“Gino’s Zebras Are Running Away…”

When the Indian restaurant went out of business in the narrow, deep space like so many other eateries did, I felt badly, almost teary, for the owners and my neighborhood.

Another empty store like an empty eye socket…because of Covid.

Well, I passed by here last week there is a sign announcing an Italian restaurant will be opening in the space. I’m elated!

A day or 2 later, I peeked in to see how they were progressing.

Then the shocker!

One wall of the new Italian eatery was covered in the Gino’s hallmark wallpaper.

Gino’s of Lexington Avenue had its black and white "Zebras dancing across, and around on a Marinara - red background”.

The wallpaper was really ugly, garish, childish but beloved symbol of Gino’s.

That wonderful restaurant was more than a generation old. The 3 owners were from Capri. It was said that though it was renovated a few times, the symbolic “Zebra in Flight” would always be permanently on its walls.

Then it closed…about 10 or 12 years ago.

Now to see “the Zebras on Red” prancing across this new tiny restaurant, where an Indian joint was there like forever, is strange.

It was both nostalgic and sacrilege at the same time.

Where did they dig up these few rolls of this old favorite hangout of mine.

Every Saturday Louise, Edie, Joanna & I would have lunch at Gino’s. These are my same friends I went to Capri with. (See “Lover Be My Captain”)

First, we would have a Campari & soda at the bar. Schmoozing with some regulars as we of the Gino’s crowd, knew one another. We were regulars and we were treated special, thanks my gorgeous friend, who was known by the owners from back home in Italy.

Joanna had been a Valentino model and brought beautiful people to this restaurant. (I was the exception, LOL!)

Europeans, Brazilian Playboys and Manhattan smartasses and big-time stars would drop in. Tourists would come to see and be seen.

The food was great. We especially loved Calamari in Casserole.

It was squid, whole peeled potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, pepper flakes, olive oil, with whole leaves of basil, olive oil… simmered for hours.

Nothing beat it for me, especially with Gino’s basket of crusty bread, and glasses of vino. This is one dish I can’t find in any other restaurant. My late friend, Joanna who was also from Capri, would cook this for me, because she knew how I loved it.

Should reveal that I ate in this “pseudo” Gino’s”, and dragged “The Pearls of the Pavillon”, with me, as soon as it opened.

I was so excited…but guess what?

They took only the hallmark “Zebras in Flight”!

I’ll write no more… because I do not wish to see another” empty eye socket” on the street. 😏