funnel cake, ribs and kolaches. Martorano’s Masters, however, will be Chestnut’s first competition since falling to Takeru Kobayashi in the world hamburger eating championship this past September. Chestnut will face stiff competition as the Martorano’s Masters will feature one of the most competitive fields on the MLE Circuit including the return of Rich “The Locust” LeFevre.
LeFevre, the 65-year old MLE legend and Henderson resident, will be coming out of retirement in hopes of claiming the inaugural Martorano’s Masters title. LeFevre is a veteran of the sport with world records in many disciplines including Spam, chili and huevos rancheros. News of LeFevre’s return has rocked the Major League Eating world.
“Many believed we would never see LeFevre at the competition table again,” said George Shea, Chairman of Major League Eating, “but I am told that he is too familiar with the succulent Martorano’s meatballs to witness someone win the title on his home turf.”
Other top contenders include rookie upstart Ben Monson and #3-ranked Bob Shoudt, who has been dubbed the “Victorious B.O.B.” after a string for four consecutive Major League Eating victories in September including burritos, grits and chili spaghetti.
The 10-minute contest will feature Martorano’s world famous meatballs prepared by chef/owner Steve Martorano. In an effort to fully honor and respect Martorano’s meatballs, competitors must use utensils during the contest, a stipulation that will further test the skill of the eating professionals.
"I am very excited to host the Martorano's Masters Meatball Eating Championship at my restaurant in Las Vegas," said Steve Martorano. "The competitors will be eating one of the world's best meatballs so they might even slow down to enjoy the taste."
The MLE-sanctioned contest will take place at 12:00 noon and the public is invited to attend.
About Martorano’s
Martorano's features traditional Italian-American cooking developed exclusively by resident owner/cook/DJ Steve Martorano. With locations in Fort Lauderdale, FL and the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, the top Zagat rated restaurant offers a unique atmosphere that combines exceptional food with extraordinary music.
About The Rio
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino is a Harrah's Entertainment resort offering guests a unique all-suite hotel experience. Complete with 2,520 all-suite hotel rooms, the property overlooks the famous Las Vegas Strip, one block west on Flamingo Road. The resort features a variety of entertainment including headliners Penn & Teller, the world-famous Chippendales and the Show in the Sky. Rio is home to a diverse array of dining and nightlife experiences including, the famous Voodoo Lounge, Martorano's, McFadden's, iBar and a full-service spa and salon.
About Major League Eating
Major League Eating (MLE), the world governing body of all stomach-centric sports, conducts more than 80 events annually, including the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, N.Y. Current MLE initiatives include MLE: The Game, now available on Nintendo Wii, and the newly formed ‘MLE Asia.’ Since last Thanksgiving, MLE has raised over $45,000.00 for hunger related charities such as Second Harvest and the Food Bank for New York City. The competitive eating community, which numbers more than 8,000 veteran and rookie athletes, travels the nation in search of top titles and the glory that they provide.
WHERE: Café Martorano
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino
3700 W. Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV
WHEN: Sunday, November 8th
TIME: 12:00 pm
COST: FREE
Muddah knows best at Meatball Madness
October 12, 2009
The competition was fierce at Sunday night's "Meatball Madness," the blowout party for the New York City Wine & Food Festival. In the end, judges Frank Bruni, Gail Simmons and Jeffrey Steingarten awarded a $5,000 check from Pat La Frieda to Andrew Carmellini of Locanda Verde for his lamb meatball sliders, which beat out about 30 other competitors.
If you love meatballs, you are in for a real treat, as YOLO will host the ultimate meatball showdown in Fort Lauderdale, bringing together some of the top restaurants of South Florida to show off their culinary talents for the Meatballs, Martinis and Madness fundraiser on Thursday, October 15. A little friendly competition will definitely liven up the evening, and I love being able to taste the work of many chefs in one evening, but I really don’t think you can have this competition without the famous meatballs of Steve Martorano.
Steve Martorano book is scheduled to hit the shelf’s January 2010. Yo Cuz It Ain’t Sauce, It’s Gravy is about Steve Martorano's life growing up in South Philly; everything from music, wiseguys, food, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas along with his famous recipes.
Carmello Anthony at Café Martorano
July 10, 2009
On Saturday Night at Cafe Martorano NBA All-Star Carmello Anthony danced the night away. Carmello ate meatballs with salad, chicken wings, sea bass, and lobster francaise. At the next table enjoying the food and music of DJ Joey Martorano was 2009 superbowl champions with the Pittsburgh Steelers was Bryant McFadden now with Arizona Cardinals and James Farrior---They had meatballs with salad, shrimp scampi, rigatoni and pork, lobster francaise, and chicken parm.
Discovering Cafe Martorano on the eve of its 16th birthday
July 10, 2009
As I write these words, I imagine there are readers who are already getting their ire up. What is it about Cafe Martorano that ignites such angry reaction? Each time I post a Cafe Martorano celebrity sighting, I can count on a handful of nasty comments. And the same number of comments from people who love this place.
