I’ve been to Penn Hills many times but apparantly I haven’t seen the best parts – until today. Thanks to Fred Vaccarelli for introducing me to Pasqualino’s Restaurant on Frankstown Road where the soups are better than home made and for guiding the way to Leonard Labrila’s store just a few hundred yards down the same road. That store is AMAZING with one of the largest selections of DiCecco pasta I have ever seen and the greatest variety of canned tomatoes, olive oils and other Italian food specialties this side of the Strip District. But the star of the show out there is Elvira Palumbo how hand makes the crispiest, and yet most tender pizzelles you’ve ever eaten. They taste home made because they are! She’s right there in the store with her little griddles turning them out two at a time. But she is a machine! She stopped long enough to give me a sample and a smile. I don’t know which was sweeter.
I worked at Labriola’s in Penn Hills in the 70′s and 80′s – my first job. I worked the deli counter. My parents still live in Penn Hills and go there all the time. I just moved to North Hills and they just opened a store in Cranberry. Can’t wait to go shopping there soon!
Hi Maria, Thanks for your memories. I still have fond remembrances of all the stores I went to as a child. But then again, I remember everything I ever ate! One of these days I’m going to organize a bus trip back to my old neighborhood in Brooklyn. Everyone can bring coolers and we’ll just load up and ride the bus back.
Chris
I love Labriola’s in Fox Chapel. I always buy some fresh homemade sausage and Italian rolls, jarred roasted bell peppers, and Theresa’s outstanding anise biscotti. You have to grab those when you see them…that flavor always sells out first! I’d love to work in their shipping department and bring customers around the USA a taste of Pittsburgh’s finest!
Frank Pasquillino was just in the station today for a visit. I’ve got to get out that way for one of his fabulous sandwiches and a visit to LaBriola in Penn hills.