When Tomaso and Armanda DeCiantis, owners of in Seaford, migrated to New York from their small hometown in Italy in the late 1960s, they brought with them big dreams of opening up their very own restaurant.
Today, the DeCiantis family has made those big American dreams more than reality, operating three restaurants across Nassau County and Queens. Cara Mia first opened in Queens Village more than four decades ago serving up homemade, original Italian recipes. The iconic establishment was brought to Seaford in 2006 and opened up a sister establishment, Park Place Restaurant & Bar in Floral Park just last year.
According to Sergio DeCiantis, owner of the the Cara Mia on 3935 Merrick Road , Seaford has become a cozy home with a loyal group of patrons from all over Long Island.
"We've had the same staff members since we first opened," said DeCiantis, a New Hyde Park native. "People come in here and they're comfortable. Everyone knows eachother and the guests like that."
"We have a personal touch," he added. "If I wasn't here all the time, and these people didn't work for me, it may be a different type of place."
DeCiantis also said that the community of Seaford is just as welcoming as he and his staff.
"So many local business owners helped me out when I first opened," he said. "I was young, and the people around here really helped me. They told their clients about my restaurant, they introduced me to the local politicians - they helped get us busy."
The menu at Cara Mia boasts traditional style Italian dishes such as veal marsala, chicken sorrentino, rigatoni portobello and its famous homemade meatballs. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and can be booked for private parties. For more information, visit their website.