So at last I decided to dine at what I now believe is Fort Lauderdale’s most important restaurant. Pardon me for being so late to the party.
Cafe Martorano is important because Steve Martorano invented a way of dining that has since been copied across the country. You come here to eat, to party, to dance, to drink. It's truly a night out, but a night centered around very good food.
Last night at Cafe Martorano's the Sugar Hill Gang grabbed the microphone and sang Rappers Delight. Apache. There were their songs. They also sang White Lines by Grand Master Flash. I Get Around and How Do You Want It by 2Pac. Hypnotize and Mo Money Mo Problems by Biggie. They ate cheesesteaks ,meatballs, fried mozzarella, shrimp scampi, bucatini carbonara, chicken on the bone, veal sinatra and dessert.
Martorano's: a hit with celebrities and 'Gourmet'
June 12, 2009
When Gourmet speculates that a restaurant "may just make the best meatball in the world" — as the magazine did about Martorano's All-Suite Hotel & Casino, you know you've arrived.
And it's been a long, long road for owner/chef Steve Martorano, who serves
some of the best cuisine outside of South Philadelphia. The hard-bodied and heavily tatooed Martorano began by making and delivering sandwiches out of his mother's South Philly basement. Martorano developed his signature “Martorano flavor” while becoming one of the hottest fixtures on the South Florida culinary and club scene. Singers as diverse as Tony Bennett and Ludacris — among other celebrities — stop off at Martorano's.
Café Martorano named the Best Restaurant in Broward by the Broward-Palm Beach New Times
June 12, 2009
Movie pitch: Based on a true story. In a tropical American city long known as party central for spring breakers, the population begins to suffer disturbing nightmares. As neighbors compare notes, they're stunned to learn that their midnight visions are identical — they dream they're chasing a gigantic meatball along Oakland Park Boulevard. As days pass, the citizens are overcome with inexplicable cravings: for South Philly-style cheese steaks; for spaghettini with clams, pancetta and chilies; for chicken cutlets with hot and sweet peppers; for spicy chicken wings with upscale macaroni and cheese.
Ludacris’ Straits completes first year.Restaurant ownership evolves into a passion for recording artist.
Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges has accomplished something few of his music contemporaries have: He’s a successful restaurateur, with an upscale eatery in Midtown. Straits, which serves Singaporean cuisine with must-have menu items such as the kung pao chicken lollipops, celebrated its first anniversary in style last Friday, when the Grammy Award-winning rapper honored actress Jane Fonda and Mayor Shirley Franklin at an open-to-the public gala.
A New Times feature: Café Martorano, Broward's Most Successful Restaurant, Goes Global
April 14, 2009
Steve Martorano's heroes are tattooed across his six-foot, 240-pound frame. Frank Sinatra looks out from under his trademark fedora on one shoulder; on the other, the title of an Intruders song reads "I'll Always Love My Mama." Most of Martorano's right calf is taken up with the image of Padre Pio, the modern-day saint who bled from his hands and heart for 50 years — until death finally put an end to his public suffering. Only Martorano's left calf is ink-free: A mean pink scar where surgeons stole a vein for a triple bypass last year runs seven inches below his knee.
Celebrity chefs’ menus reflect spring and tough economic times
March 19, 2009
The Las Vegas dining scene has some new looks as our group of the world’s best chefs set dining trends. We’ve got three of the top menu changes as spring brings new vegetables into play and chefs combat the global economic slowdown with price challenges and changes.
Ludacris has become a bit of a regular at Fort Lauderdale's Cafe Martorano.
On Saturday night, he and Bernard Hopkins, former middle weight world boxing champion, ate Philly cheese steaks, meatball and salad, chicken wings, macaroni and cheese, fried mozzarella and rigatoni...
Grazie - Martorano’s Celebrates Second Successful Year In Las Vegas At The Rio
March 3, 2009
Fresh ingredients combined with a unique welcome-to-the-family vibe make Martorano’s an exceptional place for Italian dining.
Long known for some of the best South Philly Italian cuisine outside of his grandma’s house, Steve Martorano isn’t like most chefs or restaurant owners. A self-taught Italian cook from the neighborhood, Martorano has been entertaining diners with his unique blend of exceptional food, music and film for more than 15 years at his top Zagat-rated Ft. Lauderdale restaurant. The month of February marks two years at his Las Vegas location in the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. In celebration of the anniversary, Martorano is proud to announce a revamped menu that reflects the Italian cook’s evolving love of food.
Cafe Martorano chef/owner Steve Martorano cooked at Hard Rock's Chef Table for 35 people last weekend, including boxer Angelo Dundee, former Sopranos star Joe Gannascoli, The E Street Band's Clarence Clemons, former Heat player Eddie Jones and former footballer Cornelius Bennett. Read the entire Miami Herald article...
Star: Are they Normal on Not?
February 15, 2009
When Jamie Foxx stopped by Fort Lauderdale's Cafe Martorano with a party of nine on Feb. 15, he couldn't resist slipping into the kitchen to help chef Steve Martorano cook up and order of the restaurant's signiture meatballs! See this months issue...
