Adam Scott Actor

Located across the street next to White Plains and Eastchester Fish near the CVS is a small Italian shop, Mona Lisa, which focuses largely on the authenticity and quality. Mona Lisa has been around for 25 years, all thanks to Claudio Michienzi and his brother, Fausto.

Claudio Michienzi moved to America from southern Italy - Calabria, to be exact - in 1972. Claudio Michienzi food Pssion developed soon after moved to the United States and began working in a small shop, Mercury in Mount Vernon.

Mercury is no longer open, but was the driving force behind the ambitious Claudio Michienzi to open a delicatessen shop of their own. "I loved everything," he said. "I loved working with clients, and I especially loved the import of food from Italy. That was my passion."

Ironically, Claudio Michienzi has grown up around the culture of delicatessen. "My father was a carpenter in Italy. Was not in the food business at all," said Michienzi.

Brother Claudio Michienzi Faust joined his brother in the United States 20 years later, the two opened the shop. Sibling rivalry pests, even the closest of siblings, but not these two. "It's perfect," said Claudio Michienzi. "We work well together. It is argued occasionally, but rarely. So far, so good."

Mona Lisa offers a variety of specialty items you will not find in other stores, ranging from sausages to cheeses rare. So what is imported? "Everything is imported - from specialty cheeses to olive oils. This is number one. If you are importing, you have to be number one." Said Claudio Michienzi.

The deli also has a successful catering service. "We do a lot of things. We specialize in the restoration. We cater for school functions, PTA meetings, sporting events and a lot of graduations. A lot of graduation, "said Claudio Michienzi.

Another factor that pushes the Mona Lisa is still committed to exceptional quality. "Quality is what counts. Everything is homemade, everything is from scratch," said Claudio Michienzi, whose wife, Silvana, prepares all the food. "The way it cooks at home is the way cooks here. "

Obviously what makes the Mona Lisa are highlighted, but Claudio Michienzi can not compare your store to other markets. "I do not think that way. Just trying to be the best at everything," he said.

Some of the favorite store products are of Claudio Michienzi Parma Parmigiano and pecorino cheese, which come from various parts of Italy, including Sardinia, Tuscany and Calabria.

Claudio Michienzi has seen generations of local families pass through his store over the past 25 years. He said, however, that the area itself has not changed much. "Things do not look so different 25 years ago," he said - a reflection that attests to the longevity continues Mona Lisa and popularity among local customers.

Mona Lisa is at 829 White Plains Road and is open daily, Monday through Saturday, 8 am - 6 pm on Sundays, the shop is open from 8 am to 3 pm For more information, call (914) 723 to 3.493

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