Even a nor'easter
can't keep them away.
The calendar has turned to March and that
only means one thing in South Ozone Park,
New York, just outside the gates of Aqueduct:
The month-long winter hiatus is over at Don
Peppe (summer break is in August) and the
place is packed on a very wet and windy
opening evening.
"Listen, if they enjoy the food, they'll be back
when I open that door again," owner Michael
DeLuca, 74, said.
Before you head to the famous red-sauce
establishment, family owned since its early
days in Brooklyn going back over 100 years,
there are a few important things you should
know.
First, cash is king at 135-58 Lefferts Blvd.--
credit cards are not accepted (yes, you read
that right)--so either hit the ATM before you
arrive or pick a few winners at the Big A, less
than a mile, or, let's say seven furlongs away.
Second: don't wait for your server--they all
wear white shirts, neck ties and black pants
here--to come by and drop off any menus
on that white tablecloth, either. All of the