A -List Comfort Food on Fox 5 News
February 25, 2009
Steve discusses what comprises the best comfort food for A-list celebrities. marsala.
Martorano's...It ain't just meatballs..simmering for TWO Years! It is all in the gravy...sunday gravy that is and that is just part of a fabulous dining experience! "That’s what makes the meatball"...
Valderrama grabbed the mic like Jamie Foxx, who, incidentally was having dinner up in Fort Lauderdale at Cafe Martorano, as restaurant guests got in on the action. Call it what you will, but we say it's a major upgrade from when ...
You either love a guy like Steve Martorano or you don't. But you've got to make up your mind, because Martorano is everywhere. There's no escaping his pug-faced mug. It's plastered on the jars of his signature spaghetti sauce. He's all over YouTube, including a rap video extolling his eggplant stack and his friendship with Shaq. You'll find it in a hundred celeb photos: Martorano posed with Natalie Cole, Tom Jones, Dan Marino, Matt Damon, Babyface, Dwyane Wade, Vincent Pastore, Ludacris, Tom Cruise. Here he is on TV, teaching Jimmy Kimmel how to cook "the best meatballs in the world." And now he's got himself an agent and a Las Vegas restaurant that opened last year and maybe a cookbook and an MTV food show in the works. You can bet we're going to see a lot more of him...
You either love a guy like Steve Martorano or you don't. But you've got to make up your mind, because Martorano is everywhere. There's no escaping his pug-faced mug. It's plastered on the jars of his signature spaghetti sauce. He's all over YouTube, including a rap video extolling his eggplant stack and his friendship with Shaq. You'll find it in a hundred celeb photos: Martorano posed with Natalie Cole, Tom Jones, Dan Marino, Matt Damon, Babyface, Dwyane Wade, Vincent Pastore, Ludacris, Tom Cruise. Here he is on TV, teaching Jimmy Kimmel how to cook "the best meatballs in the world." And now he's got himself an agent and a Las Vegas restaurant that opened last year and maybe a cookbook and an MTV food show in the works. You can bet we're going to see a lot more of him...
Ice-T and wife Coco were at Cafe Martorano at the Rio on Sunday for dinner with a couple of friends before making their way to XS at Encore later in the night. So, we have Ice-T and Flavor Flav out on the town in the same weekend. What’s going on here? Is the VH1 Hip-Hop Honors going down and we just didn’t hear about it? Is someone gathering seminal hip-hop artists in one spot to try to contact the ghost of Eazy-E? Can anyone account for DJ Yella’s whereabouts right now? All we know is if Rakim shows up at a club and the S1Ws are spotted hanging around the Bellagio lobby, we’ll know something is up.
THAT after chef Steve Martorano, of Cafe Martorano in Fort Lauderdale, taught Jimmy Kimmel how to make meatballs on Kimmel's ABC show last week, Kimmel asked him to stay in Los Angeles for two extra days so he could cook for him and 20 friends who come over to watch football on Sunday...
Steve Martorano on Jimmy Kimmel Live Dec. 17th, 2008!
December 16, 2008
Steve Martorano, chef and mastermind behind Café Martorano in Fort Lauderdale and Las Vegas, will make his first late night talk show appearance on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday. Martorano will be part of a holiday cooking segment doing Italian-American recipes, including his famous, fabulous meatballs. Meanwhile, in his restaurant on Wednesday night: Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union and Ludacris.
SOUTH PHILLY native chef Steve Martorano, not to be confused with the former 610-WIP host, will cook meatballs, braciole and more Italian specialties on Wednesday night's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on ABC. Martorano owns and operates Cafe Martorano locations in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas.
By Dan Gross • Philadelphia Daily News
Café Martarano Celebrates 15 Years In Business
Dec 12, 2008
Every night is a busy night at Café Martarano, Fort Lauderdale's top-rated Italian eatery celebrating 15 years in business.
The atmosphere is all about the best in home-cooked, freshly-made Italian food, along with music that makes you move and movies you know and love.
Owner Steve Martarano is the face, cook and character behind his hot spot; he credits three staples to his success. "Quality, consistency and hard work," he told CBS4's Lisa Petrillo. "I've been in this joint 15 years, day in and day out, and I can be home watching TV. But I worry about everyone who comes in here. I still care."
DJ Khaled celebrated his birthday Thanksgiving Eve at Cafe Martorano in Fort Lauderdale with friends Fat Joe and Cool & Dre. The hip hop artists dined on Chef Steve Martorano’s meatballs and Philly cheese steak sandwiches and a variety of other Cafe Martorano classics. The chef, by the way, is scheduled to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live Wednesday, Dec. 17. He’s going to be ready to demonstrate shrimp scampi, spaghettini with clams and bucatini carbonara.
The Friday after Thanksgiving, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez was at one table and Newark, N.J. mayor Cory Booker was at another at Gotham Steak at the Fontainebleau Resort.
February 16, 2009
